Thanks, David that's very informative!
How come using computer volume will degrade the sound? From what I understand if you are using kernel streaming, doesn't foobar do it's processing in 32bit (or 64, can't remember) float before it dithers and sends the data to the dac anyway? So lowering the volume in it has neglectable effect on sound quality?
Well I lowered my foobar output to -35dB, now I can have my pot at 10 o'clock position, didn't notice any difference - still sounds just as good. I was thinking of getting attenuators for the rca in since I don't trust myself to solder the resistor in, but I'm thinking I might just trust foobar more unless someone can convince me to do otherwise. Asking here since I wouldn't trust the responses at that "other" place.