When using a dedicated streamer (like an NDX2) which is natively a fixed gain output device, we expose two other alternative volume modes so various services that assume a volume slider can work.
Volume mode - apps that assume a volume slider and digitally controlled volume (eg. Apple Music, Spotify etc) can work as intended. We do the volume in the DSP in the digital domain so using this feature eats into resolution of the DAC so is not recommended on higher end streamers under normal use.
Hybrid mode - The system will use fixed gain mode on high quality sources / sources that we have control over (eg. UPnP, Roon, Internet Radio, USB, External Inputs). On sources that assume volume sliders then the digital volume will be enabled… so Airplay2, Spotify Connect, Chromecast. Thinking being the end user can set a sensible volume setting on their preamp for ‘max’ and then use the volume sliders in the apps to attenuate the signal down relative to that volume setting.
For example, set the volume on the analogue preamp to 10oClock position and then in Spotify move the slider to 75% to get a typical listening volume.
Best regards
Steve Harris
Software Director
Naim Audio Ltd.