You use the pre-in on the LM amp so the LM volume pot is removed from the equation. And then you can set your max volume level in HQPlayer to prevent it from going too high. You can also set ’comfort level’ in Roon which requires manual override to go higher.
Alternatively/additionally, as mentioned before, I also bought a high quality passive transformer with stepped gain control to take the balanced outputs from the May into the SE input on the LM. Aside from slight increase in SQ, the stepped attenuator allows one to dial in max gain into the amp. Which in turn allows one to run HQP volume control at the top of the scale. But honestly, I don’t know if this is worth the extra $$ and box/cables. https://ampsandsound.com/products/black-box-xlr-to-rca-balanced-converter-with-input-transformers-an...
Bonus idea: I then installed free Ropieee.xl on an cheap rPi endpoint and added a $20 FLIRC IR usb plug. You can them use Ropieee remote function to send mapped Holo Remote control volume buttons to Roon/HQP. The funny thing is that I am not using this endpoint for NAA output like most - just as a way to add volume control via the Holo Remote control.
The end result is that I can actually control volume with the Holo May remote in a very well defined gain range. It provides for a nice integrated setup and one would be none the wiser that it wasn’t coming from some sort of pre-amp setup.
I sometimes question whether these extra 2 boxes are worthwhile ... but even without them, I already do some room correction in HQP and I do think HQP volume control sounds better than LM volume pot. And the most recent benefit is that HQP has added automatic loudness adjustments which increases the low shelf as volume is turned down - absolutely fantastic for low-level, late night listening. All in all, this is the best digital sound I have had in my system.
Alternatively/additionally, as mentioned before, I also bought a high quality passive transformer with stepped gain control to take the balanced outputs from the May into the SE input on the LM. Aside from slight increase in SQ, the stepped attenuator allows one to dial in max gain into the amp. Which in turn allows one to run HQP volume control at the top of the scale. But honestly, I don’t know if this is worth the extra $$ and box/cables. https://ampsandsound.com/products/black-box-xlr-to-rca-balanced-converter-with-input-transformers-an...
Bonus idea: I then installed free Ropieee.xl on an cheap rPi endpoint and added a $20 FLIRC IR usb plug. You can them use Ropieee remote function to send mapped Holo Remote control volume buttons to Roon/HQP. The funny thing is that I am not using this endpoint for NAA output like most - just as a way to add volume control via the Holo Remote control.
The end result is that I can actually control volume with the Holo May remote in a very well defined gain range. It provides for a nice integrated setup and one would be none the wiser that it wasn’t coming from some sort of pre-amp setup.
I sometimes question whether these extra 2 boxes are worthwhile ... but even without them, I already do some room correction in HQP and I do think HQP volume control sounds better than LM volume pot. And the most recent benefit is that HQP has added automatic loudness adjustments which increases the low shelf as volume is turned down - absolutely fantastic for low-level, late night listening. All in all, this is the best digital sound I have had in my system.