Print

Please login or register.
1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever
Login with username, password and session length

[spiggytopes]

Hi All,

I've just eliminated my pre amp and the DAC drives the power amps directly.

I use JRiver internal volume now instead of the pre amp to control the volume.

Is the output from internal volume bit perfect when less that 100%?

Cheers.

[blgentry]

No, it is not.  By definition, "bit perfect" means that the bits that are in the file (song) get sent directly to the DAC, without modification.  When using MC's internal volume, the bits are changed to be lower in volume, when the volume control is set below 100%.  At 100%, it should be bit perfect, as long as you aren't making any other changes like EQ, changing the sampling rate, etc.

But the real question is, which configuration sounds better?  JRiver, bitperfect at 100% with an analog preamp for volume, or JRiver, non-bit-perfect, direct to power amp, with digital volume control internally.

Bit perfect doesn't mean much if you can get the same or better sound quality without it.

Brian.

[spiggytopes]

Thanks for the thoughts ....

It has taken me so long to get here ..... JRiver - 2Qute DAC - Quad II valve amps - ESL 2912s and the sound is gorgeous.

I was thinking of a passive preamp not only to control the volume in analogue but also to give several analogue inputs.

I'll think on for a bit.

Cheers.

[bryant berry]

mine  direct to power amp  now...much  better  now..ole  adcom was a  bit  noisey....well its  more  quiet between  songs  now....i  use  a  few  dsp  settings...win 7 ..