Hi all,
I’m wondering if anyone using Atom as a streamer connected to Accuphase integrated amp (i know it sounds weird 
), however, this is the setup i currently have, until i get a good bargain on a solid DAC/Streamer.
Was just curious, in case anyone using such scenario, what would be the optimal or recommended volume output on Atom? Currently using 70% but thought if anyone can suggest otherwise?
Many thanks!
Anton
It’s not weird , I have a UnitiQute that I use as a DAC and sometimes I use it as streamer for Internet Radio.
These units like the Atom, UnitiQute and Atom HE are very versatile .
I am pretty sure I have seen a UnitiQute attached to an Olive system
Thanks Ian 
what is the volume level you use while streaming?
I noticed a distortion while pushed above 80%… so that’s where 70% currently used is coming from 
Wiith a Naim amp I think you would find that a lower volume setting, allowing you to increase volume on the preamp, would improve things, but i wouldn’t know about Accuphase.
I would suggest that you try reducing the Maximum Volume settings in the Naim app Audio Settings menu, as this would avoid any accidental adjustment using the Atom volume control which might give you a nasty surprise.
I haven’t touched the controls on the UnitiQute - i.e DAC & which I use as occasional streamer just on the controls section of the Nova
First world problems
best wishes
Ian
My Atom HE is set at 70% max volume going into a SN3 which is at about 9.30 volume. I usually control the volume from the Atom, normally used between 50-70 up to 80%.
I love the Atom HE as streamer/DAC into my Olive 52/SC/250 system. I compared this to an nDAC and really don’t miss much on the Atom HE. Yes - an nDAC with XPS DR is better but the Atom HE is an excellent streamer with the added benefit of having an excellent headphone amp. Atom HE setting is usually at the 70-90% setting with the NAC52 at 8.30-9 o’clock.
I also tried the Atom HE into my main system with Accuphase E-800 and it did sound excellent as well. Although my preference there is for my DC-37. The Atom HE is a good DAC though and I would expect it to beat quite a few other streamers and DACs.
By the way - since you have an Accuphase integrated - have you considered the DAC card for streaming via USB (eg from a Mac Mini).
I just tried the Atom HE vs. the internal DAC50 card in my E-800 as experiment: While the Atom HE had the usual Naim like qualities (flow, pace) with a nice deep soundstage and nice bass, I actually preferred the DAC50 in the Accuphase - quite bit more resolution, even better flow and timing with much more tension between musicians in the piece I was listening to (Geri Allen “Obtuse Angles”). The Atom HE works better into the Naim but for the Accuphase the internal card was ahead IMO.
Great! Thanks guys for your comments here 
so what i understood is basically there’s no magic formula of setting this up in a way that triggers some magic or improves SQ, however, when i push mine above 85% it distorts the sound heavily. I would guess it’s because of the amp section being in use and no way to be skipped 
i found that it sounds better on the higher volume settings such as 70-75%. I always keep it set to 70-75% and rather control Accuphase volume (and it’s purely analog 
).
Wow, that is something i was also considering as an option to go with the board DAC. I was just a bit skeptical about it as there’s no dealer or any other way to try it first so blind impulse buying is not really my thing But it is certainly great to know that it brings some improvements to SQ and has even more details. Yet it simplifies a whole setup turning my integrated into a single (or almost) box solution. How would you describe that sound? Are you using it with Roon / tidal desktop app?
Cheers,
A.
When I was using my unitiqute when you set the analog input for unity gain it set the volume in the 70 range. Maybe 72. That gave you unity output on the rca out.
Since the atom is the evolution of the platform something around 70 makes sense to me.
I use a Mac Mini as Roon server (for Atom HE) and for direct USB feed to Accuphase DAC50 or DC37.
I believe you have an E-270? I think a DAC50 or DAC60 card would work well (unless you already use the single card slot for a phono card).
A DC37 is better but the DAC50 is already really excellent. Very refined, delicate detailed sound. For my Accuphase E-800 I of course prefer a separate DC37 DAC but that is almost 8-10 times as expensive for a 10-15% improvement.
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