Oh?
Can you explain what exactly you’re doing?
In windows I have my DAC output set to 24bit/768hz or something (not at the computer at the moment). Plexamp outputs everything at cd quality, plex outputs at the audio source file quality.
What are you doing, exactly?
Sorry for German screenshot.
The heading is “Output Settings”. Unfortunately, it may look differently in a different Edition of Windows (mine’s Win11, build 24H2). Microsoft likes to switch that around every so often.
Be sure to switch off any “enhancements” which may be on offer on different pages of the configuration. Like “Bass Enhancement”, “Dialog clarity”, “Ambience sound” etc.
I am using an analog attenuator on the DAC output. That’s why the volume setting is cranked to 100%, in order to actually use the DAC to its full potential.
All that does is allow Windows system audio to upsample all content to 96/24 that is not 96/24 or convert down for all material thats over it. Its not sample rate switching or bit perfect. PlexAmp on Windows has no exclusive mode which is needed for devices to switch the system sample rate to the incoming signal. I woul not let Windows system do anything to me audio as you get all notifications etc coming through.
The annoying thing is the main plex app on windows does have exclusive mode, so can play hires music, whilst plexamp on windows can’t.
If plex can do it, can it be that difficult to allow this mode in plexamp, and give users the option to play their hires audio (with the caveats) on plexamp with the great UI?
what’s that (vs. “Plexamp on windows”)?
Sorry, I’ll edit that:
The main plex app has a setting that allows it work in exclusive audio mode so can play hires music, whilst plexamp does not.
It has already been said, Plex guarantees exclusive audio but not gapless, Plexamp the opposite, unacceptable conditions for an audiophile user.
But are we really still discussing in 2025 whether bit-perfect is better than the Windows mixer? 
There is literally zero in common between the two apps.
Ok, thank you, they are nothing alike.
So, musicbee, foobar, hqplayer, Plex on windows and other players can use exclusive mode and play hires audio on windows.
And, plexamp can’t.
I guess that’s one large difference.
don’t worry, your ears can’t hear the difference.
I mentioned above how I tested this and I found d a difference, though thank you for the condescending answer.
Hey guys! Delete all your 24 bit audio, DSDs, SACDs, 192/24, just throw them in the bin! Plexamp has you covered!
24 bit audio gives better dynamic range for classical and jazz with good equipment? Nah, just listen to plexamp and you won’t know any better.
Yes, but only if you are a Windows user, for other OS strangely it does not apply
No ABX test would confirm that theory.
Is transcoding to PCM done on the server or local client?
client.
To each their own, but there is a difference between DSD (Native) and PCM. DSD has a smoother analog sound while PCM has more of a brittle/digital sound. Quick example: Michael’s Jackson’s: Thriller. I own almost every digital version released and Vinyl. Bernie Grundman Mastered the original Vinyl/Tape/CD and the 1999 SACD (DSD files). The SACD/DSD files are easily picked from the other versions during comparison. The original Hot Mix Vinyl is a close 1a and the rest are 2nd, 3rd, etc. place. I’ve had many people do a blind test and each time the SACD/DSD files are always picked as the best sounding version. I’m not saying all DSD is created equally, but when done right, DSD is usually the go-to and can be picked out from it’s PCM brethren.
I keep hearing people throwing around these descriptions of DSD having a “smooth analog sound” compared to PCM’s “brittle digital sound” and it’s amusing to me knowing DSD is an acronymn for “Direct Stream Digital”. So one digital format sounds more analog than another digital format? How completely farcical.
Dipping toes back into reality for a moment, each of those albums you listed use different mastering processes from one pressing to another (yes, even your Thriller example uses different techniques between the different physical formats even though the same engineer mastered them all!), so of course one may sound (subjectively) better than another. What seems to escape the average audiophile’s logic and reason however, is that if a hi-res recording or indeed, a DSD were resampled (using a high quality resampler, of course) into Redbook PCM (16-bit/44.1kHz, a.k.a an audio CD) a legitimate ABX test would fail to detect the difference so long as the original and a conversion made from the original are compared, and they were perfectly volume matched. Whether it gives one “warm and fuzzies” to bitstream the ultrasonic frequencies above the range of human hearing, which will undoubtedly be filtered out at the amp stage or by the natural frequency rolloff of your drivers (or heck, even the human ear!), that’s perfectly fine and I’m alllll for it, but please understand that comparing different masters of albums (which includes comparing the physical medium) is apples and oranges and is never an indication of level of perceived audio quality between formats or sample rates or bitdepths.
Your DSD is subjectively better to yourself and your listeners because you prefer the mastering of that specific release, and that’s wonderful that you found a copy that you enjoy so much! However, pointing fingers at the digital format/sample rates/bit depth/alignment of the planetary auras being the sole cause is a classic audiophile trap and isn’t based in reality.
This topic was automatically closed 90 days after the last reply. New replies are no longer allowed.
