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Windows Speaker Enhancements

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BEDROCK
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Which options would you use for a laptop with a pair of M-Audio Studiophile AV 40 speakers?

Speakers are connected via the 3.5 headphone socket to the phono L+R line in socket.

I have TRS inputs on these speakers, will there be any benefit in connecting via that route instead?

The bit depth format is set at the maximum 24 bit 192000 hz (Studio Quality) setting for best output.

Bass Management

-Office

-Home Theatre

Virtual Surround

Room Correction

Loudness Equalization

-Short

-Long

MajorFubar
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RE: Windows Speaker Enhancements

It won't matter whether you use the phono inputs or the jacks, the sound quality will be the same. And to be honest I'd turn off all the software EQ settings.

If you want to improve the sound quality your best bet is to buy a separate DAC. The ones built into computers usually sound pretty naff. If you only intend to use the DAC with your computer, you can buy a USB one.

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Main gear: Mac Mini > HRT Streamer II+ > Marantz PM66 KI > Mission 794

Also cluttering-up the place:

Thorens TD160 no cartridge; Marantz CD63 mkII KI; Technics SL-P777; Cyrus 2 + PSX; Cyrus Tuner; Nakamichi DR-1

BEDROCK
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RE: Windows Speaker Enhancements

Which DAC do you recommend on a  budget?

MajorFubar
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RE: Windows Speaker Enhancements

Fiio E10 is very highly regarded, or if you have more to spend, the one which seems to be wowing crowds at the moment is the Dragonfly DAC.

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Main gear: Mac Mini > HRT Streamer II+ > Marantz PM66 KI > Mission 794

Also cluttering-up the place:

Thorens TD160 no cartridge; Marantz CD63 mkII KI; Technics SL-P777; Cyrus 2 + PSX; Cyrus Tuner; Nakamichi DR-1

BEDROCK
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RE: Windows Speaker Enhancements

For listening to MP3 music and watching videos, is it advised to use the maximum 24 bit 192000 hz (Studio Quality) setting?

MajorFubar
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RE: Windows Speaker Enhancements

No it won't make any difference unless you're listening to lossless hi-res music that you've downloaded at 192/24.

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Main gear: Mac Mini > HRT Streamer II+ > Marantz PM66 KI > Mission 794

Also cluttering-up the place:

Thorens TD160 no cartridge; Marantz CD63 mkII KI; Technics SL-P777; Cyrus 2 + PSX; Cyrus Tuner; Nakamichi DR-1

BEDROCK
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RE: Windows Speaker Enhancements

So is 16 bit, 44100 Hz (CD Quality) the best I should go for or can I use another setting?