How to reduce Strawberry (software) volume -3 dB
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It is my understanding that when playing music files in Strawberry from a computer through an external DAC (using ALSA), bit-perfect output requires both the computer volume and payer volume to be set at 100 percent. The music volume is then controlled by the system components; in my case, a preamp.
There are claims that at 100 percent (software) volume, some clipping may occasionally occur, due to the behavior of the DAC reconstruction filters.
It is suggested to try reducing the (software) volume -3 dB. (This may vary, but is a good place to start.) This is a compromise, of course, but if it works it may actually sound better; so it is claimed.
Strawberry's volume setting indicates percentage, not dBs.. So what would be the equivalent percentage value to achieve -3 dB reduction?
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@silver-sun In audio contexts, -3 dB typically refers to a reduction in sound power or intensity, corresponding to half the original power level. The percentage change in power is therefore approximately -50%.
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@rlkeeney Thank you. I'll experiment with the 50 percent value. I actually haven't noticed any audible artifacts on my system. This is more out of curiosity, to see if I notice any difference.
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To follow up on my testing, I did not have good results setting Strawberry volume slider to 50 percent, if that, indeed, equates to -3 dB.
70 percent seemed better to my ears. Computer master volume remained at 100 percent. DAC is connected to my computer via USB.
Incidentally, on further reading about this topic, the term(s) used is "intersample peak clipping", or "intersample overs".
