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1: Digital Drive, FUD RE: Found an interesting article (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2024-01-10, 07:44:26 (154.6.92.22)
Yeah. As usual, there's FUD to be found if we get anxious about stuff like this. In the 21st Century, "Bits Are Bits" unless we're running *really poor* equipment these days! Obviously we're not going .......
2: Critic's Corner, RE: Esoteric Grandioso M1X (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2023-03-23, 14:03:55 (191.96.37.25)
Of course a reviewer like him would give a positive review to the amplifier. Talk is cheap and he can say anything presuming there is nothing obviously objectionable with the performance. Not that I h .......
3: General Asylum, Thanks - and 24 vs. 16-bit listening test up. (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2023-03-05, 08:39:39 (96.49.196.112)
Thanks for those who did this so far! Still open for submissions... Also a I have a 16-bit vs. 24-bit audio listening test up for those who want to stand and be counted as well. 9 years since I last d .......
4: General Asylum, INVITE to participate in audio system/streaming service survey... (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2023-02-18, 09:41:56 (154.6.93.137)
Hey guys and gals, greetings from the "Critics Corner" where I roam around a bit more! ;-) I want to capture more of us who engage in high quality audio online to get a sense of who we are and these d .......
5: Critic's Corner, RE: Almost 100% of my CDs are ADD or AAD. (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2023-02-06, 23:13:43 (154.6.93.142)
What's wrong with DDD CDs? Plenty of those around... Some good, some bad. Just like there were good and bad LPs, ADD, AAD, SACD, etc. .......
6: Digital Drive, RE: Yes - or, most likely yes. (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2022-10-25, 21:13:52 (181.41.202.209)
So long as the ripped CD is bit-perfect, and you didn't damage the lowest 16th bit where the HDCD control stream "lives", then the content should still be identified as HDCD. .......
7: Digital Drive, RE: And some non-HDCD discs can light up the light too... (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2022-10-25, 21:12:04 (181.41.202.209)
Yes, you can have a disc be identified as HDCD without any of the useful features activated like custom dithering, selective filtering, or peak extend. .......
8: Critic's Corner, RE: Huh? (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2022-09-04, 14:40:34 (191.101.61.81)
"CDs by and large are not purely digital and nobody ever gave a rat's behind about that. Hel-loo!" Please elaborate? .......
9: Critic's Corner, RESULTS RE: ...why would McGill U., known for medical controlled blind tests (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2022-06-20, 00:48:26 (199.36.223.206)
Interesting exchange with Mr. Machina Dynamica... Careful with stepping into the deep BS here boys with someone supposedly versed in equal proportions classic sci-fi and quantum this and that based on .......
10: Critic's Corner, RE: Errors in digital (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2022-05-15, 22:28:31 (172.98.80.147)
Hmmm, so what are you saying here? It's one thing to recognize that CD playback could have errors (vast majority of the time correctable, other times the error could be masked). But what inherent erro .......
11: Critic's Corner, RE: Sonnet Morpheus Review USB comment. (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2021-12-16, 17:03:02 (142.103.107.225)
.......
12: Critic's Corner, RE: Are there people saying he's faking it? (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2021-03-19, 00:33:13 (172.83.47.63)
Yes, I believe the opinion you noted Jim is reasonable. I doubt that the vast majority of cables make a difference. And I doubt he'd be able to tell the difference between otherwise adequate cables (e .......
13: General Asylum, RE: Am I an audiophile (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2021-01-01, 11:16:04 (96.49.196.145)
Looking at your system description. Yes. You are an audiophile. Good to be content. .......
14: Critic's Corner, RE: You're most welcome (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2020-11-28, 22:31:33 (154.21.20.40)
E-Stat said: "To believe that artificially added distortion bears any resemblance to the far more complex reality of reproducing music. Enjoy your parlor games. :)" Not sure if this is a fair assessm .......
15: Critic's Corner, RE: And... (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2020-11-26, 18:16:11 (154.3.40.174)
E-Stat said: "why some like THD or SINAD have little to no correlation with what we hear." True, while the human perceptual system has a wide tolerance to THD and SINAD, let's not get too extreme and .......
16: Critic's Corner, RE: What happened to links? (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2020-08-01, 19:55:37 (162.219.176.130)
While we might have different opinions on much of audiophilia, I can certainly appreciate when people take time to think and write about audio. I know you contributed to a number of the AudioStream ar .......
17: General Asylum, RE: INVITATION: Can you hear high THD? (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2020-06-07, 21:54:53 (172.98.67.143)
Results up now... Bottom line: 67 total listeners responded. Most people felt they heard a difference, but ~20% could not hear a difference even at up to 3% THD added to the music. Of those who heard .......
18: General Asylum, RE: INVITATION: Can you hear high THD? (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2020-04-18, 10:42:44 (172.98.67.76)
Just wanted to give a little bump to this topic. Closing off data collection in 2 WEEKS. Thanks to all who have given the test a try and sent in their results! .......
19: General Asylum, RE: Been there, done that (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2020-02-16, 08:13:55 (172.83.40.103)
Wow E-Stat, that's a pretty good result! I'll have to have a look at the Klippel material in more detail... Would be interesting if you tried this one because you should be able to pick out the most s .......
20: General Asylum, INVITATION: Can you hear high THD? (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2020-01-25, 12:03:34 (173.244.44.58)
Alright guys and gals, a new test for you to try out for 2020! You know that measurements of audio gear typically will include harmonic distortion tests. We see numbers like 1% THD, 0.1% THD+N, etc... .......
21: Critic's Corner, RE: The reasons why measurements aren't done... (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2019-11-30, 11:03:05 (172.98.67.58)
There's really nothing all that surprising about this, RGA. First, 8 good watts is fine with sensitive speakers in a normal sized room with music that's mastered at normal volume. No problem. Second, .......
22: Critic's Corner, RE: Equipment for seeing, equipment for listening, and the reviews thereof (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2019-07-24, 09:09:33 (172.98.67.4)
Very true (and not surprisingly striking) comparison. Amazing how much of a contrast there is between how audiophile products are "reviewed" compared to much of the other technologically-based hobbies .......
23: Digital Drive, Listener results... (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2019-05-18, 11:44:14 (199.127.56.91)
And here are the listener results. Thanks to those who participated! .......
24: Digital Drive, RE: BLIND TEST INVITE: Do digital audio players sound different? (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2019-05-04, 17:59:31 (173.244.44.51)
Hey guys. Thanks for the participation! Here are the devices "unblinded". http://archimago.blogspot.com/2019/05/blind-test-results-part-1-do-digital.html Will post discussions and analysis of the resu .......
25: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Help! I'm a "Digital Doofus." (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2019-03-26, 08:36:43 (183.90.37.251)
Hey Throwback, Yeah, the various and sundry options with digital playback these days can be rather overwhelming. First thing is not to fear. It doesn't have to be too complicated... Here's an article .......
26: Digital Drive, NOS DACs do have slight roll-off... (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2019-03-26, 08:29:37 (183.90.37.251)
Remember that NOS does affect frequency response with about -3dBFS roll-off by 20kHz. Not that this is a massive change of course but it does start experiencing this roll-off gradually starting around .......
27: Digital Drive, RE: BLIND TEST INVITE: Do digital audio players sound different? (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2019-02-23, 13:50:34 (199.127.56.83)
For those concerned about whether the test samples at 24/96 captured potentially significant amounts of ultrasonic artifacts from digital filters. An article looking at "real world" playback based on .......
28: Digital Drive, RE: I'd play if (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2019-02-03, 12:44:34 (172.98.67.57)
"he found something actually interesting to hear that is available on streaming sites. I've got Qobuz, but that version of Handel is not there. My first comparison would be to compare any of those tra .......
29: Digital Drive, RE: BLIND TEST INVITE: Do digital audio players sound different? (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2019-02-03, 12:40:15 (172.98.67.57)
"A lot depends on which cables are being used to connect it Case in point: I bought a new Marantz HD CD 1 to be used as a transport connected to a Audio Alchemy DAC/Pre via WireWorld Toslink (left ove .......
30: Digital Drive, RE: Pointless test (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2019-02-03, 12:38:31 (172.98.67.57)
Well, that's assuming: 1. The high resolution studio AD at 24/96 cannot capture the difference between say a DAC >$1000 and a "freebie" DAC costing a few bucks. 2. You're assuming that listeners at ho .......
31: Digital Drive, BLIND TEST INVITE: Do digital audio players sound different? (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2019-01-27, 14:46:39 (172.98.67.29)
Greetings Audio Asylum Digital Drive! So, do CD/digital players converting 16/44.1 sound the same/different? The real question I suspect is "how different"! When I came across a post on the Steve Hoff .......
32: Critic's Corner, RE: LOL, JVS still pushing MQA (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2019-01-17, 08:55:35 (172.98.67.35)
"Reading the show reports from CES and last falls Rocky Mountain audio show, it looks like more and more products are MQA enabled. So no, it won't die for a while. bigshow" At this point, MQA is just .......
33: Critic's Corner, RE: Amazing facts (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2019-01-15, 20:53:39 (172.98.67.35)
"hmmm..... lossless 24/192 vs lossy 24/352.8." Actually, it's more like lossless 24/192 vs. lossy 16/88.2 upsampled to 24/352.8 with a suboptimal filter. .......
34: Digital Drive, RE: Do You Mean Professional ADCs? (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2018-11-28, 18:04:20 (142.103.107.151)
That 2010 paper I believe only showed discrimination of any significance for recordings originating in 44.1 vs. 88.2kHz. It showed that downsampling from 88.2 --> 44.1kHz did NOT result in significant .......
35: Critic's Corner, RE: The First "Real" MQA Listening Tests (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2018-07-02, 09:40:22 (173.239.230.104)
josh358 said: "Heh, well, I confess that now that I've retired, I've let my AES membership lapse. But if bypassing/enabling MQA on the Tidal app with a Dragonfly Red is any indication, these experimen .......
36: Critic's Corner, To Jim A RE: "Ringing" and time... (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2018-05-03, 07:58:52 (173.239.230.60)
"Just go find any of the hundreds or thousands of illustrations of (e.g.) fast linear-impulse-response filters and slow-roll-off lir filters and look at their response in the time domain. I think it' .......
37: Critic's Corner, RE: Glad to hear from you, too, Jim (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2018-03-13, 23:25:35 (173.239.230.111)
"It is a great irony that at this particular point in the evolution of audio we are all about determining the subjective aberrations of some lossy codex!" Bravo bjh. So bizarre that in an era of high .......
38: Tweakers' Asylum, Serious question... RE: The Mysteries of Wood Footers (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2017-12-07, 11:50:48 (142.103.107.151)
So... If the wood risers help improve sound by getting the speaker cables off carpets, do these footers help for those of us with hard wood floors??? Are we to say this improvement is because of the c .......
39: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Please try it.... (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2017-12-03, 19:10:57 (173.239.230.24)
Disagree with the "try it first" answer. Suppose I picked up a sandwich at a store and noticed a strange aroma. Should I let the store know and maybe suggest others not try to eat that same sandwich? .......
40: Critic's Corner, RE: Charles Hansen RIP (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2017-11-29, 19:36:32 (174.6.47.133)
I count myself blessed to have had a number of E-mail exchanges with Charley over the years. Not only was he passionate, honest, open, and extremely knowledgeable; this man truly loved music and thoug .......
41: General Asylum, Don't just tell... Show... RE: Who is truly religious here? (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2017-11-29, 08:38:08 (173.239.230.17)
@mkuller Of course all systems have philosophical "beliefs" attached to them, including science. The thing is that science does require some rigor around empirical methods, including controlling for v .......
42: Critic's Corner, RE: Huh? (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2017-11-26, 08:55:20 (173.239.230.17)
""By the way, I thoroughly enjoyed Steve Guttenberg's recent AWSI when he asked the question, "What if there had never been such a thing as digital audio?" (approximate)." Lets cut to the short and sw .......
43: General Asylum, IMO it's better than 5 years ago... RE: Some people are no wiser today than..................... (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2017-11-25, 14:00:02 (173.244.44.72)
Guys, I think things are much better than 5 years ago. Even in a place like the Asylum here, we see much more reasonable debate, willingness to criticize obvious folly, question the "high priests" of .......
44: Critic's Corner, RE: Hear! Hear! RE: It's the text, stupid (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2017-11-20, 23:40:38 (173.244.48.201)
Yup. Numerous astute observations, Stehno... As for the upcoming MQA articles on Stereophile , let's have some fun. I asked a few questions and Crenca provided his answers on Computer Audiophile: 1) W .......
45: Critic's Corner, Hear! Hear! RE: It's the text, stupid (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2017-11-20, 13:04:17 (173.239.230.43)
Excellent summary of the situation and ultimately the deeper implications of MQA & what the press have opened up! Good job Stehno. .......
46: Digital Drive, Just wanted to add Charles... (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2017-11-07, 00:41:20 (112.64.189.75)
Greetings from Shanghai, Charlie, Just wanted to add given that you're also a manufacturer... I think we all appreciate the importance of making money! Nothing wrong with capitalism, corporations, and .......
47: Digital Drive, Some "final" comments on MQA... (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2017-10-14, 14:48:47 (173.244.48.122)
I've also posted some "final" comments about MQA based on what we know about the technique as well as the results from the 83 listeners in the recent blind test. Clearly, some in the audiophile press .......
48: Digital Drive, Thanks to those who contributed to the MQA vs. HRA Test... (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2017-10-14, 14:43:55 (173.239.230.71)
Hey everyone, Just wanted to drop a note of thanks to all those from the Asylum who submitted their test results recently! I know that we all can have different viewpoints on passionate topics like th .......
49: Digital Drive, RE: INTERNET BLIND TEST: MQA Core Decoding vs. Standard Hi-Res Audio (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2017-09-23, 09:47:27 (184.151.231.98)
Time for results folks... See link below... .......
50: Digital Drive, *2 weeks* left to go! (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2017-08-29, 17:37:25 (142.103.107.151)
Just a reminder - about 2 weeks left to go with the blind test. Thanks for those who have submitted the survey results already! .......
51: Digital Drive, INTERNET BLIND TEST: MQA Core Decoding vs. Standard Hi-Res Audio (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2017-07-15, 08:21:46 (173.239.230.26)
Hi everyone. If you're curious about MQA and want to have a listen for yourself the effect it makes / doesn't make, come check out a little blind test I'm conducting. Link below. Download the files, h .......
52: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Static DSD-)PCM Conversion (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2017-07-08, 14:05:28 (199.36.244.14)
I haven't tried the Tascam converter. However, I have run a few tests with others back in 2015 (see the link below). Also had a look at the foobar plugin: http://archimago.blogspot.ca/2015/04/analysis .......
53: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Those 9 things... (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2017-07-05, 09:22:12 (198.71.122.251)
Sure fmak, Maybe there is a difference, maybe there isn't. I would just like to see if someone can demonstrate objectively what improvement *any* of these USB optimizations will have on a good modern .......
54: Computer Audio Asylum, Don't think there's a consistent way... RE: Confirming bit-depth & sample rate in Windows ? (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2017-07-02, 09:53:07 (208.47.205.181)
I think because of the various driver models used in the Windows world - ASIO, WASAPI, KS the OS doesn't have a central mechanism to monitor the communication between computer DAC. Unlike the Mac's C .......
55: Computer Audio Asylum, Those 9 things... (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2017-07-02, 09:43:07 (208.47.205.181)
"Holy crap! I'd plugged in nine devices just to get my file to the DAC. But I had to admit that the sound and musical connection this Rube Goldberg playback chain provided was immensely better than wh .......
56: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Windows 10 Creators Update's UAC2 driver - Is it better than OEM driver? (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2017-04-30, 23:27:37 (172.98.67.38)
Works just fine for me. Objectively same as bitperfect ASIO driver and Raspberry Pi 3 Linux UAC2 driver. .......
57: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Ethernet to optical isolation converter questions. Help please (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2017-04-30, 10:42:42 (184.151.231.249)
Great gear Vangelis. Personally I doubt there is much gain to be had with an optical isolator. As you say, the switching PS may be "probably noisy" but we do not know if this is true. I guess you coul .......
58: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Ethernet to optical isolation converter questions. Help please (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2017-04-26, 23:28:22 (173.199.65.26)
Vangelis, Are you actually hearing a problem from your ethernet system without said optical isolation? IMO, there is no evidence that this makes any difference. And if there is, I wish someone would p .......
59: Computer Audio Asylum, HOWTO: Building a Raspberry Pi + Touchscreen Streamer... (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2017-03-29, 08:48:50 (119.81.66.207)
Hey guys, given the talk about Raspberry Pi streamers and such, here are some instructions for building one for those who want to give it a go... With 7" touch screen, HiFiBerry DAC, SD card, and powe .......
60: Hi-Rez Highway, RE: New Trinity Sessions SACD (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2017-03-20, 18:57:49 (201.237.193.2)
Remember, this album was recorded with a DAT. This means that at best this was a 16/48 PCM source. Though the remastering could have improved the EQ of the sound or run it through some DSP for clarity .......
61: Hi-Rez Highway, About those Dragonfly DACs... (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2017-03-20, 18:52:55 (201.237.193.2)
Guys, this is where a little research into the Dragonfly DACs could be helpful. Remember that the Dragonfly Red and Black DACs are using a Microchip PIC32MX processor inside. There is not enough horse .......
62: Computer Audio Asylum, Examples, Abe. (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2017-01-13, 20:45:37 (172.98.67.16)
Hi Abe. You might not have seen the more recent measurements... Over the years I have expanded the repertoire to include evaluations of digital filtering, impulse response, as well as pushing the jitt .......
63: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: :-) and a note to Abe. (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2017-01-13, 19:16:21 (172.98.67.16)
"A belief not based on my experience. Reminds me of the political rhetoric that governs this country." Sorry Mercman. I disagree. And I don't see what your country has anything to do with this (there .......
64: Computer Audio Asylum, Win X - sure... RE: :-) and a note to Abe. (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2017-01-13, 18:31:44 (172.98.67.16)
"But I still want to see your measurements about it. That's your signature!" Sure Windows X. Let's have folks play with the settings and let the listening percolate :-). I'll put up some numbers and g .......
65: Computer Audio Asylum, Yup. (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2017-01-13, 14:52:56 (142.103.107.151)
Bingo! .......
66: Computer Audio Asylum, :-) and a note to Abe. (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2017-01-13, 14:52:20 (142.103.107.151)
Guys. Read the post with *smiley-face decoder on*. Let me spell it out: Bit-perfect digital output sent to a good DAC through an interface which can help reduce jitter (asynch USB, ethernet, i2s...) w .......
67: Computer Audio Asylum, Raspberry Pi 3 as USB audio streamer - some audiophile settings to try... (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2017-01-07, 11:41:11 (172.98.67.74)
Here you go folks. Raspberry Pi 3 works great. Plus some configuration clock tweaks to try :-). .......
68: Computer Audio Asylum, Thoughts on the computer audio music library & tagging... (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2017-01-01, 10:54:42 (172.98.67.54)
Happy New Year fellow asylum inmates :-). Hope you all are having a great holiday season. I've seen comments over the years about maintaining a computer audio music library and thought it would be goo .......
69: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Sure. (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2016-10-23, 18:55:35 (184.151.118.101)
*All* sophisticated DSP processing would have to be PCM based of course. .......
70: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Well One Month In and DSD is a Total Bust for Me (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2016-10-14, 15:48:49 (142.103.107.151)
Although each DAC can be different in sound between PCM and DSD, I don't think most people who have tried A/B testing would say that DSD was ever a massive upgrade. There are fanboys for everything of .......
71: Computer Audio Asylum, Measurements of Pi 3 + HiFiBerry DAC+ Pro... RE: Are I2S DACs The Future? (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2016-10-02, 13:50:15 (119.81.248.60)
FYI, just put up some measurement results and discussion on the Pi 3 and HiFiBerry DAC+ Pro board... Yup. I2S works well. .......
72: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: USB Cables Require Breaking-in? (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2016-09-13, 21:34:48 (174.6.42.48)
IMO... No. Don't believe any cables require any break in. Don't expect nor necessarily want conductors to change properties over time! That would likely be a bad thing. .......
73: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Squeeze Commander on an android for Squeezebox Touch? (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2016-09-11, 14:15:17 (184.151.118.2)
Yup have been using for years. Still great way to control your SB-compatible players. The other one I use is Orange Squeeze app. Also good. .......
74: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Anyone ever hear any of the Abbas Audio DACs? (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2016-09-03, 19:01:36 (184.151.231.32)
Agree. An old design using the NOS TDA1543 DAC. It's only a single chip from the pictures which suggests it won't be the most linear in terms of accuracy. You might like the analogue output's sound bu .......
75: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Unwise place to post this and I'm not disputing (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2016-08-29, 14:00:23 (24.244.32.232)
"PCs (by their nature) were never designed to have the same finesse as a piece of equipment dedicated to playing back music." I know what you're implying, Steve, but I've never thought that this makes .......
76: Computer Audio Asylum, Acoustic noise is the problem... Not electrical... (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2016-08-29, 10:40:14 (172.98.67.83)
Hi Abe. Thanks for all the pictures! In all my measurements and listening over the years, I have always contended that the issue with "noise" is the **acoustic** noise that spinning hard drives and co .......
77: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: microRendu review & snapshots of its internals (the guts) - pics (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2016-08-24, 17:38:37 (174.6.42.48)
Thanks Bob, Will look into that. Does seem to be a lot of expense for the infrastructure as well as the converters. Hopefully things have become more reasonably priced since I looked into this a coupl .......
78: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: microRendu review & snapshots of its internals (the guts) - pics (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2016-08-24, 03:10:26 (183.237.185.205)
Nice Bibo. BTW: Anyone here running an optical home network? .......
79: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: microRendu review & snapshots of its internals (the guts) - pics (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2016-08-23, 21:43:08 (27.67.37.182)
Thanks Bibo. ClearFog - nice looking board. USB3 and dual gigabit ethernet on board is interesting and novel in a little computer like this... .......
80: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: microRendu review & snapshots of its internals (the guts) - pics (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2016-08-23, 17:17:23 (174.6.42.48)
Right, thank Abe for the clarification. Also thank you for the pictures of the guts of the machine! IMO, the SolidRun SoM is nothing special and costs something like $65 at most (surely less than that .......
81: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: microRendu review & snapshots of its internals (the guts) - pics (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2016-08-23, 01:59:55 (171.255.27.243)
Hey Soundchekk. Right. We have our disagreements but it's good that we can also agree to disagree on some things while other thoughts resonate. Life's complex. .......
82: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: microRendu review & snapshots of its internals (the guts) - pics (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2016-08-23, 01:34:56 (171.255.27.243)
Isaak writes: "You don't even have the conviction back your rants. And you are a helluva bore. Design and market your own player. Don't be envious of a company that sold 1000 units in 3 months. Envy i .......
83: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: microRendu review & snapshots of its internals (the guts) - pics (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2016-08-22, 18:56:55 (174.6.42.48)
Speaking of "birds of a feather". As if "The Sonore design team, Jesus R, John Swensen, etc." and other cults of personalities have any magical abilities to change the laws of physics and bend the tru .......
84: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: microRendu review & snapshots of its internals (the guts) - pics (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2016-08-22, 17:29:15 (174.6.42.48)
HW cost > $100? Without a power supply?? Soundchekk: "No way. They intend to play in the traditional audiophile audio league. That's a strategic decision you take. At 129$ you'd sell ten thousand(s) .......
85: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Hmmm... RE: Yet another post babbling about huge sonic changes (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2016-08-22, 16:19:27 (174.6.42.48)
"Or you can just try Ultracopier or any file copying software with smaller block/buffer size and see if sounds different yourself. Much faster than debating over null result. ;) Regards, Keetakawee" W .......
86: Computer Audio Asylum, Hmmm... RE: Yet another post babbling about huge sonic changes (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2016-08-22, 04:11:55 (14.185.161.133)
As you noted in your preamble, obviously you appreciate that this is going to raise eyebrows. The DiskFresh link is interesting and I'd like to know if the theory of magnetic decay stands up to study. .......
87: Hi-Rez Highway, What's this mean?? RE: $$$ per hour of Hi-Rez file PRONOUNCEMENT!!! (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2016-08-21, 03:02:46 (117.3.196.12)
Huh? Is this for real or are we looking at April Fools Day 2017 coming early? So a 1hr hi-res album download that costs $15 is not possibly true hi-res sound or something? How exactly did you come to .......
88: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Apple & MQA... RE: Is MQA technology getting closer to us? (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2016-08-20, 08:14:19 (117.3.196.12)
Sorry JE, missed the joke in the thread I guess :-). Agree. As far as I know, the masses did not ask for hi-res streaming. And certainly nobody asked for this kind of strange hodge-podge of proprietar .......
89: Computer Audio Asylum, Apple & MQA... RE: Is MQA technology getting closer to us? (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2016-08-20, 00:21:43 (113.190.42.208)
Apple is not going to pick up MQA. They would not be so silly to do it! It makes little sense to maintain the infrastructure for such a proprietary system. They're more likely to go with lossless stre .......
90: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Is MQA technology getting closer to us? (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2016-08-19, 06:47:38 (27.67.4.78)
Agree PAR. I think you're right... I don't recall what the claims would be for unauthenticated MQA like this though... Hard to imagine any kind of de-blurring in this situation. Seems to me at best th .......
91: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Benchmark weighs in on MQA (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2016-08-19, 01:28:41 (27.67.4.78)
Mr_Steady: "I have a hunch that if MQA is adopted at all it will be because the owners of the music want the Digital Rights Management if provides. I bet it galls the heads of the record companies no .......
92: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Is MQA technology getting closer to us? (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2016-08-19, 01:13:55 (27.67.4.78)
Hi Frihed. We're not likely *ever* going to see a situation where you or I will have access to the encoding software for MQA. This is Meridian/MQA's trade secret sauce licensed to the music industry a .......
93: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: So, now that you are getting serious... (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2016-08-13, 20:11:09 (174.6.42.48)
Indeed. That's IMO the best part of the hardware technical side of the audiophile hobby. To enjoy the improved fidelity as a reward for the labor of optimizing the system is great fun. .......
94: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: FLAK playback from my computer (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2016-08-09, 19:02:49 (124.65.167.194)
So I'm assuming you're asking about the best way to play your FLAC CD rips, not the original CD I assume. First, try using the line level audio output from your computer rather than headphone out to y .......
95: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: dBPowerAmp. (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2016-08-07, 23:20:32 (117.136.0.181)
Sounds good Shane. FLAC's good... Another option to consider if you want to get more fancy is LAME with VBR-0 which lets the machine decide. It'll likely average around 220kbps MP3 or so. .......
96: Computer Audio Asylum, dBPowerAmp. (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2016-08-07, 03:37:31 (124.65.167.194)
I'd use dBPowerAmp for either LAME MP3 or FLAC. What quality are the WMA's? If relatively low quality like 128kbps, then I'd be very happy to convert to 192kbps MP3 to ensure not likely going to be no .......
97: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: LANRover - Final Thoughts and Review (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2016-08-06, 19:18:27 (174.6.42.48)
Just wanted to drop a note to thank you for the nice write-up! I'm sure we have different opinions on what likely can/cannot make a significant difference to the sound of a hi-fi system given the exce .......
98: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Do not upgrade to Windows 10 Anniversary Edition (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2016-08-05, 07:23:40 (124.65.167.194)
Hi Bill: Yeah, I should have said "update" rather than "upgrade". I agree, no guarantee that it makes it actually any better... However, as a user who has gone through the evolution of various GUI-bas .......
99: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Do not upgrade to Windows 10 Anniversary Edition (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2016-08-05, 05:27:44 (61.48.111.197)
Hi PAR. Both will utilize the same low level USB drivers to hit the interface hardware ultimately. Looking around, I think the issue is that the Windows' update may have messed with the "USB Audio" 1. .......
100: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Do not upgrade to Windows 10 Anniversary Edition (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2016-08-05, 01:59:49 (174.6.42.48)
Who knows what these guys are talking about with USB driver "sounding bad". (Just bad sound? Does this mess up other forms of data transfers!? With what DAC?) Kernel Streaming, WASAPI, ASIO are typica .......
101: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Raspberry Pi Audiophiles? (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2016-08-03, 02:09:06 (124.65.167.194)
A simple way to do this is with Volumio or RuneAudio. Should have no problem with hi-res and possibly DSD depending on the DAC. Just plug in the DAC. Most modern asynchronous DACs work. And a hard dri .......
102: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: SoX resampler? (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2016-07-22, 08:13:55 (172.98.67.100)
Agree. The SoX algorithm sounds great and results in essentially ideal output based on the http://src.infinitewave.ca/ data. I see that the JRiver folks are using "Linear Phase, VHQ (Very High Quality .......
103: Computer Audio Asylum, IMO Dave_K is correct... (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2016-07-17, 08:38:05 (172.98.67.100)
Dave_K is right. Obtaining a Correlated Depth of ~90dB is typically what one sees with DiffMaker's time alignment algorithm even when I use my standard test signal using a decent DAC/ADC with bitperfe .......
104: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: What would you do with a brand new SB Duet? (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2016-06-22, 21:14:43 (172.98.67.50)
Hi Fred, The Duet analogue output isn't state-of-the-art but pleasant and sounds fine for all but the most revealing systems. Analogue output has low jitter but the noise floor isn't quite capable of .......
105: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: My guess is (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2016-04-30, 17:12:18 (184.151.231.44)
I'll reserve judgment on the uRendu other than to say that the specs look no different really than a low power SBC like a Raspberry Pi.Whether there's any rationale to claims of better sound will need .......
106: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: To Dither or Not to Dither? J. River/PonoMusic World (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2016-04-19, 17:41:35 (172.98.67.65)
Measurement of not, my comment is that it's just not audible anyways; hence the statement to the OP that 24-bit dither is a take-it-or-leave it proposition. The most contentious part to all this is th .......
107: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: To Dither or Not to Dither? J. River/PonoMusic World (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2016-04-17, 08:34:18 (172.98.67.57)
"Some people can hear differences involving dither at 24 bits. Tony Lauck" Sure... And the dithering was added at what bit-depth? .......
108: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: To Dither or Not to Dither? J. River/PonoMusic World (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2016-04-17, 08:31:19 (172.98.67.57)
Tony Lauck: "It should be possible to measure the distortion products added to low level test tones on the analog outputs of any of the SABRE chip based DACs. Most of these are pretty linear at low le .......
109: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: To Dither or Not to Dither? J. River/PonoMusic World (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2016-04-15, 16:13:12 (24.244.23.200)
If you're reducing bit depth like going to 16-bits from a 24-bit original recording then sure... Within 24 bits truncation is no problem since no DAC is capable of the last few bits. .......
110: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Calling all Windows 10 users (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2016-04-09, 09:51:38 (184.151.118.78)
Yup. With you there Roseval... No reason to do anything extreme or purchase any special "audiophile" software to tweak OS - often just asking for trouble getting too fancy! - SILENT computer. Ideally .......
111: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Android Powered USB DAC...Game Changer? (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2016-04-09, 09:21:53 (184.151.118.78)
Curious Jay, are you intending to use the phone as your main music player or are you using it as a portable player with headphones? If you're using it in the sound room for playback (to speakers), the .......
112: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: an INTENDEd repost (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2016-03-13, 01:03:54 (172.98.67.9)
Hi Steppe. Nope, I've never been able to hear a difference nor could I ever find a significant difference in sound on my system (see link below). As others have said, non-contiguous data blocks on HD/ .......
113: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: NOS DAC (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2016-02-27, 23:47:01 (174.6.42.48)
Yup. Dave_K I think has the answer. Upsampling is useful for NOS DACs as the upsampling algorithm will interpolate and apply a digital antialiasing filter to the signal. If you like the sound, worthwh .......
114: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Good point & legally correct (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2015-12-28, 13:56:55 (184.151.231.143)
I'm sorry sir. It appears we're not on the same wavelength. JPLAY has a bug that prevents proper playback of 24-bit audio at 48kHz in Kernel Streaming when I last checked in August (2015). I reported .......
115: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Good point & legally correct (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2015-12-27, 12:36:24 (184.151.231.143)
So it's the JPLAY thing from 2 years ago!? Realize that I tested JPLAY again a few months back and still found the same bug... again, no objective evidence that JPLAY does anything beneficial. There a .......
116: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Good point & legally correct (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2015-12-27, 09:28:55 (198.8.80.150)
From Bob_C: "Free speech is not always ethical and can actually be illegal depending on what one says, and where they say it. In your case I find it funny that you are quick to mentions ethics, while .......
117: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Good point & legally correct (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2015-12-26, 17:41:34 (198.8.80.150)
Really? How is free speech unethical? If it's disagreement with objective results, I've always suggested people *show* me evidence of where I'm wrong. What's the problem? We're talking about ripping s .......
118: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Good point & legally correct (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2015-12-26, 13:29:26 (38.108.87.20)
" ""ultimately unethical IMO"" You believe in ethics? lol " I guess you don't. Perhaps I should not be surprised, Bob. .......
119: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Good point & legally correct (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2015-12-25, 12:32:19 (174.6.42.48)
Yup. Not legal and ultimately unethical IMO. Reselling means abdication of the rights of ownership to the material on the CD. .......
120: Computer Audio Asylum, Strange... RE: Interesting (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2015-12-25, 12:27:38 (174.6.42.48)
What computer is this and what player software are you using? .......
121: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Why are Geek out 450 and 1000 (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2015-11-26, 12:53:52 (184.151.118.72)
Presumably because the V2s are out now... letting go of extra stock? Agree, if higher power not needed, 450mW less heat and battery consumption for laptop/portable use. .......
122: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Femto Clock in a Streamer - why ?? (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2015-10-28, 19:38:27 (198.8.80.209)
Well, femtoclocks are great at resolving engineering needs of low-jitter digital devices like multi-GHz CPUs, SATA interfaces, PCI Express, etc... But we're talking audio devices here with sample rate .......
123: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: mathaudio room EQ question (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2015-10-26, 19:23:57 (198.8.80.208)
Hi Anwaypasible, I don't have Math Audio but have used the free DRC and more recently using the excellent Acourate. The digital room correction FIR filters should be able to correct frequency response .......
124: Computer Audio Asylum, MEASUREMENTS: Audiophile Sound and Operating Systems. (Windows 8.1, 10, Fidelizer, JPLAY) (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2015-08-15, 08:34:10 (172.98.67.72)
Well folks, now that Windows 10 is released, I bet a number of folks are wondering *yet again* whether the OS will make things sound different... Will jitter change? Will there be noise with processor .......
125: Computer Audio Asylum, What's the point? RE: Overengineering (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2015-08-10, 12:55:55 (142.103.107.151)
Hey interesting blog there! Sure. We can overengineer things. But the core question remains, does it matter and under what circumstances? At some point we have to say that spending time and money over .......
126: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Challenge? Sure... (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2015-08-10, 09:09:14 (172.98.67.77)
Yes. But what about the ethernet switch? How does this add noise to an audio system!? "Too much is never enough" I dunno man, *too much is too much* if ultimately it doesn't *really* make any audible .......
127: Computer Audio Asylum, Challenge? Sure... (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2015-08-09, 19:20:54 (172.98.67.90)
People keep talking about noise. Yes, of course there is and can be noise. Easy to find examples where a guy hears noise placing their DAC or preamp or whatever beside their computer / cell phone / ha .......
128: Computer Audio Asylum, One example... (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2015-08-09, 09:55:08 (184.151.231.70)
Sure... People care about lots of things. But show me a case where it can be verified that a network switch affected the sound out of a DAC! Just one example so we can analyze what we can do about it! .......
129: Computer Audio Asylum, ? In the sound room ? RE: Cisco SG10016 16 Port Gigabit Switch (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2015-08-08, 13:16:04 (104.156.228.165)
I'm sure it's a fine switch. I am curious why a 16-port switch and whether you intend to put it in the sound room? I use a D-Link DGS-1016A (16-port) but in the central patch panel of my home in the b .......
130: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: The "STATE" of Computer Audio/Digital Playback (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2015-07-27, 08:43:06 (104.156.228.90)
Nice review of the topic Abe! I think for the hobbyist, choice is good to help squeeze out as much potential sound quality. But of course this can be perceived as unnecessary to those not used to comp .......
131: Digital Drive, RE: Okay, I am surprised! (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2015-07-19, 10:25:55 (184.151.231.110)
Yes. Digital gear can be very accurate for little cost. Congrats on a steal! .......
132: Computer Audio Asylum, Results out... (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2015-07-10, 21:54:14 (104.200.151.38)
Thank you to all who participated! Results out now in link below... .......
133: Computer Audio Asylum, Reminder: Digital Filters Test ending June 25... (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2015-06-21, 21:26:50 (198.8.80.83)
Just a quick reminder to those planning to enter results in the linear vs. minimum phase digital filters test! Close off date June 25... .......
134: Computer Audio Asylum, Reminder: Digital Filters Test (Linear vs. Minimum Phase) (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2015-05-28, 08:03:55 (204.152.215.2)
We're 1/2 way through the test! At present I'm around 35 detailed responses which is not bad given the demands... Thanks for everyone here who have already contributed! Folks, if you've ever wanted to .......
135: Computer Audio Asylum, * Thanks for submissions so far! * (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2015-05-15, 22:50:44 (184.75.211.251)
Thanks guys for the submissions so far! I see the responses and for the time being I think it's prudent to collect data rather than argue merits and details... Remember though folks, digital filters r .......
136: Computer Audio Asylum, Corning *Optical* USB 3 cable for noise reduction... (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2015-05-03, 14:30:00 (104.254.95.252)
Hey guys, I'm sure much of the discussion about noise is "old hat" but could be interesting for some. I tried out the recently released Corning Optical USB 3 cable and ran some measurements. Worked we .......
137: Computer Audio Asylum, INTERNET BLIND TEST: Linear vs. Minimum Digital Filters... (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2015-04-26, 03:53:03 (209.117.47.251)
Hello everyone, it's up! I know some people have strong feelings about digital upsampling filters and there's especially the notion of minimum phase filters being superior or more natural sounding tha .......
138: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Question about USB storage (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2015-04-22, 23:10:24 (174.6.42.48)
Highly unlikely. But give it a try and let us know! .......
139: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Ethernet over power line Audio Quality ? (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2015-04-17, 20:01:14 (184.151.118.65)
Until I moved to a place with Ethernet in the rooms, I did this for a number of years. No problems with noise although I appreciate the possibility with some gear. Also possibilities of ground loop no .......
140: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Will the audio be improved in Win 10? (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2015-04-15, 17:54:23 (104.254.89.170)
Native USB Class 2 Audio drivers would be a start! But even that does not look promising in Windows 10 :-(. Nonetheless, I do hope they improve latency issues for those running into troubles. However, .......
141: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: pc audio noob! (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2015-04-14, 08:31:55 (162.219.176.26)
One other way I forgot to mention that I think newbies should really *strongly* consider: OPPO BDP-105 Blu-ray/DVD playback, USB DAC up to 192kHz, DSD capability, USB drive support for the times you d .......
142: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: pc audio noob! (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2015-04-14, 08:11:16 (162.219.176.26)
Yup, totally agree with Cut-Throat on this one. If you don't mind setting up and running a music server, streaming to the Squeezebox system IMO remains one of the most flexible and economical ways to .......
143: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: JPlay - Do you have to have a DAC (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2015-04-04, 18:48:38 (184.151.118.97)
Yup. That's fine. It's sometimes nice to understand how things work... .......
144: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: JPlay - Do you have to have a DAC (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2015-04-04, 18:47:32 (184.151.118.97)
Gee... Why so touchy!? It's nice for the consumer to know what he/she is supposed to be getting, isn't it? And it would be nice to double check if something is working if we know what it's supposed to .......
145: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: JPlay - Do you have to have a DAC (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2015-04-04, 11:08:46 (137.63.74.146)
"Those at JPlay will not reveal how the "DAC link" works." I admittedly have not had a look at JPlay for more than a year now. But isn't this a little disturbing that there's little information on thi .......
146: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Recommend a basic laser printer that F*CKING WORKS? (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2015-03-22, 12:36:23 (184.151.231.70)
I personally like network printers that can handle standard printer languages like PCL and/or Postscript. This makes it easy in terms of comparability... Windows, OSX, Linux can all share without BS p .......
147: Computer Audio Asylum, Curious... Why 24/48? (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2015-03-06, 18:22:23 (184.75.221.114)
Curious why your buddy wants 24/48? Anyhow, IMO if we're looking at vinyl digitization, just digitize at 24/96 on your ADC and use almost anything to downsample to 24/48... I find that dBPowerAmp with .......
148: Computer Audio Asylum, MEASUREMENTS: Ethernet Cables and Audio... (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2015-02-14, 23:38:35 (173.192.176.158)
Yeah, $10,000 does sound a wee bit pricy... A few measurement results to consider with different ethernet cables. .......
149: Computer Audio Asylum, A final look at PONO... (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2015-01-22, 11:44:11 (142.103.107.151)
Hey guys. Just put up a post on Pono. Nothing surprising I suspect to folks who have been following the story. .......
150: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Content (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2015-01-17, 18:30:53 (184.151.231.58)
As I have ripped SACDs over the last 3 years, done numerous conversions, listened to both DSD64 and DSD128 downloads, I am convinced that DSD is really no big deal. Fine to have a DSD DAC for music so .......
151: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Converting between PCM and DSD (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2015-01-17, 14:16:54 (184.151.231.58)
As per the other posts, lots of potential details and complexities. However, I don't believe ultimately there's any audible difference of significance. I did look at a few measurements comparing 24-bi .......
152: Computer Audio Asylum, Capable of DSD128/DXD USB High Speed? RE: Audioquest "Jitterbug" USB filter. (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2015-01-10, 10:59:27 (174.6.42.48)
Anyone know if this works in high speed for DXD/DSD128+ transmission? .......
153: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Can I ask a network question? (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2015-01-10, 10:58:08 (174.6.42.48)
What network are you not seeing mbnx? If you plug the Win7 machine into the router are you getting on the internet? Are you not seeing the wireless component? Or are you talking about file sharing ac .......
154: Computer Audio Asylum, ? Resonant Frequency? RE: Interesting (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2015-01-10, 10:54:19 (174.6.42.48)
Sordidman: What resonant frequency are we talking about here? Please explain. Sprezza: Did you try doing a high speed file transfer to see if there is difference between the flat and round cables? Goo .......
155: Computer Audio Asylum, WiFi RE: I would expect length of cable to make as much difference as brand... (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2015-01-10, 10:45:54 (174.6.42.48)
Ivan, If you do that, then folks will talk about how WiFi circuitry and transmission will cause more noise in the system! Can't win :-) .......
156: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Actually (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2015-01-06, 17:53:53 (142.103.107.151)
OK. That's fine. N better than G, I can buy that. However, I disagree that the WiFi circuitry adds much if any noise to the system :-). Very easy to measure and it's not coming through on measurements .......
157: Computer Audio Asylum, USB cables (again!)... RE: "demonstration that the DAC output is any different " - what about USB cables? (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2015-01-06, 17:48:28 (142.103.107.151)
No. But I've never believed there was a problem there either as long as it worked. Nor have I ever seen systematic listening tests showing a difference. I'm very happy with my $20 USB cables of good c .......
158: Computer Audio Asylum, Various CAT's and wireless devices en route,,, RE: ETHERNET CABLES: I'm losing it (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2015-01-06, 14:48:39 (142.103.107.151)
Here's the thing. None of this was blinded (ie. you knew exactly what cable was being used) all those days, right? Suppose a friend/wife, were to switch the cables every 2-3 days on you without knowin .......
159: Computer Audio Asylum, Wireless N bridge better than Touch... (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2015-01-06, 14:24:42 (142.103.107.151)
looks like the 'N' bridge is maintaining a better / consistent connection and hence more reliable connection than the built-in Touch wireless. That's probably all. I've never considered the Touch / Ra .......
160: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: New Room EQ plug-in for Foobar2000 (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2015-01-06, 12:04:11 (184.151.118.31)
Nice! Will have to give this a go later... Anyone know if this (or another) inexpensive plugin can handle a multichannel (5.1) setup? It's stuff like this that really elevates the quality of a general .......
161: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: ETHERNET CABLES: I'm losing it (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2015-01-06, 11:57:56 (184.151.118.31)
So you 'THINK' you hear a difference? Why not just get a friend over to help swap some cables in a single blind fashion and see if you can clearly pick it out after 4 or 5 switches? If you do, let us .......
162: Computer Audio Asylum, Tony... what do you propose... (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2015-01-03, 08:38:43 (207.243.63.122)
So Tony, what then do you propose is the cause of audible differences between digital copies that are data-perfect? Say we're connecting to the *same* Mac/Win computer connected to a good asynchronou .......
163: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: foobar priority setting (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2014-12-28, 13:51:22 (184.151.231.78)
Thanks for the update. Looks like this could be tough to diagnose and treat since its intermittent may be related to hardware state changes like coming out of sleep... Back in the days I often had iss .......
164: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: foobar priority setting (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2014-12-28, 12:31:34 (184.151.231.227)
Unusual in my experience to have stuttering on audio playback if everything working well (eg. Good OS install, drivers) on a reasonably fast machine these days with foobar. I used to use my ASUS ultra .......
165: Computer Audio Asylum, WILLING TO HELP TEST. RE: In true subjectivist fashion, I'll leave all the hard work to others. (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2014-12-25, 16:10:33 (174.6.42.48)
Carcass - If you think this topic warrants a public blind test, I'm happy to get a survey going as I have done in the past on my blog. I'm sure we can get >100 responses and let's have a look at the s .......
166: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: TAS249, PC versus MAC Sound Quality (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2014-11-30, 16:55:00 (174.6.42.48)
Tell me, is this yet more madness from Charles Zeilig, PhD and Jay Clawson? The same dynamic duo who wrote those questionable articles back in late 2011, early 2012 as I vaguely recall about computer .......
167: Vinyl Asylum, TEST: LP Vinyl Drops (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2014-11-23, 21:55:31 (174.6.42.48)
For fun, I thought it would be interesting to do some vinyl drops using the *same LP* and ADC recording gear in 24/96 with a couple of rigs I had easy access to: Roksan TMS turntable, SME309 tonearm, .......
168: Computer Audio Asylum, iPhone 6 Measurements. (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2014-10-10, 08:04:15 (174.6.42.48)
Hey guys, thought some might be interested in results of the iPhone 4 & 6; iPhone 6 arguably being the most interesting portable music player currently by virtue of how many they're likely going to be .......
169: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Foobar DSD ASUS T100 cpu load results (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2014-10-06, 18:42:07 (174.6.42.48)
Thanks for the test Adriel. Great to see that these days, a typical "low speed" intel Atom processor like the T100 with the Z3740 processor is capable of quite a bit of realtime processing. These days .......
170: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: I was afraid - and secretly hoping at the same time - that someone might ask. (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2014-09-21, 21:15:27 (174.6.42.48)
And what is the benefit of the lazurite? .......
171: Computer Audio Asylum, Part III: Subjective Comments and Final Thoughts,,, (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2014-07-04, 11:10:38 (142.103.107.151)
Likely final installment of the test report. I posted subjective feedback obtained from the respondents in terms of what difference they heard doing the test. Also comments on whether they thought the .......
172: Computer Audio Asylum, 24-bit vs. 16-bit Test: Results Out (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2014-06-27, 09:21:17 (174.6.42.48)
I want to thank everyone who participated! Managed to get a total of 140 responses to the survey across the interweb... Have collated and summarized the results in the link below. .......
173: Computer Audio Asylum, REMINDER: 24 vs. 16-bit test - 1 more week... (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2014-06-14, 13:56:26 (201.140.190.149)
Hey guys, just a reminder to those who want to participate in the 24-bit vs. 16-bit blind test. This is the last week - will be shutting submissions on June 20th. All instructions in the link below. G .......
174: Computer Audio Asylum, UPDATE... Half way to end of survey. (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2014-05-16, 11:07:30 (142.103.107.151)
Thanks to those who have already tried the test and responded to the survey! We're about 1/2 way before I close off the survey and test download. Keep 'em coming! .......
175: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: INTERNET TEST: 24-bit vs. 16-bit Audio. (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2014-04-30, 07:55:33 (174.6.32.106)
Thanks for taking the test guys! I've got >50 responses now with some identified as being from here... Great to see the inquisitive folks taking the time :-) Remember, still taking submissions into Ju .......
176: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Neil Young's gonna be pissed (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2014-04-20, 16:50:26 (174.6.32.106)
Please make sure to fill out the survey, mbnx01. Also invite NY to the test when you see him next. I need more 68 y.o. respondents with musical experience listening to high-resolution audio with a pim .......
177: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Dither (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2014-04-20, 16:47:03 (174.6.32.106)
Okay fmak. I'm not sure if this is all that relevant here. The technical details of how dither "works" isn't that important... Certainly a worthy topic for another thread. It's done as part of reducin .......
178: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: INTERNET TEST: 24-bit vs. 16-bit Audio. (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2014-04-20, 16:32:26 (174.6.32.106)
The files are all 24/96. No problem if your DAC doesn't play 16/96. They were just converted to 16/96 with a little dither (again, nothing fancy!) and then put back into the 24/96 container... That's .......
179: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: INTERNET TEST: 24-bit vs. 16-bit Audio. (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2014-04-20, 10:52:35 (184.151.118.61)
True.. Not internet streaming as some might expect. Too many other variables attached to doing that as well. Besides, that likely would limit most folks to sitting in front of the computer. As for dit .......
180: Computer Audio Asylum, INTERNET TEST: 24-bit vs. 16-bit Audio. (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2014-04-20, 09:34:37 (174.6.32.106)
So, thanks to the advent of Computer Audio, HRA (High-Resolution Audio) is all over the place these days. Usually, this consists of 24-bit PCM in one form or another (eg. sample rates ranging from 44k .......
181: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: player for windows computer (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2014-04-12, 10:01:22 (184.151.231.94)
Yes Tony, This has been discussed many times. And by John and others... That's all nice and good but just words and theoretical possibilities at best. So what? Show us something to demonstrate that ei .......
182: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Can't get output sample rate higher than 48k (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2014-04-11, 22:46:57 (174.6.32.106)
Brody: Curious what isolator device you were using? Indeed, many (most) of these devices limited USB data transfer speed. .......
183: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: player for windows computer (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2014-04-11, 22:29:31 (174.6.32.106)
bertucciandy@yahoo.com: I think as you can tell from the responses, it really depends. There is no universally agreed upon "best sounding player" for Windows (or Mac for that matter). In fact, some li .......
184: Computer Audio Asylum, Audioengine D3: Objective & Subjective Review (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2014-03-21, 07:48:57 (174.6.32.106)
Hi guys. Lots of chatter in the last while with the Geek Out and these small USB DACs starting with the Dragonfly a couple years back... Got my hands on the Audioengine D3 locally and wanted to check .......
185: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Another bunch of inmates who needs to chill! (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2014-03-15, 09:59:29 (174.6.32.106)
Very true, Tony. .......
186: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Another bunch of inmates who needs to chill! (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2014-03-15, 00:01:17 (174.6.32.106)
"Man. What is it with you guys? The man posts that he doesn't think that 320K bps sounds like a CD and you jump all over him! Man. Lighten up." I don't think it's "jumping" over anyone. Just worth thi .......
187: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Can anybody spot what setting I am missing? (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2014-03-14, 23:51:47 (174.6.32.106)
Indeed... Hard to imagine what the issue is especially since the file might just be standard 2.0 material. .......
188: Computer Audio Asylum, Why stop at opinion? RE: It's rather straightforward..... (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2014-03-11, 19:11:47 (174.6.37.197)
Mwheelerk wrote: "With regards to 320Kbps sounding like full resolution CD rips or imports (1411Kbps) that is a matter of personal opinion, one I don't share." Well, why stop with opinion? Do a proper .......
189: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: CD Player and DAC for SBT (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2014-03-05, 08:18:00 (174.6.32.106)
For the price, features, and excellent DAC function, I'd go for the Oppo-105! Especially if there's a screen to play blu-ray in the room! .......
190: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: TPlink (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2014-03-05, 08:13:38 (174.6.32.106)
Bob_C said: "LOL... When you say something like that, do you realize how stupid that sounds? smh" Agree, Bob. How bizarre of a statement from an "audio engineer". I happily use TP-Link stuff for my gi .......
191: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Great point about headphones - definitely one of the culprits. (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2014-03-01, 15:34:57 (174.6.32.106)
Hmmm... It is what it is. Don't forget you were one of the folks who got me to start that blind test last year, Carcass...😆 And you should also know that I would not agree with what Tom's Hard .......
192: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Paging Thorsten: iPurifier problems with HRT Music Streamer HD (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2014-02-16, 11:52:04 (184.151.118.16)
Steve, hope you give it a try with some noisy equipment to hear if it makes a marked difference! Not just already fine sounding gear... .......
193: Computer Audio Asylum, Start fresh! (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2014-02-13, 08:31:11 (174.6.32.106)
Simon, since you already have the computer partitioned between OS/apps on SSD and data like music on the HD, why not reformat and reinstall the SSD with Win 7, grab the newest updates, reinstall the M .......
194: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: does a jitter prone computer produce inferior RIPS vs a jitter free computer.... (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2014-02-12, 19:47:49 (184.151.231.247)
Exactly. No such thing as jitter with accurate bit-perfect *data*. .......
195: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: You probably won't believe this coming from me... (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2014-02-12, 19:43:59 (174.6.32.106)
You can just try some filter settings with the free SoX. I routinely test out various minimum vs. intermediate phase settings to find ones I want to try on my Squeezebox Transporter with upsampling. A .......
196: Computer Audio Asylum, Tagging with WAV limited... (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2014-02-09, 14:23:32 (174.6.32.106)
As others have chimed in, you're fortunate to have tagging with WAV files at all. dBPowerAmp will retain LIST and ID3 information when converting to WAV but this is rarely supported in general since W .......
197: Computer Audio Asylum, A look, measurement, and subjective evaluation of Synergistic power cables... (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2014-02-02, 13:49:48 (174.6.32.106)
Posted up a look at a friend's Synergistic set of power cables - Tesla T2 SE, T3 SE, and PowerCell 4. Some objective evaluations, the "look and feel", etc... I'm sure many here will disagree, but this .......
198: Computer Audio Asylum, Yup, very good converter... (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-12-20, 15:17:43 (142.103.107.151)
I've had this device for a few months now. Sounds excellent. The asynchronous USB interface measures quite well... Cheers and Happy Holidays everyone! .......
199: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: ASUS XONAR_EONE Digital-to-Analog Converter (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-11-27, 08:14:35 (174.6.56.107)
Yup, it's good. Just be careful of the upsampling as it does do some strange things to the high frequencies... .......
200: Inmate Systems, Archimago's Stereo System (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-11-20, 21:17:35 (174.6.56.107)
Archimago 's Stereo System System
IP Address: 174.6.56.107
Last Update: November 20, 2013 at 21:17:35
Amplifier: Emotiva XPA-1L monoblocks - 35W Class A bias, 250W A/B total.
Preamplifi .......
201: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Quick and Dirty Idiot's Guide to Digital (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-11-16, 13:22:03 (174.6.56.107)
Interesting question nyrocker. There are of course a number of Bluetooth speakers available. For about $300 you can get something like the NuForce S3-BT for example: http://www.digitaltrends.com/wirel .......
202: Computer Audio Asylum, MEASUREMENTS: Onkyo TX-NR1009 receiver as HDMI DAC! (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-10-26, 11:04:52 (174.6.56.107)
Haven't been around much, but some good discussions around here. Just wanted to share a post that might be of interest especially for those with multichannel setups and HDMI digital inputs... Best reg .......
203: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Synergistic Research HFT and FEQ (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-10-07, 22:46:49 (174.6.56.107)
Oh boy. This is going to be good... Anyone here attending? .......
204: Computer Audio Asylum, PCM-to-DSD: Objective and subjective effects... (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-09-13, 16:23:36 (184.151.118.78)
Hi guys, with JRiver MC19 doing it now, time to see/hear what the process does to the audio waveforms! Would be curious what others' impressions are of this process. .......
205: Computer Audio Asylum, ASUS Xonar Essence ST/STX (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-09-07, 14:36:24 (174.6.56.107)
This would be my choice for an internal card. Excellent DAC chips, good measurement results as well - about as good as the best out there. http://www.stereophile.com/computeraudio/asus_xonar_essence_s .......
206: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: HOWTO: Getting PCM to DSD128 upsampling working with TEAC UD-501. (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-09-07, 14:12:07 (174.6.56.107)
Yes, it *should* work but doesn't on the TEAC. Some kind of driver issue, hence the workaround. I tried a few 24/96 vinyl rips to DSD128 upsampling. Excellent - seems to add more "bloom" to the presen .......
207: Computer Audio Asylum, HOWTO: Getting PCM to DSD128 upsampling working with TEAC UD-501. (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-09-07, 12:19:44 (174.6.56.107)
For folks using the beta of JRiver MC19, there's an issue with getting the realtime 2xDSD upsampling working with the TEAC native ASIO driver. Anyhow, here's a way to get upsampling to DSD128 to work .......
208: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Har har har... (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-08-17, 19:29:19 (174.6.56.107)
Bob_C said: "Looking forward to your toaster and food processor reviews!" Wow, and I thought my 6 year old was the master of the non sequitur! Congrats! .......
209: Computer Audio Asylum, Tony - please provide source for comment... (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-08-17, 19:20:40 (174.6.56.107)
Tony Lauck said: "Audiophiles have conducted listening tests that reported consistent sound quality differences when noise was added to the low order bit of a 24 bit sound file. According to customary .......
210: Computer Audio Asylum, Realtime DSD upsampling/playback... (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-08-17, 16:40:04 (222.128.240.2)
At version 19, you expect software feature set to be mature. For the purpose of playback and audio media library purposes, I'd be happy with the feature set many versions ago... Nonetheless, it's good .......
211: Computer Audio Asylum, Har har har... (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-08-17, 16:01:43 (222.128.240.2)
Bob_C... You, sir are the master of the droll... And some form of "maturity"... .......
212: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Problems with 24/192 playback on Touch (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-08-17, 15:59:22 (222.128.240.2)
Thanks for the clarification Paul. Indeed, looks like the TC is a problem! They make some really great hardware but customizability leaves much to be desired in times like this... .......
213: Computer Audio Asylum, A 2 year old post?! (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-08-17, 15:32:06 (174.6.56.107)
Why resurrect a 2 year old post which nobody could substantiate and the responses back then already suggested nonsense/hoax? Must be a really slow news month! If it really is that SSD drives cause pha .......
214: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: The subjective (listening) part is telling. (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-08-17, 15:18:20 (174.6.56.107)
No offense taken man... I agree. Since it's a loaner, I didn't feel like integrating it to the main speaker system, so just listened with headphones. .......
215: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Problems with 24/192 playback on Touch (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-08-17, 15:02:05 (174.6.56.107)
What was the file storage system like before with the Linksys? With the Time Capsule, are we now looking at more data transfer? BEFORE: HD on LMS server --24/96 downsampled--> Linksys --24/96--> Touch .......
216: Computer Audio Asylum, WD TV Live (measurements & a listen)... (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-08-11, 09:03:53 (174.6.56.107)
Haven't been through the forums much... Lots to do over the summer to worry about audio! However, I managed to borrow one of these units from my brother-in-law to check out. It can be found essentiall .......
217: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: If you want JRiver support (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-07-08, 09:31:42 (174.6.56.107)
Bob_C said: "Don't you know all music players sound the same!!!!!! And according to Mr JRiver all paintings must look the same... LOL !!!!! The video below explains the problem with Mr. JRiver to a te .......
218: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Is it possible my thunderbolt drive wouldn't sound as good? (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-07-08, 09:05:35 (174.6.56.107)
Agree with the above. Gotta make sure the Thunderbolt drive and power supply isn't adding to the electrical noise getting into the DAC or interfering with the analogue outputs. Move your DAC away from .......
219: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Gordon's work with async USB created more problems than it solved. (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-06-29, 10:14:36 (174.6.56.107)
Slider said: "I think if you look into it a bit more, you'd probably find that async USB, and audio USB protocols in general, don't quite work as you describe. They are all still running in isochronou .......
220: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: What is your capture hardware? (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-06-16, 08:28:48 (154.5.110.253)
It's the E-MU 0404USB 'pro'/consumer ADC device which works pretty well up to 24/192 with about 19-bit resolution. I appreciate that others have questioned the validity of the results using the device .......
221: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: I am amazed (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-06-15, 12:57:11 (174.6.42.248)
Ok, I'll bite: "Not a personal attack at all. Just a reality. Why do you thinks others hear differences then? You have already made it pretty clear that IYO, you are not doing anything wrong, and do n .......
222: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: I am amazed (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-06-15, 12:15:06 (174.6.42.248)
"Well probably better that you just keeping thinking everyone who does hear a difference is just delusional." Did I say that? Why the perception of personal attack? There are many reasons for variatio .......
223: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: I am amazed (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-06-15, 11:53:30 (174.6.42.248)
"We have read this explanation over and over again. And you are so right. We all have been fooled to think we are hearing differences. Anybody interested in being fooled some more, check out the Wind .......
224: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: I am amazed (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-06-15, 09:27:42 (174.6.42.248)
Bob_C says: "Maybe because they look at the computer as a computer only, a digital device. IMO better to look at the concept of audio in the analogue sense and maybe better understand the logic." Perh .......
225: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: You are stuck thinking inside the box (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-06-15, 08:44:10 (174.6.42.248)
Well Tony, I appreciate what you're saying about thinking "outside" when it comes to LIFE. But this is about computer science, and specifically JPLAY and their rationale. "Scientific materialism" is n .......
226: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: are you kidding? .... yes, it makes all the difference in the world when talking about how something sounds (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-06-14, 23:11:50 (174.6.42.248)
"You claim everything sounds the same but won't divulge what is making the sound?" No, I didn't claim "everything sounds the same". I just said bit-perfect software sounds the same. The sound was obvi .......
227: Computer Audio Asylum, "Big picture"? RE: JPLAY Responds (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-06-14, 22:33:50 (174.6.42.248)
Bob... No, you don't have to be Stephen H. THE BOX IS ALL THERE IS (what other "big picture" is there? a "ghost in the box"?). Consider how modern computers actually work - how the asynchronous instru .......
228: Computer Audio Asylum, About that -90dB... RE: JRiver battles JPlay (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-06-14, 21:23:09 (174.6.42.248)
Tony said: "By the way, differences at -90 dB, such as were measured in the article, can be easily heard under circumstances that are realistic when it comes to listening to music." From my experience .......
229: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: JPLAY Responds (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-06-14, 21:05:36 (174.6.42.248)
Yeah... That's real helpful... .......
230: Computer Audio Asylum, Ears... (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-06-14, 18:27:41 (174.6.42.248)
Ultimately the tool for assessment = EARS. Hence my comment on the importance of this as the most important factor in the "profile" of subjective reviewers... .......
231: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: JPLAY Responds (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-06-14, 18:07:44 (174.6.42.248)
I am perplexed by this statement: "We at JPLAY believe the old rule 'simpler is better' should not be ignored for computer audio—to the contrary: We believe that the less work a computer has to do the .......
232: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: You miss the point...No, I made a point (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-06-14, 17:32:23 (174.6.42.248)
fmak said: "It is actually much more nasty to mislead others by declaring repeatedly that dacs and player software make no difference to sonic performance." Not true. I can hear the difference between .......
233: Computer Audio Asylum, DOES IT MATTER? RE: I don't see where you have your audio system listed ? ? ? (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-06-14, 17:18:43 (184.151.118.121)
bwb said: "Maybe I missed it, but it isn't listed on your AA profile or anywhere I can find in your musings. IMHO if you have any hope of being taken seriously you need to list your stereo system like .......
234: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: I've been testing some players recently too... (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-06-13, 12:07:41 (142.103.107.151)
Would love to hear what you find Presto! Lots of combinations & permutations possible in your setup... Other than my JPLAY tests, I've tried to keep the other tests straight forward, generally with ju .......
235: Computer Audio Asylum, BTW... Software bug... (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-06-13, 12:05:15 (142.103.107.151)
BTW: Who else is going to warn folks about the possibility of a bug specifically with 24/48 processing... Haven't seen any complaints among the subjective reviewers over the years. (Unless someone cla .......
236: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: TESTS: Round-up of Windows and Mac Audio Players. (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-06-13, 12:02:03 (142.103.107.151)
Well, I don't know this Julian guy, and have no qualms with him... So if we can be friends, that's a good thing. .......
237: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Good point, but then, the next question: why blog? -t (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-06-13, 11:59:16 (142.103.107.151)
Why not? Freedom of speech and attempt at achieving knowledge is I hope good enough... I believe in rational exploration of questions in regard to my audio hobby. I believe it's fun to explore and fin .......
238: Computer Audio Asylum, TESTS: Round-up of Windows and Mac Audio Players. (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-06-13, 08:15:23 (174.6.42.248)
Just finished up... Tested the major audio player software out there to determine audible differences. Mac OS X Players Windows Players - Part I Windows Players - Part II (JPLAY) IMO, it's importa .......
239: Computer Audio Asylum, Yes... Very good... RE: OPPO BDP-105 (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-06-10, 08:06:35 (174.6.42.248)
Not only does it work, but it measures really well - both PCM and DSD through a USB stick. .......
240: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: What's Best Forum -- Weiss Saracon (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-06-08, 00:01:32 (174.6.42.248)
Yup, Saracon is quite heavy handed with filtering... That's why 24/88 is as good as it gets with Saracon - for better or worse. .......
241: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: DSD high frequency noise and conversion to PCM to improve/filter this (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-06-07, 16:05:53 (184.151.231.53)
Even though I am not a big proponent of DSD (see my blog pages...), I do believe that audio should be heard in whatever format it was originally recorded. Going from DSD to PCM sounds fine (eg. A good .......
242: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Streaming FLAC and DSD Files via WiFi ... Does it Hurt Sound Quality? (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-05-26, 20:31:51 (64.134.222.202)
At this stage, not sure what the "consensus" is saying, but here's my take: Subjectively I have not noticed a problem streaming FLAC. In the last while I've been using a modified SqueezePlay to stream .......
243: Computer Audio Asylum, DSD performance results posted... (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-05-12, 20:16:56 (174.6.42.248)
Just posted the DSD evaluation... Enjoy! Gonna be busy at work so planning to just listen for awhile :-) .......
244: Computer Audio Asylum, REVIEW: TEAC UD-501 PCM/DSD DAC. (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-05-11, 08:34:23 (174.6.42.248)
Put up a couple posts on this new DAC. Will get the DSD64 & DSD128 tests up over the next couple days also. Folks who like "stair-stepped PCM" might be pleasantly surprised by this DAC! :-) Initial im .......
245: Computer Audio Asylum, True to the name of this place... (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-05-08, 07:45:43 (174.6.42.248)
Well, true to this place being the "Asylum", you guys fight for cable audibility with the fervor of a rowdy religious apologetics class. Good show. No other message board I've posted this on has there .......
246: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Your observation holds true (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-05-07, 09:46:30 (142.103.107.151)
"with his choice of junk AC cables, too. I just love it when "a more objective take" tests three cheap cables and then makes sweeping conclusions:" You know... I don't think I would call a hospital gr .......
247: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: A potpourri of cable CABLE MEASUREMENTS... (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-05-07, 08:17:10 (174.6.42.248)
So what do you believe? Love to see evidence of it as it pertains to cables of various sorts... .......
248: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: If only your meausrements are made with validated (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-05-07, 08:16:00 (142.103.107.151)
As usual, please feel free to show me some results with "validated" equipment and pro software... Thanks. BTW: What problem do you have with the 0404 as an *ADC* for relative measurements? IMO any ADC .......
249: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: A potpourri of cable CABLE MEASUREMENTS... (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-05-07, 08:14:30 (174.6.42.248)
Please do drop a note when you have the results. Thanks. .......
250: Computer Audio Asylum, A potpourri of cable CABLE MEASUREMENTS... (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-05-06, 12:31:01 (142.103.107.151)
Hi everyone... I know many are not into objective analysis or think that $$$ measurement instruments, pro software, expensive gear, etc... are needed to draw conclusions. That's fine. However, for tho .......
251: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: There's always going to be recording quality variation (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-05-04, 00:21:04 (174.6.42.248)
"I am, however, leery of those with a 24/88 format. " Why leery of 24/88? Many are conversions of SACD/DSD but still sound excellent. .......
252: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Need Help choosing very good sounding Laptop capable headphones (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-04-27, 12:29:38 (64.180.158.183)
Agree on the ATH-M50. Also, for a low price, the classic Sony MDR-V6 is also fantastic for the price IMO. Good enough for Roger Waters in the studio, good enough for me with the laptop headphone jack. .......
253: Computer Audio Asylum, GENERAL RESPONSE (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-04-21, 16:55:55 (174.6.42.248)
Gordon, I appreciate your feedback and critique. I used to have the QB9 and indeed it is a nice DAC so was quite happy that Stereophile's measurements concurs. For this article, I believe the data was .......
254: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: I see no need for expensive pro measurement equipment as a hobbyist. (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-04-21, 10:10:22 (184.151.118.59)
Low-end or not; tell (show) me how it matters. The calculations are straight forward. No magic algorithms. I'm happy to reconsider with evidence. Just re-read and I apologize for the error - I meant 2 .......
255: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: distorted rips on dB poweramp...rips inaccurate (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-04-20, 14:58:58 (174.6.42.248)
Just stating the obvious... Are you set to "Secure" Ripping Method? .......
256: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Ah (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-04-14, 15:38:09 (174.6.42.248)
"If you assume bits are bits you can put together a very good sounding system but you can make it better if you go beyond the bit perfect point of view Alan" Got an example of where it does beyond bit .......
257: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Ah-No accusation (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-04-14, 15:29:47 (174.6.42.248)
"he is using amateur software; study the numbers. I am just quoting what he said and commenting." So what? See my response to carcass. It's not like there's some kind of big trade secret on how dynami .......
258: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Ah (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-04-14, 15:25:44 (174.6.42.248)
"Use ours ears, and they don't sound the same even when the setup is fairly ordinary" But the lack of consistency in these observations once you control the variables and biases in many (most?) situat .......
259: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Your conclusion doesn't follow from your measurements. (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-04-14, 15:11:30 (174.6.42.248)
"In fact, it's not clear at all what your measurements show, as far as audibility is concerned." Maybe not - after all it's just a blog post; how can I show you or anyone what the numbers represent qu .......
260: Computer Audio Asylum, Laptop Survey: Apple MacBook Pros, Acer Aspire, ASUS Taichi (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-04-13, 22:46:38 (174.6.42.248)
Hey guys, Another blog post up for this week... Objective measurements of my laptops! Native built-in DAC, adaptive USB1 DAC, asynchronous CM6631 USB-SPDIF. Bottom line: No need for voodoo. Computer a .......
261: Computer Audio Asylum, 16/44 warning in SACD's... (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-04-08, 07:37:29 (174.6.42.248)
I don't know about BIS since I don't have any of their recordings. At least back in the day when CD's came out we had the SPARS code to identify to some extent the source material. Back in those days .......
262: Hi-Rez Highway, RE: The world's finest one (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-04-07, 23:11:05 (174.6.42.248)
Hang on... How can this tera-player be considered hi-res when the DAC is an old 16-bit Philips NOS? Presumably one of the TDA154X's? .......
263: Hi-Rez Highway, RE: Sony (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-04-07, 18:14:32 (174.6.42.248)
Thanks. Will update! .......
264: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: I've come to (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-04-07, 18:06:50 (174.6.42.248)
Thanks for the post Jeff. Those Wadia CDP's are fantastic sounding devices. Back around 2000, I was in Singapore and had a chance to audition the Wadia 850 played on some mbl amps and speakers. I stil .......
265: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Since you are so serious about measurements (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-04-07, 17:45:01 (174.6.42.248)
You should download some of the DSD128 samples from 2L and listen on your Mytek. They sounded great the other day over at my friend's place with the Oppo. Don't know how 2L records, but may have been .......
266: Hi-Rez Highway, A few thoughts about SACD, and DSD... (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-04-07, 12:57:23 (174.6.42.248)
Hey guys, I posted the link to my blog post last night in the Computer Audio forum but figure this topic perhaps belongs more in this one. .......
267: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Since you are so serious about measurements (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-04-07, 10:38:32 (184.151.118.9)
Hey man I do this for fun! I have zero financial interest in this... Don't even allow ads on my blog so I'm just speaking my mind in a way I think any of us can do for little outlay and a reasonable u .......
268: Computer Audio Asylum, Added a thoughts on DSD... (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-04-06, 23:19:03 (174.6.42.248)
Related to the above. .......
269: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: A Modest Proposal. (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-04-06, 13:51:16 (184.151.231.144)
Nice suggestion Tony. Good luck finding test samples and God help the testers if you're going to do some blind testing:-) .......
270: Computer Audio Asylum, OPPO BDP-105 beta firmware - DSD measurements. (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-04-06, 13:01:24 (184.151.231.144)
Hey guys, just posted up some measurements of the BDP-105 playing DSD64 using PCM 24/192 test signals and KORG AudioGate conversion. Up on my blog... .......
271: Computer Audio Asylum, :-) RE: You've been hanging around here for 11 years and still think some principle needs to be involved? /nt (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-04-05, 22:30:41 (174.6.42.248)
Lest I be branded as being closed minded and insensitive... Just wanted to make sure I'm not missing something here. .......
272: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Based on what principles? (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-04-05, 22:28:34 (174.6.42.248)
Uh huh... Nice pix. Is this a problem? .......
273: Computer Audio Asylum, Based on what principles? (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-04-05, 17:20:06 (184.151.231.60)
So... You want to stream 320kbps lossy audio by ethernet vs. WiFi and this could somehow both sound different AND some of the sonic difference could be attributed to the Thunderbolt-Ethernet adapter? .......
274: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: yes, correct, - facts don't help much for subjective, variances, (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-04-04, 10:09:47 (142.103.107.151)
Audio gear as "artisan products", eh? Not sure I would agree with that statement either. I'm happy to leave the music artists as the real artisans. Sure, if you're subjectively evaluating the "sound" .......
275: Computer Audio Asylum, Opinions vs. "Facts" (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-04-03, 08:49:02 (174.6.42.248)
Sure. Do a sighted listening test between that Meitner vs. Sony and you will have an OPINION. Do a proper blind test between said Meitner vs. Sony and you just might get closer to the FACT. Of course, .......
276: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Can I ask where you bought a Teac UD-501 for $620? (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-04-01, 20:10:58 (184.151.231.241)
But Mudshark, how do you know if the 352kHz DA conversion is good? It's not unusual to find a degradation in parameters like dynamic range and worsening of the noise floor going from 24/96 to 24/192 a .......
277: Computer Audio Asylum, Perfect thread... (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-04-01, 20:00:16 (184.151.231.241)
for April fools... Thanks for the entertainment today :-) .......
278: Computer Audio Asylum, Paul - seriously... Don't sweat it! (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-03-30, 14:21:09 (184.151.231.77)
PaulN said: Since I just bought an NAD M51 to form the basis for an all-digital front end, the lack of DSD support so far from NAD has been maddening. But I always intended the NAD for a separate 2-ch .......
279: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: USB 1.1 is a "plug and play" solution that does not require installation of drivers (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-03-30, 00:46:57 (174.6.42.248)
Interesting... Always thought the Dragonfly was USB2. Thanks for the correction. .......
280: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: USB 1.1 is a "plug and play" solution that does not require installation of drivers (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-03-29, 09:47:34 (174.6.42.248)
I believe all USB1 audio is adaptive. .......
281: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Anybody using a USB to SPDIF converter in Windows 8? (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-03-24, 18:31:20 (174.6.42.248)
I'm using a CM6631A USB to SPDIF converter that goes up to 24/192. Also posted a little about it on my blog here: http://archimago.blogspot.ca/2013/03/measurements-adaptive-aune-x1.html No problem wit .......
282: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Mac Mini vs Mac Mini Pro (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-03-15, 10:06:19 (142.103.107.151)
Even very inexpensive AMD APU's have plenty of power these days to use as music servers... Wondering what you're worried about to need to even consider using a high power machine? .......
283: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: a little experiment re: clockspeed, etc. (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-03-09, 14:27:11 (184.151.118.94)
True Tony. However, the problem is if we have to go through such contortions to detect anomalies using ++++ FFT bins (even more than the >100K points I'm looking at right now), keeping regular periodi .......
284: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: You will end up like Sisyphus. (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-03-09, 14:00:01 (184.151.118.94)
I agree with Tony on this completely. If one has the time, nothing wrong with having fun optimizing the system - it's all part of the hobby... However, if that time can be monetized to buy better gear .......
285: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: a little experiment re: clockspeed, etc. (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-03-08, 19:41:39 (174.6.42.248)
Hi Tony, Ideally, the CPU utilization for each thread (I limited to 6) is 100% but since this is a quad-core with "hyperthreading", there's a bit of CPU scheduling in there. Also, since I'm encoding a .......
286: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: a little experiment re: clockspeed, etc. (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-03-08, 08:09:27 (174.6.42.248)
Not specifically related to the comment around BCLK, but I posted a little video on my blog looking at jitter as CPU load increased. .......
287: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: a little experiment re: clockspeed, etc. (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-03-05, 17:43:18 (142.103.107.151)
I've seen folks like yourself obsess over these BIOS settings for years but have yet to hear these differences described (unless doing so causes computer malfunction) or understand how can this make a .......
288: Computer Audio Asylum, Nice response Tony. nt (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-03-03, 18:03:36 (184.151.118.54)
Nt .......
289: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Our knowledge base in science (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-03-03, 13:14:16 (184.151.118.42)
Abe, I agree, there tends to be a 'blurring' of definition with SACD. I've always thought this was the reason many say it sounds analogue. Good if one is into that kind of sound, I guess, but that's n .......
290: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Our knowledge base in science (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-03-03, 10:52:54 (184.151.118.54)
Science you say? Why do we need DSD? The link below I think is quite clear about the questionable benefits. Yet to hear from DSD apologists with science or objectivity - all I see are nonsense graphs .......
291: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: About DSD.... AudioStream Teac UD501 Review (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-03-02, 12:03:34 (184.151.118.68)
Merc: In your SACD ripping, I suspect you have also run into a number of 44kHz upconversions even for stuff that really should not be! For example Brubeck's "Time Out" from Sony themselves! I estimate .......
292: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: About DSD.... AudioStream Teac UD501 Review (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-03-02, 11:23:38 (184.151.118.68)
I agree. If I am ever going to adopt DSD, there better be DSD *native* music worth getting. I honestly doubt this will happen in a big way since studio techniques, effects, editing is the norm for mos .......
293: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Best ( or more expernsive than 50 bucks) software player options for PC. (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-03-02, 11:12:14 (184.151.118.68)
Don't know what your definition of best is, but for free I like foobar2000 with ASIO output plugin (assuming your DAC does ASIO. It's about as 'pure' and 'bit perfect' as it gets in the PC world. ::: .......
294: Computer Audio Asylum, Oppo BDP-105: Measurements / brief DAC review... (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-02-25, 22:46:43 (174.6.42.248)
Hey folks. Got a chance to listen and measure the BDP-105 the other day. Nice unit and great price even if it's just to use it as a DAC! .......
295: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: linux? (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-02-25, 16:10:22 (142.103.107.151)
The CM6631 is the same chip in the Schiit Bifrost and XONAR Essence One. Should be compatible if those devices work in Linux... .......
296: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Another option, maybe, is device based on the CM6631 chip (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-02-23, 10:57:40 (184.151.118.44)
I just got one of these CM6631's yesterday... Works well off my USB port. Preliminary jitter analysis shows it to be very clean with both coax and TosLink but this is also dependent on your DAC. A goo .......
297: Computer Audio Asylum, DXD (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-02-21, 23:02:06 (174.6.42.248)
DXD wiki below. Basically 24-bit/352kHz PCM super-high resolution that can be edited and easily downsampled to DSD. .......
298: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Im just Mad Maxing it myself (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-02-21, 10:38:56 (142.103.107.151)
"I'm picking up used CDs for bottom dollar prices because of everybody dumping their hard copies I assume. The only MP3s I have are created from my used CDs ... I would not buy one ... because I won't .......
299: Computer Audio Asylum, iTunes is a longterm bull, music industry longterm bear. (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-02-21, 09:10:42 (174.6.42.248)
I think the above is obvious. MOST people cannot tell the difference between MP3/AAC with lossless. MOST people do not care what format their music is in. MOST people do not want to pay money; especia .......
300: Computer Audio Asylum, Measurements anyone? (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-02-21, 08:55:36 (174.6.42.248)
Lots of (good) suggestions and certainly much of it sounds logical... But, has anyone done any measurements on all these suggestions? Are we seeing actual changes in the noise floor? Which suggestion .......
301: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: I have yet to find a DAC that isn't sensitive to software, USB cables (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-02-20, 17:58:04 (184.151.118.46)
I suspect the converse may be more true. .......
302: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Exactly !! (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-02-20, 10:41:52 (174.6.42.248)
^ | | Yup, what he said! Very true, Abe. .......
303: Computer Audio Asylum, Oppo BDP-105 - USB works with Windows 8 x64? (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-02-20, 10:30:14 (174.6.42.248)
Curious if anyone has one of these Oppo Blu-Ray/USB units. I see there's "currently no driver for Windows 8" according to their web page but there is a driver for Windows 7 as a USB DAC. Anyone know i .......
304: Computer Audio Asylum, TosLink, jitter and reality testing... (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-02-17, 14:31:26 (174.6.42.248)
"Hi ! well an important variable is the level of acceptance of the listener For my mother even a crap old radio is fine I am more picky I suppose" beppe, No. It's not a matter of acceptance but that o .......
305: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Does it really matter who the man is? (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-02-16, 12:47:54 (174.6.42.248)
Hi Tony, "Perhaps the transporter is able to suppress some or most of the jitter in from the effects loop by running on the local clock, in effect becoming a one box system." No that would not be true .......
306: Computer Audio Asylum, Sigh... RE: Crap in hi fidelity terms (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-02-16, 11:08:01 (174.6.42.248)
"Crap in hi fidelity terms as are MP3 and compressed audio" Sigh... I will have to remember not to have a rational discussion with you in the future. :-( beppe: Since this is your post, please make su .......
307: Computer Audio Asylum, What does "cheapness" have anything to do with this? RE: Behringer DEQ2496 (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-02-16, 09:14:55 (174.6.42.248)
"How can you draw any valid conclusion using the cheapest of cheap (yes, I own 2) and lowest quality of low component in a replay chain? And it doesn't matter how you mod the Behringer; it's just a bu .......
308: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Does it really matter who the man is? (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-02-16, 08:40:49 (174.6.42.248)
"So, why ask and not answer his points? Toshlink is is for MP3s, Wireless and the like, good listening for inmates who wish to go this way. May be 10 nS jitter suits some ears" fmak, What "points" are .......
309: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Change PC - may not need to (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-02-16, 08:04:34 (174.6.42.248)
Beppe, What DAC are you using? Are you needing to turn the volume up very high to hear this noise through the headphone? Would you listen to music at that volume level? .......
310: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: One Man's Opinion About Using Toslink Cable (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-02-15, 20:37:24 (174.6.42.248)
Interesting... A TosLink connoisseur :-) These days, I listen mainly through Squeezebox streaming or USB. Will have to dig up my old glass TosLink to run some comparisons! .......
311: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: One Man's Opinion About Using Toslink Cable (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-02-15, 16:58:22 (184.151.118.80)
Interesting comments Maxxwire1. I had done some tests with the SB Touch as a transport with coaxial vs. TosLink and was able to show that there was less electrical noise with the TosLink at 24/192 com .......
312: Computer Audio Asylum, In what way is this an attack? (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-02-15, 13:36:04 (142.103.107.151)
Does it really matter who the man is? The quote from that thread IMO is just another unsubstantiated inflammatory remark about the horrors of jitter which seems to have no empirical backing like many .......
313: Computer Audio Asylum, Who's "Jocko" and why is he BANNED? RE: Quote from Jocko who knows what he is on about (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-02-15, 11:21:44 (142.103.107.151)
"http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/digital-source/29940-how-much-jitter-4.html#post3370964 I would imagine that the jitter of a TOSLINK would be around 1 nSec or so. A really lousy setup. The rise and fa .......
314: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Beppe, your goals are similar to mine. (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-02-14, 18:53:50 (174.6.42.248)
"You describe my basic system already. I go from old Compaq laptop -> USB/TOSLINK box (Musiland xxx) -> a DAC (currently a Muse TDA1543 DAC) -> preamp..." Soldermizer, Muse TDA1543. Is it the 4-chip u .......
315: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: penis gourd (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-02-14, 10:59:07 (142.103.107.151)
I see where you're coming from... Never thought I'd learn about "penis gourds" on an audiophile forum... Something new every day ;-) .......
316: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Inexpensive can = good enough or .... ? (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-02-14, 08:16:57 (174.6.42.248)
Tony said: "If you are a discipline of B.F. Skinner's behaviorism then please continue to "enjoy" your flat life which views experiences as being "real" only when they can be measured like a pigeon in .......
317: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Or SSD (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-02-13, 22:13:20 (174.6.42.248)
Interesting idea with VACUUM! Yup, SSD should work great. My machine has plenty of RAM so I created a 4GB RAM Disk for the SB cache so there's no wear & tear on the HD. With a library of ~8000 albums, .......
318: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Inexpensive can = good enough or .... ? (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-02-13, 20:31:43 (174.6.42.248)
Nice post Soldermizer! Extraordinary claims are made all the time in the audiophile hobby that surely demands extraordinary evidence. After all these years, surely we know a thing or two about the lim .......
319: Computer Audio Asylum, RAM disk! (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-02-13, 18:09:44 (184.151.118.54)
If you want to see massive improvement, try setting a RAM disk for the cache directory. .......
320: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: There can be mixing, even with ASIO (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-02-11, 22:25:39 (174.6.42.248)
Interesting Tony, I'll have to check this out! Didn't think this was possible before. .......
321: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Funny thing about audio (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-02-10, 15:14:07 (184.151.118.118)
Curious what audio driver did you use in Foobar and Audacity. Did you use ASIO for example to ensure no unexpected audio mixing? Also, did ReplayGain get activated? If you're experiencing buzzing wit .......
322: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Replacing my squeezebox (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-02-07, 08:42:53 (174.6.42.248)
"The original SB had many limitations...48 khz, bad sounding analog outputs etc... The Touch was a big step forward." Sure, 48kHz is a limitation if you feel 96kHz+ makes that much of a difference (I' .......
323: Computer Audio Asylum, UPDATE: Part 4 out - Subjective Impressions (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-02-05, 11:59:29 (142.103.107.151)
Updated the blog with a 4th part. Took verbatim the comments describing what was heard / used to form opinions. .......
324: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: What did participants like better in one set over the other? (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-02-05, 07:24:21 (174.6.42.248)
"Hi Archimago, Thank you for this survey. I liked participating and reading the results very much. Unfortunately in the discussion afterwards, hardly anyone tried too describe what they liked better i .......
325: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Am I sure? Yeah, I think so. (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-02-05, 07:16:58 (174.6.42.248)
Carcass, You were the 8th respondent and the timestamp says Dec 13, 2012 at 8:40AM (my time PST). I of course know this because you clearly identified yourself and I can clearly see that you have some .......
326: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: reactions (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-02-04, 16:58:23 (142.103.107.151)
Great Tony, thanks! .......
327: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Blind Test of High Bitrate MP3 Closed! (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-02-04, 16:02:11 (142.103.107.151)
Thanks for the note sunnysal! I don't get much chance to travel to that part of the world but I've certainly met many good folks from there :-) Best regards... .......
328: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: reactions (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-02-04, 15:52:31 (142.103.107.151)
Tony! You should have voted, then! Didn't you say you wouldn't participate? .......
329: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Question for you: what's the take-away from this test for you personally? (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-02-04, 15:37:13 (142.103.107.151)
From carcass: "Why I'm asking this... I hope you would agree that you personally appear more in "objectivist" camp, based on your posts here. I also saw your thread over at HA (isn't that "discussion" .......
330: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: I wonder... (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-02-04, 15:04:16 (142.103.107.151)
"320 is hi-res compared to most iTunes downloads and all of the MP3 that was pirated in the last 3-4 years." Actually 256kbps AAC from iTunes I feel has potentially better quality overall compared to .......
331: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: I wonder... (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-02-04, 10:50:45 (142.103.107.151)
"I believe that it has a lot to do with 192 versus 256. The test tracks were 256 right?" The test tracks were actually targeted as being around 320kbs using the WavDiff variance measure. As I document .......
332: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: No surprises to me personally, namely: (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-02-02, 23:24:41 (174.6.42.248)
Good points overall. Remember how this all started... Claims that MP3 could be detected in "seconds" and that it was so horrible that it deserved to be turned off. Ultimately the results do not suppor .......
333: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: reactions (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-02-02, 23:19:09 (174.6.42.248)
Good comments overall, but this: "Comparing FLAC to hi-res MP3 is like comparing MP3 to MP3. They are both flawed." Really? Dunno man... I still don't buy it! .......
334: Computer Audio Asylum, RESULTS OUT... (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-02-02, 09:41:37 (174.6.42.248)
I think this will come as a surprise what was found! Results and discussion up now... .......
335: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Have voted, but have a question (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-02-01, 12:54:19 (142.103.107.151)
Hi steppe, Are you the one who entered this? "cmp-cplay computer server with Lynx l22 sound card and slimmed windows xp directly to..." If so, obviously I got you in the dataset. Hmmm, for some reason .......
336: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Blind Test of High Bitrate MP3 Closed! (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-02-01, 12:48:13 (142.103.107.151)
Abe Collins - THANK YOU for making the high speed download possible!!! Much appreciate your generosity in this endeavor. Time to shut down further downloads. I'll leave the Uploaded.to and FilePost li .......
337: Computer Audio Asylum, Blind Test of High Bitrate MP3 Closed! (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-02-01, 11:32:44 (142.103.107.151)
Well, as promised, the high bitrate MP3 test is now closed! In total, I received 151 responses. For those who participated / downloaded the test files - *SET B was the MP3*. Results and write up will .......
338: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Popcorn Hour A-400 / Squeezebox Touch (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-02-01, 08:22:29 (174.6.42.248)
Yes, I have heard many products like this. The simple answer is that if you're going to use SPDIF, it will sound like your DAC more than the transport itself assuming it's not tampering with the digit .......
339: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Popcorn Hour A-400 / Squeezebox Touch (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-01-31, 14:17:04 (142.103.107.151)
Thanks for clarifying the actual question - kind of. But then that begs other questions - how much does you mother in law care about sound quality that much? Does she want an "all in one" like the SB .......
340: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Popcorn Hour A-400 / Squeezebox Touch (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-01-31, 11:09:15 (142.103.107.151)
Don't know about Popcorn Hour, but my measurements of the Touch are fantastic as a digital transport. See my measurements thread on the Squeezebox forum. Even TosLink 24/192 worked for me with the ASU .......
341: Computer Audio Asylum, Preamble posted... (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-01-28, 12:34:30 (142.103.107.151)
Couple more days to go! 142 responses as of this AM. I posted up a "preamble" and disclosure update in preparation release of the results... .......
342: Computer Audio Asylum, High bitrate MP3 Test: Final call! (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-01-25, 11:44:17 (142.103.107.151)
As of this AM, survey has received 124 submissions. Last week to get test results / submissions in folks! Be part of the dataset! :-) .......
343: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Anyone here using RightMark Audio Analyzer?Even (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-01-25, 11:40:22 (142.103.107.151)
Interesting about the optimistic results, fmak. Do you know of any link discussing this? .......
344: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Have you tried Baudline? (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-01-25, 11:34:01 (142.103.107.151)
Wow! Cool looking program. I'll have to look at maybe installing Linux on one my old laptops and see if I can give it a shot. .......
345: Computer Audio Asylum, For those testing: Does a busy computer lead to poorer measurements? (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-01-23, 15:46:31 (142.103.107.151)
Here's a thought for folks to try: Does the noise floor, frequency response, intermodulation distortion change whether your computer is idle (just running RMAA) or if in the background running all sor .......
346: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Anyone here using RightMark Audio Analyzer? (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-01-23, 14:40:26 (142.103.107.151)
Good post Presto. I spent an hour around lunchtime playing with this and remain impressed how consistent I'm finding the results from RMAA. We're talking +/-0.5dB differences with dynamic range of >11 .......
347: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Anyone here using RightMark Audio Analyzer? (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-01-23, 14:26:53 (142.103.107.151)
"Whether one uses the same sound card or different sound cards one won't be able to tell if there are systematic errors in the DAC and ADC that offset each other. This is a necessary limitation that c .......
348: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Anyone here using RightMark Audio Analyzer? (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-01-23, 12:16:01 (142.103.107.151)
Good to hear it's replicable. Yeah, for the jitter piece, I'm thinking of using the poor-man's Miller JItter Analyzer with a Dunn J-Test signal like Stereophile over the years. See here: http://www.le .......
349: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Anyone here using RightMark Audio Analyzer? (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-01-23, 10:17:46 (174.6.42.248)
Hi aljordan: Have you found it reasonably reliable / replicable in your experience? I started running it last night... Looks pretty good even with relatively inexpensive gear here - can achieve >110dB .......
350: Computer Audio Asylum, Anyone here using RightMark Audio Analyzer? (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-01-23, 09:29:34 (174.6.42.248)
Since I have a new Xonar Essence 1 DAC, I decided to try using RightMark AA with my old EMU 0404USB. Wondering if anyone one has used RMAA and done measurements of their own gear to see if tweaks & mo .......
351: Computer Audio Asylum, Sure... RE: Philosophical (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-01-21, 07:53:33 (174.6.42.248)
That's right, the idea of sound quality being correlated to price is completely philosophical... I see nothing empirical supporting this. BTW: Please expand on this car analogy. I have no idea what yo .......
352: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Really (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-01-20, 14:23:56 (174.6.42.248)
"I think this is like buying any quality component. When I wanted sound comparable to my Wadia CDP, I had to spend like $$ to get it. Within reason, you pretty much get what you pay for, hence my Ayre .......
353: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: $369.00 (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-01-20, 00:00:15 (174.6.42.248)
Congrats on the Micromega, niws! Haven't heard this unit specifically but these days, my feeling is that there really is no point spending too much money on the DAC's... They may not sound exactly the .......
354: Computer Audio Asylum, About the Xonar Essence One... (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-01-19, 23:02:02 (174.6.42.248)
Hi JBen, I was initially looking at the Muses but could find little info on those M1 opamps. If anything the Muses specs didn't seem all that remarkable and too much of what sounded like marketing .......
355: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Sonos: can it handle 16/44.1? (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-01-19, 21:55:04 (184.151.118.33)
Hmmm come to think of it, you could be right Bubba... .......
356: Computer Audio Asylum, MP3 Test now at 100 responses! Also a question about jitter... (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-01-19, 15:06:47 (184.151.118.33)
Hi guys. Got 100 respondents for the MP3 survey / blind test now! Asia now "on line" with a few testers as well. Still 1.5 weeks so there's time to get more results in... IMO the numbers are looking i .......
357: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: if wireless is the bottleneck ... (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-01-19, 14:58:00 (174.6.42.248)
"what 16/44.1 format is least demanding?" I believe the Sonos is capable of native decoding of FLAC; I suggest you encode music at the highest (usual) FLAC level of 8 and stream that. Looking at the s .......
358: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Measurements may not tell the whole story (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-01-19, 11:00:48 (174.6.42.248)
Not really... it just seemed vague to me (sound of the shakers in Spanish Harlem, "doesn't sound as real" whatever that means.. maybe I missed something)... i'm interested in specifics if anyone with .......
359: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Measurements may not tell the whole story (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-01-18, 20:23:05 (174.6.42.248)
So, does anyone know what we're supposed to listen for with Delta-Sigma DACs which make them sound inferior to good R2R's? .......
360: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Measurements may not tell the whole story (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-01-18, 14:53:10 (142.103.107.151)
For the ESS presentation at about 26:39, what is he referring to when talking about the piece of European organ music "with the fault in it"? .......
361: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Sonos: can it handle 16/44.1? (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-01-18, 14:11:31 (142.103.107.151)
".wav is the least demanding of CPU resources." But most demanding of the wireless system. As others have suggested, usually CPU demand is not an issue, more the wireless communication. .......
362: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: But the original SONY/Columbia SACD looks like a CD upconversion! (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-01-18, 14:06:32 (142.103.107.151)
Interesting thread. IMO, there is no point converting DSD64 to anything more than 24/88. There's just not much there worth keeping in the higher frequency range off an SACD... I was an advocate of SAC .......
363: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: But the original SONY/Columbia SACD looks like a CD upconversion! (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-01-18, 09:58:02 (174.6.42.248)
Thanks Tony. Hmmm... Not sure if that roll-off is natural. Plus I'm not too keen in keeping a file with such strong signal up at 50+kHz which is all noise. For my music server, I would gladly downsamp .......
364: Computer Audio Asylum, But the original SONY/Columbia SACD looks like a CD upconversion! (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-01-18, 08:04:14 (174.6.42.248)
Can anyone post the spectrum for this new HDTracks Time Out? Check out the spectrum analysis below of the original Sony release SACD from around 2000. Notice the aggressive lowpass filtering at ~22 .......
365: Computer Audio Asylum, Correct... (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-01-17, 23:57:45 (174.6.42.248)
USB 3 is backwards compatible. I've got my Asus XONAR Essence One hooked up to the USB3 port with standard USB2 cable. No problem. .......
366: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: BS like booting up (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-01-14, 08:59:32 (174.6.42.248)
"Drives do not take 20 seconds to spin up. (Then again, maybe yours do.) And with SSD they don't spin up at all, so most computing tasks are much faster than with ever-spinning HDDs. It's bizarre that .......
367: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: 32 bit vs 64 bit redone (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-01-12, 11:05:10 (69.194.133.96)
Curious how you tested this! Unless you have identical PC's side by side, doesn't it take hours to reinstall everything?! Even if you dual boot, that's still tough to keep the perception in memory... .......
368: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Anyone heard the None Oversampling DAC Metrum Octave or Hex??? (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-01-12, 10:30:22 (69.194.133.96)
I've always found the love of NOS a bit odd to me. Recently I sampled an Audio Note DAC 5 in Asia and try as I might, just did not like the rolled off treble I've always experienced with rock, pop, te .......
369: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: I took your advice! (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-01-09, 11:29:02 (142.103.107.151)
Good job. I think you'll like the faster processor a lot more and save a little bit of money over the years of service in power use. A 40-50% increase of processing power from the improved architectur .......
370: Computer Audio Asylum, UPDATE (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-01-08, 16:24:26 (142.103.107.151)
Nice to see input from Macedonia, Italy, France, Malaysia and Taiwan! Woo hoo... 5 continents :-) Up to >60 responses. Thanks! .......
371: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: 10 year lifespan... Suggest better processor! (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-01-07, 21:41:06 (24.87.134.177)
I agree with you Presto. Bling is totally not necessary. Just that an extra $60 is like a dinner for 4 at an OK restaurant these days and to think the machine may last 10 years I think is worth it :-) .......
372: Computer Audio Asylum, 10 year lifespan... Suggest better processor! (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-01-07, 19:47:22 (24.87.134.177)
Presto said: "I went with Windows 7 Home 32 bit and I might add Windows 7 64 bit in a dual boot config to test what can stay software wise (and hardware wise) when this new machine is out the door 5 o .......
373: Computer Audio Asylum, I want to see HDMI audio done right... (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-01-06, 22:03:15 (24.87.134.177)
Looks like we have all sorts of high speed interfaces these days. Double SuperSpeed USB3 has also been announced now: http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-57562283-1/double-speed-usb-3.0-to-arrive-next .......
374: Computer Audio Asylum, REMINDER: MP3 vs. CD Test - closing at end of month! (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2013-01-05, 12:21:45 (24.87.134.177)
Happy New Year everyone! Since opening the high bitrate MP3 vs. CD test on Dec. 11th, I have received 41 responses so far to the detailed survey. I will not analyze the data until the end of January, .......
375: Computer Audio Asylum, You are mistaken, sir... (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2012-12-30, 09:04:58 (24.87.134.177)
Sprezza Tura says: "Since HDTracks was a major topic here..they provide excellent examples. Compare the HDTracks download of Gary Clark Jrs album Blak and Blue to the CD. The CD is a FULL 5 DB louder, .......
376: Computer Audio Asylum, UPDATE4 (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2012-12-29, 11:12:42 (24.87.134.177)
Thanks to the new respondents from US, Canada (finally!), and Sweden... The Americans are clearly the ones most willing to put their hearing on the line :-). Thanks everyone and happy New Year! ::: T .......
377: Computer Audio Asylum, UPDATE3: Widening the net! (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2012-12-22, 10:08:15 (24.87.134.177)
Alright, gonna increase the invites to some high-volume forums like Steve Hoffman and maybe Gearsluz. Also will invite the Hydrogen Audio guys. Merry Christmas to the New Zealand and Argentinians in t .......
378: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: FAST download available here. (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2012-12-18, 08:45:59 (24.87.134.177)
"Here's another link with super fast unrestricted download. I will remove it in January. http://mycollins.net/Hi-Bit_MP3_Test-Dec_2012_Tagged.zip about 74MB." Nice Abe! I'll update my blog link :-) Al .......
379: Computer Audio Asylum, UPDATE2: Added alternate download site & .torrent (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2012-12-16, 15:20:52 (24.87.134.177)
Some people were having issues with downloading from the upload.to site. Added filepost.com download site and put it up on Bit Torrent now also. .......
380: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Listened yesterday, and completed survey. Some comments: (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2012-12-16, 10:14:17 (184.151.118.114)
Thanks John! Appreciate your participation and insights! Your input in DAC designs and the importance of filtering has been fantastic over the years :-) Some excellent responses from US and UK recentl .......
381: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Why do we multitask with audio computers? (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2012-12-15, 11:13:08 (184.151.118.2)
I'm with you there PeterZ. I have an AMD A10 APU based server running Win8 underclocked and undervolted running light web server duties connected to my TV for occasional HTPC duties. Logitech Media Se .......
382: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: To be fair - Tony's preferences in music are well-known, and those 3 tracks... (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2012-12-15, 10:11:45 (24.87.134.177)
Tony: "The reason why lots of trials may be needed has to do with threshold effects when one is attempting to detect a signal close to the noise." Tony, need I remind you of what you said on November .......
383: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: And what does that say? (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2012-12-15, 10:04:48 (24.87.134.177)
"Linn Classical has a "one track per day free", and I liked the one about a week ago (Symphonie Fantastique--reasonably wideband with variety) I download it in 24-bit 96Kwords/sec. I wanted to manuall .......
384: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: To be fair - Tony's preferences in music are well-known, and those 3 tracks... (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2012-12-14, 11:05:51 (142.103.107.151)
Tony: "I no longer do any "social" or "scientifc" blind tests. Their advocates are invariably on a crusade to prove a point, typically that differences are inaudible. My experience shows that should s .......
385: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: World hunger can be cured with the savings from MP3 compression (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2012-12-14, 09:40:52 (24.87.134.177)
Tony: "If you read the archives of this forum you will come across many posts on this subject. You will have to make your own determination as to who is reputable, who is deluded, and who is pursuing .......
386: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: World hunger can be cured with the savings from MP3 compression (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2012-12-13, 20:11:22 (24.87.134.177)
Tony: "These listening tests are going in the wrong direction. If people want to experience the mental torture of listening tests, then they may as well do something useful, and do tests that might pr .......
387: Computer Audio Asylum, * UPDATE: Added package with TAGGED files. (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2012-12-13, 20:01:59 (24.87.134.177)
As requested by some, just put up a ZIP with the FLAC's with proper tags so it's easier to search/use with a music server. .......
388: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Will it change any minds, if some people actually identify them correctly? (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2012-12-13, 20:00:22 (24.87.134.177)
"The most misleading part is the impression that CD's contain 100% of the detail on the master. That may be true in some cases, but certainly not all, and probably not even most." Yup, that's the sent .......
389: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: The question is not whether you enjoy the music, but whether you (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2012-12-13, 19:57:45 (24.87.134.177)
Sordidman: "There is a clear difference in sound quality on a "good" audio playback system between MP3, AAC, and AIFF. There is not on a POS Sharp boombox." That's what I would expect as well. Give it .......
390: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Listened yesterday, and completed survey. Some comments: (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2012-12-13, 15:11:30 (142.103.107.151)
Awesome comment carcass! Thanks for the tips and I think this can really help folks differentiate the two and provides insight into your experience in listening. Since putting this up, I've listened t .......
391: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Hard Facts, Dangerous half-truths & Total Nonsense (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2012-12-13, 14:57:59 (142.103.107.151)
Thanks for the comments Mark. The files are just there for those who want to try for themselves. Language locks us into discreet adjectives which even in themselves have broad meanings despite general .......
392: Computer Audio Asylum, Thanks for the submissions so far!!! (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2012-12-12, 08:36:24 (24.87.134.177)
Thanks for the submissions so far folks! Keep 'em coming! .......
393: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: World hunger can be cured with the savings from MP3 compression (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2012-12-12, 08:28:23 (24.87.134.177)
That ain't the point Tony. I agree disk space is cheap. .......
394: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Will it change any minds, if some people actually identify them correctly? (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2012-12-11, 15:57:12 (142.103.107.151)
"Better yet - should it change any minds? Ones who hear, will hear - and those who don't, won't. It's not going to change anything anyway." Well, I think the important thing is perspective... When the .......
395: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Interesting idea, there... (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2012-12-11, 14:53:52 (142.103.107.151)
Thanks for the note Bobbo. I hope this provides an opportunity for folks to try it out for themselves as a "premade" package with a few selections to listen to. I hope the choice of music also can be .......
396: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: May I do the following (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2012-12-11, 14:18:55 (142.103.107.151)
"As I can't playback mp3 on my music server, may I convert it to 16-44 wav and then compare two wavs? Will it be considered as true test? Serge." Absolutely Serge. In fact, the files are all FLAC (mai .......
397: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Let the games begin ! (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2012-12-11, 11:23:07 (142.103.107.151)
Good question Abe. As you'll see from the package, the file sizes are actually very similar when encoded in FLAC. MP3 and FLAC algorithms go about the job very differently obviously and the resulting .......
398: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: That's funny... in the time it took me to compose my post above, you posted yours. (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2012-12-11, 09:38:41 (24.87.134.177)
"Let the games begin!" Indeed :-) Carcass, no worries, got the CD for Last night I found some free time to play with Adobe Audition, tried out some versions of LAME (thanks Reylands), set up the surv .......
399: Computer Audio Asylum, ** High Bit-Rate MP3 Test Up! ** (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2012-12-11, 08:07:48 (24.87.134.177)
Hey there everyone... As discussed in the "How's your music server..." thread, I wanted to run an online survey to test the difference between high bit-rate MP3 ~320kbps and the unmodified source. Wel .......
400: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: That's fine with me, but you positively do not have the CDs I'm going to recommend. (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2012-12-09, 20:26:17 (24.87.134.177)
Also, most likely nobody here besides myself has them either, or would enjoy listening to a track even for a short time. Having said that, below are 3 tracks that I personally tried to listen to recen .......
401: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: with Squeezebox dead, what's the best say Sonos now? (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2012-12-09, 19:27:52 (24.87.134.177)
I'm totally with you on this Cut Throat! Just bought a Touch last night probably from the same eBayer. I have an SB3, SB Boom, SB Radio, Transporter, and hopefully soon the SBT. My dad has SBT as well .......
402: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: With 24-bits, no way any current technology can reach this (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2012-12-09, 19:24:34 (24.87.134.177)
"There is noise from the device at 22.5 bits. There is additional noise from 24 bit dither noise if 24 bits are used. So you don't get the 22.5 bits the hardware is capable of if you work with 24 bit .......
403: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: With 24-bits, no way any current technology can reach this (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2012-12-08, 13:04:54 (184.151.118.113)
Tony, about that SABRE 1dB improvement with 32-bit input, what would be the difference between 24 and 32 bits? It sounds like this is due to hardware idiosyncracy rather than anything to do with bit d .......
404: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Adversarial, really? RE: The procedure... RE: You would have to buy a CD(s), if I understand you correctly. (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2012-12-07, 15:13:01 (142.103.107.151)
"MP3 compression at 320 kbps has a marginal benefit, even if it were audibly transparent. There is not a 4 to 1 reduction. It's much closer to a 2 to 1 reduction, considering that the original could h .......
405: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Hey Mark I have anecdotal data from listening (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2012-12-07, 12:40:19 (142.103.107.151)
Hi Mark & theob, Good to hear from guys who have given this a try. I agree that 24/48 is the sweet spot both from my own listening and I think this is backed up theoretically as well. With 24-bits, th .......
406: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Adversarial, really? RE: The procedure... RE: You would have to buy a CD(s), if I understand you correctly. (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2012-12-07, 10:24:46 (24.87.134.177)
"If you have special settings that make the LAME encoder work better than the default ones, then please post these so that everyone can try them on their own, if they are so interested. I am not inter .......
407: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Adversarial, really? RE: The procedure... RE: You would have to buy a CD(s), if I understand you correctly. (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2012-12-07, 10:16:22 (24.87.134.177)
Thanks Ryelands for the tip... I'll look into it. I suspect if I put up a test, I probably won't even care about this and just try the latest 3.99.5 version. No need to invite criticism of going out o .......
408: Computer Audio Asylum, I did this years ago - see here... No/little difference IMO. (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2012-12-07, 10:11:36 (24.87.134.177)
Check out this post from early 2010. I compared 24/96 vs. 16/44 directly - forget isolated 16 vs. 24 or 44 vs. 96 since I wanted to experience for myself whether all together much difference could be .......
409: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: That's fine with me, but you positively do not have the CDs I'm going to recommend. (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2012-12-07, 08:25:42 (24.87.134.177)
---- Also, most likely nobody here besides myself has them either, or would enjoy listening to a track even for a short time. Having said that, below are 3 tracks that I personally tried to listen to .......
410: Computer Audio Asylum, Adversarial, really? RE: The procedure... RE: You would have to buy a CD(s), if I understand you correctly. (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2012-12-04, 08:00:53 (24.87.134.177)
What adversarial position? I'm just trying to move the discussion beyond the "obvious" poor quality of MP3 as many insist and repeat over and over again here and throughout the audio press! If MP3's a .......
411: Computer Audio Asylum, The procedure... RE: You would have to buy a CD(s), if I understand you correctly. (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2012-12-03, 15:47:59 (142.103.107.151)
Hi carcass... How about this - very simple procedure: 1. Folks who think MP3 can easily be discerned give me suggestions of song(s) and which portion they feel MP3 cannot encode properly - eg. HF cont .......
412: Computer Audio Asylum, No takers!? RE: LETS MAKE AN A-B TEST OUT OF THIS... (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2012-12-03, 13:48:23 (142.103.107.151)
No suggestions as to what music I should use to test out MP3? So nobody wants to test out their belief that MP3 sucks and can be discerned in 10 seconds??? .......
413: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: archive.org (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2012-12-02, 15:16:18 (24.87.134.177)
Thanks bullethead for archive.org. Is there a recording there that you would consider of professional quality and shows off the high-res format? I remember looking at the site a number of years ago bu .......
414: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: High quality freely redistributable hi-res recording??! (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2012-12-02, 10:56:43 (184.151.118.35)
Yeah that's the problem. I have the 2L and Reference Recording samples but I don't know what is 'fair use' when it comes to distributing snippets for testing. .......
415: Computer Audio Asylum, LETS MAKE AN A-B TEST OUT OF THIS... (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2012-12-02, 10:41:50 (24.87.134.177)
"For me, about 10 seconds into a track that has plentiful HF content, cymbals and the like, is more than sufficient to tell the two apart reliably." Ok carcass, bear, Tony, J.Mac, Dynobot... Lets mak .......
416: Computer Audio Asylum, High quality freely redistributable hi-res recording??! (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2012-12-02, 10:26:03 (184.151.118.35)
Hi everyone. Is anyone aware of a good hi-res recording out there that one can use freely? Reason is I want to test out some DSP manipulation which I want to put up on the web for folks to try and get .......
417: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: How's your digital music collection coming along? (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2012-11-30, 09:28:15 (24.87.134.177)
My wife says enough music for a lifetime :-). Started ripping my collection in 2004 and been adding with digital downloads since, recently adding my SACD digital rips. So far, taking >4TB for the whol .......
418: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Good Job Steve!!....nt (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2012-11-30, 09:14:44 (24.87.134.177)
Yup. Interesting comment Soundchekk. I would love if AudioStream had an interview with nwavguy (link below) with almost the exact same questions and see what he thinks. Now there's a guy who I enjoy r .......
419: Computer Audio Asylum, Okay... So did everyone find the reboot function yet? (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2012-11-30, 08:11:25 (24.87.134.177)
I've used Win8 since the consumer preview for months now and I really don't see what the big problem is. Yes, the Start Menu is different and I agree that much of the Metro interface is useless on a d .......
420: Computer Audio Asylum, Powerline baby... RE: You need this Ethernet adapter for Squeezebox (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2012-11-24, 11:04:39 (184.151.118.87)
Yup, powerline is what I use for the upstairs system where Wi-Fi can be a bit marginal. Although no where near the max speed, the 500 Mbps models are faster and may be better for those with Touch/Tran .......
421: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Differences between DACs (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2012-11-24, 09:13:52 (24.87.134.177)
"Looking over the responses so far, the consensus seems to be that differences between DACs are readily apparent. Fair enough. My curiosity revolves around just how big these differences are." Informa .......
422: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Or, unless the rest of your system is not good enough (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2012-11-13, 09:23:00 (24.87.134.177)
I've been around the block and back with DAC's dude. Been playing with them for the last 20 years including high priced Weiss and Meitners. I stand by my experience when I 'extrapolate'. BTW, I've don .......
423: Computer Audio Asylum, "it's another to extend beyond yourself..." (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2012-11-13, 09:17:09 (24.87.134.177)
I think hallucinatory drugs will do that for alot cheaper... Personally, the thrill of the music itself on a decent system will do that. No need to obsess over the hardware. .......
424: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Rating of transports (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2012-11-13, 09:14:38 (24.87.134.177)
Thanks for the link. Hilarious... Based on those arbitrary scores, the iMac should sound like an AM radio compared to the Esoteric! Since everyone has an opinion, here's my version of the scores: 9.6 .......
425: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: How can a DAC so dinky sound so good? (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2012-11-13, 09:03:18 (24.87.134.177)
Why not? IMO DAC's sound more similar than different... Just borrow a few, including big buck ones and do some A/B comparison plugged into different inputs (use an SPL meter to make sure they're all s .......
426: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Rating of transports (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2012-11-12, 09:39:27 (24.87.134.177)
Absolutely agree with Bob. Seems meaningless without the context and comments of the methodology involved... Moreover, this individual obviously holds certain controversial ideas as truths - many of w .......
427: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Back to the Digital World with a MYDAC (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2012-11-06, 20:43:17 (24.87.134.177)
No, the world isn't ideal... but surely it isn't terribly far off. At least my audiophile world seems to correlate to what computer science, mathematics and physics tells me should happen. FLAC's soun .......
428: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: I'm pretty sure it was in one of Tony L.'s posts. (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2012-11-05, 08:39:10 (24.87.134.177)
Interesting Tony... I found this quote in the Digital Audio Denmark to be particularly relevant: "Real music is not about delta pulses, but pressure variations recorded by microphones. These pressure .......
429: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: I'm not surprised at all that it's you who posted links... (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2012-11-01, 23:40:57 (24.87.134.177)
"These ideas were refuted many times here and elsewhere. It was pointed that Lavry's paper, for instance, contains downright lies, to support his concoction." Carcass93: Could you point me to a discus .......
430: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: I'm not surprised at all that it's you who posted links... (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2012-11-01, 08:57:02 (24.87.134.177)
"These ideas were refuted many times here and elsewhere. It was pointed that Lavry's paper, for instance, contains downright lies, to support his concoction." Carcass93: Could you point me to a discus .......
431: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Seriously guys... Just how much *true* 24/192 is there? (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2012-10-29, 18:33:22 (142.103.107.151)
"192/24 recordings made from tape can be high resolution. There are many people who consider tape to be higher resolution than any available digital format, at least for some musical genres. (Comment .......
432: Computer Audio Asylum, Seriously guys... Just how much *true* 24/192 is there? (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2012-10-29, 08:39:48 (24.87.134.177)
Over the years, I've downloaded maybe 10 titles from HDTracks - about 5 or 6 24/192 - mostly rock / jazz, including this Norah Jones "Come Away With Me". Not ONE as I can recall can be considered "nat .......
433: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Is is Okay to Talk About Windows 8 Now? (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2012-10-21, 18:02:56 (24.87.134.177)
I can't say I ever heard a difference between x64 and x86 Windows 7. These days, I think anyone installing a new build should just go for the x64 since it's essentially mainstream now unless there are .......
434: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: "A cute, tiny home computer" (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2012-08-03, 14:53:33 (142.103.107.151)
Even if there is a version of Logitech Media Server / Squeezebox Server available for the android, I don't think you would be pleased with the performance from the 2000 album collection. Things like r .......
435: Computer Audio Asylum, Not always... RE: DSD is signifcantly better sounding than PCm conversion IMHO. (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2012-07-29, 22:20:25 (24.87.134.177)
I really don't know why some folks have this great love affair with DSD. I still think DSD64 is suboptimal and the noise shaping does impair the upper treble range. Also, what's the big deal with tran .......
436: Computer Audio Asylum, A nice win for market forces... (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2012-07-22, 17:53:22 (24.87.134.177)
About 2 or 3 years ago, a few here including myself questioned just what exactly Amarra does that's all that difference from standard "bit perfect". Remember the goobledygook Sonic Studios came up wit .......
437: Computer Audio Asylum, Interesting - how about MEASUREMENTS? (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2012-07-22, 17:30:02 (24.87.134.177)
Fascinating idea John and I hope someone offers to help with the building of such a device... Would make a great "Extreme Ultimate Music Transport / DAC" article! However, the operation of such a devi .......
438: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: I must say (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2012-07-22, 10:19:46 (184.151.222.74)
Are you sure you're ascribing the effect tothe right piece of 'equipment' ;-) .......
439: Computer Audio Asylum, Try before you buy... (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2012-07-22, 09:46:06 (24.87.134.177)
Although I had the 777 in my system years ago that was before I got my SB system so cannot compare directly. Try this: 1. Connect both the SB and CDP to the same preamp so you can switch quickly betwe .......
440: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: He did NOT write anything on the difference in sound of the DACs. As for graphs - ... (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2012-07-20, 09:49:04 (142.103.107.151)
"... you're probably one of the very few people on Earth who listen with their eyes." Curious why you presume this. I'm making a point that IMO, the data fits my experience. ABX / blinded / unblinded .......
441: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Time for more resolving system, perhaps? (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2012-07-19, 19:12:24 (24.87.134.177)
Lets just say the test equipment should be *very* adequate if such a thing is defined by $$$, Stereophile "Class A", and The Absolute Sound "Best of The Year" recommendations. I do not expect to chang .......
442: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Huh?? (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2012-07-19, 19:07:13 (24.87.134.177)
No, speakers don't sound the same. :-) .......
443: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: What DACs did you test? (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2012-07-19, 18:36:44 (24.87.134.177)
I won't list all because I suggest you guys try it for yourself... I'm just an anonymous Internet poster just like the rest of you. Make sure to volume equalize the outputs. One of the expensive DAC's .......
444: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: dac frequency response.. (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2012-07-19, 08:28:09 (24.87.134.177)
"Do DACs, as a general rule, have a flatter frequency response than amplifiers with less roll-off and with less variation between DACs than amps? I don't know the answer; it is only my vague impressio .......
445: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Seeking Wisdom Of Those Smarter Than Me (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2012-07-08, 23:44:03 (24.87.134.177)
Hang on... If the pre-amp is doing the volume control, how then is it a problem that the Touch is the cause for the "fuzzy" sound at low volume since you're not even using the device's digital volume .......
446: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: HDMI vs optical for audio (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2012-05-18, 08:27:49 (174.6.41.186)
I don't know about "way audible" TB. I've done some blind testing with simulated jitter 5000ps and above with real music and I can't say that I could reliably detect that. The inherent noise in record .......
447: Computer Audio Asylum, AGREE RE: I will never go back to a CD Player.........nt (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2012-05-18, 07:55:41 (174.6.41.186)
I agree with this sentiment. Other than in the car, I have not spun a CD to listen to for 3 years now. Good for anyone who wants to buy hi-end player on-the-cheap I think. .......
448: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: new one for the natives (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2012-05-18, 07:46:39 (174.6.41.186)
So... Is all this interest in DSD because we can finally rip SACDs now? Afterall, all these DAC chips have been DSD capable for 10 years now! .......
449: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: HDMI vs optical for audio (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2012-05-17, 23:21:21 (174.6.41.186)
Does the article comment on whether those multi-nanosecond jitter values are audible? At >3000ps, it should be audible with test signals although it'll be much more difficult with music. .......
450: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: ANY hi-rez track will sound different from Redbook equivalent on resolving system, ... (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2012-05-16, 19:14:50 (174.6.41.186)
Although the Meyer-Moran study did have its limitations, I certainly would not fault the Denon 2900 (with PartsConnexion mods) in their 4th system or the Sony XA777ES (primary system). I still don't t .......
451: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: negative numbers to back it up (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2012-05-16, 18:55:10 (174.6.41.186)
Thanks for the numbers Joe, Ouch. Those HDMI numbers suck in general. However, the Arcam, Classe and Pioneer numbers look great. If they can do it now though, I suspect it would not be a significant p .......
452: Computer Audio Asylum, Gonna try an audibility test this summer :-) (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2012-05-16, 16:57:37 (174.6.41.186)
Well boys & girls, over the summer I'm going to put up an A / B test of a clip from Hopak which I'll downconvert to 24/44 with some funky processing done to it. Will be very curious what everyone hear .......
453: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: HDMI vs optical for audio (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2012-05-16, 16:51:02 (142.103.107.151)
Some folks have said that HDMI has possibly WORSE jitter than optical. This has to do with the timing being derived from the video portion of the signal and audio takes a back seat :-(. I don't have a .......
454: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: three years from now... (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2012-05-16, 16:43:39 (174.6.41.186)
Great topic :-) Q1. Will you still be reading this forum and posting here? A: Probably... I think I've been reading here since 2002. Q2. Will you still be using a general purpose computer to play musi .......
455: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: HDMI is a poor design for audio because of the clocking. nt (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2012-05-15, 23:55:27 (174.6.41.186)
Can this not be overcome by the DAC with proper buffering and reclocking? So far, I have yet to see measurements of jitter compared to say SPDIF or TosLink despite all the negative comments in forums. .......
456: Computer Audio Asylum, About Red Book sometimes sounding better... RE: odd (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2012-05-15, 07:41:11 (174.6.41.186)
Agree with your comments Ted. One thing I need to add though is that as a fan of the rock/pop genre, almost 30% of the SACD's I've ripped looks like converted Red Book with hard cut-off's at 22kHz! A .......
457: Computer Audio Asylum, IMO I want HDMI! (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2012-05-15, 07:15:35 (174.6.41.186)
I completely agree bwb. Over the years I've heard DAC's using coaxial, TosLink, USB, Firewire, HDMI. Never did I attribute sound qualities to the interface itself, but rather to the DAC even when swit .......
458: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Please recommend: Best PCM Hi-Res track you've ever heard... (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2012-05-13, 18:06:10 (174.6.41.186)
Thanks Recorder and smart. Sounds like great music to check out! I'll look into the suggestions... I managed to get a copy of the Hopak RR sampler file Tony mentioned above as well. I've got an idea f .......
459: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: odd (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2012-05-12, 18:59:23 (70.28.245.81)
Actually bwb, if you've read many of my previous postings, you will likely see that i do not hold on to many of the usual audiophile beliefs... Like i said, for the purpose i have in mind, I am lookin .......
460: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Please recommend: Best PCM Hi-Res track you've ever heard... (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2012-05-12, 15:56:53 (174.6.41.186)
Thanks for the suggestion TOny. .......
461: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: odd (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2012-05-12, 15:52:46 (174.6.41.186)
"Why do you assume converting an SACD to PCM would be inferior to other PCM recordings? If somebody has one that meets your criteria of "clearly showing off the benefits of high resolution audio" why .......
462: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: HDMI vs optical for audio (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2012-05-12, 13:27:07 (174.6.41.186)
I would guess that there would not be much difference. Too many variables to assess. Why don't you just get a reasonable HDMI cable - probably any high-speed cable would do the trick and try. Come bac .......
463: Computer Audio Asylum, Please recommend: Best PCM Hi-Res track you've ever heard... (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2012-05-12, 13:08:36 (174.6.41.186)
Hi everyone, Wondering if you can recommend a single TRACK from any PCM hi-res source whether it be digital download or DVD-A (not SACD please due to DSD/PCM conversion) that you would consider as cle .......
464: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: I'm a traitor, too... (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2012-05-01, 07:53:53 (174.6.41.186)
AbeCollins: "In my ideal world, Apple would make AAC and AIFF available for download, and I wouldn't mind paying a slight premium for AIFF. I rarely download from iTunes except for a couple singles wh .......
465: Computer Audio Asylum, ADDENDUM - April 28, 2012 - Trial with USB... (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2012-04-29, 01:11:22 (174.6.41.186)
For fun, tonight I spent another hour or so comparing with USB out. The thing I found was that I could not get SqueezePlay to output through USB, but I could with Decibel & Audirvana. So, this is what .......
466: Computer Audio Asylum, Interesting post! RE: wishing i could do my system all over again.. (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2012-04-25, 12:03:47 (142.103.107.151)
Very interesting post Les? I'm actually curious what you've done over the years and what regrets you have. I think this is an interesting topic though not specifically around computer audio. Personall .......
467: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Using Integer mode and USB hub to avoid clicks - worth trying? (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2012-04-22, 13:33:13 (174.6.41.186)
Bah... I have 3 MacBooks in my household and I certainly enjoy doing stuff to them hardware-wise. A month ago took the 2009 MacBook Pro apart to install a new SSD drive. What a hassle compared to the .......
468: Computer Audio Asylum, Not saying anything "definitive" fmak... RE: So, (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2012-04-22, 13:29:35 (174.6.41.186)
I'm not drawing anything "definitive" here. Just wanted to put out there details of a test I have personally done and a methodology which I believe takes out many variables. For example I have not hea .......
469: Computer Audio Asylum, Thanks! Good CD...RE: Different Mac player audibility... Here's a test... (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2012-04-22, 13:20:26 (174.6.41.186)
Thanks again for the CD recommendation. The cello on "Olha Maria" sounds fantastic thru the HD800. Still can't say I hear a difference between SqueezePlay and Decibel but more importantly I enjoyed th .......
470: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Different Mac player audibility... Here's a test... (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2012-04-20, 17:05:26 (142.103.107.151)
Great, thanks for the recommendation, man. Will have a listen over the weekend! .......
471: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Your conclusion.... (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2012-04-20, 15:55:15 (142.103.107.151)
"... doesn't follow - since (at least) all of the following: - mini-Toslink out of Mac - Toslink cable - Benchmark DAC contribute to less than optimal resolution of the system - and listening experien .......
472: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Different Mac player audibility... Here's a test... (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2012-04-20, 15:45:26 (142.103.107.151)
I'm not sure I expected a HUGE difference, but I must say that I expected something. I've always disliked SqueezePlay since it feels slow, is clunky, and always imagined it as a horrible jitter pollut .......
473: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Different Mac player audibility... Here's a test... (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2012-04-20, 12:51:14 (142.103.107.151)
"AFAIK standard Squeezeplay is limited to 96 not 48k. I even have a port for debian linux that can play up to 192k." Cool giulio. Not sure what's going on with the Mac version here. The fact that I se .......
474: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Different Mac player audibility... Here's a test... (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2012-04-20, 12:46:09 (142.103.107.151)
Regarding the TosLink... yeah, maybe that's an issue. However, the lack of difference between very different forms of playback (WiFi streaming vs. SSD playback with fancy software) I imagine would be .......
475: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Different Mac player audibility... Here's a test... (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2012-04-20, 12:41:54 (142.103.107.151)
Hi Tony, 1. Yup, headphone "soundstage" is massively different. But the lack of difference is astonishing. I disagree that long period listening is needed. For me 30 seconds to 1 minute is the best I .......
476: Computer Audio Asylum, Different Mac player audibility... Here's a test... (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2012-04-20, 09:27:16 (174.6.41.186)
Well, just got to installing the latest Audirvana Plus last night and had a listen. I already have Decibel on my machine. Here's the setup: The listener (me): - 40 year old, professional working gener .......
477: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Alternative to iTunes? (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2012-04-20, 01:00:05 (174.6.41.186)
I've personally tried Audirvana Plus and Decibel. Both sound fine and will play FLAC natively which is a must for me. Audirvana Plus is $47 and Decibel $33. I ended up buying Decibel for the better pr .......
478: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Using Integer mode and USB hub to avoid clicks - worth trying? (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2012-04-19, 17:58:38 (174.6.41.186)
"iTunes for OSX is bit perfect if used in the proper manner for hi res plyaback. It should be good enough right?" Assuming CoreAudio's conversion from integer to internal floating-point and back again .......
479: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Using Integer mode and USB hub to avoid clicks - worth trying? (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2012-04-19, 17:22:19 (142.103.107.151)
Quote: ------ "BTW: Isn't "integer mode" just advertizing speak for "bit perfect"?" No. It's just a more direct method of processing the file. I feel that Lion, even though it doesn't support Integer, .......
480: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: 3rd party app for Logitech Touch enables USB output & 192K (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2012-04-19, 16:56:49 (142.103.107.151)
I have exactly 46 24/192 albums, and 8 24/176 albums. Mostly DVD-A rips and for the 24/176, HRx stuff. Mostly classical music with the occasional rock/pop. Must admit that I rarely listen to these and .......
481: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: 'cause they tell the truth? (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2012-04-19, 16:51:24 (142.103.107.151)
Not necessarily, but surely less BS. .......
482: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Using Integer mode and USB hub to avoid clicks - worth trying? (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2012-04-18, 07:23:19 (174.6.41.186)
If it's a white (black too I guess) MacBook from 2009, it should support 4GB and possibly 6GB (I have an older MacBook Pro which readily went up to 6GB). Check here: http://forums.macnn.com/69/mac-not .......
483: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: How does it work? Mechanism of Action is Unknown...nt (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2012-04-17, 13:43:34 (142.103.107.151)
"One thing I would like clarified, is how far above the base is the field effective. Like any other field, I suppose the intensity reduces as distance is increased." Yup, usually in an inverse square .......
484: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Sotm Sata Noise Filter - Real or Hype?? (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2012-04-17, 13:37:23 (142.103.107.151)
Hmmm. Good luck with that. Hard to imagine what kind of noise/interference is being generated from an SSD drive compared to say the computer RAM themselves. .......
485: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: I was talking about the FUSE. N/T (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2012-04-10, 12:55:44 (142.103.107.151)
Sure... Will try next time there's a need to open something up. .......
486: Computer Audio Asylum, sorry... cant do it...RE: "humans, not so much..." - sure. Some better than others though. (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2012-04-09, 15:15:26 (174.6.41.186)
Cuz all the power plugs in my system have a ground so I can't willy-nilly flip polarity around. Only the cheapest Sony boom box I have can do this. .......
487: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Hearing is a complicated process, listening even moreso -t (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2012-04-09, 14:35:14 (174.6.41.186)
Agree. This is why I think those hung up on hardware minutiae are wrong. .......
488: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: No wonder (Long and with tips) (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2012-04-09, 14:22:03 (174.6.41.186)
"P.P.S. To quickly "burn in" such a drive, start from letter A in Your library, open 1 album, click on every song, then next and so on. The more albums and wav files You click (just for a second or tw .......
489: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: What Percentage Of Your Music Collection are Quality Recordings (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2012-04-09, 13:52:06 (38.108.87.20)
I dunno man, how much I like the song/music is more important than recording quality... Even though the recording sucks, I would never part with my collection of Springsteen, Stones, Dylan, U2, etc... .......
490: Computer Audio Asylum, Logitech Transporter... (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2012-04-09, 13:45:22 (38.108.87.20)
Fed by undervolted quiet Intel Q6600 Core2Quad WinServer2008R2 with a bunch of FLAC files. Headphone system - MacBook Pro toslink to AUNE X1 DAC/headphone amp to Sennheiser HD800. .......
491: Computer Audio Asylum, I believe you're wrong...RE: That was good satire BUT ... (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2012-04-09, 13:29:05 (38.108.87.20)
Bats, dogs, dolphins, etc. have good ears... humans, not so much... You just have to look at the neuro anatomy to see how much of our brains go into visual processing vs. the little bit going into aud .......
492: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Download Today for $0.03 (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2012-04-02, 19:40:08 (174.6.41.186)
Wow! OK, sounds like Blue Coast DSD conversion really is bad! .......
493: Computer Audio Asylum, Gotta agree with Scrith... RE: OK, but... (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2012-04-02, 09:09:58 (174.6.41.186)
Totally agree with Scrith here... I see Tony sometimes goes into detail with theory but doesn't provide the framework to answer whether it's relevant or not. No folks, NOT EVERYTHING IS RELEVANT for m .......
494: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Download Today for $0.03 (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2012-04-02, 08:55:03 (174.6.41.186)
Thanks for the link & suggestion... However, how can Foobar be doing a better job with DSD -> 24/96 playback unless Blue Coast uses a poor quality DSD -> PCM converter! .......
495: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: USB cable upgrade (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2012-03-27, 19:18:59 (174.6.41.186)
Yup, good idea Jay. Unless I'm REALLY SURE of something, it's usually a good idea to pull my wife into the man-cave and see what she thinks :-). I'm not too proud to admit that she may have better hea .......
496: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Norm is 100% right when it comes to the Null hypothesis (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2012-03-27, 19:04:52 (174.6.41.186)
Tony, well, I guess this is where the discussion of DBT's specifically and perhaps subjectivism vs. objectivism generally end... I believe I understand what you're trying to say about the null hypothe .......
497: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Norm is 100% right when it comes to the Null hypothesis (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2012-03-26, 17:27:37 (174.6.41.186)
Uh huh... "There is nothing to debate on this point between someone who understands this and someone who does not." So that's it then eh? Like I said, please show me a well articulate piece of work e .......
498: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Bottom line... Don't give up yet. (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2012-03-26, 08:04:05 (174.6.41.186)
That's the spirit! It's one of those things where looking at building a digital library looks daunting especially when you're used to collecting and managing the analog library. On thing I discovered .......
499: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Isomorphic mean related to or characteristic of. (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2012-03-25, 21:50:45 (174.6.41.186)
"You ask, "How does research not be valid when it is out of research and engineering that you're listening to good sounding equipment these days?" I have no idea what this confused statement means or .......
500: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Obvious differences, blind tests and white lies (0.00)
Posted by Archimago on 2012-03-25, 15:11:40 (174.6.41.186)
I like this statement Tony: "Have you done any double blind tests? I ask this not to doubt that you hear something, but rather because of your remark. It's been my personal experience that differences .......
Found total of 500 records, Query: , Author: Archimago in All Forums, Time: 0 sec.