How to enhance / improve the sound signature in Windows

[N0sferatu]

Figured I give a little back to the community.  I posted this back in 2007 on a few other message boards but since I'm now a more frequent member I figured I post it here.  Perhaps this was mentioned before in the past on head-fi and if so I apologize.  Anyways, I know most people are fans of foobar2000 with the WASAPI so they can bypass the kernel but I suggest maybe some folks give this a try (as I find it gives a nice sound signature).  I've tested multiple headphones and multiple sound cards and was happy with the results.  Before I continue I should say I'm typically the type of person that likes a natural sound and not a sound where a DSP alters the original sound and despite that point of view, I still think this gives a nice improvement.
 
Headphones tested with: Grado SR-80, Sennheiser HD-595, Denon AH-D7000
Computer Hardware: (1) SigmaTel Audio (laptop), (2) LM4562 OPAMP swapped X-Meridian, (3) Audio GD FUN
 
I've tested it unamped for the Grado and Sennheisers, and then with the Audio GD-FUN on the 595's and D7000s. 
 
Bottom line on all setup combinations I saw an improvement in a positive way.  Without further discussion here's the setup...

Okay let's start...

1.)  Install WinAMP --> http://www.winamp.com/

2.) Install the Audioburst FX System here --> http://www.winamp.com/plugin/audioburst-fx-system-2-freeware/151426 and set it as your default output device.

3.)  Install the PowerFX 2 plugin for Audioburst from here --> http://www.winamp.com/plugin/powerfx-sound-enhancer-210/151886.  You'll have to pay $13 to fully unlock it (or crack it but we won't go there).  On it's demo (default) settings you get some enhancement but the best is from the full version.  From here you should manually tweak it to your own equipment.  

Here's the settings I've used to find a nice sound.  Turn it on/off and listen to the sound signature change and post your thoughts positive or negative along with any other combination you think may sound good.  I find the enhancements subtle and positive. 

 

[Trysaeder]

This looks more like a smart equalizer for dummies than something special.
Try ElectriQ or Redline equalizers.

 

[Divvy]

Looks like yet another DSP that basically mangles the sound. Companies like Creative use such techniques, like crystalizer, all the time to appear flashy but most audiophiles just turn them off and keep them that way.

 

[khaos974]

Or you have iZotope Ozone MP for $29
 
http://www.izotope.com/products/audio/media/ozone.html
 

 

[FritzS]

Quote:

Or you have iZotope Ozone MP for $29
 
http://www.izotope.com/products/audio/media/ozone.html
 

Whats about Foobar?
http://www.foobar2000.org/
 
Here are some other players listet (but in german)
http://www.heise.de/software/download/o0g1s3l11k54
 
Off Topic:
Did anyone know more about bypass the kernel in Mac OS-X (Snow Leopard)? I am only a Mac user - the only way to set the transfer rate is in Midi Settings - but Mac OS-X don't adjust the transfer rate automatically to the source sample rate. Mac OS-X convert/resample the audio stream. How good and among whom algorithms - it's an Apple mystery 

 
PS: The only software that could bypass the kernel are not cheap  - it's for profis and cost more $$$$

 

[khaos974]

What do you meanby  "what about foobar"?
 
How is it related to my previous post?
 
If you are talking about the Ozone MP plugin, too my knowledge it doesn't work with Foobar, but Foobar has a pretty nifty VST bridge which enables it to use multiple VSTs.

 

[N0sferatu]

I've used Ozone before but didn't recommend it in my initial post as I've fell out of favor with it.  Too artificial to my likings.

 

[n00kie]

PowerFX 2 is great for electronical music. Turn on Fidelity to 5 or higher and you will notice more details at once! Only drawback is that I experience occasional dropouts while playing music.