DAC Settings
Media Center has industry leading support for high-end DACs (Digital to Analog Converters).
Note that the setup is completely different for network connected DAC's (i.e. DLNA) vs. directly connected DAC's (i.e. USB, S/PDIF).
Recommended Settings (DAC's with direct USB or S/PDIF connection)
For the best quality playback with high-end DACs, use these recommended settings:
Options > Playback > Audio > Output Mode
- Media Center Windows
- You will need to select the best audio output mode for your device in Options > Audio.
- With Media Center Windows version 15 and above, use "WASAPI - Event Style".
- With older versions of Media Center Windows, use "WASAPI".
- Note that some DACs listed below offer native ASIO drivers that may be better than WASAPI.
- Media Center Mac
- Use "Core Audio".
Options > Playback > Audio > Output mode settings...
- Media Center Windows
- Inside "Output mode settings..." for WASAPI, use the following settings:
- Open device for exclusive access: Checked
- Present 24-bit data in a 32-bit package: Unchecked
- Buffering: 100ms (assuming WASAPI - Event Style). If you hear audio hiccups or drop-outs, increase this size.
DSP Studio > Output Format
You will also need to choose the output format using DSP Studio. These settings are recommended:
Bitdepth: 24-bit (most DACS prefer and even require 24-bit input)
Channels: Source number of channels
Sample rate: Depends (with an outboard DAC, try "Source sample rate")
Recommended Settings (DAC's connected via DLNA over network)
- Make sure there is a DLNA "Audiophile 24-bit DAC" server available in Media Center. Go to Tools / Options / Media Network and click on "Add or configure DLNA server...". If there is no "Audiophile..." option in the server list at the top, click the "Add..." button and select it from the choices. When the "Audiophile 24-bit DAC" server is highlighted, you can configure the options in the lower window. Normally, you'll just be configuring the Audio section. The "Mode:" should normally be "Specified output format". The "Format:" should normally be set to "PCM 24 bit". Under "Advanced" it should normally have "Stereo downmix" checked, and "Sample rate:" should be "Same as source".
Known to Work With
- Audio Research DAC8. Install Audio Research's DAC8 drivers (ASIO) on the PC, and select ASIO in MC15, then select the DAC8.
- Proton USB DAC from Wavelength
- Ayre QB-9 DAC
- DACmagic on Interact.
- PS Audio PWD
- Arcam RDAC
- M2Tech Hiface (May require an older driver.
- HRT Music Streamer II
- e18 DAC from exasound.
More Information
Related topic: Audiophile Info
Related topic: Audio Output Modes