How to set volume for PC -> Icon HDP -> Swan M200MKIII setup?

[Balistyx]

I've read posts stating that the source volume (PC) should be at 100% while controlling the volume at the DAC.
 
But what if you have another volume setting at the speakers?  Should the DAC (HDP) be at 100% too while I control the volume at the speakers (M200MKIIIs)?  Or should I control the volume at the DAC?
 
On a side note, I'm really disappointed in this setup so far after a few hours of playing.  I'm by no means an experienced audiophile, but I thought this setup was going to be way better sounding than my M-Audio 2496 -> Logitech 2.1 speakers.  Right now, the sound seems to be too bright -- in fact, my head feels fatigued after a couple hours (not just my ears!) -- and I wonder if there's some distortion too.  I've been listening to Nine Inch Nails' The Slip in 24/96 using Foobar2000 with the WASAPI plug-in.

 

[jackmccabe]

I would suggest controlling the volume at the hdp but as long as either the hdp or the speakers are at maximum volume it shouldn't matter.
I would also suggest that if you find that setup to bright you use the eq in foobar to reduce the highs. 
Also the nuforce hdp is a fairly bright source and the speakers are fairly bright so I am not surprised that they are fatiguing.
If you still do not like that setup after attempting to eq it I suggest you sell the speakers and replace them with either some headphones or possibly a different set of speakers + an amplifier.

 

[Diciembre]

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