The methods of volume control are numberous these days. There are digital volume controls of different types, some which are bit-perfect, some not. Even for the ones that are (like on my PS Audio DirectStream DAC), lowering the volume brings the signal closer to the analog noise floor. There are stepped attenuators, and arrays of resistors of all sorts, and pots and so on. Then there's the gain...
So, what is optimal? Is a simple array of resistors the best?
For me, in my setup, I just don't need gain (my amp has plenty). I need to attenuate the signal as cleanly as possible. Currently I'm using the DS DAC directly into my amps and using the DAC's built in 20 dB attenuator with my DAC volume in the 80s for normal listening.
Does the average user NEED pre-gain these days?
What are your thoughts? Preamp, no preamp? What's the best method for attenuation?
So, what is optimal? Is a simple array of resistors the best?
For me, in my setup, I just don't need gain (my amp has plenty). I need to attenuate the signal as cleanly as possible. Currently I'm using the DS DAC directly into my amps and using the DAC's built in 20 dB attenuator with my DAC volume in the 80s for normal listening.
Does the average user NEED pre-gain these days?
What are your thoughts? Preamp, no preamp? What's the best method for attenuation?