8-channel volume control

[Kal Rubinson]

I've tried these two analog 8 channel VC/controllers:

The Volume8 is simple and compact and useful but has been shown to have some balance/tracking errors at the extreme settings. The SMC is better with more useful options although I experienced a failure of one of the pushbuttons in my sample. Both are worth investigating anyway.

 

[192kbps]

I've tried these two analog 8 channel VC/controllers:

The Volume8 is simple and compact and useful but has been shown to have some balance/tracking errors at the extreme settings. The SMC is better with more useful options although I experienced a failure of one of the pushbuttons in my sample. Both are worth investigating anyway.

Measurements of SPL Phonitor xe HeadphoneAmp - L7Audiolab

台式设备 前几天，某群里一位大佬问我有没有时间测一下他的耳放（们）。对送测我当然是欢迎的……于是他今天把耳放送了过来。先赶着测一台吧……SPL Phonitor xe！我大概看了下国内之前的评测，基本上都说这个厂的耳放干净无染，是纯粹的监听风格

www.l7audiolab.com

SPL Phonitor X *Updated* Review (DAC & Headphone Amp)

A while ago I tested the SPL Phonitor X which did not do well. Turns out the DAC in that unit was the older generation. And I did not know about dip switches underneath the unit which sets the headphone gain. This review remedies both. New units sell for US $2,999 now. This unit is in...

www.audiosciencereview.com

It doesn't seem like a company known for measuring.

 

[wisechoice]

If I was sure of the sound quality, I'd be happy with the simplicity of the Volume8 at the end of my chain, since I have control of the more complex aspects via TotalMix + ARC USB. The problem right now is when I'm switching inputs on my DACs and get a pop, or I'm playing DSD, and I either trigger full range noise with the wrong DoP path or want to keep all the DACs at 100% and attenuate the signal for all channels equally. HQPlayer can handle channel mapping and levels before the DAC stage, in that case.

 

[wisechoice]

At this point, I'm approaching or exceeding a total spend on DACs etc equal to a Fireface UCX II, which I'm still seriously considering buying to replace all of these devices. The only problem there is lack of DSD, and I still haven't been persuaded that the difference I'm hearing and feeling with DSD isn't there… placebo or not (and placebo effect is real!)

Otherwise, waiting for the Dac8 Pro to become available once again. But in that case, no TotalMix/ARC USB control, which I've come to appreciate. They would both work with the Fireface.

 

[Neddy]

+1 for OktoDAC8. I just switched to all analog outputs (was AES 1&2) and the little tiny apple remote is a joy.

 

[DWPress]

+2 for the Okto Pro. I was waiting 10 years for somebody to make something like this and this nice to use.

I use USB and AES input and balanced outputs directly to the amps with all XO and DSP done on a current Mac mini (but you don't need anything nearly this modern or powerful) with 3 way speakers and 2 subs. Always better to do it on a computer than on a dedicated box, they all have limited processing capabilities by any comparison.

 

[wisechoice]

Yeah, in my case, I’m already going five channels into the bass managed 7050c sub. It’s Genelec, so probably very good, but I have no idea how it measures. Another 8 channels of analog routing might not be ideal. All balanced, though.

 

[wisechoice]

OK, I've ordered the Volume8 used on Reverb, for a lot more money than I thought I would ever pay for a volume control -- which, if I'm being honest, was zero until the very recent past -- and will be sending to Amir for testing, which he has generously agreed to do. I guess we'll all see how it holds up.

 

[wisechoice]

Taking Kal quite literally in his suggestion that it's worth "investigating"…

 

[Kal Rubinson]

OK, I've ordered the Volume8 used on Reverb, for a lot more money than I thought I would ever pay for a volume control -- which, if I'm being honest, was zero until the very recent past -- and will be sending to Amir for testing, which he has generously agreed to do. I guess we'll all see how it holds up.

Here's some info on the closely related Volume2: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...n-spl-volume2-model-2602-volume-control.9760/

 

[wisechoice]

Thanks, I found that thread but only yesterday. Good to have it linked in this thread for others!

 

[wisechoice]

Amir's review of the (used) SPL Volume8 that I ordered and drop shipped to him is up now (!)

SPL Volume8 Review

This is a review and detailed measurements of the SPL Volume8 8-channel, balance volume control. It was kindly sent to me by a member and costs US $799. SPL nails the look and feel of this active unit. It is a substantial box but not too big. 8-gang volume control is custom made and muting is...

www.audiosciencereview.com