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Best Volume Settings?

I have read various past threads concerning volume settings to achieve the best performance. In the latest issue of Stereophile, reviewer Jim Austin addresses this topic in the review of the Benchmark DAC3. He stated " most systems achieve their best noise performance in the top half of their volume range". Additionally he also stated " with the DAC3 set to its highest output level - the default setting - it was too hot in my system".

Interesting concept, so I decided to experiment with the volume controls with both my Hegel HD25 DAC and Primaluna Dialogue Premium Integrated Amp. As with the Benchmark, the default level setting for Hegel was its highest setting at 100. As a comparison, I reduced the Hegel's output level to 80 and using a db meter I then adjusted the PL to match the volumes as best as I could. As a baseline, I tried to achieve the average output volume of around 85dB which wasn't easy based on the dynamics of various recordings. With the Hegel set to 100, the PL volume control was approximately between 10 o'clock and 11 o'clock. With Hegel set to 80, the PL volume control was between 12 o'clock and 1 o'clock depending on the recording. All the recordings included voices which I always use as a guide to determine the best sound. The recordings included early rock music and female singers from various genre. In order to do a true comparison, I switched the order of the output levels with each recording since our minds can play tricks on which sounds better.

So here are my results. Overall the system sounded best with the Hegel set to 80. At the setting of 100, it sometimes sounded a bit smeared or glaring. With some recordings it wasn't so easy to distinguish any differences. So is it the Hegel set at the max level or the PL set at the top half of the volume range or both? Either way the Hegel will no longer be set to the max.

I appreciate if anyone has had similar results with both the input and output levels.



128x128ronrags
gdhal's avatar
gdhal
1,641 posts
 
In the latest issue of Stereophile, reviewer Jim Austin addresses this topic in the review of the Benchmark DAC3. He stated " most systems achieve their best noise performance in the top half of their volume range".
I think the operative words there are *most systems* (certainly not all). Just "listen" to your amp with no source input by putting your ear up to the speaker (tweeter) and hear what happens as you raise the volume. The more efficient your speakers are, the more "sizzle" you may/can hear. 

All amps distort the more their volume is raised. My vote is less amp volume and more source gain, but again, you don't want clipping and that sort of thing so it could be a fine balancing act to optimize the two.
m-db's avatar
m-db
1,004 posts
 
My preamplifiers volume attenuator has a mechanical range from 7-5 o'clock. At 11 o'clock the amplifiers were driving the speakers to a rarely used high volume.

The designer/manufacture of the preamp made an internal adjustment that made 1 o'clock my typical listening level. Not only did this offer a wider low volume selection there is a noticeable overall sonic improvement especially at higher realistic levels.   
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,418 posts
 
  My vote is less amp volume and more source gain, but again, you don't want clipping 

If memory serves, that is standard procedure in the studio. Playback and recording starts at the source to achieve the highest signal to noise. But not all components can be maxed out, need to find the optimal setting.

georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
Reducing sources digital domain volume control below 75% of full up can "bit strip" the music.
As Wadia and Mark Levinson know and issue these instructions in their user manuals. https://ibb.co/e8sQxb

Cheers George 
ronrags's avatar
ronrags OP
282 posts
 
@gdhal I agree there is a balance between the settings. I wanted to experiment based on the reviewers comments if there was some validity. So I decided to set a baseline volume in order to hear any differences. It was easier to distinguish differences at 85db than 75db. The volume control range on the Primaluna is also between 7 and 5 o'clock as stated by m-db so the 12 or 1 o'clock positions is are not at the extreme. 

@georgehifi you are probably correct with the digital domain set below 75%. After experimenting with the Hegels level at 80, I decided to set it at 90. The point being at the extreme setting of 100 there was a slight reduction of sound quality.
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