Does fixing the output level increase sound quality?

Michael Elwin

• October 21, 2023 17:59

I have a Bluesound Node feeding a DAC via COAX which is feeding an integrated amp via balanced outputs. I want to get the best possible sound quality out of this setup. 

From a convenience perspective, I would prefer to have the BlueSound set to 'variable' output so that I can control the volume via my phone or TV, but I read somewhere that fixing it increases the sound quality. 

Does anyone know whether setting it to fixed or variable has any effect on the sound quality? 

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• Official comment

  

  Seppi Evans

  Hi-Res

  • October 21, 2023 21:05

  It has no effect on the quality, there is an “overhead” available built into the circuitry.
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  Michael Elwin

  • October 24, 2023 11:25

  Thank you. 

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  Adam R

  • November 26, 2023 02:00

  Interesting to see Seppi's official response that there's no change in sound quality, as I've long noticed with my Node 2i fed out to a Pro-Ject pre-amp (who's DAC I use) that fixed sound level does sound better. I've flipped back and forth many times over the years, and trying to match volume in both modes. I hear a decent increase in crispness of transients and dynamics, and extension and weight in low bass. Whenever I'm doing more critical listening then I'll switch to fixed output.

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