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More => Old Versions => Media Center 17 => Topic started by: Monteverdi on May 15, 2012, 08:53:10 pm

Title: Will lowering computer volume output levels compromise bit perfect output?
Post by: Monteverdi on May 15, 2012, 08:53:10 pm

I am using Dell XPS 13 Untrabook (Window 7 64-bit professional) which is connected to a DAC via a USB 2.0 cable. Audio output is ASIO. I have chosen "Disabled Volume" in the Media Center 17 software. I note that the volume output of the whole hi fi system is still dependent on the computer volume output levels so I set the volume output of the computer at 100% for bit perfect performance. However, when some loud solo vocal passages are played there is a phenomenon that the high frequencies difuss and lose focuses. I wonder whether I scale down the output volume of the computer to appropriate levels will compromise the already bit perfect performance.

Title: Re: Will lowering computer volume output levels compromise bit perfect output?
Post by: Matt on May 15, 2012, 09:08:05 pm

Often using 'Internal Volume' inside Media Center will provide the highest quality volume possible.

Lots more here:
http://wiki.jriver.com/index.php/Volume

Title: Re: Will lowering computer volume output levels compromise bit perfect output?
Post by: NickF on May 16, 2012, 01:56:31 am

Quote from: Monteverdi on May 15, 2012, 08:53:10 pm

Audio output is ASIO.

I note that the volume output of the whole hi fi system is still dependent on the computer volume output levels so I set the volume output of the computer at 100% for bit perfect performance.

Are you sure you have set MC to ASIO?  ASIO should bypass the Windows audio volume so it should have no effect.

Nick.

Title: Re: Will lowering computer volume output levels compromise bit perfect output?
Post by: mojave on May 16, 2012, 06:34:19 am

Quote from: NickF on May 16, 2012, 01:56:31 am

Are you sure you have set MC to ASIO?  ASIO should bypass the Windows audio volume so it should have no effect.

Nick.

The Creative ASIO drivers don't bypass Windows audio volume and neither did the older Asus ASIO drivers. There are probably others as well.

Title: Re: Will lowering computer volume output levels compromise bit perfect output?
Post by: Monteverdi on May 16, 2012, 07:44:49 am

Thanks for kind advices from all of you. I am using Mytek DAC and have installed the USB driver downloaded from the company's website. I've checked the set up again and am sure that I have chosen the ASIO output. The computer volume output levels are still in play. I really could not understand why. Any further advice?

Title: Re: Will lowering computer volume output levels compromise bit perfect output?
Post by: NickF on May 16, 2012, 08:01:06 am

It seems from mojave that some DAC ASIO drivers don't bypass the Windows volume.  Yours may be one of them.  Does your DAC support WASAPI?  This may solve the problem.

Nick.