The truth about Apple/iTunes volume control?

Well, it's a USB DAC that I like and I'd prefer not to start talking about how I'm "having trouble" with it unless that's a crucial question here. I'd really like to just focus on the general question of volume control on iTunes/Macs.

It's a relevant question, since it's a very unusual problem. I've never heard of a USB DAC getting "overloaded" by the signal form iTunes. I thought that lowering the level within iTunes was a compromise in the dynamics of the music, and that it is best to leave the volume at max and do any volume controlling in the analog stage. I always leave the volume maxed in two systems and have never had a problem. I'd also be curious to hear which DAC is yielding such a problem.

From their previous posts to the A'gon forum I would guess the OP might be asking about the Blue Circle Thingee, but that is purely speculation. Oddly enough it employs the TI PCM2706 DAC - I've just recently read a comment on a different product using the same DAC chip in its line-output that mentions some distortion when using the Apple volume control at the highest setting. The other product is an iBasso D4 Mamba portable headphone amp. here's the thread that mentions it. I have not looked through the 50+ pages of input there to find out what it's about, but if the OP is indeed talking about the Blue Circle product you may want to invest time into checking that thread. It could have something to do with that specific DAC chip. If I'm wrong about the product, then all bets are off.

Robr45- I don't see what's "completely bizarre" about being reluctant to drag a manufacturer's name into a discussion thread where a lot of folks seem to think there's a scandal brewing. In my humble opinion, your hifalutin tone is what's bizarre. On the other hand, your earlier post was extremely helpful. Thanks for that, whether I deserved it or not.

Speaking for myself, I was just trying to help you figure out a problem. I have no interest in mud-slinging. I am baffled where you might see ANYONE suggesting anything "scandalous"?! I don't see any such frenzied desire to out anyone here...just people trying to helpfully answer your question. In fact, the only one I see elevating the issue disproportionately is you! I agree, it is bizarre that you ask a question and withhold what might be key information in answering it. Without knowing what DAC you are using that's a huge piece missing from the puzzle. As I illustrated in one possible suggestion in my previous post, by pointing out the DAC you are using you might lead to getting much more useful input from others that may lead to a better understanding of what you're up against. You might get direct responses from other people who actually use the same DAC in a similar way, and as Cutterfilm points out, the solution may not be the DAC at all. This is like someone phoning up the CarTalk dudes on NPR and telling them all about this problem they're having with a strange noise coming from their engine and then refusing to divulge the car. You said in your post this is a new source - if it is brand new why don't you ask the question of the manufacturer you seem to believe needs protecting, and or the dealer you bought it from. You may also get more information over on the PCAsylum section at AudioAsylum regarding the iTunes volume control.

Good luck.

So, now I guess it's legitimate to ask - is that a totally bogus response from a manufacturer? Should I "out" this manufacturer once and for all for the shoddy operation that it is?

I'm hoping that last question was tongue-in-cheek. Again, of every response you have on this thread you are the only one here making any insinuation of wrong-doing on the part of the manufacturer. No one here has suggested that. Of course, at this point, given that fact, I would not suggest you "out" the manufacturer because if it puts anyone in a bad light, it would only be you. I would suggest that you had a very legitimate and valid question from the start and asking it honestly and specifically would have been a much more productive approach that could have been done without casting any dispersions. Obviously you seem to have a good sense of this particular manufacturer, by your reasons for withholding information that might otherwise help you. Given that, why would you doubt that it is with good intentions he suggested what (s)he advised? I guess I'd focus on researching further what they suggested to you and check other resources on PCAsylum and other sites like ComputerAudiophile. If you ask the question again, and wish to continue leaving the manufacturer out of it, I'd just leave out the whole back story of the DAC and just ask specifically about the volume control in iTunes, if that's truly all you want to try to understand.