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Foobar 2000 or MediaMonkey v.3?

My PC runs Windows XP 2000 w/ Service Pack 3. My music library, so far, contains tracks dowloaded from Amazon.com. My audio player is WMP.

Audio out is via Behringer U-Control (dedicated USB cable, 16/48 DAC); RCA's from Behringer to Parasound pre (analog inputs only, no internal DAC) to NAD amp. I will soon upgrade from the Behringer to an Edirol UA-1 EX (24/96). I'd love to get something like a used Bel Canto DAC, but do not have the bucks.

I'm wondering if Foobar 2000 or Media Monkey will afford better sound than the WMP. I don't care about all the bells and whistles - just the sound. If yes, which is better - Foobar or Media Monkey? Where does J River fit in?

If I download one of these, should I also get ASIO and/or Kernel Streaming?

Thank you. Mike19
mmarvin19

Showing 1 response by mapman

mapman's avatar
mapman
22,636 posts
 
I use WMP ripping to loss-less .wav format on Windows Vista as the server in my rig. It is fast, easy, reliable and ripped CDs sound as good as original. You definitely want to run the latest XP versions if possible for best results.

I also have an older XP PC and find that the mutlimedia features are not as robust. I'd recommend moving to Vista for a music server...its better designed from the ground up for these kinds of applications. Don't let the Vista detractors deter you in this case.
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