From Benchmark

Benchmark's Guide for Audio Playback using Mac

A Simple Guide to Configure Your Mac for Optimal Audio Quality

MacAmp/WinAmp Logo copywrite of WinAmp

*this article was researched using MacAmp 1.3. Some information in this article may not apply to different versions of this software. Email us to report any errors or discrepancies, or if you would like more information on this topic.

Overview: MacAmp 1.3

MacAmp performed well in most respects, except sample-rate conversion, which caused severe distortion (see MacAmp distortion graphs). The volume control performed exceptionally well.

Recommended Player Settings

Set sample-rate and 24-bit word-length

• The sample-rate settings in Audio MIDI Setup must correspond with the sample-rate of the audio
  • The AudioMIDI Setup control interface can usually be found in the 'Utilities' folder

Applications -> Utilities -> Audio MIDI Setup

• Read about sample-rate and word-length for more information on why this is important.

Keep the volume control at 100%

• Although MacAmp has a well-designed digital volume control, it is still recommended to keep the digital volume controls at 100%. We recommend controlling the volume with an analog volume control (post D-to-A conversion).
• Read more about how digital volume controls affects audio

Keep inactive all audio plug-ins and DSP (EQ, Bass-Boost, Surround Simulation, etc)

• It is recommended to keep all audio DSP and plug-ins inactive
• Read more about how DSP and plug-ins affect your audio

Known Problems

Sample-rate conversion causes severe distortion

• For more information about this, read the sample-rate article.

Computer Audio Playback - Setup Guide

1. Mac - Audio Playback
   1. OS X Audio Playback - Setup Guide
   2. Media Players for Mac
      1. iTunes-QuickTime for Mac - Setup Guide
      2. VLC for Mac - Setup Guide
      3. MacAmp for Mac - Setup Guide
      4. Audion for Mac - Setup Guide
      5. Cabrio for Mac - Setup Guide
      6. Fe Player for Mac - Setup Guide
      7. Windows Media Player for Mac - Setup Guide
2. Windows - Audio Playback
   1. Windows Vista Audio Playback - Setup Guide
   2. Windows XP Audio Playback - Setup Guide
   3. Windows 2000 Audio Playback - Setup Guide
   4. Media Players for Windows
      1. iTunes-QuickTime for Windows - Setup Guide
      2. Windows Media Player for Windows - Setup Guide
      3. WinAmp for Windows - Setup Guide
      4. Foobar2000 for Windows - Setup Guide
      5. RealPlayer for Windows - Setup Guide