226
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Ultimate Audio Playback / Chatter and forum related stuff / Re: Single-ended triode amps
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on: November 29, 2016, 07:31:14 pm
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Mani,
I saw these Tune Audio "reproducing machines" as they call them when I was researching speakers. As I understand there is a downward firing bass horn, and the mid and hi horns.
These seem to be in the same spot as the Orelo's were. How do they compare? The reviews on the website are in Greek and French, so not accessible to me.
I am, of course, awaiting the arrival of the Orelos.
Ramesh
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227
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Ultimate Audio Playback / XXHighEnd Support / Re: Adding Wireless to Music Server
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on: November 24, 2016, 08:44:00 am
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My setup is a little different from what Richard or Peter/Anthony have.
The audio PC and music server are connected only with a switch--essentially direct wired, with no router. What I was thinking of doing is adding wireless to the music server (maybe with a USB to WiFi adapter) and connecting the music server via wireless to the home network, and also allow me to use RDC to music server from a tablet.
I think this should work. I do not have a wired ethernet port near the audio PC and music server. I tried powerline ethernet and it was a disaster.
Ramesh
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228
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Ultimate Audio Playback / XXHighEnd Support / Adding Wireless to Music Server
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on: November 24, 2016, 06:40:26 am
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Hoping to get some advice from the forum.
I'm configured with the Stealth as audio PC, and the original XXHE PC as music server. The audio PC and music server are connected to a 4 port ethernet hub. No DNS gateway, and I configure static IP addresses for the two machines. The music server uses RDC to control the audio PC. I've left the display card in the audio PC just in case.
I would like to add wireless to the music server to get on the internet and start using Tidal.
Wondering what others have done. The choices are a wireless card, or USB-WiFi adapter. The music server is standard Windows 8, and currently running XXHE 2.03a (the first version I think that supported Tidal). I will upgrade XXHE on the music server.
My particular concern is to be able to connect the music server to the internet without the audio PC being open to the internet.
Would love to know what others have done.
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229
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Ultimate Audio Playback / Your thoughts about the Sound Quality / Re: Intona gone again
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on: November 23, 2016, 07:38:33 am
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I've spent a little time now listening with and without the Intona box in my setup.
My preference at present is with the Intona. I hear better dynamics (which some might term more edgy), but also more 3D rendering of instruments, not sure how to describe this except that strings, piano, etc. are fuller with more subtle variations of tone.
There may be a slight loss in separation, not sure: this would be the downside if any, and perhaps this is what Peter refers to as smearing.
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230
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Ultimate Audio Playback / XXHighEnd Support / Power Conditioners
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on: November 23, 2016, 06:00:08 am
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I wanted to ask the forum if anyone uses a power conditioner, and what the effects are on SQ with NOS1a and XXHE. I have been using the Audience AdeptResponse ar12p conditioner for a while, and it makes a big difference in SQ. I've tried on numerous occasions to plug everything into the wall outlets and SQ gets flatter and less dynamic. I have not run dedicated circuits.
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232
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Ultimate Audio Playback / Your thoughts about the Sound Quality / Re: Intona gone again
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on: November 22, 2016, 10:09:15 am
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After getting the Intona, I've pretty much left it in. I'm going to listen to 14393 with and without Intona and post my impressions. One thing for certain. 14393 with the updated settings suggested by Peter is definitely the best version of XXHE yet--impossible to go back to 10586.
Ramesh
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237
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Ultimate Audio Playback / XXHighEnd PC / Re: FIFO errors with Stealth - Clairixa - Intona
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on: October 16, 2016, 10:54:24 pm
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Arjan,
I experienced some sporadic issues with the Intona box with the original XXHE that went away when I used the short cable on the DAC side, but I have had no issues with the Stealth PC and Intona.
I do know that XXHE on the Stealth will stutter, click, etc. if you are using the Q settings recommended with bootup of BASE OS, and not RAM OS.
Ramesh
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238
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Ultimate Audio Playback / XXHighEnd Support / Re: Your first RAM-OS Disk Upgrade ! 14393.0
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on: October 16, 2016, 03:51:44 am
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Robert,
I've spent some time listening now to 14393 with the new settings Peter suggested. I'd say 14393 is a definite improvement over 10586. I am still using Intona.
Unless I'm hallucinating, 14393 also sounds "louder" for the same volume setting.
The major improvements I can tell are:
- More realistic acoustic instruments (hard to tell exactly what causes this, but piano, guitar, bass, drums are rendered more "live") - Bass definitely goes lower, is deep and not flabby, I'm not sure if some refinement is being lost, need to get used to it - Voices, like acoustic instruments are also more "live" - Classic rock albums that I found hard to listen to, are more manageable--the poor mastering does not seem quite as bothersome
I am definitely NOT going back to 10586.
Ramesh
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239
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Ultimate Audio Playback / XXHighEnd Support / Re: Your first RAM-OS Disk Upgrade ! 14393.0
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on: October 14, 2016, 07:50:01 am
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I had a chance to listen to 14393.0 for a while this evening, using the settings that Peter mentions a few posts earlier. By the way I do not know where to set the driver buffer to 16ms, so I'm not sure what that setting is.
I've been comparing with 10586 listening mostly to acoustic instruments: piano, guitars, acoustic bass, drums. I find that I can make better comparisons listening critically at the "sweet spot" (very wide with my speakers), AND listening casually while doing other things--the second method seems to me just as important.
14393.0 is the best version yet! I cannot believe it. Just when I'm convinced that we've reached the ultimate, Peter continues to evolve the sound towards perfection. If there is any criticism I have at all, it is a slight lack of "air" relative to 10586. But I also wonder if the "air" is an artifact, and not real.
Absolutely wonderful sound.
Ramesh
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240
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Ultimate Audio Playback / XXHighEnd Support / Re: Your first RAM-OS Disk Upgrade ! 14393.0
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on: October 13, 2016, 08:41:30 pm
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Arvind,
I thought I'd make it very explicit, so here goes again:
- Extract the .rar file in some temporary location - Rename the file by removing the -Copy - Copy the file to the D: root directory - Bring up the Boot Into.. option on XXHE - Select the New button in the popup, and select the 14393 .vhd file to add as a new OS, and give it a name; select both BASE and RAM
You should be set to go.
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