Volume Resolution & "True Tape Monitor Loop "

[heroesunplugged]

First question is, what is the point of having a volume control with .5 dB resolution and only being able to use the volume in full 1 dB steps? And why have the .0 on the display? Coming from another preamp that was equipped with .5 dB step volume and being able to adjust the trim to that same resolution was a nice feature. Maybe it is simply stating that the volume from Left to Right is within .5 dB of one another? Really no point in have the decimal on the main volume display if it isn't used.

Second, the product page states that the XMC-1 has a "true tape monitor loop", yet I have not figured out how to use the Record In and Out as a tape monitor. Maybe that's an error? From past experience I could switch from the source to tape and "monitor" the recording. Perhaps it's a mistake on the XMC-1 product page and actually only applies to the XSP-1?

Anyway, I expected both features and am surprised. I've owned the XMC-1 for almost 2 months. I like the sound quality of this processor, but do miss the half decibel steps on the main volume from my previous pre. I do realize that the trim adjustments allow for .5 dB steps, but 1 dB steps for the global volume across 5 speakers can seem much louder.

Would like the option to use a graphic equalizer, when rotating a different pair of speakers into the mix, for making quick adjustments; without the need to create a Dirac setting, or going through the more cumbersome task of using the parametric eq. A graphic eq may not be as accurate, but it is much more convenient. Can also be used to get some general impressions as to where to start making finer adjustments with the peq. The manual doesn't fully explain the use of the record loop. It's rather generic and doesn't use the term "monitor" in the brief decription of this In/Out section.

[heroesunplugged]

Found the explanation to the volume resolution. The dealer I purchased from explained that resolution does not necessarily apply to adjustment. The xx.0 dB display is redundant and unnecessary if half-step/partial adjustments aren't available (unless that's something that can be enabled). The display on other receivers I've used, haven't displayed more than whole numbers so I figured that the .5 dB resolution was in tandem with .5 dB volume control adjustments.

As far as the "True tape monitor loop" statement, no explanation was provided other this is where the Record In/Record Out connections are located. Tape monitoring allows a source on the output stage to be returned to the input stage, and allows for the selection of each source independently. In other words, you select the main source or component you want to record and that's sent to the record out. You can still listen to the main source (CD, Auxiliary, Optical 1) and record, while "monitor"/Record In, theoretically, allows for listening to the actual recording by selecting the tape 1 or tape 2, or in this case Record In. If Record In is selected there is no place, that I'm aware of, to determine the source being played or being directed to the Record Out.

BTW, be careful of using the Zone 2 to create the loop and using it's the Input selection. If you happen to land on Record In while Record In is selected in the Main Zone you will experience a very loud high pitched feedback. This applies to the Main Zone Input via Zone 2, too. Turning Zone 2's volume down completely, before changing inputs, might possibly avoid this scenario. Or changing the Main Zone to another Input should work too. To clarify, don't accidentally select Record In on Zone 2 while it's selected in Zone 1. You may damage your equipment or, worse, your hearing.