Do I need a physical volume control in my setup? If so, should I just change my streamer?

[dan_uk]

Hi all,

I have the following and am very happy with the sound quality, however, the only volume control I have is digital via Roon.

• Allo USBRIDGE - Network into USB transport for Roon
• Matrix Audio X Sabre Pro MQA DAC
• Nord One NCx500ST Stereo Power Amplifier
• REL Storm sub - Connected directly to the Nord for high-level input into the REL
• Monitor Audio Platinum PL100 ii

I'm super happy with the sound, however, I'm always concerned, what if Roon decides to set my volume to 100% somehow? Is this possible / a valid concern?

I don't really want to add a full on pre-amp, seems OTT as I only really have one input and what affect the sound? What about adding a passive pre-amp with just one input/output and a volume knob?

Lastly, I also wouldn't be against the idea of swapping the Allo transport and Matrix Audio DAC with something like the Eversolo A6 or A8, a streamer, DAC and volume control all in one?

Thanks, everyone

 

[OldTimer]

I call the pre-amp as volume control. It supposed to be less than $50. It’s just a volume control, which is said by a lot of people as Pre-Amp.

 

[staticV3]

I have the following and am very happy with the sound quality, however, the only volume control I have is digital via Roon.

I'm super happy with the sound, however, I'm always concerned, what if Roon decides to set my volume to 100% somehow?

Your Matrix Audio DAC has volume control as well.
Why not set your Matrix so that 100% in Roon is just loud enough? Use it as a limiter basically.

 

[dan_uk]

Your Matrix Audio DAC has volume control as well.
Why not set your Matrix so that 100% in Roon is just loud enough? Use it as a limiter basically.

Ah good idea... So switch DAC to pre-amp, turn the volume down... Crack up Roon to 100% and then increase DAC to the maximum volume I'd ever want to listen to... Then just use Roon on a daily basis.

I assume the Matrix Audio has no history of resetting its volume to 100%?

 

[staticV3]

I assume the Matrix Audio has no history of resetting its volume to 100%?

I don't know.
It's much easier to slip with your mouse and set a software slider to 100%, than it is to keep holding down the Matrix's volume button though.

 

[dan_uk]

I don't know.
It's much easier to slip with your mouse and set a software slider to 100%, than it is to keep holding down the Matrix's volume button though.

Thanks @staticV3 !! HAve been running like this for a few days now and works a treat!! I think generally I'll be running Roon at -20 db most days, so even if the DAC does reset to 100%, at least it's better than Roon and the DAC being at 100% together!