Bitzie: 24 bit or not?

For those wanting "bit perfect" or "bit exact" playback via the Bitzie...

We keep getting asked if the Bitzie can actually receive at 24 bit?

1] Chip data sheet tells us it does.

2] Our own tests: we downloaded ASIO4ALL V2 into Foobar 2000. It was a pain to install onto my machine (Windows XP Professional), but easy on Leo's machine (Windows 7).

Selecting ASIO: ASIO4ALL V2 on the preferences output menu plays the file as it is: 24 bit if 24 bit.



That's the point! It plays it as it is. And that's why if in this mode you ask it to play 96kHz, it won't - the Bitzie is 48kHz max.

Because it refuses to play 96kHz that shows what's going to the Bitzie is "exact" - it plays up to 24/48 - it doesn't play 24/96 - it plays it "bit perfect/bit exact" as long as it's not over 48kHz.

Right click the track being played, and click properties, it shows a dialogue box. Click the properties tab. You'll see the report and in the picture you'll see it is playing out at 24 bit.



Here's a screen shot of the ASIO output drivers on my machine - the first one is for the sound card fitted to this machine.




Whilst ASIO4ALL is selected its icon appears in the task bar - see green triangle in fourth picture and the ASIO display pane on clicking the icon.



Leo has said he will continue this topic with driver download information.

If all this is too much just use the regular Foobar 2000 and let it decide.

I got the ASIO4ALL main driver from http://www.asio4all.com/
After installing that I got ASIO for foobar here http://www.foobar2000.org/components/view/foo_out_asio
Details how to install it for Foobar here http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000:How_to_install_a_component
Once installed simply do above post by Graham.

I'll give WASAPI a try, thanks for the post Humboldt

I'm using the Bitzie (trial loan so far) with Foobar2000 set to "DS : Speakers(USB Audio CODEC)", but because I had earlier installed WASAPI, there's also WASAPI (two versions, one 'event', the other, 'push') each with Speakers USB CODEC.

I've not tried using either of the WASAPI settings yet -- I'm not clear as to whether they have any affect on the Bitzie.

I've also been doing some homework and still reading here http://thewelltemperedcomputer.com/Intro/SQ/BitPerfectPlayback.htm  on Bit-perfect playback.

Thanks for any help on the WASAPI + USB CODEC question.

all best
Brian

Thanks Humboldt.   I was trying WASAPI last night comparing it with non WASAPI.  I need to have another listen but first impression was that it gave a fuller (and slightly louder) sound over the headphones.