Supported Formats for Playback Options in Windows Differs for Analog Speaker Output and Digital Output

[riverofwind]

The title says it and you can see from these two screenshots that the supported formats for analog and digital output from my computer on Windows 10 differ. Does that mean digital output doesn't support sampling frequencies other than what's listed? Does this apply to exclusive mode output in Tidal or any other software as well? If this is so doesn't that mean unsupported frequencies will be upsampled/downsampled? I'd like to use digital output instead of USB for my USB DAC to reduce noise but at the same time want to avoid upsampling/downsampling. Thanks!

 

[WayneKerr]

The title says it and you can see from these two screenshots that the supported formats for analog and digital output from my computer on Windows 10 differ. Does that mean digital output doesn't support sampling frequencies other than what's listed? Does this apply to exclusive mode output in Tidal or any other software as well? If this is so doesn't that mean unsupported frequencies will be upsampled/downsampled? I'd like to use digital output instead of USB for my USB DAC to reduce noise but at the same time want to avoid upsampling/downsampling. Thanks!

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You're worrying too much. CD quality is all you'll ever need. The quality of the original recording is what really matters.

 

[Dom]

USB is way better than optical.

USB allows the DAC to act in host mode. This is more stable in terms of timing precision because it initiates and controls communication to the DAC, reducing jitter.

In terms of sample rates and bit depths, its a good idea to keep them at their default settings. Your DAC should automatically use maximum bit depth.

 

[riverofwind]

@Dom What happens if the audio is at a sample rate not listed in the supported rates for digital optical when playing in exclusive mode? Does the system upsample/downsample?

Also what do you recommend, USB or digital optical for the DAC connection? USB can introduce noise can't it while digital optical is immune to EMI?

 

[Dom]

If the sample rate set by the application is not supported by the audio device, issues such as no sound output or distorted audio will occur.

My £100 Creative G6 DAC has an excellent 120dB SNR out of its jacks according to Audio Science Review. So whether your using optical or USB it doesn't matter in all fairness.

Hope this helps.

 

[riverofwind]

@Dom My SNR looks to be 117.8 or 119. I guess they used USB for this? Is that good?

Schiit Audio: Audio Products Designed and Built in Texas and California

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Schiit Modi+ DAC Review

This is a review and detailed measurements of the Schiit Modi+ stereo USB DAC. It was sent to me by the company and costs US $129. There are three inputs and are nicely stepped through using the momentary switch. The white LED that indicates the selected input is nice but alas, there is some...

www.audiosciencereview.com

 

[Dom]

@Dom My SNR looks to be 117.8 or 119. I guess they used USB for this? Is that good?

Schiit Audio: Audio Products Designed and Built in Texas and California

www.schiit.com

Schiit Modi+ DAC Review

This is a review and detailed measurements of the Schiit Modi+ stereo USB DAC. It was sent to me by the company and costs US $129. There are three inputs and are nicely stepped through using the momentary switch. The white LED that indicates the selected input is nice but alas, there is some...

www.audiosciencereview.com

Yes that's excellent and almost the top end for unbalanced connections, you need to go balanced for higher.

 

[riverofwind]

@Dom That's for USB right?

 

[Dom]

"... using a USB port on your computer which is what I did for my testing" Rated excellent. Its a great DAC.

 

[12th Monkey]

You're worrying too much.

I'd suggest that's true of the OP's posts so far - RoW, just enjoy the music would be my suggestion. If you hear a specific failing, that's another thing altogether.

 

[riverofwind]

@12th Monkey Tinkering and learning is fun too, but yes I admit I have a tendency towards perfection And I do enjoy the music

 

[Dom]

...A tendency towards perfection ...

You can get close, dam close.