preamp and dac volume

I go 100 but if you like 88 better with yours it’s kosher. I also go 100 with all streamers (one has a hardware pot.) For a while I went lower on DAC  to match phono.  No change in SQ. Now phono has adj. gain setting.

I go 100 but if you like 88 better with yours it’s kosher.

Depending on what dac it is, and how "much gain" they've used after the ESS D to A chip in the output buffer, 100 "could" over load the input section stage of a preamp if it has one before it's volume control, this "could" be the reason he liked it better at 88 from the dac than 100. 
All the more reason to go direct.

Cheers George

Agree with George,

just ditch the Pre and live happy ever after. If you can find some Bybee Golden Goddess RCA‘s use those on the power amp.

I got vinyl source as well.

The DAC is a Wadia 321 , Made by Mcintosh group at the time and very similar to the D100.

DUH
Strait from the Wadia 321 owners manual:
" Volume LevelTo change the Volume Level of the Wadia 321, press the Front Panel VOLume + Push-button to increase the Volume or the VOLume - Push-button to decrease the Volume. The Volume Level may also be changed by using the Remote Control (Volume Up) Push-button or the (Volume Down) Push-button for the desired listening level. Refer to figures 53 and 56  Note: A Volume Setting of 88% on the Wadia 321 will provide optimum performance when it is con-nected to a Preamplifier (Integrated Amplifier or Receiver). "

Will continue the test sans pre