Using the DMP-A6 as a pre-amp (not in pass through mode) can only start to hear output at -40db, listening levels are at -25db which means can only use the last 1/4 of the dial. This is true for both XLR and RCA outputs. Max volume limits are at 0db for both analog and digital. Software is up to date. Anyone have a fix for this?
This is how it works for a 100-step volume control. The same is true for the volume control inside the DAC.
So I assume doing a factory reset (was planning on doing next) won't "fix" this then? I guess I'm too old school were anything past 12 o'clock on the knob started getting loud, and normal listening levels were between 9-11 o'clock. I's a shame really, apart from this one issue, The DMP-A6 is a wonderful Streamer/DAC, with great build quality, control app, functionality, and sound quality. Might start experimenting with a preamp, with the DMP-A6 volume in pass through mode, and see if that appeases my old man idiosyncrasies ...Thanks for your reply.
Was already using XLR output. Borrowed a preamp, put the DMP-A6 in pass through mode, into the preamp and the problem was solved. Listening levels (on the preamp) now between 9-11 o'clock with anything past 12 o'clock getting pretty loud. Like I said, the DMP-A6 is great unit, too bad I wasn't able to use it as a preamp as well (it technically works as a preamp, but not the way I am use to, or would like it to). Now to save up for a preamp.
Any chance the volume ramp on the A6/8 is logarithmic, while on pre-amp is linear? This would explain things... as introducing a pre-amp and setting the A6 to volume bypass does absolutely nothing to the audio signal, apart from putting it out without ANY attenuation
The preamp I tested and ended up buying is the SCHIIT KARA. It solved the "issue", which like I stated, is more of a personal preference. 100% psychological in that I prefer to have listening levels around the mid point of the dial, and visually have more dial real estate if I want to "crank it up". I would imagine that sonic output has not really changed except that now the steps between the min. and max. volumes are spaced farther apart (maybe 128-step relay-switched attenuator plays a role?).
Thanks for your Reply. Are you using the Kara in passive, low or high gain mode? Does the Kara has an auto on feature, since there is no trigger input? In my setup I would go from A8 via xlr to the Kara most likely in low gain mode to increase volume level a bit and then with xlr to my Fosi V3 mono amps. Would be great if everything starts up when turning on the Eversolo. Do you control volume still in the eversolo app, meaning the Kara is at 100% volume level? That would be my intention to control everything from the eversolo app. Best, Kurt
I use the KARA in high gain mode, but the passive and low gain modes also work well (very slight differences between the modes). I physically turn the KARA on, then I turn on the DMP-A6, then the amp. I control the system volume (signal going to my amp) with the KARA remote, the DMP-A6 preamp is always in pass through mode. That's why you need to ensure you always start with the KARA volume at low to off position since the DMP-A6 is pumping out 100% volume level all the time. Originally was hoping to use the DMP-A6 as a pre-amp as well and avoid buying a separate preamp, but in today's digital technology I guess they all have the same volume algorithm that keeps it low for the first half of the dial and then starts increasing it exponentially only after the half way point. I say this because the old analog amps of the 70's and 80's (when I was growing up) would get loud earlier on anything past half-way on the dial would be getting a bit "too loud". I borrowed a TOPPING Pre90 pre-amp to test before I got the KARA and it too had the same "issue" as the DMP-A6 . It would have to get it past the 12 o'clock position to even start to get some decent sound levels out of it. The Pre90 a very clean sounding machine, but had the same volume algorithm as the DMP-A6. This is how I came up with my "unscientific" theory. New digital machines are geared towards headphones and small desktop systems where you need a lot of volume steps up front not to blow your eardrums out, whereas the old analog audio was geared towards big stand alone systems with big inefficient floor standing speakers where you needed to hear something right away to be able to show off to your friends "look it's only at a quarter of the dial and it sounds great...imagine how much louder it can go". That's my theory
Thanks for your detailed reply. Is the overall reachable volume level now higher than before? Another user in the volume issue thread for the A8 described exactly the same issues and when using a Rotel preamp he could easily reach high levels with his equipment.
Please all check if Replay Gain is off!!! Setting that to off increases volume by almost 10dB - see also my Beginner question thread. There I asked the question what (e.g.) -11 gain means in the display.
To answer your first question, yes overall volume is a bit louder with the DMP-A6 in passthrough mode and using the KARA preamp to control the volume. Yes, REPLAY GAIN is off on my DMP-A6.
