Local Output In Detail
This page covers the local output path: audio through the ECHO engine and Windows audio stack to a device directly attached to the PC. It is the required baseline before WASAPI Exclusive, ASIO, DSD, or HQPlayer.
Overview: Connect frontend playback devices.
Supported devices
Section titled “Supported devices”| Device | Connection | Typical Windows name |
|---|---|---|
| Built-in speakers | No external cable | Default playback device |
| 3.5mm wired headphones | Headphone jack | “Speakers / Headphones” or model |
| USB headset / USB DAC | USB data cable | Model or “USB Audio Device” |
| Bluetooth headphones | Windows Bluetooth pairing | Bluetooth device name |
| Powered speakers | 3.5mm / RCA to sound card or DAC line out | Depends on connection |
| External interface | USB; monitor out to headphones/speakers | Interface model |
- Use a data cable, not charge-only.
- Power externally supplied devices before power-on.
- Driver issues → Official USB DAC driver links.
- First verification: System or WASAPI Shared; no ASIO / exclusive / DSD before baseline passes.
Physical connection
Section titled “Physical connection”Laptop
Section titled “Laptop”- Power adapter connected.
- Wired headphones to 3.5mm or USB; use wired first for troubleshooting to exclude Bluetooth variables.
- USB DAC: data cable to PC, DAC output to headphones or amp; confirm power and front-panel switch.
Desktop
Section titled “Desktop”- Locate headphone jack: front panel, motherboard rear, or GPU HDMI audio (usually not preferred).
- Prefer dedicated USB DAC over motherboard 3.5mm if you have one.
- Powered speakers: connect to output, not microphone input.
USB DAC wiring
Section titled “USB DAC wiring”PC USB ──data cable──> DAC ──> headphones / amp / powered speakers (externally powered DACs: connect power separately)- USB data cable between PC and DAC.
- If DAC needs external power, connect power before turning on.
- Headphones or speakers on DAC line / headphone out.
- Wait for Windows recognition (Device Manager or taskbar volume).
- Settings → System → Sound → set as default output.
- Verify OS-level playback with system test tone or another player.
- In ECHO: mode System, matching output device, play MP3 / FLAC.
Windows device selection
Section titled “Windows device selection”| Check | Action |
|---|---|
| Default output | Taskbar volume → select target device |
| Disabled device | Sound settings → More sound settings → Playback → Enable |
| Sample rate / format | Device properties → Advanced; default 16-bit 44.1/48 kHz for first test |
| Exclusive app conflict | Close other apps using the audio device |
| Bluetooth | Managed by Windows; use wired during troubleshooting |
ECHO output mode progression
Section titled “ECHO output mode progression”Enable one step at a time; verify with the same MP3 / FLAC after each:
| Stage | Mode | When |
|---|---|---|
| 0 Baseline | System | Any device; default rollback |
| 1 Explicit device | WASAPI Shared | USB DAC; daily stable use |
| 2 Exclusive | WASAPI Exclusive | Stable external DAC; sample-rate control |
| 3 Pro driver | ASIO | Vendor ASIO driver available |
| 4 DSD | DSD / DoP | Confirmed DSD support |
| 5 External | HQPlayer | HQPlayer verified independently |
See Exclusive / ASIO user checks and ASIO vs exclusive.
Recommended initial ECHO settings
Section titled “Recommended initial ECHO settings”| Setting | Value |
|---|---|
| Output mode | System or WASAPI Shared |
| Output device | Match Windows current device |
| EQ / DSP / ReplayGain / speed / resampling | Off for first verification |
| DSD / HQPlayer | Off until baseline passes |
| Volume | Non-muted, non-extreme on ECHO and system |
Symptom table
Section titled “Symptom table”| Symptom | Conclusion | Next |
|---|---|---|
| OS plays, ECHO silent | ECHO output config | Audio output · no sound |
| OS also silent | Physical or Windows device | Cables, drivers, default device |
| Exclusive mode silent | Device/driver rejects exclusive params | Roll back to WASAPI Shared |
| DSD files only silent | DSD / DoP path | DSD guide |
Multiple devices
Section titled “Multiple devices”When built-in speakers, USB DAC, Bluetooth, and HDMI audio coexist:
- Keep Windows and ECHO on the same device.
- After switching devices, reselect in ECHO; Reset audio engine if needed.
- After USB hot-plug, wait for Windows re-enumeration before selecting in ECHO.
Local output vs Connect
Section titled “Local output vs Connect”Independent paths. During DLNA / AirPlay cast, ECHO attempts to pause local playback. To return to local output, disconnect in Connect and verify local device. See Connect page.
Further reading
Section titled “Further reading”| Topic | Doc |
|---|---|
| Wiring from zero | Beginner setup · section 3 |
| Full output modes | Audio output |
| Settings advice | Audio advice |