I'm curious to know what the theory is behind controlling volume, that is, at what stage in the chain should one manage volume.
For example, in my setup, I can control volume at any or all of these stages:
1. Source - Winamp on my netbook
2. Source - Windows Mixer (but since I stream ASIO, not available now)
3. DAC - My earlier DAC (M-Audio Fast Track had a volume control, my current rDAC does not)
4. Receiver.
In my other setup, I can control volume at source (Xtreamer, PS3, TS+HD) or on the receiver.
Where, from the perspective of good sound quality, should I manage volume?
For example, in my setup, I can control volume at any or all of these stages:
1. Source - Winamp on my netbook
2. Source - Windows Mixer (but since I stream ASIO, not available now)
3. DAC - My earlier DAC (M-Audio Fast Track had a volume control, my current rDAC does not)
4. Receiver.
In my other setup, I can control volume at source (Xtreamer, PS3, TS+HD) or on the receiver.
Where, from the perspective of good sound quality, should I manage volume?