Some newb questions about moode and audio hw in general

[ovizii]

Hi folks,

I've done some switching around of audio hw, finally went from a RPI i2s DAC to a USB DAC and also switched amps and realized I've got a few basic questions. I hope someone more experienced won't mind sharing some of their knowledge or at least some keywords or links, so I can read up on my own.

Currently this is my "audio chain":

RPI 3n+ with moode => SMSL SU-1 (USB) => RCA => 2x Fosi v3 monobloc amp

Now the point is, the monobloc amps do not have volume control. Neither does the USB DAC. This is to my liking tbh. 99% of the times I listen to music from Spotify via Spotify connect => moode the rest of the time I connect to the UPnP Client for MPD.

Now I am wondering about the volume control. 

Currently, under Settings => Audio 

• selected SMSL USB DAC as Output device
  
• Volume type: Software
  
• ALSA max volume is empty and not selectable
  
• ALSA output mode is Direct
  
• MPD max volume is set to 100
  

Currently, under Settings => Renderers => Spotify Connect => Settings

• Bitrate 320
  
• Format S32
  
• Dithering: Automatic
  
• Volume curve: Logarithmic
  
• Volume range: 99
  
• Initial volume: 25
  
• Autoplay: yes
  
• everything else off or untouched.
  

Does this look alright? Basically, connecting with Spotify Connect, I then control the volume from my phone. 

I'm wondering how the "Volume type: Software" is related to the Spotify Connect renderer. If I change it to "Fixed (0dB)" will I still be able to control the volume from Spotify or does this completely disable any volume control?

Also, sometimes I connect to moode via the "UPnP Client for MPD" - is there a setting to set the initial volume (upon connect) just like for Spotify Connect?