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The truth about Apple/iTunes volume control?

Hi - I've always understood it's best to use the maximum volume setting on your computer when playing back music, controlling the volume with the amplifier. That has always worked for my ears, but now I have a new source (a USB DAC) that appears to be getting overloaded by the maximum signal from my Macbook Pro running iTunes.

I'm wondering if it would be possible at this stage of Apple and iTunes' development to lower the volume without losing bits. There seem to be recent reports saying yes, and one forum member said worries about lossy digital volume control were a "myth," although others disagreed. Today, I was told that it's OK to lower the volume on the computer to its "native level," a setting in the middle, or close to it, that is the default level when you first turn it on. I've got a Macbook Pro that has an overall volume control I'm wondering about, in addition to the iTunes. Unfortunately, it seems to be remembering my previous settings, such that I don't know what this native level is.

So, does anybody have any definitive answers on this?
coverto
jax2
3,031 posts
 
Well, it's a USB DAC that I like and I'd prefer not to start talking about how I'm "having trouble" with it unless that's a crucial question here. I'd really like to just focus on the general question of volume control on iTunes/Macs.

It's a relevant question, since it's a very unusual problem. I've never heard of a USB DAC getting "overloaded" by the signal form iTunes. I thought that lowering the level within iTunes was a compromise in the dynamics of the music, and that it is best to leave the volume at max and do any volume controlling in the analog stage. I always leave the volume maxed in two systems and have never had a problem. I'd also be curious to hear which DAC is yielding such a problem.
s7horton
1,077 posts
 
I heard with version 8 the itunes volume control was not an issue anymore, though i am not sure what they did differently.
peter_s
1,335 posts
 
I'm also thinking it's not your USB signal, but instead either a problem with your DAC or your DAC=>preamp compatibility.
lokie's avatar
lokie
528 posts
 
I think Jax2 and Peter have it right.

The compatibility between dac and pre are suspect. You're not going to get much help unless you tell us what your components are.

Turning the volume down on Itunes is a work around that will work but is not optimum.
onhwy61's avatar
onhwy61
5,215 posts
 
The newer versions of iTunes have effectively eliminated the volume control problem as long as you only use it a little bit.

As far as the overloading USB D/A, the only one that I know of that suffers from this problem is the -- hold on a minute, I heard what sounds like breaking glass coming from downstairs. That's odd, a well known audiophile manufacturer is standing in my living room.

"What do you want?" "Why are you here?" "No, no, don't, wait, pluleeeeze, arrrrggggh!"
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