Pulse Mini Volume settings and other Newbie questions

[erho]

Hello, I am new here and currently running a Pulse Mini for testing.
Is it possible to set the volume to a fixed output by using an USB DAC or external DAC connected via Coax?
Have thought that variable volume control degrades the sound and the output is not bit-perfect?
Also why the Mini have 2 ethernet connections, which should I use to connect it to my switch?
Further I have also a Roon Rock NUC as RoonServer, should I connect the NUC via Ethernet also to the Mini?
Last one is a problematic question, where I get better sound, as Innuos Standalone or as Roon Bridge?
Thank you for helping me, erich

 

[erho]

anyone please?

 

[Stephen Healy]

Hello, I am new here and currently running a Pulse Mini for testing.
Is it possible to set the volume to a fixed output by using an USB DAC or external DAC connected via Coax?
Have thought that variable volume control degrades the sound and the output is not bit-perfect?
Also why the Mini have 2 ethernet connections, which should I use to connect it to my switch?
Further I have also a Roon Rock NUC as RoonServer, should I connect the NUC via Ethernet also to the Mini?
Last one is a problematic question, where I get better sound, as Innuos Standalone or as Roon Bridge?
Thank you for helping me, erich

The volume set to 100 is bitperfect, so just leave it at that. It will not change from that level unless you specifically alter it yourself.
It does not really matter which Ethernet port you use - having the second port available is for convenience so that you could connect another network device that might be nearby, such as NAS drive. You NUC could also be a possibility, but there is not especially a right or wrong answer in this scenario.
In terms of sound, have a go at testing for yourself and seeing what you think, as it should not be difficult to switch the PULSEmini between the two modes. Most people do identify a sound difference between Sense and Roon with a preference to Sense, but this is for you to judge for yourself!

 

[erho]

The volume set to 100 is bitperfect, so just leave it at that. It will not change from that level unless you specifically alter it yourself.
It does not really matter which Ethernet port you use - having the second port available is for convenience so that you could connect another network device that might be nearby, such as NAS drive. You NUC could also be a possibility, but there is not especially a right or wrong answer in this scenario.
In terms of sound, have a go at testing for yourself and seeing what you think, as it should not be difficult to switch the PULSEmini between the two modes. Most people do identify a sound difference between Sense and Roon with a preference to Sense, but this is for you to judge for yourself!

thank you very much, is that true that the Mini do not sound as good with files stored on NAS as with Qobuz/Tidal streaming?
and in your opinion what is the better digital output when using an external DAC?

 

[Stephen Healy]

thank you very much, is that true that the Mini do not sound as good with files stored on NAS as with Qobuz/Tidal streaming?
and in your opinion what is the better digital output when using an external DAC?

I would expect the performance to be relatively similar, but again if you have this setup for yourself then you can make your own assessment for this. Likewise with the DAC, we generally prefer USB but it also entirely depends on how well your DAC performs on its different inputs.

 

[erho]

I would expect the performance to be relatively similar, but again if you have this setup for yourself then you can make your own assessment for this. Likewise with the DAC, we generally prefer USB but it also entirely depends on how well your DAC performs on its different inputs.

thank you, will try all out…..

 

[erho]

I would expect the performance to be relatively similar, but again if you have this setup for yourself then you can make your own assessment for this. Likewise with the DAC, we generally prefer USB but it also entirely depends on how well your DAC performs on its different inputs.

do you recommend a specific USB cable or a specific brands?

 

[Stephen Healy]

Not particularly. Every system is different, as are your tastes in sound, so the dealer is usually is better equipped to make a recommendation if they are more familiar with your system. Usually it is also sensible to carry on with the main brand/range of cables that are already prevalent throughout your system already.

 

[erho]

ok thank you. when there will a update for the nas problem to scan the library not always for 2 times?

 

[Stephen Healy]

If you Watch the post for that under the Known Issues then you will be notified when the update is released to fix this - i anticipate it will be in the next software update which will still be a few weeks away yet.