• OK, another really basic question from a PC audio noob:
  
  Based on research and advice from this forum, I've recently upgraded my gaming/music headphones from Steelseries Siberia v2's to a pair of AKG Q701's and a Schiit Magni amp. What is the best way to balance all the various volume controls while listening? For example, while listening to Spotify, in the Windows Volume Mixer there is the Windows main volume slider and the Spotify volume slider, then in the Spotify app there is a slider, then there is the volume knob on the amp itself!
  
  Is there a "correct" way to set each of these? Should I be using the amp knob to control the actual output level, and if so, what do I set all the other sliders to?
  
  Thanks as always for any and all advice!
• 

  #2 of 2

  13 hours ago

  atarione

  this is what I do... as it sounds good to me I assume I'm doing it right..
  
  
  when I can I use WASAPI (Maiko WASAPI plugin with Winamp) or ASIO when using these and enabling bit perfect you disable the windows volume control.. thus you'd use the volume control on your magni
  
  
  if for whatever reason i need to use Direct Sound i set the volume to about 80% to avoid distortion and then adjust the volume on my amp for other adjustments.
  
  
  if you have Spotify Premium at a minimum make sure you have high quality streaming enabled (last time i checked it annoyingly isn't selected by default even though you are paying for premium)....
  
  also you might take a look at the alternative Spotify Client Fidelify that has ASIO and WASAPI options.