What is the optimal level for output volume controls?

[brigden]

I've always been curious as to what the optimal level for the output volume controls is (Master Volume, WAV Volume, CD, etc.)

Currently, I have mine set to half, as well as the speaker volume set at half. What about you guys?

 

[JSSheridan]

I keep all my outputs at 100%. It seems to me that there is a noticeable increase in noise when I increase my speaker's volume compared to using the volume control in the computer. In other words, I think the digital process introduces less noise. Peace.

 

[brigden]

Thanks for the reply, JS. I'm suprised more people haven't got an opinion on this.

 

[ExtraMSG]

No expert here, but what I've gleaned from other's comments is that you want your pc's volume to be low if your stereo's amplification is good. I.e., $100 soundcard vs. $500 receiver/amplifier w/lots of power. The logic is that the card has less power than the stereo thus increasing the volume would reduce fidelity.

When I used to plug my notebook into my receiver or JVC mini-system, I usually kept the notebook's volume low. Since both system had plenty of power (watts), it was never a problem.

 

[BD2003]

It depends. If youre using a digital connection to your speakers, might as well keep it at 100%, there will be no noise.

If its analog, keep it at 50-75. Pushing the signal out at 100% off of the sound card can definintely lead to noise.

 

[BoomAM]

I have my volume settings set to 75%.
I have a Audigy1 + Creative5.1 5300 speakers bty.

 

[brigden]

Wonderful. Thanks for the replies.

I have an nForce2 mobo, and I'm using the nForce APU. I've connected it my Sony micro system using a stereo to RCA Y cable. It's an analog connection.

 

[JediJorgie]

i have analog speakers, and anything over 50% sounds crappy.

 

[JediJorgie]

i have analog speakers, and anything over 50% sounds crappy.

 

[JediJorgie]

i have analog speakers, and anything over 50% sounds crappy.

 

[JediJorgie]

sorry, that quick reply thing isnt worth a damn.

 

[ProviaFan]

I keep mine between 25% and 50%, but haven't done any tests to see how it sounds when set higher than that.

 

[CubicZirconia]

I always leave my outputs set to 100%. I don't notice any difference when I bring the levels down. I'm using a SoundBlaster Live 5.1 and Klipsch 4.1 speakers.

 

[Auric]

It depends on the sound card/chip's signal to noise ratio (SNR). If it is very high like with an Audigy 2 or Revolution then 100% is good, especially if using digital output. Crappier systems like an old Sound Blaster 16 or Nvidia SoundStorm benefit from reduced volume, maybe 75%. Using an Audigy, I personally turn down and mute the inputs I do not use (the former for ergonomic considerations and the latter to maximize quality). The only ones enabled are actually Wave and MIDI (not that I generally use it but it introduces 0 noise). The CD Audio input on my system is particulary brutal for some reason -fortunately I do not use it. This way, when not playing sound, noise only just barely becomes detectable at about level 70/100 on my receiver which is twice the normal listening level (maximum comfortable level with headphones is about 40).

Interesting thread... Prost! :beer:

 

[skypilot]

I use 100% all the time

 

[BoomAM]

So what should a Audigy1 be set to?

 

[PCboy]

is there a way to reset all of them?