>The volume control operates on the preamp section
I'm aware of this - you'll notice I mentioned the volume control specifically for the Schiit gear, and not preamps or power amps in general. If you're using separate preamps and amps, then yes, turning down the volume on the preamp isn't going to matter. With almost all headphone setups, you are doing all volume control on the amp though, and none on the dac - it's pretty rare for there to be a dedicated preamp in the chain when dealing with computer -> headphones.
>Turning down the volume will do nothing
Again, specifically referring to the Schiit gear here, with the volume control details being specifically from them. Sorry if there was confusion and it seemed as if I was saying this in general.
>Being "high-end" is no excuse, cut-off relays do not affect sound quality and they are not expensive. It's just either laziness or advertising to people that don't know better. Again, there is no reason not to install shut-off relays.
Plenty of the best gear out there will include power up sequence instructions - Amps being last on, first off, is something that has been pretty standard for decades. Like James Bongiorno said, even if a muting relay is installed, why tempt fate for no real gain? I'm sure I've got Cary and Audio Research manuals around somewhere with their power up sequences printed in them - are you going to accuse them of shoddy design as well?
My issue isn't with the relays - I'd love it if everything came with one. I don't think there's a downside to having them. (Though habit will keep me using the same power sequence I've been using for forever)
My issue is you've decided that anything that lacks said muting relay is poorly designed or not worth the price:
>No it's not, that's called bad design. Unless high-end now stands for "poorly designed gear sold for 10 times what they're worth"
It's audio equipment. Shouldn't the ultimate judgment on the quality of design be how it actually functions in it's intended purpose, and not whether or not it's the most convenient? Companies have been selling great sounding gear (that measures well) and lasts decades that lack a relay. I simply can't agree that lacking an optional piece that exists only to protect someone from something that they can perform manually overrides every other aspect of the product's design and makes it a poorly designed product.
I'm aware of this - you'll notice I mentioned the volume control specifically for the Schiit gear, and not preamps or power amps in general. If you're using separate preamps and amps, then yes, turning down the volume on the preamp isn't going to matter. With almost all headphone setups, you are doing all volume control on the amp though, and none on the dac - it's pretty rare for there to be a dedicated preamp in the chain when dealing with computer -> headphones.
>Turning down the volume will do nothing
Again, specifically referring to the Schiit gear here, with the volume control details being specifically from them. Sorry if there was confusion and it seemed as if I was saying this in general.
>Being "high-end" is no excuse, cut-off relays do not affect sound quality and they are not expensive. It's just either laziness or advertising to people that don't know better. Again, there is no reason not to install shut-off relays.
Plenty of the best gear out there will include power up sequence instructions - Amps being last on, first off, is something that has been pretty standard for decades. Like James Bongiorno said, even if a muting relay is installed, why tempt fate for no real gain? I'm sure I've got Cary and Audio Research manuals around somewhere with their power up sequences printed in them - are you going to accuse them of shoddy design as well?
My issue isn't with the relays - I'd love it if everything came with one. I don't think there's a downside to having them. (Though habit will keep me using the same power sequence I've been using for forever)
My issue is you've decided that anything that lacks said muting relay is poorly designed or not worth the price:
>No it's not, that's called bad design. Unless high-end now stands for "poorly designed gear sold for 10 times what they're worth"
It's audio equipment. Shouldn't the ultimate judgment on the quality of design be how it actually functions in it's intended purpose, and not whether or not it's the most convenient? Companies have been selling great sounding gear (that measures well) and lasts decades that lack a relay. I simply can't agree that lacking an optional piece that exists only to protect someone from something that they can perform manually overrides every other aspect of the product's design and makes it a poorly designed product.