I'm currently listening to music through my computer's soundcard a little integrated thing called an ESS Allegro. My question is what settings should I use for the soundcard's controls? I know to mute external sources like line in and microphone in order to increase the signal-to-noise ratio of the signal the card puts out. But what about the main volume control? Should I crank it in order maximize the card's output or put it on the lowest setting in order to let my amp do the work? Right now I prefer it cranked since the sound seems somewhat muffled when I turn the soundcard's volume down but I'm wondering what the opinions of audiophiles are.

Right now I'm using my Klipsch Promedia speakers ( I know, I know) as an amp for the headphones. Could it be the Promedias which are muffling the signal from my card?

Thanks guys. This forum rocks.

Welcome, Partick. You're also maximising SNR by cranking the output level of the soundcard - which may also be the reason, why it sounds better to you that way. As long as you don't either drive the output circuitry of the soundcard or the input circuitry of your powered speakers into distortion, a high output level is usually a good idea.

Greetings from Munich!

Manfred / lini

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It's usually best to leave it at the predefined default. Klipsch for instance recommends no more than 75% to avoid overloading the amplifiers in the Promedia line.

BTW you didn't let us know which soundcard you have - it may just have a real anemic output.

My soundcard is an ESS Allegro. It's a little integrated thing that came with my Compaq PC.