SB volume control question

mcgsxr · « **on:** 8 Mar 2006, 03:23 pm »

I have searched, and I have tried to digest all the information around here, about the various versions of Slimserver, and firmware versions for the SB, but I still have a question.

I am using 6.2.1, and firmware version 15 on my fully modded Bolder SB3.

I am using the analog outputs, directly into my gainclone.

There is significantly too much gain in my system, into my 96db speakers, I can really only use SB volume settings 1-10 on the remote.

Can I do something with the volume settings on the SlimServer, in order to attenuate the signal, such that I can use more of the 40 volume positions available via the remote.

Does that make any sense to y'all?

95bcwh · « **Reply #1 on:** 8 Mar 2006, 03:28 pm »

http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=20816

The answer to your question is in the above thread... a.k.a use the "preamp volume control".

By the way, I thought the latest version of 6.2.2 have solved most of the problem associated with sound quality relative to firmware v15?

woodsyi · « **Reply #2 on:** 8 Mar 2006, 03:31 pm »

Mark,

Can you change the gain on your gainclone? I am not sure there is any way through slimserver.

mcgsxr · « **Reply #3 on:** 8 Mar 2006, 03:36 pm »

The gainclone does have a pot for each channel, but in order to reduce the overall volume to allow for use of the 40 positions of Slimserver, the pots are just barely twisted, and thus it is VERY hard to equalize them, and one of them tends to crackle on occasion, when twisted that close to fully off.

I will explore more when I get home, about the slimserver volume settings, and how it impacts overall volume on the system.

I am using Version 15 firmware, because the modded device inverts absolute phase, and so does Version 15... so I should be back in line.

Also, there have been several reports that Version 15 "sounds better", so I will use it!

pugs · « **Reply #4 on:** 8 Mar 2006, 04:59 pm »

I had the same problem. You can't use the "preamp volume control" function with firmware 15.

95bcwh · « **Reply #5 on:** 8 Mar 2006, 05:23 pm »

Quote from: mcgsxr

The gainclone does have a pot for each channel, but in order to reduce the overall volume to allow for use of the 40 positions of Slimserver, the pots are just barely twisted, and thus it is VERY hard to equalize them, and one of them tends to crackle on occasion, when twisted that close to fully off.

I will explore more when I get home, about the slimserver volume settings, and how it impacts overall volume on the system.

I am using Version 15 firmware, because the modded device inverts absolute phas ...

I think slimdevices has fixed the "sound quality" of later firmware, see this thread:
http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=18439

Maybe it's time for those who used to hear the difference in sound quality between firmware v15 and later versions to try and install the latest 6.2.2 and report back if you can still hear any difference...

Wayne1 · « **Reply #6 on:** 8 Mar 2006, 06:48 pm »

Mark,

You may want to mod your firmware settings so you can try the newer SlimServer builds. If you do find the the newer firmware still inverts the phase, you can just change the polarity of the cables to your speakers.

The Preamp volume control does not work in firmware 15. That feature may be what you want so you can use the Gainclone with your current spaekers.

Try a few variations of the firmware and slimserver build. Make sure you have back-ups of each. You should be able to revert back to what you have now if all else fails.

mcgsxr · « **Reply #7 on:** 8 Mar 2006, 07:18 pm »

Good advice, will do - it is mostly the high efficiency of the speakers I assume, since as I understand it, the modded SB3 outputs less voltage than a stock one - I did use the stock one into the gainclone with these speakers before, so I know that it can be done with the newer firmware.

I will play around with it, and in the end I am in no way opposed to swapping the speaker cables, since I use only this source, and won't have to worry about swapping back for another source etc.

jholtz · « **Reply #8 on:** 8 Mar 2006, 07:38 pm »

Quote from: 95bcwh

I think slimdevices has fixed the "sound quality" of later firmware, see this thread:
http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=18439

Maybe it's time for those who used to hear the difference in sound quality between firmware v15 and later versions to try and install the latest 6.2.2 and report back if you can still hear any difference...

The fix that Slimserver implemented was to correct a bug in the way the volume contol was implemented. It didn't fix the reverse polarity which seems to be the cause of the reduced sound quality those of us with modified Squeezeboxes are hearing. If they would code in the ability to flip polarity, I think that would fix the issue. I doubt that Slimserver is that concerned over the small group of us that are affected by the polarity issue.

The problem of swapping cables is that my SB2 is only one of the components I listen to in my system. Not real practical, in my situation anyway, to do the cable thing.

Jim

mcgsxr · « **Reply #9 on:** 9 Mar 2006, 12:32 am »

As predicted, the adjustment of the volume on the Slimserver end does not impact total volume when using Version 15...

I will experiment with Version 28 when I get the chance, but I was able to find a setting on both gain pots on the gainclone, that allows for use of the SB volume up to 30, 20 for regular listening, that is an improvement for the short term.

Thanks for the tips guys,