skipping

I guess that's why they call it "pop-pulse".

All kidding aside, here are some things you should try:

1) remove all other USB devices, even the mouse
2) forget ASIO, instead unmap the device in device manager
3) try other USB ports - you may have a slow USB port
4) Give Foobar2K real-time priority - in Foobar preferences - core - then restart foobar
5) turn-off virus scanner
6) disconnect from internet - this laptop should be dedicated, not multi-purpose
7) defrag your music files disk
8) add more DRAM or forget FLAC, do .wav

I prefer Foobar 0.8.3 with DirectSound2 with unmapped device.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio

There is a buffer in Foobar's settings menu that you can increase. That might help.

Thanks guys -

Well i hit reset on foobar and it seemed to stop the skipping. No idea what i did or what it reset.

Steve I am liking the idea of a computer dedicated to being a music server......although I would also want it connected to the internet in order to burn cd's with relevant information on content. Now it will be a decision on mac versus pc - mac does seem easier to use, however is pricey for what it is. And if pc will sound better ill struggle with the pc language for better sound.....