hi guys...

jus in case is relevant, i m using z5500 + x-fi platinum fatality champion series

note: i only listen to CDs and NO other formats even the losses one (FLAC, TTA, Monkeys Audio) not to mentioned the lossy types.

currently, does enjoy the WMP11 sound quality. And i do aware as some said the foobar2k + additional plugin is better, i wondering.

i download the lastest version of foobar2k with the additional 3rd party plugin, as follows: -

1) kernel streaming
2) Asio
3) DSP Delta
4) Secret Rabbit Code
5) Advance Control

Is the above, sufficient for GOOD AUDIO QUALITY? i do presume the ASIO plugin is sufficient right?

Thanking u in advance

cheers!!!

This post has been edited by gac: Oct 15 2008, 04:51 AM

what's wrong with lossless formats?

nothing wrong... but i only listen to CDs.

aiya..trust your ears lah...

if you said wmp11 is good for you..then so be it lah..

as for fb2k...only asio n ks is output plugin..others are all dsp

i vote for lossless..

CDs, Z5500, X-Fi platinum fatality champion series...

With this such combination, I suppose you do not need to look any further to distort your sound with plug-ins. Keep it original

yup, im using ASIO output and resampler [44.1kHz], nothing else, no EQ no nothing, try to stick to the most orginal as it can...

huh..... just wanna compare both sound quality.

Why do foobar2000 need asio? I tot totally no plugin is the most original sound?

To talk the truth when you got the decent soundcard like yours it's best if you just use the both plug-ins nothing else.The difference is unnoticable with my ears last time.

try leaving it into this only :_

1 - Secret Rabbit Code
2. - ASIO plug-in

This post has been edited by Hitman66: Oct 15 2008, 12:48 PM

i tried foobar2k without plugins is sucks!!

ok.... i will try both plugin...

Using Secret Rabbit now. ASIO is juz for onboard soundcard? My fubar cant use it =.=

ok or not

ASIO for those sc come with ASIO.if onboard sc use KS will be enough.

using kernal steaming would be enough like scy320 earlier

This post has been edited by Hitman66: Oct 15 2008, 03:22 PM

what is the use of SRC???

i m currently using optical as output.

so is there any different optical & coxial cable???

This post has been edited by gac: Oct 15 2008, 03:28 PM

SRC is for resampler.

dude if you have any prob regarding to foobar pls use this guide

http://www.gempakstarz.com/gforum/viewtopi...=foobar#p334845

I can use DS only I think it is becuz my DAC is USB type.

This post has been edited by DEVICLOT: Oct 15 2008, 05:34 PM

I use this asio plugin for foobar because my USB DAC headphone amp needs it, otherwise no sound.

First time I heard about Rabbit Code and its SECRET.

Anyway, just tried it and its pretty good at reducing sibilance. Thanks for letting know. Havent read much about audiophile stuffs lately. But it consume 25% of my P4 2.26GHz. Holy god...

huh resources hungry monster... i always thought foobar2k is lesser than WMP

---

Added on October 15, 2008, 6:31 pmi like ur guide...... i oledi bookmark it long2 time ago. good job but maybe u need to update it


just another retarded question. installing 2 players wont effect my WMP11 right?

This post has been edited by gac: Oct 15 2008, 06:40 PM

This thread is useful. I have my edifier s530d speaker pair with my Asus xonar d2x with equalizer on previously. I keep feeling there is something missing.

After l have read this thread...i turn all the effect off and have secret rabbit sample all to 44.1khz....god! I can hear every detail of the music. it just well balanced.

This post has been edited by jsliau: Oct 15 2008, 07:14 PM

For me this thread let me noe many thing... I used fb2k for months i cant configure anything. 2day after seeing thread i done many setup. Nice thread.

thanks... wondering why there is no such thread before..... life on!!!

the plugin is resource hungry, not the player..

---

Added on October 15, 2008, 8:18 pmif you venture outside this section, you'll find more..

This post has been edited by fariz: Oct 15 2008, 08:18 PM

just tried out the foobar2k.... just wanna check my setting is ok


Despite i installed the ASIODLL but it reflected CREATIVE ASIO. Anything wrong?

Why it only show 16bit?



More than 20 mapping to done??!! Anything Wrong??? but i only listen to stereo so can i stick to 2 mappings???



Despite i set to 96000KHz on the resampling rate but it appears only 44.1?? Why huh??




thanks Sifu

This post has been edited by gac: Oct 15 2008, 08:44 PM

you're using vista, better use wasapi output

http://www.foobar2000.org/components/index.html

This post has been edited by fariz: Oct 15 2008, 08:33 PM

ASIO doesn't use the thing unlike KS



Wat the....

stick to the 2 mappings at it's best



no prob with that since it just show the info from the file.It's still resampling either way

About the guide yeah it's pretty outdated especially the plug-ins list.I even applied the dolby headphone on the foobar itself (man as far as I know I haven't put it for quite a some time).Well I don't want to ruin my placebo just yet

Oh well I will update it somewhere aroundthis week

This post has been edited by Hitman66: Oct 15 2008, 09:03 PM

i m still debating on the quality for WMP & foobar2k...... hard to differentiate. i keep on repeatedly listening to one song.

for mine one i can configure either 16bit or 24bits by clicking the configure button.

below is settings for the ASIO of my ASUS XONAR D2X



I thought it will affect the sound quality if you up sampling a lower frequency song to a higher frequency? correct me if i am wrong

As i come across a forum for Prodigy 7.1 HIFI soundcard that saying creative soundcard by default will upmix a 44.1khz song into 48khz and downsample again into 44khzl. But i think they mentioned is only on OLD creative soundcard

original link of the discussion is at http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/archive/ind...p/t-753754.html

This post has been edited by jsliau: Oct 15 2008, 09:55 PM

http://www.foobar2000.org/FAQ.html#other_questions

Is WMP11 producing 24bit output or even resampling???..... i wanted to see what WMP11 can do.... the point here is both WMP & foobar2k quality is almost matching.

**** I bought some good CDs 24bit 192Khz remastering one.... but why foobar2k only indicating it is a 44.1khz format???? this is suck!


but one thing i admit....foobar2k look nicer & consume lesser memory, 200% different at least

This post has been edited by gac: Oct 15 2008, 10:03 PM

LOL...

Bro,

Remastering is like it said, altering/refining the original audio signal. However, audio files stored in Audio CD format is still bound to 44.1KHz. You can resample it as much as you like all the way to 96KHz but the original audio cd format is 44.1KHz which is what Foobar is displaying.

Get your info right first. That is the reason why many doubt that 24bit have any benefit over 16bit as the original audio CD format is 16bit 44.1KHz. Upsampling 16bit to 24bit would only introduce 0's for the remaining extra 8bits which is why so many people critise manufacturers saying 24bit will sound better as the original sound is just 16bit. There is no way for it to recover the loss data for the remaining 8bits.

omg.....

but infact those CDs sound better.... comparatively to some local ones.... is there anything to do with the recording???

If I understood it correctly, as in some of the new Japanese pressings reissue as 24bit whatever, that would mean they remaster the original tapes into 24bit digital masters and then transfer them to 16bit CD format. If they were to do a 1 to 1 bit mapping and churn out 24bit CDs, then I would think there is a high chance Tom Jones will sound like Diana Krall, and jazz becomes classical.

Normal CD players process 16 bit audio. But that does not mean foobar2000 cannot output 24bit audio. It can, but the source will be from 24 bits recordings, not from music CDs but from midi devices or your own remixing that captures the output file as 24bit.

Correct me if I am wrong on this.

As to why some CDs sound a little different from different sources, it has to do with the sound engineer bias in the production process, much like why the same type of chocolate tastes differently in Asia and Europe. There are people with very sweet tooth.

so to cut it short in a layman term would be....

CDs is encoded to 16bits 44.1Khz from a 24bit 192Khz source. thus, in order to "enjoyed" the extra bits, thats why resampling comes in..... like the one in foobar2k or any other players.

can this be it???

Can be any source, but most CD players accepts 16bit audio disc. Depends on whether the extra bits are stored on the disc. And if it is there, the drive can read them and the player can play them, correctly of course.

do u think mine can do it? ...... X-fi Platinum Fatality Champion Series + Z5500 + DVD-RW (as player)

I have no idea and I don't even know how the data are assembled in an audio CD. It is like this, if your drive detects you inserted an audio CD, it plays you music, without you even asking.

After much try & error, install, uninstall & such efforts testing, keep on testing, tweaking for hours .... blah..... just ensure that i m NOT bias.

Testing rigs = MY Gear (X-Fi Platinum Champion Series + Logitech z5500)
Listening Test = compare to my buddy's hifi set. (Primare CD-31 + Primare 1-30 Intg. Amp + Pro Ac Studio 140 Speakers)

Human tester = Myself, my wife, my buddy + GF, my 7 yrs old son & my 6 yrs old daugther....
Venue: my entertainment room (12' x 23')

CD tested: -

1) Best Audiophile Voices Selections
2) Lee Lessack, in good companion
3) Aiza, Open Arms
4) AURACLE, LESIEM
5) Musik Wie Von Einem Anderen Stern
6) Signature Audiophile Instrumentals
7) Acaustic Audiophile Voices

my conclusion is WMP11 vs foobar2k.... ultimately, WMP11 is the winner!!!

Music Clarity - WMP11
Instrument Detailing - WMP11
Voice/Vocal Projection - WMP11
Originality? - WMP11
Music Low Volume - WMP11
Music High Volume - WMP11
Bass - WMP11
User interface - WMP11 (b'coz WMP11 nothing to set!)
Player Outlook/Visual - foobar2k (5-star!!!)
Music Management - foobar2k (5-star!!!)


So i will stick back to WMP11... but again, its all depend on "individual ears". Or perhaps different combination of hardware & software produced different result (i strongly believe so)

NOTE: well i m not degrading foobar2k or any other players, this is purely my view.

- One thing i learned, the speakers placement is significantly IMPORTANT whether is stereo or 5.1s. (lately, i did come across a few articles on speaker placement. Well, it is not ultimate but it does ENHANCE in a way

Cheers!!!

p/s: this thread should be continuing...

This post has been edited by gac: Oct 16 2008, 03:02 AM

For me, using my headphone wif my amp and DAC, the fb2k is much more better comparing to WMP11. But it is my own opinion, u shud trust ur ear and use which u think is better.



Agree

This post has been edited by DEVICLOT: Oct 16 2008, 09:04 AM

One of these days, switch over to foobar2000 without them knowing, ask them what they think of WMP11 ....... I know I know..... but just for the fun of it, and they will have their revenge.

during my testing.... i tested both players without them knowing which is which.... my children does even know what is WMP11 or foobar2k

btw what is the ASIO buffer latency? 80ms is ok?

how about buffer lenght???


This post has been edited by gac: Oct 16 2008, 11:50 AM

http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?act=SF&s=&f=28

How do you position your Z5500? I am a Z5500 user too Hopefully can have some pics.

I have been searching to no avail, what is the best way to position speakers nearfield.

Would using Secret Rabbit Code be considered Colouring the music?

This post has been edited by dlyz: Oct 16 2008, 01:16 PM

SRC is not consider a "colouring" device. SRC is a re-sampler. i.e. resampler from 44.1KHz to 96KHz..... etc

I presume stuff like SRS, 3FX, CMSS, equalizer, etc are "colouring" agents


There are many philosphies & theories... hard to say. but u cant try this

My speaker placement:

1) LF, RF & CF try to put it 3 feet away from the listening point. LF & RF 4ft away from each other. all MUST be "ear" level
2) All front speakers should be 1 feet away from your wall. (nearer u will get heavier bass/LFE)
3) Rear speaker must be at the back of course. but try to put it 3 feet up of your listening point/ear level.
4) Placement of subwoofer is important & complex...... but mine on the left side and leaving 1 feet gap between the wall & sub

try this: -------

1) www.polkaudio.com/education/article.php?id=20www.polkaudio.com/education/article.php?id=20
2) www.atlantictechnology.com/default.asp?IsDev=False&NodeId=108 www.atlantictechnology.com/default.asp?IsDev=False&NodeId=108

u need to try every position possible in order to get the best "point"

one thing, if u would to visit any hi-fi shop as u might realized that none of those speakers are place close to the wall. right?

i m still in the learning stage now.....

This post has been edited by gac: Oct 16 2008, 02:27 PM

I tried using WASAPI. The problem is that it mutes any other sounds except the music, which is sometimes inconvenient. I tried ASIO and KS but they both don't work on my laptop. The option to select KS doesn't appear in the Output Device column. For ASIO, I get an error when I try to press the Add button. Any ideas? Thanks.

What OS r u using? WASAPI that is the point....

I m not sure about the KS issues. but maybe u paste wrongly to a different folders. it should be C:\Program Files\foobar2000\components

But for the ASIO, u need a sound card which support ASIO. U wont able to use it.

For non ASIO supprted SC, use KS only and should try out Secret Rabbit Code (SRC).

cheers!!!

I'm using Windows Vista. WASAPI is good due to the fact it bypasses the Windows mixer. As many have said, Windows Vista sound system has some problems which causes music to sometimes jerk during playback. I'm facing this problem. Using WASAPI solves the problem and I'm very happy about it. The only thing I don't like is that it mutes all other sounds. So I can't hear any alerts during playback.

I posted the dll file in the directory you mentioned. But I just don't see it there. Not sure why too. Maybe my soundcard doesn't support it or something.

Okay. I'll try it. I guess my soundcard doesn't support ASIO. Thanks for the information.

maybe u should try updating your SC driver.....

Maybe www.asio4all.com can solve?

The ASIO barang might show up as USB-something in the Output Device column, or as something else that wasn't there before. Before you go any further, do you undertstand what I am trying to say? If there is something there, then select that something and close the window. Then press play, got sound or not?

Yeah, I do understand. I looked at the Output Device column. It only contains those DS ones. Nothing that mentions USB. And I tried to click the Add button in the ASIO and the error message given was "No ASIO drivers found".

Anyway, thanks for your reply.

DEVICLOT: I hope to use ASIO natively on foobar2000.

This post has been edited by tps18489: Oct 16 2008, 07:59 PM

Let me take one last shot at this. What is the file name of the ASIO thingy in the component directory?

Did you plug in the USB device you want the output from your computer to go to? Must plug in okay, otherwise nothing will show up in the selection column.

This post has been edited by BCurve: Oct 16 2008, 08:13 PM

can anyone show some pictures..... its better illustration right?

Been trying foobar for few times but I can't really differentiate the SQ compare with TTPlayer.

Probably my ears not good enough or just is my personal preferences.

Juz trust ur ear, use which plyer and settings u think is de best...

all this are rather self preferences.... u like it u have it, dont like dont use it..... simple

my choice WMP11...

This post has been edited by gac: Oct 16 2008, 11:50 PM

Of course, allow me to refer you to post #26 on page 2 of this thread.

well well..... u got me.

but i mean the problems of those faced NOT mine....


btw... what is the Impulse response convolver for? in layman term please



This post has been edited by gac: Oct 17 2008, 01:39 AM

How frequency you guys usually put for Resampler?

I usually stick with 48kHz, but most songs are in 44.1kHz. Will it sounds better in higher freq?

I prefer 48kHz as the treble is clearer than 44.1kHz.

Also, how much % you guys use for noise sharpening? 150% sounds good to me.

What's you guys' suggestion? Btw I'm usually hear either from laptop speaker or EP-630..

i use Secred Rabbit Code as the resampler... i set to 96KHz merely because my sound card could support it. u can try setting it to different stages and see what is outcome.... happy trying.

I also use SRC resampler, set to 48khz. Noise sharpening i leave at 50%-100%, above 100% is 2 sharp for me.

is there any noise sharpening in SRC???

noise sharpening is in DSP

music no need dsp... right? coz i only use SRC & ASIO

noise sharpening is kinda useful when using with some speaker..
i do use it when im still hv Z5500, coz z5500's high is not so good in music, hv to use noise sharpening to boost up a bit..

True, Z5500 is not meant for music.

but i use coxial (digital output) to z5500 from my x-fi platinum fatality champion series. listening in stereo mode. it was amazing out of my expectation... clarity, detailing, projection was good! of course with WMP11... with foobar2k so so

at that time i were only using AudioTrak Prodigy 7.1 with Z5500...

what r u using currently?

audiotrak prodigy 7.1 LT [so that i can use ASIO in Foobar] optical out to TianYun Zero DAC then to Aego M...
pure music mode..

it generate what any complex sound will sound like after the environment or effect is applied.

oh... another "colouring agents"

noise sharpening is for improving the clarity.

BTW wat converter u guys using? best/med/fast/zoh or linear mode? the best mode seem eat up too many resources

This post has been edited by xianyao: Oct 18 2008, 03:09 PM

best mode .... but i dont use foobar2k often..... usually WMP11

not like a normal equalizer

you can apply impulse for specific headphone

If you want to Resample, better use SSRC resampler...the best of resample. Strongly suggest by all foobar2000 expert user!!!

SSRC resampler

i thought Secret Rabbit Code is the best???

No..you try SSRC first and you will know the difference...

I have 1 question to all SSRC user...i used the 192k sample rate with ultra quality setting..but i realized 48k sample rate give more clarity and treble.
What is happening?? Doesn't the higher sample rate mean higher quality and clarity??

in laymen terms.... if your sound card could not produce 192Khz, what do u expect?? btw, what sound card r u using?

then u should try SRC....

This post has been edited by gac: Oct 18 2008, 11:49 PM

Is that so? btw if my sound card not support 192Khz playback, the song will stutter just like when i using SRC with 192Khz sample rate..but with SSRC the song play just
fine on 192Khz but less clarity than the original 44.1Khz and 48Khz..I think oversampling does not produce any good. What do u think?

FYI i only use onboard cheap AL888...sound card is very expensive you know

The suspense is killing me. Now everyone of you, bring out your sampling plugin, so that I can load them all into foobar and drive myself crazy.

over-sampling eating up your resources and produce less ... what for? right?

for foobar2k, i only stick to 96khz.... despite my sound card can support 24bit/192khz in stereo mode....

Can you tell the difference between 48khz and 96khz?? Is it have more clarity?

again it always depends on your hardware .... in my case, yes it is more clarity, projection, detailing, etc

What is current price for your X-Fi?? Does onboard AL888 really can produce 24bit/192Khz sample rate????

i bought it at RM900. i m not sure about realtek al888... sorry

but no point buying x-fi, maybe u could try out ASUS XONAR and there is a new sc coming up....

Is it good for music??Actually i dont like my foobar with many DSP plugin coz i think they all fake...the original and good quality sound only produced by the soundcard, not the audio enhancer or plug-in.

X-fi mainly design for gamers? but i do enjoy listening to all my audiophile CDs with WMP..... its fantastic!!! those plugs-in are to "colour" your music which is not "real"