DAC Software
Hello, I have been reading a few reviews on the DAC devices that can be used to improve computer audio output.
But instead of buying expensive hardware, are there any software alternatives that will overtake the computer's own DAC to improve output, there has to be a freeware alternative somewhere?
Is that downloadable software or a feature to enable?
That depends on the player you use and the version of Windows you have. Pre Windows Vista then you're looking at something like ASIO instead of WASAPI. I use Foobar and JRiver and both support WASAPI on Windows Vista and 7 (probably Win 8 too). Foobar's WASAPI driver might need to be downloaded and installed manually. I'm not too sure about other software. I'm sure Winamp has something. iTunes for Windows used to support it but doesn't any more (typical), stuff like Spotify doesn't support it AFAIK.
Essentially the answer to your question is no. A DAC is a combination of software and hardware, the best way to improve software wide is use something like WASAPI (Windows Audio API) to make sure the digital signal is pure and isn't processed. The other 99% of what makes a DAC is hardware I'm afraid.
PC>JRiver> DAC/amps: Fiio, Audinst, Yulong, Arcam, Fostex, Audiolab, Schiit, Oppo, Ifi ●
Headphones: D7000, Q701, M80, M100, DT770, DT880, HP100, HP200, Mad Dog, HD650 ●