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[Gio300ZX]

Hi, I recently bought a pair of Ruark MR desktop speakers https://www.ruarkaudio.com/products/mr1-bluetooth-speaker-system. And they are rather good - a bit of hi-fi on the limited space of my desktop. They use aptx bluetooth.

I had an error from MC 26 I've never seen before about WASAPI. I've played the same album before via MC via several PCs (both direct and remote) via 3.5mm audio out and USB DAC. The file on the left plays fine, the one on the right gives this error. I'm assuming it's because Im using bluetooth but that''s just a guess. What causes this and how to fix? Thanks.

[RoderickGI]

At first glance I would say that the Bluetooth implementation in the speakers doesn't support a 48kHz sample rate. The specs of the MR1 speakers say:

"BLUETOOTH
Built in high quality Bluetooth Audio receiver with aptX provides CD quality sound with compatible devices"

CD Quality is 16bit 44.1kHz, so maybe that is all it can support. That would be unusual for Bluetooth, particularly using the aptX Codec, which normally does support 48kHz. In fact usually, if there is a problem with Sample Rate, Bluetooth devices tend to support 48kHz but not 44.1kHz. If the MR1 doesn't support 48 kHz, then it doesn't support the aptX standard fully. That would be strange as they put the Qualcomm aptX logo in their User Guide. See https://www.aptx.com/aptx

The fact that they don't clarify anywhere on their website what the speakers actually can support via Bluetooth, or even wired, would make me search for more information. The website is mostly marketing fluff aimed at people who worry more about the look of something than the performance. Even the User Guide provides no more information.

I think you need to contact Ruark and ask what the speakers support, both for wired and Bluetooth connections.

In the meantime have MC transcode everything to 44.1 kHz when connected to the MR1 speakers.

[Gio300ZX]

I think you need to contact Ruark and ask what the speakers support, both for wired and Bluetooth connections.

In the meantime have MC transcode everything to 44.1 kHz when connected to the MR1 speakers.

Thanks for your advice. I will contact Ruark as you suggest. In the meantime, how do I "have MC transcode everything to 44.1 kHz when connected to the MR1 speakers."? A link to something specific would help. I can follow instructions but winnowng through loads of stuff which might be relevant, I can't judge.

[RoderickGI]

Change the Output Format in the DSP settings for the Zone you are playing to.

Reference: https://wiki.jriver.com/index.php/Audio_Setup

[Gio300ZX]

OK, I couldn't see any settings by Device by Zone but I did find the DSP & Output format so set 48 in > 44.1 out and that plays. Thanks.
Confusingly while testing (I have several PCs so was testing panel on one, Theatre View on both and so on) I got the 48 playing without making ANY changes to DSP. Then Theatre View wouldn't play it OR throw the error message. Then it wouldn't play on any method! How I hate unrepeatable errors ....
Still, with the above DSP setting it is currently working and I will persevere with Ruark (they do sound rather good).
I haven't tested Direct as yet (got bored, need to do some work ). The wiki says start with Direct as most reliable. Elsewhere it says WASAPI is better quality than Direct so, if I read that aright, I will persevere. Thanks.

[RoderickGI]

If you use Direct Sound Windows will mess with your audio. In fact, it would have silently solved this problem by downmixing to 44.1, without telling you. Also, System Sounds would be mixed in with your music. That would be bad.

Persevere with WASAPI.

[Gio300ZX]

If you use Direct Sound Windows will mess with your audio. In fact, it would have silently solved this problem by downmixing to 44.1, without telling you. Also, System Sounds would be mixed in with your music. That would be bad.

Persevere with WASAPI.

Ah, understood. Thanks.