I bought a ZxR. To me it sounded like garbage. Then I installed Burson V5i op amps into it, and it started to sound amazing.
However, my volume control plans are not working out. Before I bought the card, I thought that I'd be able to use the ACM to control the volume of my LSR30X (the Massdrop limited edition version of the 305s). Then I learned it only works for headphone volumes.
So as an alternative, I tried plugging the ZxR into a Magni 3 as a preamp. However, if I do that, then it adds a very noticeable hiss. I'm not sure if that is caused by my monoprice cables or the Magni 3 device, and I don't have other cables or amps to swap out for testing. But anyway, I find the ACM's volume knob to be a lot more comfortable to use than the Magni 3's, so even if the cables are the issue, I'd rather get a new & better volume knob anyway.
So I was hoping someone could recommend me a good volume knob that I can connect to my ZxR in order to control my speakers' volume. Ideally, I'd want this volume knob to meet these conditions:
1. As close in structure to the ACM as possible (i.e. a large knob set horizontally on a relatively small pedestal, as opposed to say, a large knob set on a bulky rectangular box).
2. Will not add hiss and/or degrade the sound quality in any way.
3. Does not interface with my PC via USB (prior to buying a ZxR, I tried using a Modi Multibit with the same PC and it sounded like garbage on my system, possibly because of its USB interface, so I'd rather avoid USB in case that is the reason).
4. Does not interface with my PC via the same connectors on the ZxR that are used to connect to the ACM (because I want to use the ACM simultaneously with the new volume knob, for the ACM's mic & headphone functions).
5. Does not have bumpy edges around the knob (i.e. is not like the Emotiva Control Freak).
...but I'd be willing to compromise on condition #1 if there is no good product that can meet all of the conditions.