USB Driver Bit Rate Settings

[Boyse6748]

I hope there is an expert individual that may be able to answer this question. I've had a search on this forum but there appears to no definitive answer.

A bit of background first, (sorry but a Vinyl freak) but getting into HD downloads and Tidal Streaming.

My kit, comprises of Windows Surface Pro (Windows 10) IFl Micro (USB to Coax Convertor) into a McIntosh CD 500 (Eight ESS Sabre Reference 9008 DACS capable of 24 Bit / 192 kHz in Quad balanced parallel Configuration.

Anyway, my question is quite simple (from a complete numpty perspective).

I have set the IFl USB driver to 24 bit 96kHz to allow for playback of JRiver HD Tracks and Tidal streaming. (when High res files are available)

Obviously, my system is not capable of automatically "Up sampling" or "Down sampling" and I have no way of telling what sampling rate is being played.... as my CD player just says COAX selected.

I think my question is...... should I manually change the bit rate setting to 16 bit / 44.1 kHz for the majority of files available on Tidal??? or the normal files on JRiver?

Or does it really not make any difference? Or does this happen automatically?

There appears to be little on no difference between a 16 bit / 44.1 kHz setting or the higher 24 bit / 96kHz for low resolution files (or not that I can hear) but there is most certainly a difference between the HD files a the Higher resolution. (Much better)

If this is confusing.... I am sorry, but it's also getting to me... for not understanding!!!

If there is anybody that can explain, or advise it really would be a real bonus.

Please don't suggest I get another DAC..... I don't have the funds to better the Mcintosh. (As I guess it would be many £1000's)

In anticipation

Peter.


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[Stratmangler]

Is JRiver set up to use ASIO or WASAPI drivers when playing through the iFi Micro?
It will play files at their native bit depth and sample rate if it is the case.

[Boyse6748]

Just Checked but I don't quite understand, but JRiver is currently set up to playback using ASIO.

Can you elaborate?

Peter


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[Boyse6748]

Sorry Chris (Grumpy Git) "As in your profile"

I really meant, set the bit rate as High 24/96 or low 16/44.1????

Or does it work either way?

Peter


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[Stratmangler]

Just Checked but I don't quite understand, but JRiver is currently set up to playback using ASIO.

Via the iFi Micro?

Can you elaborate?

Peter


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If it's set to do it via Asio using the iFi Micro then it doesn't matter what bit depths and sample rates you set.
Values native to the files themselves come into play. A 24/96000 file will play at 24/96000, and a 16/48000 file will play at 16/48000. CD rips will play at 16/44100.

[struth]

check jriver for different device options. should be a few

[Boyse6748]

I thank you for your valued advice

I think this is sorted, via your valuable information.

An expert indeed.

Peter


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[Stratmangler]

You're welcome

[Boyse6748]

Thanks Grant,

I have checked, for options.

I always thought that the DAC took preference (highest bit rate available) but it appears not to be the case??

It's always the dilemma of using two interfaces I.e. JRiver and Tidal. (Never anticipated that Tidal,would ever go, higher resolution!

vinyl is still the best by far.... but must keep up with the latest tech

Thank you.


Peter



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[Gazjam]

Hi Peter,

Dabbled a bit in this stuff and when it comes to upsampling, despite numbers being bigger dont ever (ever) do it.
(In my opinion)
I've gone through several rethinks on this stuff and always come back to the same conclusion.

Keep it untouched 16/44...want to get closer to vinyl, get a better Dac!
Stay away from upsampling, it's Marketing.

As Chris says, a true 24/96 file will sound better but an upampled 16/44 to 24/96 is not the same.
A better mastering of a recording can sound wonderful...I have 320K MP3 recordings of superb masterings of recordings that will give you the shivers they sound that good.

Get the fundamentals right, and dont believe the Hype.
Hires digital CAN sound better, but only if its true 'done at the recording desk' level.