Analogue v Digital volume (SB2)

[jrp]

I have two alternative ways of getting sound to my amplifier from the SB2: by the direct analogue connections, or via an Audio Alchemy DDE v3.0 DAC. The latter route seems to be rather louder. Is this normal? Is there anyway of equalizing the two outputs? I want to be able to compare sound quality before deciding to send the DDE to eBay.

[Aylwin]

You could buy a cheap SPL meter or just try to rent one.

[jrp]

Sorry. Did not make myself clear. I wondered whether there was any switch or setting that would provide identical volume output.

[Aylwin]

I don't think there's any other way to do it accurately. The levels on the analogue outputs of different components are usually different. There's no single standard.