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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
prashanth13485 OP
51 posts
 
@adg101 thanks again for taking the time to respond in detail.  I use optical out on the node yet I am able to control the volume via node unless I choose Output level fixed. 
As for the RME, I have set it to -15db (fixed) and yet I can’t go past the 10 o clock position on my Nad. 
When you say leave the volume control on/active, do you mean on the node or rme?
ericsch
752 posts
 
Fixed on the Node2i.
adg101
1,062 posts
 
Isn’t digital out on the streamer a fixed signal, meaning there’s no volume control? 

prashanth13485 OP
51 posts
 
@adg101 - Not really, I am able to use the volume control on the node unless i selected volume output fixed. 
prashanth13485 OP
51 posts
 
coz of this thread, I stumbled upon the differences between optical and coaxial cables.  it seems that unless I use a glass fiber optical cable, the SQ won't be as good as a decent coaxial.  Looks like that might be an opportunity to improve the overall performance of my system :)
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