Too much gain. Yes, I’ve got the common issue of too much gain in my computer-based stereo system. The set-up involves ExaSound e18 DAC feeding power amplifiers that drive main amp with a full-range signal to Gallo Strada 2 speakers and a second amp that drives low-passed passive subwoofers. To get the volume manageable I’m introducing 30dB of attenuation within the e18 G3 DAC controller and then fine tuning with the digital volume control within JRiver. My understanding is that the volume control for the e18 is analogue in that it controls the output of the Sabre chip but I’m concerned that at this level of attenuation the signal to noise ration decreases. I’ve reached out to George to confirm the behaviour of the e18 but, if the above is true, then the options look to be a) reduce the gain in the power amplifier, b) add a fixed in-line attenuator (e.g., Rothwell), c) add a variable in-line attenuator (e.g., Seta Beta) or d) use a passive pre-amp / volume controller. The option of gaining the power amplifier gain seems the most correct but I’m open to ideas as to how to how to solve the problem.