Running DCS Vivladi DIRECT?

ps interesting that only now do you talk about bit stripping ..

Please read the first page, starting 1/3 down, I mention it in 4 post!
I've heard of selective hearing, but selective reading?

Cheers George

Sorry, but you're confused.

If you keep the volume on the Vivaldi between -9-14dB for a -20dBFS signal, the volume level on the Vivaldi will still be at -9-14dB for a 0dBFS peak signal. The attenuation level stays constant irrespective of the source's signal amplitude, the same attenuation level is applied to a -20dBFS signal and a 0dBFS signal.

-20dBFS signal + 9dB attenuation = -29dBFS signal
   0dBFS signal + 9dB attenuation =   -9dBFS signal

So you always listen at -9-14dBFS peak levels.

Keeping the volume between -9-14dB on the Vivaldi for the 0.6V setting means the output level is too high.

@seigen please read page 14 of the Vivaldi DAC manual, -10dB is dCS’ highest recommended level for direct connection
https://www.dcsltd.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Vivaldi-DAC-Manual-v2_0x.pdf

Yes, to have some range to go louder above the "comfortable listening level", but if the max SPL you listen to has the volume control always set at -9-14dB then the 0.6V output is too hot.

Here’s another way to look at it, maybe this way you’ll get it:

0.6V @ 0dBFS = -2.21 dBu
0.2V @ 0dBFS = -11.76 dBu

Now apply 9dB of digital attenuation to the 0.6V signal, you get:

-2.21dBu - 9dB = -11.21dBu = 0.21V

So whether you use the 0.6V (with 9dB of digital attenuation applied) or the 0.2V (with no digital attenuation) output setting, the DAC outputs the same voltage basically at 0dBFS.