PLEASE READ: This question is highly convoluted as it requires you to have a good understanding of how Genelecs SAM and GLM ecosystem fuction. I am asking it here, because I am asking for recommendations for a streamer in a purely consumer application, not a professional or commercial use case of Genelec products.
I am looking at purchasing a pair of Genelec SAM monitors (8351b) after falling in love with them after a demo. I intend to use them in a stereo system around 2m to 2.5m distance. I also intend to use them with the AES imputs as per Genelcs recommendation. The problem is SAM monitors have no volume control. In the professional studio, you would use the GLM software to control volume through its software or via the 9101b/9310b external controllers that connect to the GLM box. The problem for me is if I was to control the volume that way in my living room, I would need to keep a computer constantly running the GLM software as the control box does not operate without it, which is not ideal if that can be avoided.
The only other way you could control volume using AES is to have variable voltage digital outputs. I plan to use them with a streamer regardless, so i ask is there any streamer available that allows you to control the attenuation of the digital outputs like AES or coaxial? PLEASE NOTE: I am not referring to the analogue XLR or RCA outputs being controled by digital volume control. Does such a device exist?
And yes, I am very very aware I could just use the analogue outputs of a DAC to control volume, but I dont want to use the analogue imputs of the Genelecs. I know that’s going to to stir up an argument, so I ask to please stick to my situation. It is appreciated. Thank you.
A Raspberry Pi would be able to do this. The HifiBerry PCM hat would be a good choice of hardware.
Roon will do it.
Wiim Pro will do it, as will Cambridge CXN v2 and Bluesound Node. Looks like the Eversolo will not. Please verify with mfgr before you buy, but I’m 99.994% certain all three of these do it.
using AES is to have variable voltage digital outputs.
Bit unclear as AES is digital so the voltage remains constant. Volume control is done by multiplying the samples e.g. sample x 0.5 to half it.
AES is typical prosumer, streamers are typical consumer. If you can live with SPDIF instead of AES, there are a lot of streamers having SPDIF out over Toslink and/or coax.
This one is affordable and supports volume control: https://faq.wiimhome.com/support/solutions/articles/72000596643-wiim-home-app-user-manual
It looks like the GLM adapter can be used standalone: https://support.genelec.com/hc/en-us/articles/360021538140-What-kind-of-power-supply-should-I-use-for-GLM-in-Standalone-mode-
Combine this with the volume control: https://www.genelec.com/9310b-wired-volume-controller.
That’s incredible news. I dont know why I never thought to ask genelec that. Thank you very much.