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Do Audiophiles usually keep the gain of the digital source at around 80%?

My setup is:

A8 Eversolor DAC and streamer

McIntosh C12000 preamp

REL sub 810

Focal Sopra n1 speakers. 

861 Moon amp

I keep my McIntosh preamp usually between 50-60% volume. Any higher would make the sound thin like.

For the Eversolo streamer (which I am enjoying quite a bit for the money), I keep between 75% -85% max gain. With older songs that are recorded at lower volume, I have it at 85%. But with songs that are recorded louders (mostly newer songs) it would cause some/slight clipping at that level so I to have lower the gain to about 75% max gain.  

I saw that there was a max volume throughput option on the Eversolo, but when I try that I can’t really get the system as loud as I want it without clipping and distortion setting in early. 

Is this normal for Audiophiles to keep the gain on the digital signal about 80%?

Wasn’t sure if this should go into digital forums or preamps since both are used here, so I posted here. 

 

dman777
sns
4,032 posts
 

@saugertiesbob This not correct. The Eversolo doesn't really have a preamp function, it only has digital volume control, you need analog volume control in order to be considered a preamp, and even then it would only be a passive device. You absolutely need to run the Eversolo at 100% with pass through volume control to extract maximum sound quality. 

 

I don't understand why you have clipping,  distortion  issues in the first place. I've never had an issue with gain using XLR and 100% volume with chip or R2R dacs, this with active pre with dual transformer volume control. That Mac sure must be sensitive to gain to have that issue, not good.

barts's avatar
barts
773 posts
 

@dman777 

Don't mess around in the digital domain, set it at 100% and forget it.  Switch to RCA cables, I seriously doubt you'll hear any degradation of quality.  Sounds to  me like you're over driving your speakers.

As an added bonus the volume control on the Mac will have more latitude of movement.  In other words, you'll have to move the knob further, so you get a finer adjustment.  Win-Win.

Regards,

barts

clio09
3,374 posts
 

@dman777 Your digital source with balanced out has 4.2V output, your preamp 15 dB gain, and your amp is 1.4V sensitive which translates to 31 dB gain. Quite simply you have too much gain and as a result need to find a way to attenuate that gain. As @barts mentioned using the RCA outputs on the digital source(2V output)  and possibly throughout the chain may be the solution. It would be ideal to run the volume on the digital source wide open (100%) and then be able to have more control over the preamps volume control. 

jas_in_phila1
13 posts
 

Let’s stick to the issue. Someone was insulting on 07-22-2025 at 11:12pm. We are here to interact with ideas. No need to get personal. Critique a comment or idea, not a person.

sns
4,032 posts
 

clio09 has succinctly explained the issue and solution, go with the RCA, otherwise you need to change out other components. 4V outputs on dac XLR is typical by the way. This issue points to why its important to check specs prior to purchase of components.

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