Adjusting output sensitivity of DAC for power amp

[Tenkas]

I am currently using Proac SM100 plugged in Topping PA5ii Plus (balanced). the DAC is RME Fireface UCX II.

The output of the DAC is connected to a Dangerous ST (monitor control, basically my preamp, volume knob).

I am trying to understand the different output options of the RME (+4 dBu, +13 dBu, +19 dBu)

For now I am at +19, and my volume is always less than half on my preamp (Dangerous ST)

The PA5ii volume is maxed out.

Sounds great to me but I'm wondering if I'm doing this right.

Any opinions on this?

Here are some specs (I do not profoundly understand these):

PA5ii Plus: Input sensitivity: 2.6 Vrms

Dangerous ST:
Maximum level …………………………… +25dBu
Nominal operating level …………………... +4dBu

 

[JIW]

I am currently using Proac SM100 plugged in Topping PA5ii Plus (balanced). the DAC is RME Fireface UCX II.

The output of the DAC is connected to a Dangerous ST (monitor control, basically my preamp, volume knob).

I am trying to understand the different output options of the RME (+4 dBu, +13 dBu, +19 dBu)

For now I am at +19, and my volume is always less than half on my preamp (Dangerous ST)

The PA5ii volume is maxed out.

Sounds great to me but I'm wondering if I'm doing this right.

Any opinions on this?

Here are some specs (I do not profoundly understand these):

PA5ii Plus: Input sensitivity: 2.6 Vrms

Dangerous ST:
Maximum level …………………………… +25dBu
Nominal operating level …………………... +4dBu

The input sensitivity is 20*log10(2.6) - 10*log10(0.6) = 10.52 dBu. Thus, setting the RME's output to 13 dBu should work best.

 

[Tenkas]

The input sensitivity is 20*log10(2.6) - 10*log10(0.6) = 10.52 dBu. Thus, setting the RME's output to 13 dBu should work best.

Is y possible to elaborate on why it would work best? Just trying to wrap my head around this, sound wise once volumes are match (I made a recording with measuring microphone) I do not hear a difference.

I'm just curious on the why. Thanks!

 

[JIW]

Is y possible to elaborate on why it would work best? Just trying to wrap my head around this, sound wise once volumes are match (I made a recording with measuring microphone) I do not hear a difference.

I'm just curious on the why. Thanks!

You can use the volume control at the top of its range. This is more practical than anything else. The difference is probably just noise.

 

[Tenkas]

You can use the volume control at the top of its range. This is more practical than anything else. The difference is probably just noise.

Thanks!

So if I do not have any problem at 19dBu, I might have a tiny by more noise because the volume is not maxed out compared to 13 dBu where volume would be higher?

 

[JeffGB]

I don't worry about trying to match voltages based on the specs. Many recordings are several db less than 0db reference level, especially the older CD's I have ripped. Add in that I also use YOUTUBE and it's level can vary hugely. If you have a very powerful amp and only a digital volume control, I would definitely bother (you only have to have a full blast of 800 watts at close distance once).

 

[Tenkas]

I don't worry about trying to match voltages based on the specs. Many recordings are several db less than 0db reference level, especially the older CD's I have ripped. Add in that I also use YOUTUBE and it's level can vary hugely. If you have a very powerful amp and only a digital volume control, I would definitely bother (you only have to have a full blast of 800 watts at close distance once).

The dangerous ST is an analog volume knob, since I work in a studio I need an analog knob for my workflow and to protect (so volume is always usually 1/4 up or 1/2 up max) since I am nearfield

 

[JIW]

Thanks!

So if I do not have any problem at 19dBu, I might have a tiny by more noise because the volume is not maxed out compared to 13 dBu where volume would be higher?

Yeah, maybe. You can just play a low level signal and switch between output levels and see if noise is the same at the same SPL.

 

[Tenkas]

Yeah, maybe. You can just play a low level signal and switch between output levels and see if noise is the same at the same SPL.

Good idea! Thanks