Again, it must be pointed out that digital volume controls do not "drop bits". They use a digitally-controlled resistor ladder, which is like the "attenuator" control that some people prefer to a pot. There is a chip to do this job, and probably most manufacturers use this same chip.
Bel Canto and Digital Volume Control
I am considering eliminating my preamp from the chain as all my sources are now digital. I have a concern about dropping bits and how much of that is acceptable when using the digital volume controls included with some DACs. So much effort goes into obtaining the most resolution possible in the design of a DAC it seems a shame to jut start throwing that away by dropping bits. I will also be driving 2 amps (a powered sub and a stereo power amp) with the line outs from the DAC.
Are there any issues when driving two amps with the outputs of the line output from a DAC? I don't know what current capability, what impedance loads they will tolerate, etc. How low can the volume be set on (for example Bel Canto's DAC3) before the data loss becomes audible?
I also consider including a passive attenuator in the chain so I could control the volume without dropping bits from the data.
Thanks in advance for your input.
Are there any issues when driving two amps with the outputs of the line output from a DAC? I don't know what current capability, what impedance loads they will tolerate, etc. How low can the volume be set on (for example Bel Canto's DAC3) before the data loss becomes audible?
I also consider including a passive attenuator in the chain so I could control the volume without dropping bits from the data.
Thanks in advance for your input.
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- 5 posts total
- 5 posts total