CDP fixed outputs or variable?

rebuy
rebuy Posts: 695
edited November 2011 in Electronics
My Sony ES has fixed and variable outputs, Is there an advantage to using variable over fixed?
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,576
    edited November 2011
    The Variable attenuation option allows you to control the volume when connected directly to an amplifier, from the CDP, voila' no Pre-Amplifier. No, there is no inherent benefit unless you're trying to do something in particular, or as alluded to above. This can easily be argued but I don't care personally what you choose at all. Fixed means fixed attentuation at the output and a set value or output, as in no surprises. Either way, good sound.
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • FTGV
    FTGV Posts: 3,650
    edited November 2011
    It depends if the attenuation is done in the digital or analog domains.With some vintage CDP's it was done in the digital domain which results in reduced resolution (lower bit rate).
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,576
    edited November 2011
    FTGV wrote: »
    It depends if the attenuation is done in the digital or analog domains.With some vintage CDP's it was done in the digital domain which results in reduced resolution (lower bit rate).
    Good point and information.
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • tonyb
    tonyb Posts: 33,065
    edited November 2011
    FTGV wrote: »
    It depends if the attenuation is done in the digital or analog domains.With some vintage CDP's it was done in the digital domain which results in reduced resolution (lower bit rate).

    That still holds true today. Even with my Sonos, changing to a fixed from variable results in better resolution, as it's done in the digital domain.
    HT SYSTEM-
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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,545
    edited November 2011
    If running into a preamp/integrated/receiver, use FIXED. If running directly into an amp, use VARIABLE.
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Source: Rotel CD14MkII CD Player - Speakers: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
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  • rebuy
    rebuy Posts: 695
    edited November 2011
    Thanks Y'all.
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