A misc. question came up.

Say that I'd use a (for this case RME DAC) to send signal in a power amp that is way overpowered for my room and/or ears (but brings a fine balanced sound). I would thus have to limit the DAC output or better said the balanced line level to the amp to reach my desired listening levels.

I want NO risk of software/user/other errors resulting in a possible max output level into the amp.

As such I think of a hardware solution. I know there are DAC with analog volume control that would work reliable and never crash, but are there other options? (e.g. I thought of a passive balanced monitor level controller)

What are your thoughts or experiences?