As file resolution goes up sound level goes down?

Maybe get a DAC with adjustable gain or higher output? Or, a pre with more gain? Or, would a step up transformer help increase output between your DAC and pre? My Bel Canto DAC3 puts out 4.5 v via XLR, so I get plenty of gain no matter the source.

Thanks Swanny, but my next major upgrade is to replace my seventeen year old Thiel speakers with much more sensitive ones. That will also fix the problem.

I suspect that Swanny's diagnosis is correct. Material that is not as dynamically compressed will have a lower average volume, assuming that peak volume is similar.

You can confirm that by using an audio editing program, such as the free program Audacity, to examine and analyze the sound waveforms of the respective files.

I suspect that what is limiting the dynamic range that can be handled by your system is the combination of a relatively low powered amp and inefficient speakers. If so, increasing the gains, sensitivities, or output levels of upstream components will not help, but changing to more efficient speakers would, of course.

Also, it appears that the 86 db sensitivity of your speakers is specified with respect to 2.83 volts, rather than 1 watt. 2.83 volts corresponds to 1 watt into 8 ohms, but to 2 watts into 4 ohms. Given the speaker's 4 ohm nominal impedance, its efficiency is therefore only 83 db for a 1 watt input, at a 1 meter distance.

Regards,
-- Al

Getting more efficient speakers is moving in the right direction.Kenny you`re making the correct choice if you plan to keep the current amplifier.

Thanks guys, It sure is adding up to new speakers, but the cash isn't adding up as quickly as I like to get there.

Swanney has a good point because my DAC's output is 2.5 volts compared to his 4.5 volts, while my phono stage is high ouput to work with any preamp.

I can try an alternative, as I heard back from the builder of my amp, Sam Kim. He thinks I can raise the gain by adding caps myself. I am pretty good with a soldering iron, so maybe worth a try.