USB input 'louder'?

[Hifi_swlon]

I've started using USB 'seriously' for the first time, as I'm trialling Roon - partly due to the dysfunctional Air, and partly because I'm tired of using horrible interfaces and am hoping that this will tie in music exploration and my local library in a nice UI. Seems good so far.

One thing I've noticed is my listening volume over USB is significantly lower than with Air. Low level is now minus high 50's instead of - mid 40's

As I've changed player sat the same time I'm not sure if its the player (using exclusive, direct, integer mode) or moving from Air to USB.

Wondered if anyone else experienced similar?

[completeluxury]

wow.. .thats some low DB!!! a nice loudness listening volume for me is around -20db (its above average loudness at that level)

[Hifi_swlon]

Yeah, a generally 'loud' (not party) listening volume for me via USB is -35, maybe -30 if I'm in the next room (its open plan into another room). That would be pretty loud for the neighbours.

Via Air it was always more like -30 I'm sure.

I dont think I've ever listened at anything like -20, although I've heard a lot of people mention it.

I use Fact 8's and am less than a couple metres away generally.

I did wonder if reducing the output power was a better idea, as I read somewhere that it may sound better when not being attenuated so much, but I couldn't tell much difference SQ-wise setting at 100W instead of 200W. I felt maybe the treble wasn't as nice, but that was too subjective to really tell on such a short listen as I know I was expecting to hear 'something' of a change.

But still, the USB is definitely louder than Air…

[completeluxury]

basically adjusting that output power should do nothing for SQ. it sets a maximum output that it wont go over.

every 3db increase doubles the power output. so it just means you cant turn your speakers as loud

[Rufus McDufus]

Flippin' eck, normal listening for me is about -12dB. USB source, very small room, not very loud. Amazing how much variation there is.

[completeluxury]

i bet that its mainly speaker dependant, could also be the input levels from each respective player. i noticed that between us 3 we all use different methods - 1 imac, 1 pc, 1 melco. difference in incoming signal would make a difference too.

[Rufus McDufus]

Agree completeluxury, though I've found the same with several USB sources. I think the volume of mine is suggesting I might be better off with an additional D200...

[completeluxury]

its a possibility. considering we bridge the left and right channels when we use the 400 it would be a safe assumption that for the same db volume rating we are getting twice the power output per channel.

considering the devs go up to like +40 db im pretty sure you are safe for a while

[Antoine]

USB is a digital interface, as is AIR. If the playback software output is bit perfect, so no changes in volume, up-/down-/resampling or conversions are done volume should be the same. I've never noticed any differences.

Regarding devialet output volume levels:
- user preference
- loudspeaker efficiency
- acoustics
- distance between listener and loudspeakers
- quality of system (e.g. higher levels of distortion sound "louder")

[Hifi_swlon]

That's exactly what I thought. I guess maybe Roon direct outputs at a higher level than Air.
Will try and experiment more.

If there's no loss of SQ then I may as well bring the power down in any case.

USB is a digital interface, as is AIR. If the playback software output is bit perfect, so no changes in volume, up-/down-/resampling or conversions are done volume should be the same. I've never noticed any differences.

Regarding devialet output volume levels:
- user preference
- loudspeaker efficiency
- acoustics
- distance between listener and loudspeakers
- quality of system (e.g. higher levels of distortion sound "louder")