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Originally Posted by DarkEcho

Ok, so in a purely digital realm, there is no optimal level (well, technically as close to 0dbfs without overs, but the difference between that and say, -20dbfs is so negligible that its just easier to say there isn't a functional optimal). So the full scale metering makes sense as showing the total possible range of level from -inf. To 0dBFS.

In analogue, there IS a functional optimal where the signal is best placed for both s/n ratio and distortion reasons, which is 0dB(vu?) even though that's not the ceiling (which is dependent on the weakest link in the analogue chain) so comparing the two meterings isnt very reasonable.. Apples to oranges.

However! There is a need to recognize an equality because at some point your signal will pass through analogue equipment (converter) and you don't want to exceed its optimal level.

Is this logic acceptable? I think I'm grasping this better.

You seem to have it.

Originally Posted by DarkEcho

Now that said, exept for going to my monitors, I don't need to worry about the sweetsoot of the analogue side converter IF I am working purely on digital. This is because different converters have different operating levels and levels that are fine on digital may distort after a crappy DA might not after a better DA. Is this correct?

You are correct.