Yet another XDA-1 "volume" question

[jhoak]

Since I am running the outputs of my XDA-1 to a USP-1 rather than directly to the amp I don't have the gain issues that others are reporting.

My question is... What should the volume be set at for best possible sound quality?

I started out with it at 80 and while it gave me a bit less range for the volume control I can live with it. Right now I have it at 40 just so I get a bit more volume control to work with.

Or does it just not make any difference where the XDA-1 volume is set?

[RadTech]

I have mine set at 80. I believe someone measured the output voltage at 40 was 1 volt and, 2 volt at 80.

[paintedklown]

I read that as well Radtech.

My guess is that since the XDA-1 is only outputting volts, it doesn't matter a whole lot what you have the volume set at, so long as you are running it to a good pre-amp. The same signal is being sent either way. I am sure there are probably cd players and things out there that put out very low voltage signals and still sound great. They just require a larger gain from the pre-amp is all.

NOTE: My above answer is purely a guess based on my understanding of gain stages between components. If I am incorrect, someone please correct me. Thanks.

[ratmice]

I believe all digital volume should be set to maximum when attached to a preamp. Mines at 80 and the volume is fine, it's also identical to the CD player when both are connected to my Parasound 2100.

[robdog]

I called Emotiva on Friday and asked Vincent that same question. He said that I should run the XDA at full volume, leaving it at 80, and use the USP-1 to make volume adjustments while listening. When I mentioned the high gain on the USP-1 he said that the XDA could be set lower if needed, as it was a "lossless" volume control and would not cause any loss of resolution, detail, etc. So, I have been using the XDA set at about 60 - 70 and I use the USP-1 for volume adjustment. I do occasionally grab the XDA remote for fine volume adjusments when needed - since one push of the button on the USP-1 remote turns it up or down so much. Seems to be working well for me that way. Anyway, based on my conversation with Vincent, I would suggest starting at 80 on the XDA-1 and working down until you find a setting that works best with the USP-1.

[merlinwerks]

Dec 5, 2010 13:22:13 GMT -5 ratmice said:

I believe all digital volume should be set to maximum when attached to a preamp. Mines at 80 and the volume is fine, it's also identical to the CD player when both are connected to my Parasound 2100.

While true for a digital volume control, I believe it was pointed out in another thread that the XDA has a digitally controlled analog attenuator.

[roadrunner]

I can confirm that during a conversation with Lonnie that the XDA-1 signal quality does NOT change no matter what volume you select. Its effect is exactly the same as using an Alps volume control. It changes volume by introducing a "step-ladder" of resistors for each increment. He also said that he would use the XDA-1's volume control, when hooked to a pre-amp, as a trim to equalize its sound level to that of other components hooked to the pre-amp.

Ideally, you would start with the XDA-1's volume at 80; and, if necessary, adjust it to match the other components volume level thru the pre-amp.

[franksonic]

Mine is also at 80 using the analog in of my LMC-1. Patiently waiting to get my hands on a XMC-1!