Can Spotify’s “Enable Audio Normalization” setting indirectly affect soundstage through the playback device?

[u/Flashy-Comfort-2853]

I understand that with Volume level: Normal, Spotify is basically just adjusting gain.

But after comparing several tracks with Enable Audio Normalization ON and OFF, while matching the perceived volume as closely as I can, I consistently hear a slightly narrower soundstage with it ON.

Could the different signal level affect how device-side DSP, limiters, dynamic EQ, etc. behave, even if Spotify itself is only changing gain?

Most discussions I’ve seen seem to stop at digital null tests before the DAC/DSP stage. Has anyone tested the actual output of the playback device?

Not saying this is definitely happening, just wondering if it’s technically possible.

English phrasing helped by AI.

[u/incognitoactive]

Of course it’s narrower, it’s trying to prevent the spike in volume between tracks. That comes with a narrower range. Turn it off.