XXHighEnd

Ultimate Audio Playback => Your thoughts about the Sound Quality => Topic started by: wushuliu on July 29, 2010, 11:45:51 pm



Title: Frame Buffer Size?
Post by: wushuliu on July 29, 2010, 11:45:51 pm
Hi everyone, I have just giotten my xxHE going. I have a Win7 PC ->teralink X2 Spdif Converter -> DIY AD1865 NOS DAC.

I am still trying to learn about proper settings. I have read many people using 1024 and higher frame buffer. I tried 1024 and hit play, but there was no sound. I think I had changed my Q settings as well. So I lowered to 64. This played ok, but sometimes had some errors or didnt sound quite right so I increased to 128 and it plays fine. Is it okay to have the buffer this low? Is higher better?

sounds outstanding btw.


Title: Re: Frame Buffer Size?
Post by: Calibrator on July 30, 2010, 08:56:38 am
Hi wushuliu and  :welcome:

Every system being used here will have slight variants, so there is no "correct" buffer settings per se. However, as a general feeling, the larger the buffer setting, the "warmer" the sound is perceived. Conversely, as the buffers are lowered, the sound will appear to exhibit quicker transients, which some perceive to be more "accurate". Personal preference will dictate as to what you finally end up with. You will notice from my signature I use very low buffers, and that is attributable to the Juli@ card to a large extent in being able to support those low buffers.

It is also a good idea to monitor your CPU usage initially while lowering the buffer size. A very low setting will increase the CPU requirements considerably. If you experience background clicks and glitches, there is every likelihood the CPU is not able to keep up, or, your "schemes" need adjustment.

In helping to arrive at your ideal setting, I suggest you only change one parameter at a time, and then spend a day or two, before altering another. It can be very confusing if you change too many items at once !

When you have a spare moment, a signature ( go to your profile ) outlining your source path and XXHE settings will be useful for others to see what you are using.

Have fun :)

Russ


Title: Re: Frame Buffer Size?
Post by: wushuliu on August 02, 2010, 09:44:08 pm
Hi wushuliu and  :welcome:

Every system being used here will have slight variants, so there is no "correct" buffer settings per se. However, as a general feeling, the larger the buffer setting, the "warmer" the sound is perceived. Conversely, as the buffers are lowered, the sound will appear to exhibit quicker transients, which some perceive to be more "accurate". Personal preference will dictate as to what you finally end up with. You will notice from my signature I use very low buffers, and that is attributable to the Juli@ card to a large extent in being able to support those low buffers.

It is also a good idea to monitor your CPU usage initially while lowering the buffer size. A very low setting will increase the CPU requirements considerably. If you experience background clicks and glitches, there is every likelihood the CPU is not able to keep up, or, your "schemes" need adjustment.

In helping to arrive at your ideal setting, I suggest you only change one parameter at a time, and then spend a day or two, before altering another. It can be very confusing if you change too many items at once !

When you have a spare moment, a signature ( go to your profile ) outlining your source path and XXHE settings will be useful for others to see what you are using.

Have fun :)

Russ

What does 'Unattended' mean? I must have missed that button and I have not been able find any info in Peter's FAQs...

Yeah, it will take me a little time to get the hang of all the settings.


Title: Re: Frame Buffer Size?
Post by: PeterSt on August 03, 2010, 12:04:56 am
This is the button with the little screen and cross, just under the Play button. Using that and the GUI will disappear. This is where the real "sound" happens.

But you'll need to install and use AutoHotkey, or otherwise you can't control the PC anymore ...
Bu you'll have sound anyway. :)

Peter