Need help with audio signal preamp out vs volume out

[Genpattonj]

I’ve purchased an AUNE X8 XVIII DAC. The only way to get audio out balanced is going through the variable output. The line out is RCA. I’m not sure but my understanding is that if audio is going through a variable output the control should be centred at the 12 o’clock position. Line output in the specifications is 2.0Vrms. There is no other output spec.
Do you lose anything going through variable? “I much prefer the XLR output and I believe it’s true XLR.
Please let me know if there’s any difference between the XLR VARIABLE Or line output. Forgetting the difference in XLR and RCA. To recap; I'm most concerned with variable and line output difference.
Thank you in advance for your help! I’m a newbie here so please be patient. I do know a bit about Audio. I’m also as old as dirt! ;-0

 

[Brian Hall]

What is the input to your DAC? What are you connecting the XLR outs to?

 

[Blumlein 88]

The manual says TRS is variable out only. A really incompetent set of specs and instructions. Is TRS out max 2 v or 4 v? There is no firm convention on volume controls. I'd turn the knob up until volume level stops going up if you aren't getting enough output.

What do you lose? Hard to say. Done right nothing. Apparently the Aune is just using a volume pot. I'd hope that output is buffered to have a low output impedance. The lousy owner's manual doesn't say.

 

[LSPhil]

My guiding principle has always been that the signal source should provide the highest possible output signal to the amplifier. The volume control is best placed in the amplifier or preamplifier. If the input signal is too low, you will end up amplifying both the noise and the weak signal, which worsens the signal-to-noise ratio.

 

[MaxwellsEq]

I’m not sure but my understanding is that if audio is going through a variable output the control should be centred at the 12 o’clock position.

Hi and welcome to ASR.

This crops up quite frequently: there is no correct, best or optimal position for a volume control. Adjust it until the levels are correct. That might mean it's at 9, 12, 3 or sometimes fully to the right

 

[Genpattonj]

Hi and welcome to ASR.

This crops up quite frequently: there is no correct, best or optimal position for a volume control. Adjust it until the levels are correct. That might mean it's at 9, 12, 3 or sometimes fully to the right

Thanks to everyone that has answered. I really appreciate all of the input. This seems to be a great forum for help. Again, thanks to all of you!