Setting volume correctly throughout the signal chain?

[phileserver39]

Afternoon ARians.

What is the best way to set the volume control given the following setup:

Sound card (E-Mu 0404)---NAD 3150 (used as preamp)-----MAudio Powered monitors

In other words, Should I set each volume at half and adjust the volume strictly at the preamp? Is it best to have the monitor volume full blast and the computer full blast? 3/4 for each? Also, Is there any sonic advantage in any any particular combination?

Thanks in advance for your time and expertise,

Jason

[Feanor]

Afternoon ARians.

What is the best way to set the volume control given the following setup:

Sound card (E-Mu 0404)---NAD 3150 (used as preamp)-----MAudio Powered monitors

In other words, Should I set each volume at half and adjust the volume strictly at the preamp? Is it best to have the monitor volume full blast and the computer full blast? 3/4 for each? Also, Is there any sonic advantage in any any particular combination?

Thanks in advance for your time and expertise,

Jason

My advice, (though I'm not necessarily an expert):

• Sound card, (and/or computer volume control), full blast -- in general digital volume controls limit dynamic range due to the way they work -- or that's how I understand it.
• Speaker power amps at a level that allow your NAD preamp to be set at 10 to 1 o'clock from most of your listening.
• NAD Preamp, of course, controls the volume for you specific listening preference.

[phileserver39]

Thanks Feanor. Now setting controls accordingly....

Best,

J