Kudu
New Head-Fier
- Joined
- Dec 24, 2012
- Posts
- 3
- Likes
- 10
I'm experiencing some issues with my audio setup. My speakers have an integrated amp.
Here is what I found through testing (when I'm using lower volume on the source, I increase the amp volume to compensate):
- Integrated CD player -> Speakers: Optimal
- MacBook Pro @ min. volume -> Speakers: OK
- iPod @ min. volume -> Speakers: OK
- MacBook Pro @ max. volume -> Speakers: Horrible, unlistenable
- iPod @ max. volume -> Speakers: Horrible, unlistenable
The results are quite puzzling, as I'd expect a higher source volume to be better, because it increases the bit depth. What could be causing this distortion? I'm always playing lossless CD rips on the source, which is connected via its headphone jack.
How can I improve the quality? Should I buy a standalone DAC? TIA.
Here is what I found through testing (when I'm using lower volume on the source, I increase the amp volume to compensate):
- Integrated CD player -> Speakers: Optimal
- MacBook Pro @ min. volume -> Speakers: OK
- iPod @ min. volume -> Speakers: OK
- MacBook Pro @ max. volume -> Speakers: Horrible, unlistenable
- iPod @ max. volume -> Speakers: Horrible, unlistenable
The results are quite puzzling, as I'd expect a higher source volume to be better, because it increases the bit depth. What could be causing this distortion? I'm always playing lossless CD rips on the source, which is connected via its headphone jack.
How can I improve the quality? Should I buy a standalone DAC? TIA.