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AUDIO FORUMS >> General Discussion and Support >> Steve's recent Youtube video
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Message started by Palomino on 06/05/25 at 20:41:52

Title: Steve's recent Youtube video
Post by Palomino on 06/05/25 at 20:41:52

I haven't tuned into the Decware scene lately. Listening a lot but not participating in the forum.

Anyway, I have always known about riding the gain by adjusting amp and preamp volumes, but always felt that full volume on the amp and then regulating volume on the "pre" (In this case my computer/dac combo) was the best sound.

But Steve's explanation in his gain structure video clicked and I backed off the volume on the amp and made adjustments to the "pre" and Zbit. More dynamics at lower volume and I don't need to listen as loud to get the full soundstage.

Worth a view if you are not familiar with the topic.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iXgGo5h-x-8

Title: Re: Steve's recent Youtube video
Post by Lon on 06/05/25 at 21:20:40

Glad you tinkered and discovered that. I have been doing that for many years now. I love adjusting gain on sources, ZBIT, ZROCK3 and amp. . .I have my amp backed off about 20 percent . . . the sweet spot for my system.

This year the real innovation that has led to even better sound is the ability with the ZROCK3 to adjust the gain as well as the EQ. THAT has made a significant positive difference.

Title: Re: Steve's recent Youtube video
Post by nesappa on 06/05/25 at 21:25:22

Im thinking about a Cambridge DAC and the output is 2.1V. I wonder if this will have a similar gain effect like a preamp. The DAC has a volume knob for manual adjustement.

Title: Re: Steve's recent Youtube video
Post by Palomino on 06/05/25 at 21:39:08

Interesting Lon, 20% is about where I ended up. Still tinkering.

You know you hear things over and over again and then one day it clicks. I had been frustrated that my listening volume was edging higher and higher during listening sessions in order to get the dynamics, etc. Then last night I can't sleep and watch some Youtube and Steve pops up on my feed...