MLegend

There ARE registry keys related to MMCSS settings that *may* have an effect on WASAPI/other Microsoft-developed "bit-perfect" output method behavior, but they aren't effected by the choices in the Sound Settings .cpl widget thing, AFAIK.

@internethandle I'm referring to the audible differences between bit depth, not sample rate. Keep it simple, 16/44.1 vs 24 or 32bit (whatever your device supports). The sample rate stays the same. Use a streaming service that has its own built in wasapi exclusive output to bypass the windows mixer. Try it for yourself, you might be surprised.

Obviously not a blind test and just a quick and casual listen but PC USB > MMB2 > Lyr+ > HD660S2 at 44.1kHz sample rate for both, 32 bit sounded more diffuse and less "there". Ended up preferring 16 bit (which is what I always have my system set to lmao). More definition and presence to things.

If you use VB cable with HQplayer, this might be the reason why you've been experiencing dropouts.

No dropouts, thankfully. I just use Tidal and Jriver. Jriver is used as a pass-through for all Windows audio. Every time I open Tidal, I check the audio settings and 90% of the time they will show default settings with normalization on. The other 10% randomly saves my settings. The bug still occurs whether Jriver is open or not, so that can be ruled out.

What's the difference for you?

@roshambo123 To me, upsampled sound gives you more "air" and perceived clarity/treble extension which also gives the perception of a larger soundstage/headstage, but at the expense of treble timbre, smoothness, body, and tactility. NOS just sounds more natural to me, especially when it comes to body and tactility.

@roshambo123 A hyperbolic short summary would be Yggrasil A2 -Listening to a simulated live performance Cyan 2 - Listening to the actual recording. The Yggdrasil is awesome and is a technically better dac, but the Cyan 2 (NOS) is simply closer to my preference.

Glad this worked out for you. But I can’t help wondering if this is a Windows thing or would Mac OS or Linux have similar problems.

Linux can have similar problems. Bottom line is that a PC has to multitask which is achieved by time slicing. Thus, processes can be interrupted and made to wait. If your linux pc is tuned for audio, the priorities will be changed accordingly. I've long-since forgotten the technical detail.

Windows is usually worse for audio compared to mac or linux. Really need to strip that shit down if you want decent performance. Be it for audio or gaming. Winutil is pretty good for it.

The USB network adapter that I've been using for a long time has a soft and smoothed over sound that I became acclimated to. I've also been using the dedicated USB card that Marv recommended as well. Too many changes attributed to a difference my ears didn't like at the time.

You might try placing the card as far away from the cables to your USB ports as possible. This might be induction (electrical noise) produced by high frequency signal switching in the card, that would then travel down the USB cable into your DAC and harm D/A conversion there.

"The ethernet port on my motherboard was fried from a power surge"

Ouch! You are so lucky not to have lost much much more than the port.

"PC/USB audio is so finicky and dumb, I hate it." Can be. Early windows absolutely was: I thought it had improved, but I left windows behind over ten years ago.

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So maybe you could upgrade to Linux ;)

But the underlying hardware is still going to be a time-slicing system and that can be unkind to sound.

Best bet is to get on Facebook and search for this model in the Klipsch Owners Group. Don't post about them if they are still available as they seem to poach stuff if they can find where you are and locate the listing.

I used to work audio retail and we sold those, I wound up with the KG 5.5. Iirc they were pretty decent too, less bass overall. Audio memory is crap ofc, but I think they retailed for about $300 each, so sounds like a good deal if in good shape.

I don't recommend this unless you want more midbass/warmth and darker sound. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01AK9T678?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1

I have kept MJ1 around specifically for its high energy character. One of my favorite amps for Focal Clear, but that is definitely an acquired taste.

Yeah, it definitely has energy and the bass is addicting. The only thing I wish it did better is soundstage/depth and treble articulation.

Or Pangea Audio AC 14SE MKII C7 Signature Power Cable - 3 Meter https://a.co/d/3NEOuFE

Edit: But obviously an IEC version. Just realized I linked a C7.

I use the Monoprice hospital grade cables and they are super sturdy. I am about to build some entry level audiophile cables to finally hear for myself if anything changes, but if you aren't into building Pangea has been mentioned as a good option for reasonable cables.

I always buy the hospital ones on Amazon linked above. Haven’t had any issues.

@james444 Thanks for that resource. Yeah, that's almost the same price for most of the used pairs I've looked at, so used is probably the only option people have now.

Dayum, yea, that’s not very reassuring. Thanks for the shout out about the situation. Please keep us posted on what happens.

@EagleWings Yeah, it's very disappointing. For sure, I'll keep checking audiosanctuary every now and then to see if Sennheiser comes through, but I wouldn't get my hopes up. I'll probably just pick up a used pair to extract the drivers.

I picked one up myself.

@joch I think, but I'm not certain. I haven't tried the single ended out yet, so I can't say for sure if it's due to the halo topology, the amp itself, or a combination of both working well together. Whatever it is, it sounds good to me and the preamp functionality is a nice plus.

@ColdsnapBry I'm curious to hear what you think of it. It might be the most neutral and transparent amp that I've, personally, ever heard while still being musical and actually enjoyable to listen to.

Of course that isn’t the friend SBAF price, just going by marketplaces in general. You can always search on HiFiShark by “Sold/Expired” to get an idea what items are selling for lately.

Yeah looking at HiFiShark there have been a lot of A1 Gungnirs selling at about $700. A few A2’s too.

Picked up my A2/OG w/Unison on USAM a few months ago for $1350 shipped and fee's included. The A1/GS cards and rom were $175 shipped from a member here.

@zonto which Etymotic earplugs do you like? I’ve got a concert coming up and want to get some earplugs.

@MellowVelo I have the old ER20 with the longer tubes and the non-blue tips (normal size tips; blue are smaller). I don't think the ER20 has replaceable tips. They might be called EtyPlugs now? Since I got mine 10+ years ago, Etymotic came out with the ER20XS. Those have a shorter tube and replaceable tips it looks like. I need to replace mine. Despite cleaning them after every use, it's time for a new pair...

Coincidentally, woot.com has “Eargasm high fidelity ear plugs” for sale today https://www.woot.com/offers/eargasm-high-fidelity-earplugs-your-choice-5?ref=w_gw_dd_7