Snow Leopard and audio quality

I used iTunes (x64 bit).

In the configuration settings for each OS, I made sure the OS (Leopard and Win7) was not doing any conversion by setting the audio output to 48kHz and playing WAV files ripped from CD.

Also, iTunes has the EQ on by default on Snow Leopard where iTunes on Win7 did not have the eq on, so I turned off the EQ on Snow Leopard before doing any listening tests.

Joelz,

How do you run iTunes in 64 bit?

I have SL on Mac Mini. When I run the Activity Monitor, I see everything is 64 bit except iTunes. I am running iTunes 9.02. Is there a 64 bit version of iTunes out there?

ah, the x64 bit should have been next to the OS name. Sorry for that! I need to use a word editor for my posts :)

At any rate, I was actually surprised (and a bit T'd) that I didn't hear a difference between Win7 and Snow Leopard since I ran out and bought a Mac after reading these responses above and listening to my local dealer who also has a Mac. I waited too long to do the listening tests and now can't return the Mac.

I'm only 35 yo and wash out my ears regularly so I don't think my ears are bad!

One other tidbit was I used the same cabling (10' Transparent USB cable) for each system.

I just did a clean install of Snow Leopard, had been using Leopard before, and my first impressions are mixed. On one hand the sound is much more present, immediate, up front and "real" - much more "live, in the room." On the other hand, it's also more bright and fatiguing, and the tone and dimensionality of the lower end seems compromised. Anybody else share this experience?

Coverto... SL just made it possible for my DAC, cabling, and setup to fully reveal itself and the music (given the facts and limitations of digital files). I am still amazed and pleased at the improvement.

:) listening,

Ed