Andrew,
To have some reserve in volume I set
amplifier's volume regulator higher
than, say, is needed at current moment. As a result I have software level
noticeably below 100%. I suppose such software volume regulating eats
samples resolution (and, at least theoretically, sometimes I have, say,
12-13 bits rather 16).
If you use the hdsp's matrix mixer, it will render the volume with
higher precision than 16 bits, so play back unattenuated and control the
output level in the matrix mixer.
BTW: The levels the HDSP outputs are NOT HIFI levels.
Don't connect it
to HIFI equipment unless you're sure what you do.