Not sure what you are reffering to. Both 1.17VRMS and 1.56VRMS are in the linear behaviour rangeIf a dac is specified to work within it's linear range at a maximum level of somewhere under 2V you would be well aware of the restrictions put on it under normal operating conditions. Testing this device at close to clipping and insisting that the measurements are valid is the epitomy of arrogance. This has nothing to do with the fact that a preamp putting out a less than reasonable output level is an engineering decision that no one in his right mind would agree with.
Let's say Amir decides that not only does a dac need to be able to produce a randomly chosen voltage level no matter the effect on the measurements, he decides that all of the amplifiers he tests need to put out 100 watts/ch because almost all speakers need to have at least that much power according to him. Every amp he tests with less than 100W out seems to have measurements that are less than stellar, for some reason he can't exactly put his finger on. Should that be taken seriously?
Is this a good analogy or not?