[shinndigg]

I have a Sennheiser PC 360 headset that has volume control integrated into the right ear cup. I also have a Fiio E9 external amp (for my MacBook Pro), and my desktop has a Xonar Essence STX. My question is, which is better to control volume with? I've just been setting the PC 360 to half volume and then using the STX or e9 to control volume, as I figure a dedicated amp would do a better job. 
 
Is this the right way to do it, or could I be doing something better?

 

[devhen]

To make sure you're getting the best sound quality I would turn the volume all the way up on the source (your computer/ Xonar sound card) and I would also turn the volume all the way up on the PC360 to make sure its reproducing the full signal. Then just use the E9 to control the volume.

 

[shinndigg]

To be clear, I don't use the e9 with the STX, as I've read that the amplifier on the STX is plenty capable. I use the E9 with my other computer. 

 

[devhen]

I see. Either way, personally I wouldn't control the volume on the PC 360 itself because those kind of in-line volume controls can be low quality sometimes. I would leave the PC 360 on max and use either the E9 or the STX to control the volume.