WiredState Audio Community

Is there an optimal way of setting the gain on the Amp and PC ? Right now the laptop volume is at max, the iTunes volume is normally at the half position to nearly max out position. I could increase the amplifiers gain (at 11 position, analog potentiometer) so I can lower the iTunes volume position. The iTunes volume control is the one I use to lower or increase the spl.

Q,
I'm not sure if this will help, but you can try:

What I've learned from Wadia was that they recommend putting the Wadia volume to MAXIMUM and let the preamp do the control.
With my Oracle DAC/PRE now, it is set to maximum output when operated as purely DAC, and it sounds much, much better thorough a preamp (at least in my system).

So I follow this same concept in my digital playback: Maximum volume for the dbPoweramp, Maximum volume for the PC, the USB-SPDIF, then the DAC is at 'fixed' mode, and the preamp does the control. I use the same when I was using my MacBook.

This seems logical because I think the variables (no pun intended) are lessened

And I enjoy the playback more.
in fact, i seem to be enjoying it equally - if not more - like my standard digital playbacks. maybe the convenience kicks in; but SQ is "there" so i think one day my CDs/SACDs will take 2nd place or perhaps rest...

.e.

Agree with Egay

If you are using the analog outputs of your computer I would not recommend that it be set to maximum. It stresses the poor little 3 buck chips. If you are using an external DAC then I would recommend that the volume be set at max or if using a player on top of iTunes like Amarra, bypass the volume control altogether.

Jack, by analog outputs you mean the headphone out?
Yes, I lower the volume a tad when using this, at full volume it becomes a "wall of sound" and lose whatever is left of subtle dynamics.

Hi Nes, yes the headphone out