MAC: How to set AudioMidi setup for best sound

[memphiskat]

Hello

I've started using my M-Audio FastTrack Pro with my MacBook as an outboard DAC/headphone amp. How I should set the preferences in AudioMidi setup?

If I choose "Properties For"..... Fasttrack Pro - I can set the input and output sampling rates and bit depth.

Is the USB connection considered an input? Or is this just for the FTpro's analog & spdif ins/out? Should I set the in/out to match the source, I have sources/files that are 44/16, 48/16, 96/24.

I have a file that's 96khz/24bit. Do I need to set the "Properties for FTpro" and "audio output" for 24/96?

I asked tech support at iBasso if their D2 could handle 24/96 and they answered that the limit of USB is 16/48. Is that correct?

Also when using iTunes should I set the audio out to match the source? There seems to be some confusion on this.

I know it's a lot of questions, but any help would be appritiated.

Karl

 

[audioengr]

Quote:

Originally Posted by memphiskat /img/forum/go_quote.gif Hello I've started using my M-Audio FastTrack Pro with my MacBook as an outboard DAC/headphone amp. How I should set the preferences in AudioMidi setup? If I choose "Properties For"..... Fasttrack Pro - I can set the input and output sampling rates and bit depth. Is the USB connection considered an input? Or is this just for the FTpro's analog & spdif ins/out? Should I set the in/out to match the source, I have sources/files that are 44/16, 48/16, 96/24. I have a file that's 96khz/24bit. Do I need to set the "Properties for FTpro" and "audio output" for 24/96? I asked tech support at iBasso if their D2 could handle 24/96 and they answered that the limit of USB is 16/48. Is that correct? Also when using iTunes should I set the audio out to match the source? There seems to be some confusion on this. I know it's a lot of questions, but any help would be appritiated. Karl

Set audio output to 24/96. Dont worry about inputs. Do this only when iTunes is closed and then re-open it.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio

 

[Sherwood]

Quote:

Originally Posted by memphiskat /img/forum/go_quote.gif I know it's a lot of questions, but any help would be appritiated.

My ears love 24/96, even into an upsampling DAC. The 24/96 setting will upsample your output to 24/96 for lower quality files, the 16/44 setting will downsample your 24/96 files to 16/44.

 

[memphiskat]

Thanks for the responses. I found the info about iTunes that you have to set the sample rate in CoreAudio (audio/midi setup) before you launch it and then it stays locked till you restart itunes. But I also use COG for playing flac files and I'd swear it sounds better than itunes, but it shouldn't right?
I have a 24/96 flac file that I decoded to wav and imported to iTunes. When I a/b it playing in COG (from the flac) to iTunes playing the uncompressed files the COG seems to sound better. I set coreaudio to 24/96 before launching itunes, so the two software players should sound identical. I'd swear it sounds better (stronger more defined bass) playing in COG. Am I nuts?
This should probably be in another thread but I'll leave it here for now.

Thanks
Karl