Hi,
I tried 8-2 on my netbook, but going into minimised os is not possible. I get the message to inform Phasure....... I do not have W7 Ultimate, that might be the reason. So i went back to the previous xxhe version.
On my netbook I do not use xtweaks because of the noise that is added. I think similar to what Peter posted.
regards, Arjan

Hi Peter,
Thanks for the info. That was also my first choice, because I saw that it was a be quiet! on your pictures. And then I started thinking, this can be improved......but I lack the experience.
kind regards, Arjan

Hi Peter,
Interesting remark on the Nexus. Do you have a better brand in mind, e.g. be quiet!. Or go completely passive with a seasonic?
regards, Arjan

Hi Peter,
Yes, it seems inconsistent, but to my ears the SQ is going up. But there is so much in XHE that can be done. Still learning and yes a lot of fun!
regards

Hi all,
I know my current setup (audio pc, ap2 and dac) is not common but I like to share some of my findings.
On the netbook I tried xtweaks a couple of times with all kind of settings, but it ruins the SQ. The music keeps coming but with added noise. So I deactivated it via the notweaks file.
I also put the music files on the OS/XX drive. No more playback drive. This is for me a really big step forward! Larger stage and depth. Really pleased with is. Only problem the harddrive of the netbook is small (64Gb) so just a small part of the music files goes on it.

The netbook runs on battery power and the only connection is the usb to the dac.

But I am working on a new dedicated audio pc to replace the netbook. The SQ with the netbook I think is now almost 100% so I am curious to see the improvement with a audio pc.

regards, Arjan

Hi,
Thanks again for the replies. I ordered the components for the audio PC. The basic mobo, processor and so is similar to the pc created by Peter last year. I will use a Nexus 5000 r3 power supply, it has a fan but is well known for its silence. I use a Silverstone milo 03b case, a 10 cm low case, I will add two case fans, but maybe not use them, lets see. The cooler will be a scythe shuriken 2 rev b with PWM controlled fan, this is my only concern. It seems that the only cpu fan controls today, for X79, are PWM, but this can interact with the SQ. Any thoughts on that?
This audio pc will replace my current netbook, I am really curious to find out the improvements!
regards, Arjan

Hi,
I am working on the selection of components for my new audio computer. But I need some advice. I have a couple of options but will limit it to two basic questions.
1) Go for a fast processor. A computer more or less similar to the one build by Peter last year. Based on a 3930K intel (130W). But a pc like that will need fans to cool and heavier power supply, and so on.
2) or go for a passive computer with e.g. a 3770T intel (45W) processor. This can be completly passive.

The question: will the faster processor with active cooling but 6 cores be better for SQ than the passive PC with a 4 cores processor, although passive.

I really like the idea to go for the second (passive) solution, just a good mobo, processor, 16Gb, HDD, SSD and small power supply, in a streacom case.

Any advice available?

regards, Arjan

Hi Peter,
Packed? No, we are still discussing about the color  There is so much possible.

I will first build the PC. Hopefully next month.

Thanks for all clear answers.

regards, Arjan

Hi, Thank you all for the answers.
Based on the answers I would go for the idea to have all sources in the PC. So bluray and dvd drive in the PC. And then the sound via USB to the NOS1 and video to a screen via HDMI. Does that make sense?

I understand the doubts on a windows volume control, maybe a simple passive pre-amp could be added, but I would prefer without a pre.

@eric and peter, please explain the switch on the NOS1. I am not sure what this will do. What will be switched?

regard, Arjan

Hello,
I am thinking of getting the Phasure dac. For SQ of ripped CD and other Hires wav files via XXHighend there is no discussion, this is the way to go.
But I use my current pre-dac also for other sources like Spotify via PC usb, dvd (via coax) and blu-ray via HDMI. And really like this situation.
My question is if there is a possibility or experiences with to get these sources playing via the Phasure dac? Maybe through USB from the PC with the other sources connected to the PC? Or is this the time to make a decision, the best SQ or easy usage? kind regards, Arjan Kremer

Hi Peter,
I forgot to tell, but as far as I can remember this situation started with version 8. Before I never run into this. But the SQ is so much better, I will not swich back to 75.
regards, Arjan

Hi Peter,
Thanks again for your time.
I have tried different types of playback drives, they react all similar. With 32 Gb USB key, 160 Gb external spining harddrive and also a 2 Gb microSD card there was no difference.
But maybe they are all reacting slow because of the Netbook? Btw. between the tracks (when everything is fine) there is never a waiting period, just gapless playback.
Regards, Arjan

Hi Peter,
Thank you for the answer. Yes, this might be the issue. But why always the same tracks, which for as far as I know not really are different from other tracks. If the system is on the edge I would think that the issues should be more random.
I think I always run unattended, because I need ALT-X to open XXHE again. It is not a big issue for me, but I read some other threads which for me seems to address similar issues. But you are right, the system is slow, needs around 30 sec to 1 min to start a cd playing.
regards, Arjan

Hi,
Maybe my issue is the low level netbook I am using but this is my issue.
I do not use any upsampling in xxhighend, just native redbook cd resolutions.
Some tracks will not play when I use a playback drive. I tested it with different types of drives. With or without PA and different SFS (although my ranges are limited) First I thought it is a poblem with only the longer tracks (>15min) but even that is not the case. For some cd the playback will always stop at a specific track or sometimes skip the track. So as far as I see it, it depends on the track. But what is the issue? Without a playback drive there is no problem. When there is an issue my NAD m51 dac shows the source as 96k, which it is not the case. The only thing I did not test is to rip the cd again.
kind regards

Hi Boleary and Telstar,
Thanks for your answers. So my next upgrade will be a dedicated music PC.
kind regards