Digital volume control on Squeezebox 3

mr_bill · « **on:** 22 May 2006, 02:33 am »

Hi,

I have a Benchmark Dac 1, with the SB3 feeding it for both CD's and internet radio.
The Benchmark has a variable ouput - volume control, or fixed option and the SB3 has a digital volume control, which means 'remote controllable' for me.

The digital volume can be enabled or disabled via the SB3's software.

Has anyone used the digital volume and do you lose any performance using this option into the Dac for volume control duties rather than the analog volume control on the Dac 1.

I'd appreciate any comments.

Bill

Tweaker · « **Reply #1 on:** 22 May 2006, 02:45 am »

To my ears things sound noticeably better with the digital volume control disabled. Give it a try. If you can't hear a difference than keep it enabled for the convenience of being able to control the volume remotely.

mr_bill · « **Reply #2 on:** 23 May 2006, 06:59 pm »

Thanks Tweaker,

Any other comments from other users??

sleepysurf · « **Reply #3 on:** 23 May 2006, 08:25 pm »

I'm also using a SB2 coax into a Benchmark DAC-1. My understanding is that using the Squeezebox digital volume control maintains "bit perfect" output until you drop below ~34-35. Therefore, I have adjusted the DAC-1 volume so that SB Vol=40 is the loudest I could possibly want, and then use the SB remote for further attenuation. For serious listening, I usually run 36-38, depending on album gain. For low (background) listening, I don't care if I "lose" a few bits... still sounds fine.

Sean has also stated there is NO difference keeping the SB Vol=40, vs. turning off digital volume control altogether.

mr_bill · « **Reply #4 on:** 25 May 2006, 01:42 pm »

Hi sleepsurf,
I checked out your suggestion and when I put my digital volume at 40, I am maxed out on the digital volume range! That is the top number I have and no room for adjustment.
I don't think that's going to work for me if I don't want to lose resolution.
Bill

sleepysurf · « **Reply #5 on:** 25 May 2006, 11:35 pm »

Quote from: mr_bill

when I put my digital volume at 40, I am maxed out on the digital volume range! That is the top number I have and no room for adjustment. I don't think that's going to work for me if I don't want to lose resolution.
Bill

Are you using FIXED or VARIABLE outputs with the DAC-1? I am using the VARIABLE output, adjusting the front panel volume so that the Squeezebox (at 40) is the MAX I would ever need. I don't touch the DAC-1 volume after that, just use the SB remote for further attenuation. That should work for you as well.

Only time I need further adjustment is when listening to some Radioio streams, which seem to have some digital loudness added. However, since Radioio just started adding commercials, I won't be listening much anymore.

mr_bill · « **Reply #6 on:** 26 May 2006, 04:23 am »

OK, now I understand, I interpreted it as using the fixed outputs instead of the variable.
I'll try your idea!

Inscrutable · « **Reply #7 on:** 27 May 2006, 10:59 am »

Am I just short a cup of coffee, or does something not make sense? You first say:

Quote

the Squeezebox digital volume control maintains "bit perfect" output until you drop below ~34-35.

note this implies you want to stay ABOVE 34-35
Then you say:

Quote

I have adjusted the DAC-1 volume so that SB Vol=40 is the loudest I could possibly want, and then use the SB remote for further attenuation.

Doesn't this imply that you only have about 5 'units' of attenuation before you lose 'bit-perfect' transmission? Isn't this a pretty narrow range?

I'll pour another cup while I await your reply ... likely to contain something like 'open your eyes and read it again stupid'

sleepysurf · « **Reply #8 on:** 27 May 2006, 12:56 pm »

For SERIOUS listening, that range is fine. For BACKGROUND listening, it really doesn't matter. Frankly, I cannot hear ANY loss of fidelity, even when listening at very low volumes, but that may reflect the limitations of MY setup.

Here is just ONE of the threads on the Slimdevices Forums discussing this issue... http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=13954

mr_bill · « **Reply #9 on:** 27 May 2006, 04:31 pm »

Quote from: sleepysurf

For SERIOUS listening, that range is fine. For BACKGROUND listening, it really doesn't matter. Frankly, I cannot hear ANY loss of fidelity, even when listening at very low volumes, but that may reflect the limitations of MY setup.

Here is just ONE of the threads on the Slimdevices Forums discussing this issue... http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=13954

Thanks for the link sleepy.

If I read this corectly, then using the digital volume control does NOT result in any loss of bit or fidelity, no matter the amount of attenuation?

I really like the idea of no preamp and simple with only the SB3 and or external Dac into amplifiers.

I'd sure like others to chime in here so we can learn more about this and thanks for your submissions sleepy surf!

sleepysurf · « **Reply #10 on:** 27 May 2006, 04:59 pm »

I think you "technically" still "lose" bits when listening at low levels, but frankly, *I* can't discern it. I'm sure there are further discussions about this on the Slim Forums, but most of the technical details go way over my head.

Indeed, feeding the DAC-1 *direct* to Amp has been the greatest audible improvement in *my* system to date. I'm now putting the $$ I saved by not needing a Pre towards upgrading my speakers to the ML Vantages!

mr_bill · « **Reply #11 on:** 27 May 2006, 06:06 pm »

Quote from: sleepysurf

I think you "technically" still "lose" bits when listening at low levels, but frankly, *I* can't discern it. I'm sure there are further discussions about this on the Slim Forums, but most of the technical details go way over my head.

Indeed, feeding the DAC-1 *direct* to Amp has been the greatest audible improvement in *my* system to date. I'm now putting the $$ I saved by not needing a Pre towards upgrading my speakers to the ML Vantages!

Congrats on those speakers! I'd love to have a pair of Vantages or Summits. Both great looking speakers with performance to match.