BlueSound Node 2i > RME ADI2 DAC > NAD 316 BEE v2 > Dali Rubicon 5 (volume too high)


Hey guys,

This might be a silly question but I'd really appreciate if you can help me understand this issue or the lack thereof.

Listed above is my system/chain. I have 3 units with pre-amp (Node, RME DAC and NAD amp).  So what should the volume on my Node and RME Dac if I want the NAD to be the main control?

Currently, I have it at Full Volume (0 db) on the Node and RME.  However, I can't seem to go past 9 o clock position on my NAD or it simply gets too loud.

Is this normal?  If so, I don't think I'll ever need a more powerful amplifier?  I am able to drive a pair of Dali Rubicon 5s (considered power hungry) with this entry level NAD.  I was considering upgrading the amp but wonder if it would make any difference at all?  
prashanth13485
@adg101 thanks again for the detailed response. Guess what, I had the entry level NAD 316 bee v2 that I have returned. And I’m not considering a big upgrade on my amplifier.  Likely going to settle with either musical fidelity M6si or the marantz pm ki ruby.  Right now I am testing the m5si and I’m very pleasantly surprised. Heard that it can be bright and forward sounding but I think it’s fairly warm.

anyway, I have my node on fixed output. On the rme, there are two settings and I think I’m getting confused: volume lock basically locks the volume I have set. Question is what should be the volume on the rme if I want to use the integrated to control the volume? Should be 0 dB?

second setting is a the reference level. I have this on auto. Should I disable auto? If so, what should be the reference level? It starts from -5 and goes to +13 in 6db increments.  
Am I missing something? Thanks again for taking the time to help. I really appreciate it. 


Yes, you are correct on adjusting reference level first and if you prefer your MF primarily to adjust the volume then lock the volume on the RME. I’m running balance so I’m at +1db which has the same output as my other devices. I’d just play around with the reference levels and find the one that works best... you might step it down one for awhile to hear how it works out and if you think you need more gain then bump it up one setting.
@adj101 awesome, I think I get it now. Gonna play around with it and settle for what sounds best to me. Thanks