The truth about Apple/iTunes volume control?

Robr45- I don't see what's "completely bizarre" about being reluctant to drag a manufacturer's name into a discussion thread where a lot of folks seem to think there's a scandal brewing. In my humble opinion, your hifalutin tone is what's bizarre. On the other hand, your earlier post was extremely helpful. Thanks for that, whether I deserved it or not.

Converto,
A few have already mentioned that the current iTunes does not lose any quality with a lower volume setting in iTunes--as far back as iTunes 7. Looking for specific proof? Google/Bing "24 bit volume itunes" you will see references from Benchmark (DAC mfgr), Stereophile, etc.

Your comments about the Macbook pro are a bit confusing when referring to "Native level" what is that?

Why you are asking about the system volume/level is a bit confusing itself. The system volume control is not used with a USB DAC (not with mine any way) FWIW I use a Wavelength Brick DAC--the Mac's system volume is disabled (it moves but does not change output level). And iTunes volume works as expected.

Does anyone who uses a USB DAC with a mac, have a system volume (not iTunes player volume) that is functional while the USB DAC is the chosen output?

AG members are likely asking about which DAC you are using, because there may be in issue with that DAC. It is the DAC's duty to provide a signal to the mac to allow it to be chosen as the output device in Mac's Audio Midi Setup. Is your DAC showing up as an output option in Audio Midi? knowing which DAC may allow some who are familiar with that DAC to possibly provide a solution for you or let you know that theirs works or also has problems.

Hope that gives you some leads to track down the issue with your DAC.

Cheers, Ed

I had an overloading issue for a while. I suspected that my Lite DAC-AH was sending too much signal to my pre. I blamed the DAC. For a while I adjusted my iTunes volume down a bit and it went away. But then it came back a few months later. What it turned out to be was a pre-amp tube that was on its way out. I replaced it... problem gone. Sometimes it not what you think.

Robr45- I don't see what's "completely bizarre" about being reluctant to drag a manufacturer's name into a discussion thread where a lot of folks seem to think there's a scandal brewing. In my humble opinion, your hifalutin tone is what's bizarre. On the other hand, your earlier post was extremely helpful. Thanks for that, whether I deserved it or not.

Speaking for myself, I was just trying to help you figure out a problem. I have no interest in mud-slinging. I am baffled where you might see ANYONE suggesting anything "scandalous"?! I don't see any such frenzied desire to out anyone here...just people trying to helpfully answer your question. In fact, the only one I see elevating the issue disproportionately is you! I agree, it is bizarre that you ask a question and withhold what might be key information in answering it. Without knowing what DAC you are using that's a huge piece missing from the puzzle. As I illustrated in one possible suggestion in my previous post, by pointing out the DAC you are using you might lead to getting much more useful input from others that may lead to a better understanding of what you're up against. You might get direct responses from other people who actually use the same DAC in a similar way, and as Cutterfilm points out, the solution may not be the DAC at all. This is like someone phoning up the CarTalk dudes on NPR and telling them all about this problem they're having with a strange noise coming from their engine and then refusing to divulge the car. You said in your post this is a new source - if it is brand new why don't you ask the question of the manufacturer you seem to believe needs protecting, and or the dealer you bought it from. You may also get more information over on the PCAsylum section at AudioAsylum regarding the iTunes volume control.

Good luck.

Ed - thanks for the comments! The "native level" talk was confusing for me too - I was told it's the volume setting your Macbook has when you first turn it on, which is about 40% for the computer itself and 50% for iTunes. So the idea would be that if you've got both settings at at least 60% or 70% you're safe. That's what I was told by a colleague, and it seems to be corroborated by what a lot of folks on this thread are saying.

To answer your question - yes, the DAC shows up as an output option on my midi setup, and the volume control does work with it.

Cutter - thanks, and to your point I think I've either got a problem with the DAC chip, or the power supply that's feeding it!

Jax2 - Above all, thanks for your very valuable and generous commentary here! I don't mean to be coy about all of this. Your "car talk" analogy is quite apt, and I understand how you might be a little exasperated at my reticence about the dac. I guess I'm just being a little protective of a manufacturer that I like, whether that's appropriate in a forum where everybody is looking to learn, I'm not totally sure.

To your point, I did ask the manufacturer who "needs protecting," and the manufacturer suggested turning down the volume to solve the problem.

So, now I guess it's legitimate to ask - is that a totally bogus response from a manufacturer? Should I "out" this manufacturer once and for all for the shoddy operation that it is?

Seriously, thanks to all for the input.