Hey, I'd be interested to hear some elaboration on this subject as I'm not nearly in the know with this. I sense sarcasm here but I'm not sure...
Is SoX any good (compared to the alternative)? What about TPDF dithering? If they are best then why aren't they default?
I've been using SoX since it was implemented, seemed to sound better to me. I'd really appreciate an explanation, thanks!
MC deliveries a stream of digital bits to the output. Unless there is a significant problem (and as long as you bypass the Windows mixer) with a 32 bit installation, it delivers exactly the same bits in the file to the output, assuming no DSPs are applied. A 64 bit installation will also deliver the exact same bits from the file to the output. In terms of the data bits, 32 and 64 bit MC will deliver the same bits to the output.
Some people believe that effects other than just the data bits can effect the sound. Jitter is one such effect. It is basically mistiming of the data going to the DAC. Current DACs pretty much eliminate jitter problems, but some DACs may be susceptible to it. If so, it can be effected by timing and noise issues within the PC, such as disk activation. Other people believe that any electrical noise in a PC can be passed on to the DAC which has the potential to change the sound of the DAC. There are many such effects that some people think can effect the sound.
Some people that these secondary effects are real and effect the sound. Others think that as long as the bits are delivered correctly to the DAC, these other effects are meaningless. Unfortunately, each group is very adamant in its position. Since there are many different setups and everyone hears somewhat differently, it is pretty much impossible to made a definitive statement, but people do anyway. The sarcasm here is often because some think any argument about these secondary effects is nonsense. Some of it is just fun, knowing how adamant people get on this topic.
Rather than get into a debate that nobody will ever win, I think it is best to listen for yourself and decide for yourself. If you think you hear differences and state it on this forum, some will never believe you. Just understand that before posting.
As to Sox, you can get into pretty much the same discussion. Some people think upscaling will never create a better sound and may worsen it. However, other think differently and some believe that different DACs perform differently depending on the sample rate feed to them. There is no doubt that Sox is more efficient than the old upsampler. If a system is on a performance edge, Sox can definitely create a better sound than the old upsampler. In some cases the old one would stutter and Sox does not. Once again, give it try and let your ears be your guide. I think most people lean towards Sox, just because it puts less load on the system.
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Topic: Does anybody else hear a marked sound improvement in 64-bit Media Center 23? (Read 6587 times)