Best Quality output? SSRC vs ASIO, Winamp default decoder VS MAD, what is the best?

[Svperstar]

So after getting my Senn 595s a few days ago, I am trying to get the best quality output, I am using Winamp since I have been using it for years and I don't really like foobar.

So I did a bit of research and found ASIO4ALL and an ASIO plugin for Winamp, I resampled to 48000(Audigy 2 ZS) and started using it.

Then I found a plugin for SSRC, resampled that to 48000, have been trying it also.

Technically, which is better. Depending on the song I listen too I go back and forth to which one I like more, but it could just be psychological.

Then I found the MAD decoder, which supposedly offers higher quality output than the default winamp decoder, so I set that up, seeing which I like.

So I have 4 possible combinations, but rather then do a lot of testing, technically what is the best between all these?

Thanks

 

[Erukian]

i'd say that isntead of worrying about which is technically the best, and before you research into it. Take some time to listen critically to it, and write down on paper what you think the differences are. And which is better to you.

Then do your research and see if your right or wrong, if your right then there's reason to upgrade, if your wrong then stick with what's fastest for your CPU.

 

[Svperstar]

Well I think I did enough testing to find out, I was playing the same song over and over again switching the output each time. I noticed around 45 seconds into the song the singer has a little change in tone in voice then there is a weird effect from one of the effects uses, like a rumble.

With the ASIO output this was totally clear, however with the SSRC I couldn't really hear this change in her voice over that effect.

Then again that could be psychological, either way they both sound very very close, just trying to tweak it to get the highest quality.

 

[Erukian]

Well SSRC isnt an outputter, it's solely a Resampler.

You should be comparing Directsound vs Waveout vs ASIO.

edit: i'm just gonna throw you a bone. Best quality? Seems to "technically" be ASIO+Mad with a resampler set to as high as your card goes.

 

[Svperstar]

Oh ok, the plugin I have been using is DirectSound output v.2.2.6 SSRC, so yeah looks like I guessed right quality wise.

Thanks.