Digital vs. analogue volume control for digital monitors

[DigiPete]

Reposted from the Genelec community Forum:

http://www.community.genelec.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=1716&sid=7fd4a0d796352144459f4e2c1480f709

 

 

 

Congratulations on the 8351's!

 

I usually run my 8260's at -40dB through GLM and I have always been blown away by the effortless and naturally detailed sound.

Running all digital cuts all the usual losses and colorations from the signal chain - isn't that is the whole point?

 

I have never considered using a DAC with Genelcs, so I can't tell you how pristine a DAC you would need.

Then again: I thrust the professionals at Genelec over the amateurs and audiophools.

I would probably fire that dealer !!!

 

For perspective, you can attenuate more than -45dB on the extra zeroes that you just put in from 16 -> 24 bit.

[DigiPete]

The real question here is: how much attenuation is too much on the Genelecs?

 

This is actually a real concern, as the top SAM Genelecs are usually way more powerful than needed.

 

"Sufficiently powerful for any use" as Rolles Royce would put it.

Insane amounts of headroom I would say.

 

Genelec generally refuses to share or discuss technical details of the electronic bowls of their monitors.

Thus sadly I have no better answer to the OP's question.

[DigiPete]

Off topic I would welcome a shootout between your new 8351's and a pair of my 8260's.

 

I'll even bring what ever is your favorite beverage ;-)

[DigiPete]

Just make sure you use digital volume with proper dither applied.

 

Any reason the industry leader in digital input monitors suddenly should not be trusted to do proper dithering?