How to control volume for DAC with no volume control


Just wondering how people control volume when using a DAC with no volume control?

Don't want a pre-amp if I don't need it.

jros

FYI, I own a Node and the Denafrips Ares II. If you use coax or optical into the DAC you can use the volume control in the Node software. If you use USB (which is for sure a better connection between the Node and Denafrips, look this up) you'll need a separate volume control. I use the USB connection and a pre-amp to control the volume. I've found that whenever I tried to go pre-amp less the sound was simply not as dynamic, full, or engaging. YMMV.

The Bluesound volume control sounds fine with connections to solid state amification.

 

Not so when utilizing a tube DAC with the balanced connections. Musical Paradise DAC

linestage (passive or active)

integrated amp

streamer control software, if volume control equipped

roon dsp (has built in volume control)

I just recently got into streaming.  Still, my cd player connected to the BS node sounds best to me.

Not sure what I am going to stream.   Would like to have MQA as an option.   I know it isn't with a lot of DACs.