Summary Recommendations:
- Install Equalizer APO and use it to disable original APOs and set EAPO's preamp gain at ~ -4 dB to avoid upsample overs, filtering induced peaks, and the Windows CAudioLimiter
- Set Windows audio to 24 bits so that it's added dither doesn't compromise dynamic range
- Set Windows sample rate to the same rate as the native file, or to 96 kHz if you play back high resolution material
- Turn off Windows system sounds and enhancements
- Install "remote desktop" for "Spotify Connect"-like added convenience, for all your digital sources
- Take the money saved and buy more music, better speakers and a few bottles of wine
If set up correctly, Windows can provide clean, faultless audio and (free) high performance equalization which provides enormous pleasure and fidelity improvement that I think any open minded audio fan could get behind. All with the performance and convenience beyond external costly hardware solutions.
--https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/ending-the-windows-audio-quality-debate.19438/