[Tronz]

Analog or digital based volume dials?

 

[shipsupt]

Analog for me.

 

[TheOtus]

Digital should not even be an option. Someone give me one reason why it would be superior to analog? Even better, lets make it work with touchkeys!

 

[DarkAudit]

Analog.

 

[Zarathustra19]

Analog all the way...the dials on my computer screen always end up over or under what I wanted.

 

[Head Injury]

Quote:

Digital should not even be an option. Someone give me one reason why it would be superior to analog? Even better, lets make it work with touchkeys!

Channel balance.

 

[TheOtus]

Well that's true. Though it still doesn't even closely cut it.

 

[Head Injury]

Quote:

Well that's true. Though it still doesn't even closely cut it.

Why's that? Even fairly extreme digital attenuation won't be audible with a low noise 24-bit DAC.

 

[khaos974]

Digital dials with a few voltage dividers to get a greater range. Would be the optimal solution.
 
For example, from 0 to -12 dB, it's purely digital, once you go over - 12 dB, a digital attenuation goes back up to 0 dB but there's a -12 dB voltage divider in the chain, so - 18 dB is - 6 dB digitally plus a - 12 dB attenuation. Repeat as many times as need with -24, -36, -48 dB... voltage dividers.

 

[TheOtus]

 

Why's that? Even fairly extreme digital attenuation won't be audible with a low noise 24-bit DAC.

I'm talking about the feel. I rather turn a solid feeling volume knob than push some buttons.

 

[Merck]

It would depend on the implementation and the application.  For a stationary home use system I would prefer an analog dial.  If its a portable setup that can fit in my pocket or a small bag then a up and down button is sufficient.  I haven't owned enough stuff to really see the pros and cons of each one other than aesthetically.

 

[obobskivich]

Tried a semi-modern AV receiver or pre-amplifier? Most of them have digital volume controls, and some of them have very weighty knobs. I don't know of anything like that on a normal-sized headphone amplifier though. I voted digital, but I agree with you on the buttons thing. khaos I think you might like this:
http://boulderamp.com/2010-p1.html (don't bother looking up the price, it's ridiculous - I just mean for you to see the very fancy and well done digital volume control (1000 steps, digital)). 
Quote:

 

I'm talking about the feel. I rather turn a solid feeling volume knob than push some buttons.

 

 

[TheOtus]

I have an AV-receiver with a volume knob. It just doesn't have any feel. Steps are also a downside unless there's insane amount of them.

 

[obobskivich]

Agreed. 
Quote:

I have an AV-receiver with a volume knob. It just doesn't have any feel. Steps are also a downside unless there's insane amount of them.

 

 

[Spareribs]

I like the dial. I used to have a vintage Sansui reciever that my mom's friend gave me and it had a volume slider which was kind of cool but I like a knob better especially if it is a large fat knob if possible. 
 
Also, I like the knob to be a strong brushed steel too which is a nice touch. 
 
Lastly, I also like kurled knobs too for a nice touch.