While one can get used to particular settings it never ceases to amaze me when after some time, you try a new setting the difference can be quite large and easy to hear.

Since completely removing the battery from my laptop and running power supply direct this alone has solved a number of issues plaguing music playback with XXhighend especially under minimised OS.

But last night I thought I would try lowering Clock Res to 0.5ms with noticeable change for the better, then I lowered SFS to 0.32 this created a whole session of relistening to old favourites. What a difference.

Still planning a decent server the last piece in the puzzle. Looks like Clairixa is still a way off!!!!!!

YES certainly was.

With the current reference USB being the Lightspeed Harmonic which has loads of specs to go with the rather extravagant price in my country off $1700 NZ for one .8m with separate earth connection. Peter's Clairixa seems very well priced at $350 NZ.
It had to come though as we know, all wires are not the same!!!!
I'm keen for a 1 metre. I still run the supplied Benchmark Gold plated connectors $1 USB lead.

Robert

Yes price has been mentioned as an issue. The power supply alone is an extra box although linear.

Peter when you say "no power" do you mean it should be an i7?
 
I would like to build a server for about $2000 NZ dollars which is about 1200 Euros. Or is this not worth the effort?

I like the idea of fanless.

Robert

I'm looking at building this for my new server:

http://www.computeraudiophile.com/content/612-computer-audiophile-pocket-server-c-p-s-v4-pipeline/ 

What do you guys think about this latest effort from Chris C?



Robert

Joachim

Have to say I prefer battery power on its own with my notebook. Struggle with any Switch mode supply for sound it has a bright, hardness that is not easy on the ear. Linear PS is the way forward.
I am using XT tweaks. I've lowered SFS to 1, everytime I lower the SFS it sounds better but alas my laptop runs out of energy to go much lower.
Also run clock res 5ms. Win 8 reveals much more.

Robert

Peter I use Xtweaks but can't get Balanced load to run at 43. It just has a (-). The others all run at 1. Is this a problem? How could I fix this if I can?

Robert

Joachim your suggestion removing battery works a treat. I do have a question I set the above to 60% but was wondering would 100% be better?

Windows 8 is much better than 7. I did a fresh install and used your XX settings. No clicks or problems so far. In fact everything runs smoothly, something I never had with W7. Perhaps it was time to fresh install.
I see you don't use any Xtweaks did you find these problematic?

Do I bother with Win updates?

Thanks Joachim and Peter. I am looking at building a dedicated server and retiring laptop. I will load W8 on the weekend. My laptop is dedicated to audio but is light on power to drive XXhighend as I would like.

Robert

Hi I finally got Win 8 Pro but have some basic questions if these are answered in this forum point me to them please.
I have Win7 should I just install Win8 over this as per normal or should I format and fresh install?
What about my XXhighend activation? If I install over Win7 will I have to reactivate? I realise I would, over a fresh install.
In the light of my inferior lap top what basic settings would be good to start with for Win8?

Robert

Has anyone tried the Lightspeed

http://www.lightharmonic.com/lightspeed.html
 
by all accounts the best at the moment?

Gosh after spending lots of euros on the NOS1, computer front ends and Orelino's, I can't understand why some are trying to make a silk purse out of a pigs ear with cables.

Same goes for interconnects with BNC. BNC is a very valid connection but the cable quality of most 75ohm commercial grade cables is not good enough for Hi-Fi.

Cables should be considered a critical component same as a DAC. It is hard to justify some cable prices but listening is the proof. I can't go past Nordost these days and I've listened to lots plus made them.

They do have crazy pricing but after listening can't live without them.

Robert

Hi, just thought I'd ask the question is this happening anytime soon?

Recognising total distractions with NOS upgrades and now BNC cables along with Orelino's. Not sure whether you have had time to play with the software.

Robert

It does but type in RG142 in google and check other sites all but one(Farnell's) say silver coated copper steel.

http://www.awcwire.com/productspec.aspx?id=rg142-coaxial-cable

http://www.pasternack.com/images/ProductPDF/RG142B-U.pdf

The wiring industry does have strict standards especially with commercial grades as opposed to HiFi grades. Anyway not being a pain the cost is not a major issue and perhaps steel is the ONE!!!!

What is interesting is you don't get these specs on so called HiFi cables but we pay silly money for them based on our ears!!!!!