Headphone amps/dacs that support macOS software volume control?

[meowzus]

Hi! I was wondering if someone could give me a list of affordable headphone amps/dacs that support the macOS native volume control, instead of having to rely on a hardware knob or buttons on the dac itself.
Thanks!

 

[PurpleAngel]

I'm guessing any external (USB/optical) DAC/amp will work with your Mac OS's main volume control.
What is your budget?

 

[axle_69]

I don't see why a DAC wouldn't work with the digital volume of the OS. I don't know what is the app you will use but I would consider using a bit-perfect player (e.g. Audirvana). Using the volume control of the headphone amplifier will probably also be a better option if it is analog or if at least combines digital with a few analog stages (e.g. ADI-2 DAC FS). This because the analog output of the DAC has a fixed noise level and a digital volume attenuates the signal but keeps the same noise level whereas with an analog volume the output is at maximum level and the volume attenuates both signal and noise. However, a digital volume may be better than a poor analog volume.

 

[schmalgausen]

I don't see why a DAC wouldn't work with the digital volume of the OS.

It's unable to use digital volume in MacBook + Schiit Modi for example.

 

[tesarpa]

Yes, most USB DACs connected to Mac have fixed system volume. You change volume in the app.