Running DCS Vivladi DIRECT?

Fine -- and when I change my phono stage and drop from 45dB gain to 40dB the 0.2V may also be a better match than the 0.6mV

But still no explanation of why the direct connection does such a relatively worse job of handling dynamic range (if we put all the soundstage stuff down to coloration, which btw I wholeheartedly do not) -- and no it’s nothing to do with the -9dB cut as the dCS volume control is digital and non bit stripping

Aside from the 0.2V  output setting for the direct connection, I'd also toggle between the different filters available since the one you prefer when listening through the preamp might not sound the best when going direct.

I believe that there is a hint, of seeing/hearing the forest through the trees perhaps?.

Cheers George

@sthekepat Can I ask why you didn't ask dCS via email instead of posting here?

@georgehifi -- I'm very happy with the verdant, lush, wild and exciting primal woodland panorama my tube based active pre-amp gives me thank you very much and will not be spending a moment more worrying about fussing with going back to a direct connection

Having said all that spinning vinyl has turned out to be so much more rewarding these last few days -- loving the Weitblick Peinemann WDR releases for example