Peter,

Thanks for this.  The update is as follows:

- I had originally unzipped the 2.09 RAR files in a folder called C:\Phasure. I was able to run XXHE but NOT get any sound;
- I tried reinstalling by deleting the C:\Phasure folder, and extracting RAR files to C:\XXHighEnd\2.xx as I have it on the other machines.  This is when I received the "Specified modules could not be found" message.
- When I re-created a C:\Phasure folder again and then extracted RAR files to this folder, the message disappeared, BUT still no sound.  The tracks play, the time advances, but no sound.  This is using the Speakers (High Definition Audio) sound device on my laptop--which I want to make my Tidal machine.
- Sound works for other applications, I can play YouTube clips, and both the Tidal web player and desktop application.

So two different problems:
- The first installation seems to have "hard-coded" C:\Phasure as the location where XXHE expects to find something; not sure where this happens.  But essentially I cannot reinstall in another folder without the "specified modules cannot be found" message
- The second issue is no sound even when XXHE is playing.  I have tried various combinations for DAC settings.  One point is that "Adaptive" mode and 4096 buffer size seem to be fixed and not changeable with this sound device selected.  It is the only sound device available on the laptop.

Sorry for what is probably a simple thing or error on my part.

A little more detail.

I had originally unzipped the 2.09 RAR into a folder C:\Phasure.  After moving all files back to C:\Phasure, I can now bring up XXHE, except there is no sound with either sound device I tried: Speakers (High Definition Audio Device) or MSB DAC.

DAC output set to 16/44.1; no Fx in XXHE.

A quick background to my last note.  What I am trying to do is install 2.09 on a laptop to be used mostly to just prepare Tidal files for play. 

All,

It's been a while since I did new install of XXHE on a machine.  Just downloaded the 2.09 RAR.  Unzipped in folder (XXHighEnd\2.xx).  Created XXData folder.  Downloaded and installed .NET 3.5 from the link in the 2.09  release notes.  Started XXHighEnd, and get a alert message box with Title on left "Initialize Component".  Message "The specified module could not be found. (Exception result from HRESULT:0x8007007E).  I gather that something is missing.  Tried deleting everything and doing over a few times, but still get this message.  Not sure how to proceed. 

Appreciate any help.

Ramesh

I've tried listening to MQA albums, and so far still not sure about how to evaluate, or optimize settings.  I listened to both the 16/44 and MQA version of The Eagles "The Eagles"; Witchy Woman, etc.  With the same settings (my signature), I find the 16/44 version fuller, more dynamic, and engaging.  The MQA files show as 24/48, but since there is no information on the original recording it's hard to tell what original resolution is being used for the MQA version.  Will keep experimenting. 

Just got this again.  Adding some information hoping it helps, have not been able to reliably reproduce the problem.

Playing with Peter's new settings: Q1: 30/40; Q3,4,5: 1; SFS 120; Clock 15ms; do nothing with cover art

Attended mode.

The sequence was as follows.
- Drag folder over to play list; first track selected
- Hit Play; waited a while, nothing seemed to be happening
- Hit Stop;
- Hit Play again, fairly soon after Stop
- Track begins very briefly; Alert pops up (the Crack 24 alert);
- Burst of noise;
- Album stops;
- Clear playlist; drag folder over to playlist; first track selected; hit Play again; all is well

I must say that now when I hit Play after selecting an album, I always tense up just a bit!!

Ramesh

I had not planned initially on upgrading to 2.09, assuming that there were no benefits to SQ.  But after reading these posts, I did upgrade over the weekend and listened for a while (like the WHOLE weekend).  My impressions:

- The biggest difference for me initially is that the occasional ticks and scratches I heard with 2.07 and 2.08d after upgrading to G3 seem to be gone!  This in itself would be huge.
- More detail and separation.  There are fast note slurs (Pat Metheny and Jim Hall album for instance) that are more separated; drums (Kind of Blue brushes, etc.) more separated and real; and more solid image location.  I did have to more precisely measure distance from speakers than before 2.08d
- SPL seems louder at same volume settings; even at -36dB I can fill a pretty large room.
- Peter's latest Q settings and SFS seems to be an improvement; not 100% certain about this, but the sound is truly magnificent with these settings.

Ramesh

Peter,

I played in Attended mode a lot, especially when experimenting with albums to see if I liked them or not. 

I think I may have found the sequence that causes the burst--not 100% sure.  Load the album, then select the first track again in the playlist, then play.  Happened twice, and I suspect it is this sequence.

Ramesh

Just upgraded to 2.08d.  After playing several albums with no issue (all Attended), I just loaded another album and as I started the first track (also in Attended mode) experienced my first "burst of noise" incident.  Short.  I have NEVER experienced this with XXHE in all the years of use.  So my guess is that something has changed with 2.08d.  My current settings are in my signature. 

Not sure if there is something to be done.  I will report if this happens again, and then perhaps try different SFS.

Ramesh

This may be something I have missed.  Just checked the driver version in the control panel and see that it is 1.03.  I've never installed a new driver version for NOS1a.  Can someone point me to where I can get latest versions and how to do the upgrade?

Anthony,

Let me explain a little more.  I'm often traveling, and what I would like to be able to do is prepare Tidal streams on a machine that is NOT connected to my normal setup, storing the streams locally on the machine or on a hard drive attached to it, and THEN when I am back home be able to transfer the prepared streams to the music server.  I'm assuming that the files can be transferred.  Wanted to confirm if prepared Tidal streams can be played by XXHE without internet connectivity or need to log into Tidal.

Ramesh

Passing along a useful piece of information regarding crackles and ticks with the NOS1a after the G3 upgrade.  After trying many combinations of settings, Lush positioning, etc. I discovered that the source of the ticks and crackles was the dimmer on LED lights on the same circuit as the NOS1a.  With the LED lights either OFF or fully ON, I get no noise.  I have the Lutron dimmers on these lights.  Wondering if anyone else has observed noise related to dimmers on LED lights.

All,

A quick question to see if anyone has tried using a dedicated machine (NOT the music server) to prepare Tidal streams with XXHE.  Here is context to my question.

- Currently I am using the Stealth PC as audio player, and the original XXHE PC as music server.  XXHE is installed on both machines BUT neither is currently connected to the Internet.  The XXHE PC has only one ethernet port, currently used to for a local network with the Audio PC.
- I'd like to be able to use a separate machine, connected to the internet, with XXHE on it, to prepare Tidal streams.  the question is, can the prepared streams then be copied over to the music server in the appropriate directory and work properly.

Thanks for any help.

UPGRADE TO G3 NOW!!!

I can only add to what has already been said.  This is an amazing upgrade. Extraordinary detail and realism, astonishing dynamics, everything is balanced.

I noticed lyrics to lines used to be indistinct.  All kinds of new ambient detail in live recordings, extreme reality in tone of instruments, attack, decay.

Exceeded all my expectations. 

Truly magical Peter!!

Mani,

I was just about to post something asking about experiences with speaker placement, room treatments, etc.  I know that VJ had posted earlier about the dramatic differences after he re-arranged Orelos and treated his room.

I've started to get used to the astonishing dynamics and clarity of the Orelos, and with the break-in now underway want to take some measurements and see how frequencies look with variations in placement.

The main variable for me is the distance from the "front wall".  I've tried everything from 10" to 24".  Further out sounds more spacious.  Have not tried any of the FM switches yet.

Of course, I'm trying to find a balance between optimum sound and everyday living!

Ramesh