• Registered: 2023-04-03
  • Posts: 1

Topic: Matching sample rate to source

Using ADI-2 DAC FS

I listen primarily to music streamed via Spotify on my iMac via the DAC to Shure SE846 in-ears.

The standard macOS utility program "Audio MIDI Setup" allows me to specify the output "format" - i.e., the sample rate. I can select any one of several sample rates from 44.1 KHz to 768 KHz. The DAC detects the selected sample rates.

What I can't figure out is what the optimum sample rate should be for this source.

If Spotify is offering "CD quality" (and I'm not entirely sure that it does) then, presumably, 44.1 KHz would be fine and anything higher than that would be pointless.

Any guidance would be appreciated

2 Reply by KaiS (edited by KaiS 2023-04-03 10:27:19)

  • KaiS
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Re: Matching sample rate to source

I‘m not sure if the Mac is capable of switching sample rates according to the sources, which would be the best option.
You can check that with RME Bit Test (see manual page 67).

If not, select either:

• The SR that the majority of your playback files / streamings use, to avoid losses by sample rate conversion,

• or 192 kHz, the highest SR that works without restrictions.

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3 Reply by MC

  • MC
  • MC
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  • Registered: 2007-04-06
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Re: Matching sample rate to source

That topic has been discussed in the other thread, including an app that enables the Mac to change sample rates.

Regards
Matthias Carstens
RME

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