[cidiel]

currently i'm running the miniwatt N3 with the martin logan motion 4's and using the EMU 0404 DAC in between the computer and the miniwatt. so the question; we have 5 different ways of controlling the volume whats the correct 'volume controller' in this situation? should i just turn everything on max and use the miniwatt to control the main volume? the DAC is the one i'm most curious about... my gut says max that out b/c you will minimize the workload on the miniwatt since the DAC volume is just a signal?

guesswork but i'm curious of the responses.

[Ericus Rex]

I'm not familiar with that DAC in particular.  But, the way the volume control on many dacs work is they cut out bits to lower the volume.  This means lower resolution.  You should always run dacs at full volume.  Use the Miniwatt to control your overall volume.

[opnly bafld]

The EMU 0404 appears to have an analog output stage, so I would suggest playing around with different settings on both the DAC and the Miniwatt, you may find a sweet spot between the two.

Lin