So beforehand let me say i know the answer is nuanced and changes from device to device etc.
Basically if i have an output device and input device with independet volume controls, how do i best balance them for optimal sound quality?
In my case talking about a Samsung Galaxy Smartphone using Poweramp to send music via Chromecast to my Denon receiver. (DVC is disabled)
Or alternatively, what volume level do i set in Poweramp to send the original volume file over to the output device? Right now i’ve settled on using 80% on my phone and adjusting the volume on my Receiver.
I’m even just looking for a general “scientific” discussion or article about the topic since google is anything but helpful.
If I remember foobar or fidelio, I don’t remember, set pc volume at max by default
I have also arrived at 80% as a rule of thumb when the volume of the analog source is adjustable. This is based on my experience that the input to the next device is clipped from being overdriven above that. However, I generally adjust by ear because sometimes it’s too high or to low.
Regardless of what others may say, I’ve found that frequency profile of an adjustable, low level signal changes with the level. In my experience the bass and treble are attenuated at lower levels so I try to set my output to the next device to the highest level possible without clipping.
If, however, it’s a digital link with a level control, in my experience, 100% is the best level as the digital “signal” operates within the available digital dynamic range.
You want one volume control in the system. You are correct that most attenuate less as you turn it up as very few actually adjust gain.
I had a DAC with volume control and a separate preamplifier. Most will tell you to crank the input device to 100 but doing so will often overdrive the inputs on the output device.
Easy way? Set the volume on the output device at 80% of maximum. Play music through it. If you overdrive the inputs on the output device, you’ll hear distortion, usually sounding like a radio static. If there is none, turn the volume up on the input device a little and listen for static and repeat until you hear it. Then back off a few clicks and you should be good. Then use the volume on the preamp or output device to control your system’s volume.
using a phone as a streamer, ive always turned its volume to 100 and used my preamp for volume contol.
these days, i streamer from a wiim mini going optical into my preamp. its gain is set at 100.
i didnt seem to like the effects of using the phone or app as volume control. something like 80% gain, then trying to get max signal out from the preamp.
100% at the source doesn’t overdrive my amps.