However, if you play 16-bit music, and pass it to your DAC in 24-bit format (something which most high-end DACs require anyway), then, depending on the quality of your DAC/preamp combo, you can in principle dial in up to 18-36dB of attenuation without audibly truncating the the music data.  All this assuming that your digital volume control is done in a first-class manner using a 64-bit audio engine or its equivalent, as implemented in BtPerfect.

http://bitperfectsound.blogspot.com/2013/03/digivol.html


It seems we can use 24 bit format on 16bit music to reduce up to 36db of loudness before we hit bit truncation. Was wondering if this software based 64bit mathematical reduction is superior to adding more resistors(e.g. active/passive preamp) to the signal path before we send it to the actual amp/opamp/digital amp of the speakers?

I used a 50k smd stepper, worked very well.

Do you have a photo of how it looks or where to buy it?

Today I tried bypassing my preamp(Master 9) completely and connecting the Yggdrasil direct to my speakers.

Using a mix of digital volume control on PC and backpanel volume level adjustment(just one notch above min. volume) on my Yahama HS8. I was able to achieve a better sound quality(better high frequency reproduction) than connecting to a preamp.

The author of Pure Music believes it's OK (even good) as long as it's not more then -12dB.

(scroll about halfway down the page or search for "Digital Volume Control")
http://www.channld.com/computeraudio.html