bottlehead crack with speedball too loud, barely have to turn volume knob

hunkichunki · 453

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline hunkichunki

  • Newbie
  • *
    • Posts: 8
Hey all, loving my crack but one thing..

I find it too loud? I barely have to turn the volume knob to get it to listening levels, let alone to the 12 oclock position which will likely melt my brain. Is there a way to fix that or is that an expected thing?

My running gear is Windows PC - > Ifi pro idsd dac -> bottle head

Thanks!



Offline Doc B.

  • Administrator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
    • Posts: 9682
    • Bottlehead
If I am reading the manual correctly there is a variable output option on your DAC. And presumably there could be a level control in the app you are using with your PC.  Trim either one of those down.

Dan "Doc B." Schmalle
President For Life
Bottlehead Corp.


Offline Paul Joppa

  • Global Moderator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
    • Posts: 5847
Alternatively, see the Crack FAQ, #3

https://forum.bottlehead.com/index.php?topic=4295.0

Paul Joppa


Offline hunkichunki

  • Newbie
  • *
    • Posts: 8
If I am reading the manual correctly there is a variable output option on your DAC. And presumably there could be a level control in the app you are using with your PC.  Trim either one of those down.
Thanks for this tip. I set it to variable and now I can adjust the crack volume at will :) thanks so much boss!
« Last Edit: December 14, 2024, 05:15:36 AM by hunkichunki »




Offline Mucker

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
    • Posts: 393
I'm not sure how your iFi handles DSD (DSF) playback of tracks. I've had and currently use DAC's that must be set at 100% output for playback of DSD. Some DAC's have two modes. One mode is preamp which allows volume control (0-100). The other mode is DAC mode which eliminates the volume control and sets it fixed at 100% output. This is the preferred mode for DSD (DSF) playback.

With the Crack having unbalanced RCA inputs, a DAC will usually feed it 2 volts when in DAC mode (100% output). A balanced XLR input for comparison is usually double of that at 4 volts.

I just wanted to make aware that when playing DSD, 2 volts minimum may be the only option and that doing the resistor mod is the only option for more range control.

Personally I run the DAC straight into Crack "DAC mode" and the volume rarely goes past 11 o'clock, but none of the signal is absent ....... that is the important thing, to have all of the signal there.
« Last Edit: December 14, 2024, 02:35:14 PM by Mucker »