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From Benchmark

Benchmark's guide for configuring Windows-based media players

General strategies for setting up your computer for high quality audio playback

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*this article was researched using FooBar2000 0.9.2. Some information in this article may not apply to different versions of this software. Email us to report any errors or discrepancies, or if you would like more information on this topic.

Contents 1 Overview 2 Recommended Player Settings 3 Known Problems 4 Article Outline

Overview

FooBar performed very well. It was able to play all sample-rates and word-lengths. The output resolution (word-length) of the volume control is configurable within the software. It also has a dither feature to prevent volume control truncation distortion, and properly play 24-bit audio with 16-bit hardware.

Recommended Player Settings

• OUTPUT FORMAT SET TO MAX SUPPORTED BY HARDWARE
  • The "Output Data Format" should be set to the maximum word length (bit depth) that your audio hardware supports. For the Benchmark DAC1 USB, this should be set to 24-bit. For other devices, it is important to consult the manual or a manufacturers representative to determine the maximum supported word length of the computer interface (most outboard DAC's only support 16-bit over USB!!). Do not set this to a value that is higher then the hardware supports!!
  • This can be done by going to:

File->Preferences->Playback->Output->Output Format/Postprocessing

• • Read more about word-length, and how it affects the quality of your audio.

• VOLUME SET TO MAX (0.00dB)
  • This can be done by going to:

File->Preferences->Playback

• • The volume control in Foobar2000 is of sufficient quality that it will not cause noticeable sonic degradation. However, depending on several factors, a digital gain reduction may increase the noise floor of your playback system
  • Read more about digital volume control, and how it affects the quality of your audio.

• TURN OFF 'Replaygain'
  • This can be done by going to:

File->Preferences->Playback

• • Set 'Sourch mode:' to 'none'
  • Set 'Processing:' to 'none'
  • Set both 'Preamp' settings to '0.0dB'

• BYPASS ALL AUDIO PLUG-IN'S AND AUDIO 'ENHANCEMENTS'
  • All DSP and plug-in's should be disabled. This can be done by going to:

File -> Preferences -> Playback -> DSP Manager

• • Read more about how DSP and plug-ins affect your audio

Known Problems

There are no known problems with regards to Foobar's sonic quality.

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Article Outline

Computer Audio Playback - Setup Guide

1. Mac - Audio Playback
   1. OS X Audio Playback - Setup Guide
   2. Media Players for Mac
      1. iTunes-QuickTime for Mac - Setup Guide
      2. VLC for Mac - Setup Guide
      3. MacAmp for Mac - Setup Guide
      4. Audion for Mac - Setup Guide
      5. Cabrio for Mac - Setup Guide
      6. Fe Player for Mac - Setup Guide
      7. Windows Media Player for Mac - Setup Guide
2. Windows - Audio Playback
   1. Windows Vista Audio Playback - Setup Guide
   2. Windows XP Audio Playback - Setup Guide
   3. Windows 2000 Audio Playback - Setup Guide
   4. Media Players for Windows
      1. iTunes-QuickTime for Windows - Setup Guide
      2. Windows Media Player for Windows - Setup Guide
      3. WinAmp for Windows - Setup Guide
      4. Foobar2000 for Windows - Setup Guide
      5. RealPlayer for Windows - Setup Guide