Quick Question Regarding Denon's "Source Level" Function

[John Lohmann]

Much like Onkyo's old "IntelliVolume" system on their classic AVRs, Denon's receivers soldier on with what's called "Source Level," supposedly working the same wherein a certain preamp level can be set for each individual device connected, in a range from "-12dB to "+12dB."

While I do use the system for my Blu-ray player's connection to my AVR-X2800, I was wondering if the Source Level affects both DIGITAL and ANALOG sections of the AVR...does anyone know? I've read some conflicting stuff on this, with some saying it only works with analog sources. I'm hooked up only digitally from my Blu-ray player to the 2800 via HDMI, so I was curious.

 

[Hobbit]

While I do use the system for my Blu-ray player's connection to my AVR-X2800, I was wondering if the Source Level affects both DIGITAL and ANALOG sections of the AVR...does anyone know? I've read some conflicting stuff on this, with some saying it only works with analog sources. I'm hooked up only digitally from my Blu-ray player to the 2800 via HDMI, so I was curious.

Is it not working on with your Blu Ray player?

On my Denon it clearly works with digital inputs. When adjusting the Source Level for the input on my Roku for instance, the output volume follows the adjustment. My assumption is that it's done digitally by increasing/decreasing the number that represents the output volume.

Likewise with Analog input signals, to the best of my knowledge with Denon AVRs (and probably most other modern AVRs), these signals are converted to digital before sending them to the amplifier. Thus, adjusting the source level works the same.

 

[lovinthehd]

Denon separates analog vs digital gain with that function from what I've seen on my various Denon units and specifies it.

 

[carlosmiguez75]

Much like Onkyo's old "IntelliVolume" system on their classic AVRs, Denon's receivers soldier on with what's called "Source Level," supposedly working the same wherein a certain preamp level can be set for each individual device connected, in a range from "-12dB to "+12dB."

While I do use the system for my Blu-ray player's connection to my AVR-X2800, I was wondering if the Source Level affects both DIGITAL and ANALOG sections of the AVR...does anyone know? I've read some conflicting stuff on this, with some saying it only works with analog sources. I'm hooked up only digitally from my Blu-ray player to the 2800 via HDMI, so I was curious.

From what I’ve gathered, the Source Level feature should affect both digital and analog inputs on your Denon AVR-X2800.

 

[John Lohmann]

Is it not working on with your Blu Ray player?

On my Denon it clearly works with digital inputs. When adjusting the Source Level for the input on my Roku for instance, the output volume follows the adjustment. My assumption is that it's done digitally by increasing/decreasing the number that represents the output volume.

Likewise with Analog input signals, to the best of my knowledge with Denon AVRs (and probably most other modern AVRs), these signals are converted to digital before sending them to the amplifier. Thus, adjusting the source level works the same.

Thank you -- it wasn't that it was NOT working, I just wanted to be sure, as I recently dropped the level I originally set the Blu-ray input to (+10dB) to +9dB because I think I may have heard some brief clipping when pushing the volume up. I am not experiencing that now, unless it's placebo, so SOMETHING must have changed.

Thanks again for your reply.

 

[John Lohmann]

From what I’ve gathered, the Source Level feature should affect both digital and analog inputs on your Denon AVR-X2800.

Thanks for the reply -- I read conflicting stuff on this, so figured I'd ask you guys.

 

[John Lohmann]

Denon separates analog vs digital gain with that function from what I've seen on my various Denon units and specifies it.

Thanks Lovin -- do you mean it affects BOTH analog and digital signals?

 

[lovinthehd]

Thanks Lovin -- do you mean it affects BOTH analog and digital signals?

Just that it provides for separate adjustment of the two types of inputs, up to you whether you use both or not for a given source. Only reason I usually have both a digital and analog input for a given source would be for zones (and the only of my avrs that I use zones on I don't needs to adjust source levels).

 

[TankTop5]

What’s weird is I notice different gain levels between streaming sources. What I mean by that is when using my smart TV as my source, Netflix,, Amazon Prime and Disney all have different gains streaming from the same source. Kind of like how sometimes a commercial will have a higher gain than the TV show that you’re watching. I wish there was some way to mitigate this and level match all of them. I know this doesn’t address the question.

 

[Verdinut]

There's also various output levels among CDs. Consequently, when this happens you have to adjust the playback volume on your system.

 

[lovinthehd]

There's also various output levels among CDs. Consequently, when this happens you have to adjust the playback volume on your system.

That'd be easier than trying to use the source level adjustment within a media type....