>> Please investigate why exclusive mode doesn't work. <<
I thought I had, but OK.
>> Try the device maker's support. <<
Looking for what?
>> What is the device? <<
A Maverick Audio TubeMagic D1 USB DAC.
>> You never said whether you tried Matt's suggestion above:
The last thing to try is 24-bit and checking the WASAPI option 'Present 24-bit data in a 32-bit package'. <<
You're right, I didn't. Sorry about that. OK this is where things get a little complicated.
If 'Open device for exclusive use' is not checked, I get sound out of the DAC regardless of whether 'Present 24-bit data in a 32-bit package' is checked or not.
If the file being played is an m4a file and 'Open device for exclusive use' is checked, the sound is emitted through the default device regardless of whether 'Present 24-bit data in a 32-bit package' is checked or not.
If the file being played is a flac file and 'Open device for exclusive use' is checked, the result is the following error whether 'Present 24-bit data in a 32-bit package' is checked or not:
"Media Center encountered an error while playing the last several files. Please make sure that you path your media library points to the right location.
Error Details:
Playback could not be started on the output 'WASAPI - Event Style' using the format '48000 32 Bits per Sample, 2 Channels'.
The output format may not be supported by your hardware. You can use the DSP Studio to change the output to a compatible format.
Also, make sure that your system has a valid sound playback device and that it is properly configured in playback options."
>> Read this very carefully:
http://wiki.jriver.com/index.php/DAC_Settings <<
I have. More than once. I swear it. I just went through it again. The results remain consistent with what I wrote above.