I just purchased an external DAC (RME ADI-2 DAC FS). It is connected directly to some active speakers (Eris E8) via XLR cables.
The issue I have (whether on Mac or on Windows) is that the volume by default is extremely high.
For example when using Foobar ASIO in Windows, I have to set the DAC to -20 dB, and Foobar to -27 dB to have a normal listening volume.
It seems that when I set the DAC at 0 Db and reduce the volume even more in Foobar, the sound quality is better. Thoughts?
Also in Youtube I set the video volume in the Youtube interface to a minimum, then set the Dac to as close to 0 Db as possible, it seems like it sounds better.
Would volume be easier to manage if I had an amp and passive speakers instead ? Could I use passive speakers without an amp when current sound is 50 dB too loud ?
Is there any advantage whether on Windows or Mac, to purchase dedicated "audiophile" music player apps, from a standpoint of volume management and sound quality ? vs using free foobar with my own flac files
The issue I have (whether on Mac or on Windows) is that the volume by default is extremely high.
For example when using Foobar ASIO in Windows, I have to set the DAC to -20 dB, and Foobar to -27 dB to have a normal listening volume.
It seems that when I set the DAC at 0 Db and reduce the volume even more in Foobar, the sound quality is better. Thoughts?
Also in Youtube I set the video volume in the Youtube interface to a minimum, then set the Dac to as close to 0 Db as possible, it seems like it sounds better.
Would volume be easier to manage if I had an amp and passive speakers instead ? Could I use passive speakers without an amp when current sound is 50 dB too loud ?
Is there any advantage whether on Windows or Mac, to purchase dedicated "audiophile" music player apps, from a standpoint of volume management and sound quality ? vs using free foobar with my own flac files