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.
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.