Volume from digital sources

[selby]

I've worked from home today (man flu) so been listening to some music in the background.

Equipment is MacBook Pro, M2Tech HiFace USB, 3.5mm to RCA, NVA AP70, J RIver or Tidal.

If I have the volume in the app on 100% then I find if I have the volume much past 1 on the AP70 it's too loud, I also find if I don't have the volume up to nearly 2 on the AP70 the left channel is quieter and then balances when you get near 2. It sounds better if I turn the volume down on the software to say 60% and then have the AP70 volume up at position 3 to 4. I also find if I have the volume on 100% then I get poor sound quality.

What's the correct thing to do regarding volume control from software/laptop?

[Dr Bunsen Honeydew]

Don't use them if possible.

I recommend you never use the amp at max and control volume from the digital source only. Failure in the digital circuit network or software, which can happen, has been known to destroy amps and speakers.

[selby]

So how do I listen to music via a computer?

[Dr Bunsen Honeydew]

C'mon James use the brain cells, I said if poss. Just never use the amp at full out on its vc.

[selby]

Ok. I'm still only using it at between 3-4 on the amp and about 70% on the application volume.

[Fretless]

Jriver has a 'disable volume' setting which bypasses the software volume control and outputs a signal at fixed level to an amp.

[_D_S_J_R_]

James, what you're doing is quite safe and if the sound is ok, then stay with it (I'm not contradicting the Doc here ).

Otherwise, try this -

[Dr Bunsen Honeydew]

There are sites claiming to give Jriver free, are they safe.

[Fretless]

Might be a trial version, after a week or two you have to pay.

[Fretless]

Good free music players for Windows include:
Apollo 37zz - simple, excellent quality audio (my favourite).
JetAudio Basic - good all-round media player
VLC - good simple video player, does music as well.