Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jan 26, 2012 23:15:13 GMT
Hope this is not too numptie a question but I'd appreciate reading more knowledgeable members' thoughts on the following: - I seem to be reading more and more that PC based music systems are catching up fast or maybe have passed the SQ provided by more conventionally based systems (I know, I know, that's not a universally shared opinion , but it doesn't really have much bearing on my question, so let it lie for the time being ). I also read that to get the best out of any music system a good clean low noise power supply is necessary. For me these two statements are incompatible . I understand PC power supplies make no pretence at being optimised for audio playback. This leads me therefore to think that anything that might be done to improve the various supply voltages put out by the PC power supply could offer improved SQ. This may be technically BS but for example I have a Xonar ST card installed in my PC and I think it's very good. However it needs it's own additional power supply via a 4 pin Molex connector providing both 12v and 5v DC (I believe ). Even I could insert a JLH RE into each of these Molex supplies. Question: - Would such an action, or anything similar, to these or any other internal supply voltages yield any benefits to the resulting SQ? I stand by waiting to learn . TIA, Dave.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 26, 2012 23:29:31 GMT
Hi Dave You can't just shove in a JLH without protecting it from the huge current surge on switch on. You will see what I did there in the "Work in Progress" thread using 2 relays. I am using a JLH in line with my internal LG BR writer. I am getting improved results using this method. I won't say more about this in open forum as it may lead to further "trench wars." IMHO, you are better off first improving the SQ of the source material. Regards Alex
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XTRProf
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Pssst ! Got any spare capacitors ?
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Post by XTRProf on Jan 27, 2012 5:01:04 GMT
Yes, of course, even in digital. But you must be able to construct a PSU that can meet the power demand of the PC first.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jan 27, 2012 11:34:20 GMT
Hi Alex, Thanks for your informatory reply - I thought whilst I was composing the OP that if it was that simple someone else would have thought about ages ago . BTW your native Australians got themselves spread all over our news channels yesterday by 'roughing up' your lovely lady PM - tut tut!! . Dave.
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jkeny
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Post by jkeny on Jan 27, 2012 15:31:19 GMT
Hi Alex, Thanks for your informatory reply - I thought whilst I was composing the OP that if it was that simple someone else would have thought about ages ago ........ Dave. Yes, you are correct, Dave but all you have to do is look at the wars that this sort of simple suggestion raises to realise that there are blinkered dogmatists who will argue that "bits are bits"; "PC power is adequate for the job", etc & that the world would end (as computers are intimately woven into it's fabric) if your simple question/suggestion was true! The saying of economist David Ricardo is relevant 'Profits are made by differential stupidy'. BTW, it's not just a matter of applying a better supply at the source, in fact, the major problem may well be common mode noise being transmitted from the PC to the DAC/pream/amp. Try using as source for digital a laptop on batteries Vs a laptop with a GROUNDED charger plugged in & note the sonic difference Here's something that might interest? www.diyhifi.org/forums/viewtopic.php?p=45515#p45515But I tells ya boss "them bits is still bits"
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jkeny
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Post by jkeny on Jan 27, 2012 15:55:58 GMT
Alex, start digging that trench - I feel a war a-comin
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Post by Deleted on Jan 27, 2012 20:44:42 GMT
Hi Dave It seems they were reacting in anger after hearing reports about a remark by the Opposition leader who was also present. He suggested that their tent embassy was no longer relevant, and they seem to have taken that as meaning it would be forcibly removed if he became P.M. Apparently a member of the PM's Press staff who has now resigned, tipped somebody off that Mr. Negativity (Tony Abbott) would also be present. Alex
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Post by item on Feb 24, 2012 23:09:01 GMT
There's a harder question lurking behind the one you asked: improving anything about the electrical behaviour of a PC will make it sound better during playback. However, as jkeny indicates, it's not as simple as a one-hit replacement: there are many sources of trouble in this regard in a standard computer. They really are not designed for attached to a voltage-sensitive audio system. Lots you can do to make them better, though!
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Post by Deleted on Feb 25, 2012 4:46:44 GMT
Hi Welcome to someone else who also knows the benefits of good clean power.Interesting comments about shielded e-Sata leads elsewhere too ,from someone in the trade. We don't allow advertising here , but a Google of "itemaudio" may be of interest to some members. Kind Regards Alex
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Post by Deleted on Feb 26, 2012 11:15:07 GMT
With PCs using Windows 7, further SQ improvements when ripping CDs as .wav files , may be obtained by using a program such as Fidelizer 2.1 to turn off all non essential Windows processes and threads during ripping. This has also been confirmed by the guys from jPlay and John Kenny, as well as others more recently. The program remains operational until the next reboot. Alex
P.S. Today I uploaded a couple of .wav files made using this method, for some interested members to compare with previous DLs they already have. The checksums are still the same.
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Post by jeffc on Feb 26, 2012 20:46:13 GMT
Hi Alex, That's an interesting find, must try it out . I've only used Fedilizer V2.1 for playback where IMHO, it improves SQ markedly with cPlay to my USB-DAC-HA. What Fedilizer mode did you use, I take it you couldn't use "Extremist". cheers.. jeffc
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Post by Deleted on Feb 26, 2012 21:08:21 GMT
Hi Alex, That's an interesting find, must try it out . I've only used Fedilizer V2.1 for playback where IMHO, it improves SQ markedly with cPlay to my USB-DAC-HA. What Fedilizer mode did you use, I take it you couldn't use "Extremist". cheers.. jeffc Hi Jeff I just ticked all the boxes, except the homepage one, and let it do it's thing. I was surprised that all went well, as with the last version I tried, it did nasty things to my PC, including setting Windows Messenger instead of Windows Live Mail after rebooting the P.C. It took a bit of head scratching to get my email back again. Regards Alex P.S. I couldn't DL the software directly from the author's site, as K7 Security blocked it saying it was a Phishing site.
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Post by jeffc on Feb 26, 2012 21:24:07 GMT
Hi Alex, Then EAC works OK when this is box is checked. "Stop unnecessary services leaving only audio related ones" I'd try it now but don't feel like restarting ATM, will tonight though. cheers.. jeffc Well tonight has come. No probs using Fedilizer in Extremist mode to rip with EAC. Compared to rips of the same CD with (i) all SMPS and (ii) all linear-JLH enhanced supplies, the one just made with (ii) + Fedilizer activated seems to ....... not going to say, don't want to sway what others might find ...... but a hint, my feet were tapping, my head was bobbing, and I did have a smile
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Chris53
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Post by Chris53 on Mar 2, 2012 8:59:13 GMT
With PCs using Windows 7, further SQ improvements when ripping CDs as .wav files , may be obtained by using a program such as Fidelizer 2.1 to turn off all non essential Windows processes and threads during ripping. This has also been confirmed by the guys from jPlay and John Kenny, as well as others more recently. The program remains operational until the next reboot. Alex P.S. Today I uploaded a couple of .wav files made using this method, for some interested members to compare with previous DLs they already have. The checksums are still the same. I'd be interested to hear these Alex. Please could you send me the link? Chris
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Mar 2, 2012 9:36:21 GMT
Hi Chris PM sent. Regards Alex
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xerxes
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Post by xerxes on Mar 2, 2012 15:35:25 GMT
Hmmmm. So, you go to all the trouble of ripping your CDs with Windows services turned off, linear PSUs etc. yet your perfectly happy to upload and download files via a mixture of copper and fiber optic cables to servers with ordinary PSUs. The journey from your CD ROM drive to your hard drive and then on to your DAC must be treated with kid gloves, but the same file's journey half way around the globe via a network of cables, processors, routers and hard drives powered by noisy switching PSUs is not subject to any change? Do you by any chance believe in homeopathy?
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Mar 2, 2012 20:47:37 GMT
Owen Clearly you have not read what I have posted in various threads . I have stated that the files are now being Zipped to reduce/eliminate audible low levels degradation caused by Filemail Servers. IF I am not correct, Martin Colloms HiFI Critic investigation will reveal that. The tests are being performed DBT A/B/A 3 minutes. The last I heard was that there had been 6 separate listening sessions involving different people. If there was no substance to my claims, and Martin Colloms had also suffered from a placebo effect, it is highly unlikely that the tests would have progressed this far. Also check out the link in another recent thread in the Computer area with a link to jPlay Forum where somebody else is now reporting differences with .wav files that have been ripped when using battery supply and Fideliser.Of course, sceptics like yourself will also denounce The Absolute Sound series of reports re degradation due to format conversions etc.as being BS , since it doesn't tie in with your supposedly perfect understanding of Digital. I will admit though that their explanations as to what causes the observed degradations, needs much further investigation. IMO they are merely fiddling around the edges. Alex P.S. Furthermore, in my recognition of the deterioration caused by the Filemail Servers, and the long haul paths involved, there is already a Corsair Voyager USB 2.0 memory stick of mine doing the rounds of interested European R.G. members. It has already been to Ireland and Scotland, and I.I.R.C. Leo is either about to pass it on to the next recipient on the list, or has recently done so.
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Chris53
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Post by Chris53 on Mar 3, 2012 9:26:40 GMT
Hi Chris PM sent. Regards Alex Thanks Alex, I hope my gear is up to it. Regards Chris
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Post by Deleted on Mar 12, 2012 1:55:32 GMT
Recently I received the attached suggestion from Erin, who is a DIYAudio member from Melbourne Au. Erin has been following this thread. Along with 2 other R.G. members, I have tried Erin's suggestions with very positive results. In fact, I have now re-ripped 3 different CDs using this method. I also agree with the improvements that Erin reported. The 2 other R.G. members also appear to be quite impressed, as one has already uploaded comparison .wav files using both Fidelizer and Windows Safe Mode, and the other intends to do so in the morning. I didn't ask them to do that. They would appear to like what they are hearing ? I encourage any other interested RG members to try Erin's suggestion. If the files are going to be uploaded, I would recommend converting them to UNCOMPRESSED Zip files using a program such as the Freeware "zipcreator" which has an option for the uncompressed mode. Alex P.S. If you wish to avoid the usual heated discussions, I can forward any findings to the other RG members who are trying this for themselves.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Mar 12, 2012 22:44:03 GMT
Hi Alex sounds like an interesting experiment i have fidelizer but am using Jplay/Mp3toys for playback. i think that i should try using fidelizer but I'm not sure if it's going work. Jplay grabs RAM at start up so it could get a little confused when i try Fidelizer. i must say that the latest version of Jplay is very good indeed with the ability to use Mp3toys or foobar as the library interface. just lovely SQ and great to use. I'll give it a try and see what happens. if anything I'm also using DBpower amp for my rips which i know you are not keen on but i kind of like it. likewise I'll try that with Fidelizer and safe mode next to see what that does. of course I'll try without either of the above as a reference point. but apart from that we have exactly the same software set up ;D take care
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Mar 12, 2012 23:00:53 GMT
Hi Shaun One of our European members sent a couple of comparison tracks. One used normal Zips and the later UL used Uncompressed Zips created with the freeware "zipcreator" All 4 sounded different to me, with the Uncompressed Zips sounding the best.In fact, the latter were the best sounding files he has sent me. Regards Alex
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Post by Deleted on Mar 12, 2012 23:15:32 GMT
Hi Shaun One of our European members sent a couple of comparison tracks. One used normal Zips and the later UL used Uncompressed Zips created with the freeware "zipcreator" All 4 sounded different to me, with the Uncompressed Zips sounding the best.In fact, the latter were the best sounding files he has sent me. Regards Alex Hi Alex it will be interesting to see how things pan out given our differing software set ups. I'll have a look for that freeware and download it. interestingly enough. i had a few problems downloading Fidelizer to my W7 PC. i had to get angry with it before it would download. some interesting ideas to try out though. don't mean to bang on about it to much but the new Jplay player is just fantastic and those guys deserve much credit for developing it. and sticking with it. I've had 3 versions now. the one i bought and also the free updates they sent when something was improved. the last update improved the functionality somewhat which is way cool. so great sound and service from those guys sorry a little OT but credit where it's due. take care
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Mar 12, 2012 23:23:59 GMT
Hi Shaun I am happy with cPlay for now, but when finances permit... BTW, I quite often talk to Marcin and Josef from jPlay, and Marcin and myself are now on similar wavelengths.It was Marcin who originally suggested it may be interesting to try Fidelizer while ripping CDs. Regards Alex
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Post by Deleted on Mar 12, 2012 23:33:39 GMT
Hi Shaun I am happy with Cpl for now, but when finances permit... BTW, I quite often talk to Marc in and Josef from play, and Marc in and myself are now on similar wavelengths.It was Marc in who originally suggested it may be interesting to try Fiddlier while ripping Cd's. Regards Alex Hi Alex using fiddlier for rips seems to make sense it had improved SQ quite noticeably when i used foobar. no reason at all why it should not be equally good for rips. so well worth a try. so baring it tripping up Turboprop i'll give it a go with the next rip i try. so mind open and ears ready to engage take care
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Post by Deleted on Mar 12, 2012 23:38:34 GMT
Shaun Are you using Windoze ? I just hold down F8 while booting up, and select Safe Mode. As I am using EAC, I just rip the album to a Corsair Voyager ,with the Shut Down on completion button ticked in EAC. When I restart everything is back to normal again. Kind Regards Alex
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