I'm with Alex here when it comes to 32 vs 24. Go with the native resolution for the BL5s. There isn't any source material available in 32-bit anyway.

But Pure Music is heartily recommended by me. I have it set up from my MacMini through a digital router to the BL5s, and I do hear a noticeable difference between playback detail through PM compared to straight from the integrated iTunes/QuickTime. I like what I hear from PM better.

BTW - I connected my BL5s to a Beomaster 7000 through Powerlink, the BL5s are getting their sound signal from the MacMini, through the path described above. As the BL5s give priority to an S/PDIF signal, when I press CD on my Beo4, the Beomaster can be used to control the volume of the speakers, and on/off - while the signal they receive is routed straight to them via S/PDIF. Best of both worlds as I get a precise control of volume and integration, while giving the speakers the best signal. When I press Radio, Tape or other options, the Beomaster is used to route those signals to the speakers through PL.

But I now have excellent iTunes/Pure Music playback from my NAS, as well as Spotify playback from the mini to the speakers, both through the S/PDIF IN on the BL5s.

Speakers in Option 0.

No idea how the processing is done but the output will be native. There are no adding of bits done when you switch the upsampling off. Anyway any music enthusiast owning itunes owe it to themselves to at least give the software a try. Listening nearfield my computer desktop system with beolab 3s is in every parameter better than my audiophile setup that costs a hell lot more. I have a new found respect for B&O's new line of speakers and also for the advent of asynchronous DAC technology.

Also bypassing an analogue volume control with a digital volume control that has a higher res than the playback material will be immediately superior.However, since the volume control is in the signal path of the Beolab 5s anyway, I guess there wouldn't be any difference.

wonderfulelectric wrote:

Also bypassing an analogue volume control with a digital volume control that has a higher res than the playback material will be immediately superior.However, since the volume control is in the signal path of the Beolab 5s anyway, I guess there wouldn't be any difference.

How is that? Digital volume control will necessitate dithering, no matter how much more resolution you use in the intermediate step. Otherwise you will end up with quantization artifacts = noise/distortion.

I can't see how that would automatically be better than an analogue volume control after D/A, which in itself doesn't alter the actual content in any way.