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Question about foobar Output data format.

post #1 of 3
4/30/08 at 1:25am
Thread Starter 
Hi guys,

this is my first post (although I have been lurking around audio forums for a long long time )

I have a question regarding a foobar setting for quite some time now. I tried to search though many threads and googling but couldn't get exactly what Im looking for. Hence the post hoping some experts can enlighten me.


For foobar -> output (refer to pic)


There is the output format/outprocessing option where you can select the bitrate for different output data format. (16bit, 24 bit etc)

most CD converted audio files would be 16bit (mp3, flac etc). A number of DACs have the ability to upsample to 24-bit, 196kHz for output.

So here is my question. So should i select 16bit or 24bit if my DAC has upsampling ability? It is better to let foobar "prepare" the files to 24bit for my DAC or just let the DAC to upsample to 24bit itself from the original audio file (I assume that thats what the option does. Im not 100% sure to be honest)

anyone has any clue?

and just to confirm (Im 99% sure about this one), for winxp, the kmixer will probably lost 1-2 bit through its conversion even if your output is set as 16bit. The kmixer still does conversion? Although your DAC upsample to 24-bit, 196kHz for output, its still better to use ASIO. Am I correct?

Thanks in advance.
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post #2 of 3
4/30/08 at 6:21am
Upsampling is a manipulation of the sample rate, and your choice on the bit depth of the output isn't really related to that. Actually, it's not likely to matter much what you choose. I suggest 24 bit output for anyone who has a 24 bit capable sound device, because there doesn't seem to be any downside to that choice (even though there is also not much benefit). 24 bit and 16 bit should be identical in the case of CD audio, if no DSP is used. In the case that you use some DSP (even something as simple as volume control), you now have data being shifted into those lower bits that would be preserved by choosing 24 bit output.
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post #3 of 3
4/30/08 at 7:20am
Thread Starter 
Thanks man!
Things are much clearer now.
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