Recommended desktop DAC and amp (or whether I need them at all)

[goodyfresh]

  Oh cool, I didn't know that, yeah I'll give that a try. I did install the WASAPI add-on yesterday, but hadn't had time to give it a test. I'll do some playing around with it and the other options your provided and see what results I can get. 

 

One thing about WASAPI, and certain implementations of ASIO (I forget if ASIO4ALL has this issue):  Since it makes audio exclusive to teh application being used, no audio will play in any other applications, windows system-sounds, etc. while you have something playing in Foobar2000 using them.  That includes when you have something paused, in the case of WASAPI, and some version fo ASIO. . .you have to actually hit the stop button in Foobar2000, while using WASAPI, in order for audio to become available again in other applications besides Foobar.
 
Personally I use Kernel Streaming for bit-perfect output to my external DAC, now that I have an external DAC that is.  Kernel Streaming allows me to get audio in other applications again just by pausing Foobar, rather than hitting stop.

   
In case it helps, the foobar2000 settings I use are covered here: http://www.fidelizer-audio.com/user-guide/
 
(But I usually use JPLAYmini instead of foobar2000.)

That site definitely gives good advice on how to set-up Foobar2000.  Just be careful when setting teh WASAPI or ASIO buffer-size as low as 50ms, on less powerful systems that could lead to stutter or other issues.  Also, unlike some sites, the guide on Fidelizer's site doesn't explain the REASONING behind any of the settings being used, which to me, as somewhat of a computer-geek, is a bit of a peeve

Speaking of Fidelizer. . .look into using it.  I've noticed a difference in sound quality with it, very subtle but still noticable, above and beyond just what I get with Kernel Streaming output to my DAC, and I'm sure you can get benefits from it with just WASAPI and onboard sound even without an external DAC.  It will optimize your Windows system services to work best with audio applications.

 

[Music Alchemist]

  One thing about WASAPI, and certain implementations of ASIO (I forget if ASIO4ALL has this issue):  Since it makes audio exclusive to teh application being used, no audio will play in any other applications, windows system-sounds, etc. while you have something playing in Foobar2000 using them.  That includes when you have something paused, in the case of WASAPI, and some version fo ASIO. . .you have to actually hit the stop button in Foobar2000, while using WASAPI, in order for audio to become available again in other applications besides Foobar.
 
Personally I use Kernel Streaming for bit-perfect output to my external DAC, now that I have an external DAC that is.  Kernel Streaming allows me to get audio in other applications again just by pausing Foobar, rather than hitting stop.

That site definitely gives good advice on how to set-up Foobar2000.  Just be careful when setting teh WASAPI or ASIO buffer-size as low as 50ms, on less powerful systems that could lead to stutter or other issues.  Also, unlike some sites, the guide on Fidelizer's site doesn't explain the REASONING behind any of the settings being used, which to me, as somewhat of a computer-geek, is a bit of a peeve

Speaking of Fidelizer. . .look into using it.  I've noticed a difference in sound quality with it, very subtle but still noticable, above and beyond just what I get with Kernel Streaming output to my DAC, and I'm sure you can get benefits from it with just WASAPI and onboard sound even without an external DAC.  It will optimize your Windows system services to work best with audio applications.

 
I should also mention that, back when I owned a Schiit Modi 2 DAC, using Kernel Streaming with JPLAY sounded better to me than certain other things...but it wasn't a significant enough difference to be sure it was genuine, unlike HQPlayer. (A DSP player that definitely sounds different -- and, to me, more realistic -- than other players.)
 
If I recall, the reasoning is mentioned elsewhere on the site.

 

[goodyfresh]

   
I should also mention that, back when I owned a Schiit Modi 2 DAC, using Kernel Streaming with JPLAY sounded better to me than certain other things...but it wasn't a significant enough difference to be sure it was genuine, unlike HQPlayer. (A DSP player that definitely sounds different -- and, to me, more realistic -- than other players.)
 
If I recall, the reasoning is mentioned elsewhere on the site.

I don't notice any actual difference in sound between Kernel Streaming and WASAPI or ASIO when using my external DAC.  The reason I use Kernel Streaming is that it clearly gives me lower latency. . .I say clearly because with WASAPI and ASIO I sometimes get an actually NOTICABLE lag (something like a fraction of a second, but still very noticable) between when I hit the play button, and when the sound starts-up, but in Kernel Streaming I've never gotten any such lag.

 

[ggarrawa]

Fantastic, thanks for the info gang. I'll give it a try and get back to you. Not too worried about exclusive mode, I was actually getting annoyed by the Outlook "you've got mail" sound while tunes were playing. 

 

[masterfuu]

Just to contribute to this working of new headphones in your range mr speaker mad dog are fantastic choice. I have the 500 alpha dog and sound is unbelievable. Actually more then my fostex th900 which cost 1300 and are amazing too.

Then buy schiit magni and modi for 200 and never buy new gear because you won't need upgrade unless you get the upgrade bug like some of us.

 

[jodgey4]

Just to be clear, I've never tried electrostat headphones - you can see what I've tried in my profile. Like I said, I'm just trying to urge you remember each member's background and subjective tastes in making your decision. @Music Alchemist has made many fantastic reviews and I enjoy his input, his preferences just may not match yours... and his dedication to Stax I find suspicious when compared to other trusted sources. That's not to say he's wrong - I think the 207 does match what you're looking for, as does the LCD-X. Remember to keep amping in mind as well, if you want to grow your collection.

 

[Music Alchemist]

  Just to be clear, I've never tried electrostat headphones - you can see what I've tried in my profile. Like I said, I'm just trying to urge you remember each member's background and subjective tastes in making your decision. @Music Alchemist has made many fantastic reviews and I enjoy his input, his preferences just may not match yours... and his dedication to Stax I find suspicious when compared to other trusted sources. That's not to say he's wrong - I think the 207 does match what you're looking for, as does the LCD-X. Remember to keep amping in mind as well, if you want to grow your collection.

 

 

 

[goodyfresh]

  Fantastic, thanks for the info gang. I'll give it a try and get back to you. Not too worried about exclusive mode, I was actually getting annoyed by the Outlook "you've got mail" sound while tunes were playing. 

In that case, WASAPI, ASIO, or Kernel Streaming should be perfect for ya!  Your browser or email program will never make any noises while the music is playing

 

[goodyfresh]

   

 

How does this image actually exist?  Lol.
 

  Just to be clear, I've never tried electrostat headphones - you can see what I've tried in my profile. Like I said, I'm just trying to urge you remember each member's background and subjective tastes in making your decision. @Music Alchemist has made many fantastic reviews and I enjoy his input, his preferences just may not match yours... and his dedication to Stax I find suspicious when compared to other trusted sources. That's not to say he's wrong - I think the 207 does match what you're looking for, as does the LCD-X. Remember to keep amping in mind as well, if you want to grow your collection.

You think he's some kind of undercover marketing-shill for Stax?  That seems very, VERY unlikely to me >_<

 

[cel4145]

 

[goodyfresh]

Oh, you guys

 

[cel4145]

Oh, you guys

You were supposed to say, "Yes, take the shot."

 

[Music Alchemist]

  How does this image actually exist?  Lol.

You think he's some kind of undercover marketing-shill for Stax?  That seems very, VERY unlikely to me >_<

 
Because I made it. In just a few minutes. haha
 
Yeah...no. STAX are regarded as the greatest headphones ever made by many, many audiophiles. Liking them should not arouse suspicion.
 

 
lololol. Nice. But I define a fanboy as someone who likes something no matter how bad it is...not no matter how good it is.

 
And then there is the more normal definition that just means someone who is passionate about something.
 
Here's an interesting article: http://venturebeat.com/community/2013/08/22/understanding-fanboy-ism-an-overused-and-misconstrued-term/

 

[cel4145]

Because I made it. In just a few minutes. haha

Yeah...no. STAX are regarded as the greatest headphones ever made by many, many audiophiles. Liking them should not arouse suspicion.


lololol. Nice. But I define a fanboy as someone who likes something no matter how bad it is...not no matter how good it is. :tongue_smile:

And then there is the more normal definition that just means someone who is passionate about something.

Here's an interesting article: http://venturebeat.com/community/2013/08/22/understanding-fanboy-ism-an-overused-and-misconstrued-term/

Making a Darth Vader/STAX meme definitely fits MY definition

 

[Music Alchemist]

Making a Darth Vader/STAX meme definitely fits MY definition

 
lol, and someone even made a "Reputation" comment: "Use the force, Alchemist. Electrostatic force."
 
I think we've had enough fun, though. Let's at least try and get back on topic.