PC optical out with WASAPI vs. better sound card

tylersmith · 24th June 2011, 06:32 PM

My PC has a digital optical output. I am using this with WASAPI, sending the output to a Meridian processor. My understanding is that using WASAPI bypasses the onboard DAC and sends an unaltered digital output via the optical output. What advantage, if any, would there be to adding a high quality sound card to my PC?

marvin55 · 30th June 2011, 11:21 AM

Wasapi bypasses the Windows (software) mixer, so the bitstream should be identical to source. However, the onboard optical out may be somewhat off-spec leading to increased digital errors; I have recently replaced my onboard sound with an Audiotek Maya, and it sounds better. Note that I use the spdif output to an external DAC, I can't magine the D/A on a soundcard equalling even a basic DAC.

PreSapian · 2nd July 2011, 09:21 AM

i think a usb reclocker is a step up solution. ones such as teralink is a bargain that makes noticeable improvement to the sound quality. modded i hear is even more fantastic. i definitely removed a lot of 'digital glare' with my stock unit.

24th June 2011, 06:32 PM	#1
tylersmith diyAudio Member Join Date: Jun 2011	PC optical out with WASAPI vs. better sound card My PC has a digital optical output. I am using this with WASAPI, sending the output to a Meridian processor. My understanding is that using WASAPI bypasses the onboard DAC and sends an unaltered digital output via the optical output. What advantage, if any, would there be to adding a high quality sound card to my PC?

30th June 2011, 11:21 AM	#2
marvin55 diyAudio Member Join Date: Feb 2009	Wasapi bypasses the Windows (software) mixer, so the bitstream should be identical to source. However, the onboard optical out may be somewhat off-spec leading to increased digital errors; I have recently replaced my onboard sound with an Audiotek Maya, and it sounds better. Note that I use the spdif output to an external DAC, I can't magine the D/A on a soundcard equalling even a basic DAC. __________________ Indifference to quality destroys all art, and withers the gifts that creativity brings to human existence. David W. Robinson

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2nd July 2011, 09:21 AM	#3
PreSapian diyAudio Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: seoul	i think a usb reclocker is a step up solution. ones such as teralink is a bargain that makes noticeable improvement to the sound quality. modded i hear is even more fantastic. i definitely removed a lot of 'digital glare' with my stock unit.

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