Wiim Ultra USB output to external DAC cannot adjust output voltage - volume too high

[NickC9]

Seasons greetings to all you helpful people on this forum…

I have a Wiim Ultra connected via USB to bypass the internal DAC and connected to a Chord Qutest external DAC. This is then connected via RCA to a Rega elex mk4 amplifier. All good, except the volume is far too high from my speakers (focal chorus 714s floorstanders). So I have lowered the output voltage on the Qutest to 1v and this does help reduce the volume but it is still very loud at 30% on volume dial. As I am using USB out from Ultra chang8ng voltage has no effect. I have volume set fixed at 100% for bit perfect sound but this seems to be sending too strong a signal and doesn’t give me the fine control of the volume control on the amp. If I reduce this volume it is fine but then I lose bit perfect.

I have been looking at inline attenuators (Russ Andrew’s) to help reduce the volume level but am I missing anything ? Surely this is not right? There is no further control on the line in of the Rega which is rated at 72w for 8ohms so powerful but not too powerful.

Hoping someone has experienced similar and found a way forward…. Many thanks

Nick

 

[slartibartfast]

Seasons greetings to all you helpful people on this forum…

I have a Wiim Ultra connected via USB to bypass the internal DAC and connected to a Chord Qutest external DAC. This is then connected via RCA to a Rega elex mk4 amplifier. All good, except the volume is far too high from my speakers (focal chorus 714s floorstanders). So I have lowered the output voltage on the Qutest to 1v and this does help reduce the volume but it is still very loud at 30% on volume dial. As I am using USB out from Ultra chang8ng voltage has no effect. I have volume set fixed at 100% for bit perfect sound but this seems to be sending too strong a signal and doesn’t give me the fine control of the volume control on the amp. If I reduce this volume it is fine but then I lose bit perfect.

I have been looking at inline attenuators (Russ Andrew’s) to help reduce the volume level but am I missing anything ? Surely this is not right? There is no further control on the line in of the Rega which is rated at 72w for 8ohms so powerful but not too powerful.

Hoping someone has experienced similar and found a way forward…. Many thanks

Nick

I think you have figured out the alternatives. Either use attenuators or use the Ultra volume control. Try the the Ultra volume control first.

 

[NickC9]

@slartibartfast thanks for the quick response, I guess so…

 

[Mr Ee]

If the specs I saw are correct the Rega has a very low input sensitivity, so even the 1v output from the chord is too much.
Digital volume control really isn't as bad as some think - if bit perfect is ruining your music enjoyment then it's far from perfect
As suggested, give the wiim volume a go. I'd be surprised if inline attenuators were any better.