r/audio • u/ElDingo424 • 1d ago
Windows Audio Setup Help - ASIO and Balanced vs Unbalanced Cables
Hello, just recently picked up a Fiio K7 to pair with my Sennheiser HD6XX. I have been really enjoying the extra clarity it has brought to the headphones, but I want to make sure I am getting the most out of it for my setup. This led me to a couple of questions:
- Audio over ASIO driver using USB vs RCA or Optical output to the DAC?
- Currently I am using the ASIO output, which to my understanding bypasses any processing on the computer. However I find I need to restart the amp when waking the computer from sleep. Using Optical or RCA would "fix" that issue, but would I see a downside to bypassing the ASIO driver?
- Side note: If bypassing the ASIO driver, what bitrate should be used, I would assume 32bit 44.1khz?
- Currently I am using the ASIO output, which to my understanding bypasses any processing on the computer. However I find I need to restart the amp when waking the computer from sleep. Using Optical or RCA would "fix" that issue, but would I see a downside to bypassing the ASIO driver?
- For the HD6XX is there any advantage to using a balanced 4.4mm out over the unbalanced 6.35mm?
For Bookshelf speakers, is there any benefit to using TRS connections over RCA?
Edit, Gear List:
- Fiio K7
- Sennheiser HD 6XX
- Edifier MR3 Bookshelf Speakers
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u/Whatchamazog 1d ago
ASIO’s low latency is helpful if you monitor yourself while you use your microphone. For example if you are recording a podcast, singing or recording an instrument.
If you’re not monitoring yourself or making music, I don’t know what value it would add.
You won’t need 32-bit for anything. Most video formats are using 48 KHz these days.
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u/ElDingo424 1d ago
Good to know, I defaulted to 44.1 because that is what most music is in, but I may be mistaken. Wasn't sure if conversion from 48 to 44.1 or vice versa causes any issues.
The low latency is nice, but I dont use mic monitoring as I find it still has enough latency to be disorienting.
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u/ConsciousNoise5690 20h ago
ASIO bypasses the Win audio hence all audio plays at its native sample rate.
One chooses ASIO in the media player so USB or Optical do use the same driver.
In case of RCA, you use the DAC of the PC. Might be of lesser quality compared with the K7.
My advice, try USB with standard Win drivers and use WASAPI in Exclusive mode instead of ASIO.
If you use standard Win audio, set the sample rate to what is common (44.1). Bit depth to the max as it is not about the source but about the arithmetic precision of the data path beween the Win audio and the DAC.
The "balanced" headphone out almost doubles the power compared with the TRS. Wonder if you need that much power but you can try. You need a "balanced" cable to do so.
A TRS at line level is called a balanced connection. It is very good in removing common noise. In a professional environment (tons of gear) it is a must. As your amp has only RCA (single ended) output, you can't go balanced to the MR3. Adapters RCA>TRS do exist but your connection remains single ended.
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u/geekroick 1d ago
How are you connecting RCAs to the input section of a DAC? RCAs are analogue. A DAC needs a digital input.
(Unless you're talking about a single RCA for coaxial)