Volume settings with speakers and amp/dac
Jan 7, 2017 at 6:02 AM Thread Starter Post #1 of 12
Axewell

Axewell

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Hi.
I have an objective 2 + odac combo with a pair of audioengine a5+ speakers connected to the rear RCA output.
I was wondering how the volume should be adjusted in the proper way. I have been keeping the speaker volume at max while only adjusting the volume on the o2+odac.
However, I get static noise from the speakers when they're at max. Will the quality suffer if I turn down the speaker volume? And will the speakers suffer if they're kept at maximum volume?
Thanks! 
smily_headphones1.gif

 
Jan 8, 2017 at 10:56 AM Post #2 of 12
General rule of thumb is you keep the DAC volume to max at all times. You should always try to control the volume at the last part of the chain, which in this case, would be your speakers. Set the DAC and computer volume to max. If your speakers can't handle it(some speakers can't handle high input), then turn down the DAC volume a little bit.
 
Jan 8, 2017 at 12:46 PM Post #3 of 12
kimvictor said:
  General rule of thumb is you keep the DAC volume to max at all times. You should always try to control the volume at the last part of the chain, which in this case, would be your speakers. Set the DAC and computer volume to max. If your speakers can't handle it(some speakers can't handle high input), then turn down the DAC volume a little bit.
Click to expand...

Alright, thanks for the reply!
I'll have to remember to turn it down before I plug in my headphones, or I'll probably blow my brains out 
basshead.gif
 
 
Jan 9, 2017 at 12:10 AM Post #4 of 12
axewell said:
  Alright, thanks for the reply!
I'll have to remember to turn it down before I plug in my headphones, or I'll probably blow my brains out 
basshead.gif
 
Click to expand...

I thought the ODAC had a fixed output(or do you have the version without a separate DAC output?). If it has a separate fixed DAC output, use that for your speakers. If not, use the highest volume on the amp you can. The goal is to aim for 2.0Vrm btw. That's generally what a typical DAC outputs, and what most power speakers are meant to take in.
 
Jan 9, 2017 at 2:04 AM Post #5 of 12
kimvictor said:
  I thought the ODAC had a fixed output(or do you have the version without a separate DAC output?). If it has a separate fixed DAC output, use that for your speakers. If not, use the highest volume on the amp you can. The goal is to aim for 2.0Vrm btw. That's generally what a typical DAC outputs, and what most power speakers are meant to take in.
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It is an o2+odac combo. The speakers are on the rca output on the back, and when I plug in my headphones the rca shuts off and the signal goes to the headphones. I don't think I have a separate DAC output, not entirely sure. What do you mean by 2.0Vrm? Sorry for the newbie question, and thanks! 
smily_headphones1.gif

 
Jan 9, 2017 at 2:27 AM Post #6 of 12
axewell said:
  It is an o2+odac combo. The speakers are on the rca output on the back, and when I plug in my headphones the rca shuts off and the signal goes to the headphones. I don't think I have a separate DAC output, not entirely sure. What do you mean by 2.0Vrm? Sorry for the newbie question, and thanks! 
smily_headphones1.gif
Click to expand...

 
He's referring to the output of the O2+ODAC via the rear RCA to be a fixed 2.0volt because it's an output from the ODAC, which isn't a variable level signal, since you describe adjusting the volume on the O2+ODAC while plugged in the back.
 
So to rephrase...with the speakers connected to the RCA output on the back of the O2+ODAC, the volume control on it works?
 
Jan 9, 2017 at 4:18 AM Post #7 of 12
protegemaniac said:
   
He's referring to the output of the O2+ODAC via the rear RCA to be a fixed 2.0volt because it's an output from the ODAC, which isn't a variable level signal, since you describe adjusting the volume on the O2+ODAC while plugged in the back.
 
So to rephrase...with the speakers connected to the RCA output on the back of the O2+ODAC, the volume control on it works?
Click to expand...

Yes, the volume control works for both outputs.
 
Jan 9, 2017 at 6:07 AM Post #8 of 12
axewell said:
  Yes, the volume control works for both outputs.
Click to expand...

 
Funny, they've always listed the specs as "line out" and descriptions always stated that, when configured as an output, it has a "direct" output from the ODAC.
 
In any case, set the A5+ to zero volume, then set the O2+ODAC to around 12:00. Now slowly raise the volume on the A5+ until you hit distortion, then dial back. From that point, you can use the O2+ODAC to control the volume, no need to touch the control on the A5+.
 
Jan 9, 2017 at 7:47 AM Post #9 of 12
protegemaniac said:
 
 
Funny, they've always listed the specs as "line out" and descriptions always stated that, when configured as an output, it has a "direct" output from the ODAC.
 
In any case, set the A5+ to zero volume, then set the O2+ODAC to around 12:00. Now slowly raise the volume on the A5+ until you hit distortion, then dial back. From that point, you can use the O2+ODAC to control the volume, no need to touch the control on the A5+.
Click to expand...

Ok, but won't it be best if the volume is controlled at the last part of the chain, like kimvictor said?
It would be nice to be able to use the remote controll that comes with the A5+. Thanks!
 
Jan 9, 2017 at 8:15 AM Post #10 of 12
axewell said:
  Ok, but won't it be best if the volume is controlled at the last part of the chain, like kimvictor said?
It would be nice to be able to use the remote controll that comes with the A5+. Thanks!
Click to expand...

 
Well one reason why the main volume control on a desktop system should be the one on the HPamp is ergonomics - you won't have to reach over to the speakers' controls, much less on active speakers like studio monitors that have amps in each cabinet and thus left and right have separate volume controls.
 
Since the A5+ has a remote and you'd much rather use that then set the O2-ODAC to whatever level you listen with on headphones (unless it's too low, but in any case that prevents you from getting a shock of loud sound when you switch over to headphones)  and then adjust the A5+ with the remote.
 
Jan 9, 2017 at 8:38 AM Post #11 of 12
protegemaniac said:
 
 
Funny, they've always listed the specs as "line out" and descriptions always stated that, when configured as an output, it has a "direct" output from the ODAC.
 
In any case, set the A5+ to zero volume, then set the O2+ODAC to around 12:00. Now slowly raise the volume on the A5+ until you hit distortion, then dial back. From that point, you can use the O2+ODAC to control the volume, no need to touch the control on the A5+.
Click to expand...

I've seen some version of the O2 and ODAC that doesn't have a direct line out. 
 
But on the side note, you could leave the O2 combo to the output you use your headphones in(unless it's really weak). While in theory, it is better to aim for the 2VRM mark(full output of the ODAC), the difference shouldn't be anything major.
 
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