Comments on Profile Post by Stuff Jones

Sounds sketch, what audio program are you using? Connected to DAC via USB or something else?

USB to BF2. Using Foobar.

Linux/Daphile

WASAPI or ASIO? Redbook or Hi Res?

I don't even have that in win 10 using foo. What version of win? Have you tried this stuff? https://softwarekeep.com/help-center/how-to-fix-windows-audio-device-graph-isolation-high-cpu-usage

sometimes high cpu might be interrupt related. Or you could try uninstallinng and re-installing audio drivers if using or foo itself. And big library views can cause issues, try simple 1 cd drag and drop playlist for playback.

@famish99 - no idea if WASAPII or ASIO. It just says "Speakers (2 - Schiit Bitfrost 2 Unison USB)" under Win volume and foobar output. Most tracks are Redbook.

@bixby Windows 10 Pro ver 1903.

Maybe look into getting the WASAPI plug in and using that output method.

to determine what foobar is using go to File>Preferences>Installed Components. You should have Wasapi Output Support and/or ASIO support installed. If not, at least get WASPI installed. You do that by clicking on the Get more components link below the installed components box.

if you go to the same preferences area and click under playback to highlight output you may see int he box to the right - Device: DS: "some schitt usb type name" and a list of the other drivers if any. If only DS that is not really good and you need waspi at least.

@bixby no sign of wasapi. Just null output, primary sound driver, Intel display audio, Realtek and Schiit.

I'll try installing it. Hopefully it wont screw up my connection with BF2, which has been flawless so far.

There should be something in front of the Schiit , like DS: Speakers for example?
you may have to unplug and re-plug usb from the BF2 to initialize the Wasapi setting and you need to selct it when installed. Pretty easy though once you get it set.

Should I use shared or exclusive?

https://www.foobar2000.org/components/view/foo_out_wasapis

or

https://www.foobar2000.org/components/view/foo_out_wasapi

exclusive, that way it gives full audio control to foobar so no system sounds while you are playing music.

Do I use push or event?

There's something on the unison thread that says which mode you have to use

@famish99 - what about 16 (w or w/o dither) vs 24 bit?

I use 24 bit, but I've never tried testing both of them side by side and I've long moved on from foobar as my choice of player.

Use push mode. 24 bit is fine. You don't really need dither. Only use that dither setting if playing back a 24-bit file and selecting 16-bit.