james wilcox Posted November 1, 2010 Share Posted November 1, 2010 Hi all, I bought the Hiface a few weeks back to take digital files from my Mac (from itunes) to an external DAC via an SPDIF. As expected, volume control via the Mac keyboard is disabled and attenuation is achieved by my pre-amp. All as I expected so far. However, I've quite by accident discovered that using the volume control in itunes affects the output volume. I wouldn't have expected this to be possible. Is it possible to attenuate a digital signal this way? My surprise is also tempered with a little concern that the Hiface and Mac are doing something more than simply sending a digital signal to my DAC. Enlightenment from anyone who out there who knows of such things really appreciated. Best regards, J Link to comment
The Computer Audiophile Posted November 1, 2010 Share Posted November 1, 2010 Hi James - This is normal. Setting the iTunes volume to 100% will insure the audio is bit transparent on the output. You can attenuate with the iTunes volume slider but at risk of losing sound quality. Founder of Audiophile Style | My Audio Systems Link to comment
Lee Henley Posted November 1, 2010 Share Posted November 1, 2010 I too use the hiface, is it the same if one adjusts the preamp setting in the equalizer setting window? Sources are: Mac Mini 2010 / Nottingham Analogue Hyperspace c/w Jelco 750 D and Denon DL 103 MC cartridge. Phono Stage: EAR 834P. Power Amp: Audio Note Empress Silver into a Hattor passive pre. DAC: Lampizator Atlantic and Humming Board NAA Speakers: Horns.pl Mummys. Cables: Duelund DC 16 GA - Audionote AN-SPX 27 Strand RCA and Albedo Silver RCA and Western Electric WE 16 GA. All digital music played through a Mac Mini using Roon and HQP. Power Supply: Gigawat PC2-EVO Link to comment
james wilcox Posted November 2, 2010 Author Share Posted November 2, 2010 Cheers for the replies guys, but I'd like a little more by way of explanation.... Just how is the signal being attenuated in itunes? One of the reasons I bought the hiface was that it allowed me to bypass all the internal audio elements in my Mac (which I don't believe are designed with hi-end audio reproduction in mind) and simply use my Mac and itunes as a digital source. It seems however that Itunes still retains some 'influence'.... If anyone can provide an explanation, that would be swell! Best to all, James Link to comment
I. G. Posted November 2, 2010 Share Posted November 2, 2010 iTunes is not an "internal audio element", it's the source. Keep volume at 100% and EQ off and you're fine and dandy. ? MBP ? M2Tech hiFace ? Heed Q-PSU/Dactilus 2 ? Heed CanAmp ? Sennheiser HD650 Link to comment
james wilcox Posted November 2, 2010 Author Share Posted November 2, 2010 Cheers, but how is 'volume' even a possibility? And the suggestion that one must keep it at 100% and the EQ off makes me think that itunes is doing rather more than simply sending a digital file to my DAC for that to do its work. Is there anyone who can explain, please, rather than a 'keep calm and carry on'.....! Cheers, James Link to comment
Renerator Posted November 2, 2010 Share Posted November 2, 2010 Hi Cris. I read a little while back that by-passing the pre-pro and going directly into the amp was the favored way to go. That is, using the Pure Music volume control to set the volume level. Is this not a good idea? The reason that I ask is because, as you adjust the volume level on PM, the volume slide on iTunes moves up and down as well. Rene Oyen Digital Mini-Pro 1TB HDD->Wireworld Starlight USB cable->Auraliti PK90->W4Sound USB cable>SOtM dx-USB HD USB to SPDIF Conv.-> Black Cat SilverStar 75 digital cable->Wyred4Sound Dac2->Cardas Quadlink XLR balanced cables->Anthem 225 integrated amp->Straightwire Rhapsody S->PSB Imagine T speakers Link to comment
I. G. Posted November 2, 2010 Share Posted November 2, 2010 At 100% volume, the original samples go out grilled to bit perfection. As the volume decreases the sample values got decreased mercilessly, limiting the dynamic range. Not recommended. And now... ;D ? MBP ? M2Tech hiFace ? Heed Q-PSU/Dactilus 2 ? Heed CanAmp ? Sennheiser HD650 Link to comment
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