Topic: What should I set volume line output to?

Hello,

I recently got the RME ADI-2 DAC fs and it's great. My question is regarding the volume of the line output. My chain is ADI-2 > XLR > Headamp GS-X Mini. I want to control the volume only through the GS-X Mini's potentiometer. What level should I set the volume line out to for the best sound quality? Should I have Auto Ref Level on or off? Having more play on the volume pot is less important to me than sound quality.

Thanks.

2 (edited by KaiS 2020-10-28 13:43:08)

Re: What should I set volume line output to?

There's no user downloadable manual for the Headamp GS-X Mini, so I have no spec's available.

What level it can take probably even depends on it's "Gain"-switch position.
I suggest "L" for low position, ADI-2 can deliver really high levels when needed.


ADI-2 DAC reaches it's best performance on Reference Level of +7 dBu and above. Probably +7 dBu is the one to choose.


With a 1 kHz 0 dBfs (digital fullscale level) test tone determin the maximum undistorted level GS-X's input can take - you can bring GS-X's volume pot way down for a comfortable listening level.
This test is not about max. output level.
Distortion set in point is clearly audible with sinewaves.


Then stay at 3dB or more down from there with ADI-2's reference level, at 0dB volume setting.


Starter:
GS-X Gain-switch: L / low
ADI-2 DAC Auto Reference Level: off
ADI-2 DAC Reference Level: +7 dBu
ADI-2 DAC Volume: 0 dB

Re: What should I set volume line output to?

Awesome, thank you for that detailed answer! I've implemented those settings.