I think one of the reasons that Integer mode evidently makes a difference in some cases is that some USB interfaces and drivers may not be bit perfect real-time. It is difficult to tell this by doing static data compares. I frankly don't trust the native drivers in OS's.
An advantage is that this may be another way to avoid Core Audio without using KS or WASAPI. Even if this were the case, I still would not use WMP for my player. I find Kernel Streaming to work just fine. It has been verified by Microsoft Engineers to work well with my converters and provide bit-perfect data.
Just like FLAC. Data compares shows that its bit-perfect, but when you play back real-time, it mucks up the sound quality.
Steve N.
I respect your opinion Steve.
It seems that your trying to downplay the effects of integer mode though. Their is a lot more issues with pc players not being bit perfect vs mac. So a player should be at a MINIMUM bit perfect. That's why most audiophiles using pc's, kernel stream. However I find it very unlikely players such as itunes(mac), pure music, Amarra and others like these, don't play bit perfect. Test have shown they do this just fine live in real time.
So my opinion is that's not the real issue. For people using computers as a source and have high end resolving systems. Better players with hog mode, memory playback and integer mode make a difference. The music is more 3 dimensional, clearer and the noise floor seems to be lower. Can science prove this either way no. Their are factors that are not fully understood. Similar to the jitter issue and other factors with spdif converters. Some scientific test show the amounts on some systems should be inaudible to make a difference. Yet it does. The debate goes on.
I believe that bit perfect is a base or a minimum effort put forth to having the best player. In my opinion, people interested in the offramp 5 are not interested in "it sounds fine". There looking to squeeze out the best sound possible from their systems. Why else spend $2000+ on a simple converter. If spending another $120 on a better player supporting integer mode, improves sound even more. Why not?
Having a player "hog" the play back minimizing the layers of things going on, improves the sound. At least that's what I clearly here in my system. By eliminating the extra conversion and using the DAC's native language (integer mode)improves the sound even further. A good analogy you can understand is how your products sound best using I2s vs spdif, it's one less conversion needed. It's still bit perfect right? It shouldn't make a difference, but it does!
My recommendation is simply try it before speculating and down playing it. After all we all want better sound. If we are all open about possible improvements. Then we can end up with better systems. Like ones with Off ramp 5's!
In no way am I downplaying the Offramp 5 it may be the VERY BEST! Things are always evolving and hopefully improving. Integer mode is just one more new improvement that most are unfamiliar with. That evolves computer based audio closer towards matching high end cd players.
