Hello everyone.
I currently use an Arcam rDAC running straight into a pair of Dynaudio BM5A Mk2 speakers, into my PC. I use a separate volume controller.
I am happy with my Arcam, but would like a DAC with a remote control and, ideally, integrated volume control (i want to simplify the chain and reduce wiring).
I like the Arcam because it has 'balls'. My dynaudio monitors are inevitably quite clean, and I've found that the Arcam rDAC adds some meat to the bone. I actually recently 'upgraded' to an audiolab 8200CDQ which was alot more expensive, but made the mix too clean. It didn't have the ballsy bass or grittiness of the Arcam (which is sometimes criticised). The Audiolab was too clean.
So, firstly, I'm wondering if the new Arcam irDAC volume control will control the volume of the DAC itself? Or will it control the volume of the program I'm using to stream music (spotify)? Is this digital volume controlling undesirable considering I often listen to music at lower volumes.
Secondly, I'm looking at the Audiolab M-DAC because it has a remote control AND integrated volume controller. And it's within my budget. However, I'm worried that the Audiolab will be too clean, like the 8200CDQ I demoed.
What are your thoughts on this?
I currently use an Arcam rDAC running straight into a pair of Dynaudio BM5A Mk2 speakers, into my PC. I use a separate volume controller.
I am happy with my Arcam, but would like a DAC with a remote control and, ideally, integrated volume control (i want to simplify the chain and reduce wiring).
I like the Arcam because it has 'balls'. My dynaudio monitors are inevitably quite clean, and I've found that the Arcam rDAC adds some meat to the bone. I actually recently 'upgraded' to an audiolab 8200CDQ which was alot more expensive, but made the mix too clean. It didn't have the ballsy bass or grittiness of the Arcam (which is sometimes criticised). The Audiolab was too clean.
So, firstly, I'm wondering if the new Arcam irDAC volume control will control the volume of the DAC itself? Or will it control the volume of the program I'm using to stream music (spotify)? Is this digital volume controlling undesirable considering I often listen to music at lower volumes.
Secondly, I'm looking at the Audiolab M-DAC because it has a remote control AND integrated volume controller. And it's within my budget. However, I'm worried that the Audiolab will be too clean, like the 8200CDQ I demoed.
What are your thoughts on this?