Schiit DAC + SubPac S2 = Clipping

Off-Topic
1

I have a S/PIDF connection from my Windows 10 PC to a Modi 3 to a splitter that runs to the SubPac2 and Asgard 2. If I have the volume on the PC set to 100 and playback from Foobar or Amazon Music at the same 100 volume the S2 is solid red clipping(it will blow up the speakers). I have to turn the volume down to half on the PC and playback applications to stop the clipping. To reach the same volume I have to crank the volume on the Asgard 2 to almost max to push HE-500 / 6XX.

I reached out to Schiit and SubPac. Schiit responded with:
The signal from the modi is unattenuated full 2V output. You really should be using the same volume control as the headphones… unfortunately the asgard mutes the preamp outputs when headphones are plugged in. You’re best solution is probably to put some kind of preamp box (a Saga S could work but is a bit pricey) between modi and asgard and use that as the main volume control. The only amp we make that has the functionality you need is Jotunheim (technically ragnarok as well but that’s quite a bit larger and heavier) which doesn’t mute the preamp outs when headphones are plugged in. For your setup though, the best solution is the way you have it setup, sorry.

I don’t want to spend a bunch of money do you think this will work? Totally open to suggestions. Link

2

If you wanted to be cheaper yet still maintain quality, this fostex volume control would work

Here is also a cheaper version of what you were looking at

Also I’m very surprised they didn’t recommend their own schiit sys, which I think would have done the job

2 Likes
3

Maybe glanced over it.

4

Could be, as it’s not one of their super popular products

5

I ordered the smaller Nobsound Controller. I will update on how it works. Thanks for the help!

6

No problem, hope it does what you need it to (it should but you never know lol)

7

THAT TOTALLY WORKED!!! Thank you guys again for helping!