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+--- Thread: Configurator: Digital/USB Input settings (/Thread-Configurator-Digital-USB-Input-settings)
Configurator: Digital/USB Input settings - cescrig - 18-Nov-2025
I've noticed I have to raise the volume quite a bit (-10 to -6 dB) to get a sound pressure level suitable for normal listening.
My input sources are an Eversolo DMP-A8 via RCA and a Mac Mini with JRiver via USB.
In the Configurator, I see a slider from -30 to 15 dB, and I have it set to -15 dB. I assume this is the input attenuation applied by the Devialet. There's also a Pass-Thru control, which I have disabled.
My understanding is that enabling Pass-Thru is equivalent to sliding the slider to 0 dB. In that case, there would be no input attenuation, and the speakers should sound louder at the same volume level. Am I correct?
Could you tell me what attenuation levels you have set?
Do you enable the Pass-Thru option? Is this safe?
RE: Configurator: Digital/USB Input settings - cescrig - 19-Nov-2025
I'll answer myself.
Pass-thru is not the same as setting the slider to 0. Pass-thru leaves volume control to the external input device. The attenuation slider allows you to adjust the attenuation between -30 and 0 dB and increase it from 0 to 15 dB. Therefore, the less attenuation there is at the Devialet's input, the more volume it receives, and the less amplification it needs for the same listening level. Ideally, you want a balance that allows you to listen normally at around -15 dB. In my case, -10 dB attenuation works well.
That's my conclusion.
RE: Configurator: Digital/USB Input settings - cescrig - 25-Nov-2025
Devialet response:
"Should You Keep the Input Attenuation at -15 dB or Lower it to -10 dB?
In general, keeping the input attenuation at -15 dB for both SPDIF and USB is the preferred option for the following reasons:
Preserving Signal Integrity: The -15 dB attenuation is there to ensure that the digital signal entering the Devialet Expert is at an optimal level, avoiding potential clipping or distortion in the internal signal processing stages. The goal is to maintain the highest possible audio fidelity while preventing overdriving the device with too high of a signal from the digital sources.
Maintaining Balance: The -15 dB attenuation ensures the balance between your digital sources and other types of sources (like analog inputs) while keeping the internal processing at its best. If you reduce the attenuation to -10 dB, you may find that the system becomes more sensitive to clipping or distortion, particularly with high-output digital sources. The Devialet Expert has a lot of headroom, but keeping the attenuation at -15 dB helps ensure the cleanest, most accurate sound reproduction.
Volume Control Flexibility: With -15 dB attenuation, you’ll still have sufficient headroom to control the volume and adjust to your preferred listening levels. Although this means turning the volume dial higher (e.g., between -10 dB and -6 dB), this is quite common in high-end digital audio systems that handle variable digital signals.
What happens when you Lower the Attenuation to -10 dB?
Lowering the attenuation to -10 dB may make the volume dial feel more intuitive and give you a bit more range in the lower part of the dial.
However, doing so can increase the risk of overdriving the input stage of the Devialet with higher signal levels, potentially leading to clipping or less-than-optimal sound quality. While it might provide a lower volume setting, it could compromise the overall audio performance, especially when using higher-output digital sources.
I would recommend leaving the attenuation at -15 dB for both SPDIF and USB inputs to ensure better sound quality and avoid any distortion or clipping. This is especially important for high-fidelity setups like yours, where maintaining the cleanest, most accurate signal path is crucial."