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For those who worry about quality of software volume control

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bennetng

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My mainboard has toslink output and my soundcard has toslink input, and they are capable of bit-perfect transfer (verified by null test). Therefore I can evaluate the quality of different audio APIs, playback software and volume control in digital domain.

The video has no sound. Audio recorded in the video can be downloaded below. Beware of loud volume.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/17mejNuTKEvXsEqjlQQGpJlhoH9K6qaEq/view?usp=sharing

 
Very interesting, thanks. Do you have a Chromecast Audio? It would be also interesting to measure a digital chain like FLAC file on a NAS -> streaming with BubbleUPnP or similar app -> CCA digital out.
 
Yes I agree. I ordered a cheap external sound card with TOSLINK digital in/out, I will try to make some measurements.
 
Both videos do not seem to load anymore. Can you give us a summary? Is using Windows' built-in volume control 'safe for Hi-Fi' or not? I have a Koss ESP that has two separate volume knobs for each channel, which means it's simply more convenient to change volume digitally, but I'll suffer with it if the results are not as good.

Thanks!
 
I have no idea how those videos work. This is what I get when I try to play them (image of youtube click-through attached):
 

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Works for me on Chrome.
 
I tried Chrome on a PC and a Mac.

Can I have the URLs for them? Maybe something is funny on the embed?
 
Using Audacity, the visual effect of -60dB on a music waveform.

Signal is about 1/1000th after attenuation.

That's like turning the volume from rather loud to all but inaudible.

1556729075363.png
 
Thanks guys. My Chrome is behaving strangely; works in firefox. Whatever. Sorry to bring noise to the thread.
 
I watched the first video. Is this telling me that software volumes are safe to use?
 
I did not manage to get the video, but yes, software volume control is fine. The only reason I have a hardware solution as well (an Emotiva Control Freak) is that it adds a safety margin against unexpected loud sound thjat might destroy my nice Hartbeth P3ESR desktop speakers. Plus I find it more convenient.
 
I notice that he uses foobar volume, not Windows system volume. I usually use system volume.

Will the results be drastically different? I use my headphones for more than just music.
 
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