No I didn't mean that unity was on the DAC.

As far as I know there isn't a standard for such things.
Generally they put out 2 volts. But that isn't a standard.

Audio Alchemy also made a buffered unity gain pre-amp.

The DAC even at lowest settings put out more than most
to facilitate use with such no gain pre-amps and passive
volume controls.

The adjustments internal to the dac were to allow an
even higher output for such use if an amp required it, or
you wanted additional volume headroom with CD's recorded
with lower than normal levels.

This wasn't uncommon. Mod Squad CD players put out much
more than normal as they also made such unity gain pre-amps.
Wadia DAC's put out over 4 volts max to permit use with
passive volume controls. Some even control the digital output
level so you can connect directly to an amp.

Dennis

"Nousaine" wrote in message
...
"Dennis Moore" wrote:

Yeah, Audio Alchemy did that so you could either use passive
volume controls or their own buffered pre-amp which offered
unity gain. No intent to confuse the issue of sound quality
with level differences I think. Other than implying foregoing
an active pre-amp was possible and good to do.

Dennis

OK, but why was "unity gain" still +4 dB?