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computer as source - volume adjusting?

post #1 of 3
2/11/10 at 8:23pm
Thread Starter 
I'm using my multimedia-PC as my only source of music (+movies etc.), and right now, my setup is soundcard analog out --> M^3 --> speakers.

Now, for example, if I'm watching a movie through the PC, I can adjust volume level of the movie from the player's (VLC, Windows media etc.) volume control, the computer main mixer or from the M^3 volume knobs, or from all of the above.

Since I'm a complete noob to hi-fi, can someone explain to me how I should setup my volume levels and why so?

Next thing I'm gonna build is a DAC, so then it'll be soundcard digital out --> DAC --> M^3 --> speakers, but if I understand correctly, that still doesn't eliminate the number of different volume control options?

...hope someone understands what I'm asking, I'm really tired, and can't seem to make up any sensible sentences..
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post #2 of 3
2/11/10 at 8:33pm
Generally I keep everything except the final device in the chain at close to full output. The only exception is my EF2 amp which doesn't seem to respond too well to the full voltage output of the uDAC, so I just turn down the uDAC a bit.

Typically everything is maxed out, starting with the source (which is foobar in my case).

The reason why I do this is so the full power of the device is being fed to the next device in the chain where I can control the final output using the last device. It'd be a hassle to have to go through every single knob in the chain. If you can't go full output because of distortion, then you can try fiddling around with the knobs to try to match the volumes.

Some sources cut the dynamic range when you reduce the volume. In that case, you NEED to have that at full output.
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post #3 of 3
2/11/10 at 9:31pm
Since your amp has a real analog volume control, then you should use it to control everything. Set the computer's software volume to maximum so that you don't lose any bit resolution.
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