Source Output vs. Amp Gain...

[Mozhoven]

Hello all,

I'm new to the amplification game and would like a nagging question of mine answered.

Is it best to set my source (MP3 player, computer, etc) to max volume and then use my Go-Vibe as the volume control....

-or-

Should I set my source volume at 50%-90% and then adjust the amp?

In my own testing, 95% of the time it sounds better with source volume at max, but with certain music on my computer it "clips" a bit with the volume set too high (bass heavy music).

So, basically - will the music sound better with more source volume or some sort of compromise between source and amplification....

 

[rimmer]

Always use line-out if you can. True line-out has no embedded amping, no volume control, no hassle in the signal route.

With headphone-out (amped, volume controlled), best idea would be to set volume lower in order not to overdrive the weak (and sometimes right crappy) built-in amp, causing e.g. clipping on bass-heavy music. Anyway, if you like better the sound of full volume, do it as you prefer.