Amp volume vs source volume.

[Lew3vans]

Is it better to have lower source volume and more amp volume, or more source volume and less amp volume?

 

[staticV3]

Generally, higher source volume and lower Amp volume is better.
That way, you usually get higher SNR.

 

[Zek]

The only thing to pay attention to is that the output signal of the source is not too strong, so that clipping occurs on the amplifier.

 

[Chr1]

How can you tell if this is the case?

Thanks.

 

[Lew3vans]

How can you tell if this is the case?

Thanks.

I agree.

How do you know if your amp/headphone amp is working to hard to boost the low input signal?

 

[Lew3vans]

And also do you not want to hear more of the Amps magic? Rather than artificial gain?

 

[Zek]

How can you tell if this is the case?

First, you should look at the specifications of the source device, what is the maximum output voltage. Then it should be compared with the input sensitivity of the amplifier. For example: if the source gives 5V or more at its output, and the input sensitivity of the amplifier for maximum power is 1V, then clipping of the amplifier can easily occur, which is reflected as a very large distortion.

 

[IAtaman]

If you have a decent amp and a source device, it does not matter for any practical purposes as long as none of the devices clip.

 

[Zek]

as long as none of the devices clip.

 

[IAtaman]

Oh wow, that's a short movie not an emoji I still don't know what it means though.

 

[Chr1]

If you have a decent amp and a source device, it does not matter for any practical purposes as long as none of the devices clip.

I guess what I would like to know is how you can tell when clipping is occurring?

...and I don't mean hearing a nasty sound and seeing melting tweeter voice coils etc!

Eg I use Foobar and am wondering if, when the output VU meters are in the red, whether this indicates clipping of the output?

 

[RayDunzl]

Is it better to have lower source volume and more amp volume, or more source volume and less amp volume?

None of my speaker amplifiers has a volume control.

What does that say?

 

[Chr1]

Likewise. Poweramps only here.

I guess that I still unsure about how to tell if your source/preamp is clipping...

 

[Tom C]

I have heard the only way to know for sure is to connect an oscilloscope and observe the waveform.

 

[IAtaman]

None of my speaker amplifiers has a volume control.

What does that say?

It says "None of my speaker amplifiers has a volume control". Asking us what you just wrote is a bit too much of a scrutiny don't you think.

I guess what I would like to know is how you can tell when clipping is occurring?

...and I don't mean hearing a nasty sound and seeing melting tweeter voice coils etc!

Eg I use Foobar and am wondering if, when the output VU meters are in the red, whether this indicates clipping of the output?

I don't know anything about Foobar. Your EQ app or your player should have some sort of clipping indicator. If not I don't know how you can tell other than listening for it.

 

[DonH56]

It's complicated. It depends upon the performance (SNR, THD over signal level) of the source and amp, plus signal (power) to the speakers at your listening volume, and how that translates to noise and distortion through the signal chain.

Generally more gain (higher volume) earlier in the chain yields lower noise but it all depends on how good the source's SNR and distortion are, and that of the power amp.

See https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...opagate-through-my-system.33358/#post-1165118 It may be easier to skim the thread and look at some of the examples after the first series of posts.

Easy answer if you have the components is to try different settings to see what works best.

HTH - Don