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Author Topic: My NOS1 is now a NOS1a  (Read 17227 times)
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AlainGr
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« on: July 26, 2016, 09:00:18 pm »

I recently got my NOS1 upgraded to the NOS1a... It took me 2 years at least to make that step. For different reasons, I postponed that upgrade, but it was obvious for me that I would do it someday. At least hopefully.

I am no good at describing SQ. There are many aspects toward which I am not sensitive. In fact I am always split between trust and feel. Trust in what Peter does, feel in what I hear as it pleases me (or not). Generally speaking, the feel is not as assured as the trust, so the trust is very important to me.

First, I have to say that sending the NOS1 in Netherlands is not something I like. It's the transportation that bugs me. Now that it is back here, I am happy... And relieved.

During the time I waited for it, I almost did not listen to music. After a period where I had trouble with hearing human voices correctly, I felt the need to rest my ears for a while. And it paid, because I do not have that perception anymore. I don't know what was causing that.

It is hard for me to determine the difference between my NOS1 and the NOS1a. One thing was obvious: it was at least as good as before. But this is not true: it is better than before. Much better.

I haven't had sufficient time to "taste" all the goodies that this version brings, but I can already say that the sound is so fine that I can feel emotions with songs that never brought anything of that order to me.

Details are easier to catch, there is absolutely no granularity (not that I heard some before, but it is even more obvious). There is air around the music, allowing me to feel the delicate sounds from further instruments. The voices (...) are more precise but not in a "bright" way.

It is the naturalness that I get now that is the most striking key point. Everything "flows" so easily. Again, I was hearing this before, but it has reached another level.

A word of caution though: I "closed" the ground (pressed the 3rd switch down) , because there has been a series of "thuds" releases in my speakers while the volume was high on my preamp. I don't know why, but it seems there was a release of ground potentials between components. Since I have turned that switch ON, nothing of that order has happened. I guess I should isolate my PCIe USB card from the PC chassis... I am actually using my old Sotm PCIe USB 3 card, powering the Intona with an LPSU (Uptone JS-2), as it delivers clear power to the Intona. I really like the results.

Now I am doing some listening, comparing Windows 8 and Windows 10. For the moment I tend to prefer Windows 8. The bass that is exhibits seems more natural than with Windows 10, but I have to confirm this through time. Windows 10 seems to have less latency because it is easier to have shorter buffers. This I can see when switching between 4ms and 8ms. I do not feel the "robots" with Windows 8 in RAM mode. I would tend to say that Win 8 and Win 10 are nearer from each other than before, but this is just an impression for the moment.

It is not a technical review of course. I am not good at that either. But I am very grateful to Peter and Ciska for their formidable work.

From a very satisfied client and a happy colleague in this marvellous voyage into the music, thanks again !

Alain
PS: And thanks for the new USB input port location Happy
« Last Edit: July 27, 2016, 12:26:41 pm by AlainGr » Logged

Desktop with ASUS Sabertooth X79 motherboard,Intel 3930k 6 cores (+ 6) at 1.2 GHZ,32GB ram 1333Mhz,Win 10 pro build 14386 64 bit with no updates,OS + XXHE on external Sata III SSD (Esata), music (WAV) on external 5200 rpm drive through network, OS MInimized, XX with engine 4 adaptive,4096 (buffer size), CPU with scheme 3,Player = Low,Thread = RealTime, Q1 = 14,Q345 = 1,1,1,Q1x=1,Clock res = (variable),Stop Desktop Services,Stop Remaining Services,Stop Wasapi,,LAN on,persist = on,all OSD off,SFS = 2,PE off,PA off, Arc Prediction,x16 Upsample, Straight Contiguous,Lush USB  cable,Phasure NOS1a DAC,Meitner PA-6 preamp, Spectral Audio DMA-180  Power Amp, Tannoy System 15 DMT II, Tannoy St-100 supertweeters, Tannoy TS2.12 subwoofers (2). * On hiatus for a while...
PeterSt
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« Reply #1 on: July 27, 2016, 08:47:52 am »

So good to see you're happy Alain !
And thanks a lot to briong across that "feeling" of matters. Very nice.

Kind regards,
Peter
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For the Stealth III LPS PC :
W10-14393.0 - July 17, 2021 (2.11)
XXHighEnd Mach III Stealth LPS PC -> Xeon Scalable 14/28 core with Hyperthreading On (set to 14/28 cores in BIOS and set to 10/20 cores via Boot Menu) @~660MHz, 48GB, Windows 10 Pro 64 bit build 14393.0 from RAM, music on LAN / Engine#4 Adaptive Mode / Q1/-/3/4/5 = 14/-/0/0/*1*/ Q1Factor = *4* / Dev.Buffer = 4096 / ClockRes = *10ms* / Memory = Straight Contiguous / Include Garbage Collect / SFS = *10.13*  (max 10.13) / not Invert / Phase Alignment Off / Playerprio = Low / ThreadPrio = Realtime / Scheme = Core 3-5 / Not Switch Processors during Playback = Off/ Playback Drive none (see OS from RAM) / UnAttended (Just Start) / Always Copy to XX Drive (see OS from RAM) / Stop Desktop, Remaining, WASAPI and W10 services / Use Remote Desktop / Keep LAN - Not Persist / WallPaper On / OSD Off (!) / Running Time Off / Minimize OS / XTweaks : Balanced Load = *62* / Nervous Rate = *1* / Cool when Idle = n.a / Provide Stable Power = 1 / Utilize Cores always = 1 / Time Performance Index = Optimal / Time Stability = Stable / Custom Filtering *Low* (16x) / Always Clear Proxy before Playback = On -> USB3 from MoBo -> Lush^3
A: W-Y-R-G, B: *W-G* USB 1m00 -> Phisolator 24/768 Phasure NOS1a/G3 75B (BNC Out) async USB DAC, Driver v1.0.4b (16ms) -> B'ASS Current Amplifier -> Blaxius*^2.5* A:B-G, B:B-G Interlink -> Orelo MKII Active Open Baffle Horn Speakers. ET^2 Ethernet from Mach III to Music Server PC (RDC Control).
Removed Switching Supplies from everywhere (also from the PC).

For a general PC :
W10-10586.0 - May 2016 (2.05+)
*XXHighEnd PC -> I7 3930k with Hyperthreading On (12 cores)* @~500MHz, 16GB, Windows 10 Pro 64 bit build 10586.0 from RAM, music on LAN / Engine#4 Adaptive Mode / Q1/-/3/4/5 = 14/-/1/1/1 / Q1Factor = 1 / Dev.Buffer = 4096 / ClockRes = 1ms / Memory = Straight Contiguous / Include Garbage Collect / SFS = 0.10  (max 60) / not Invert / Phase Alignment Off / Playerprio = Low / ThreadPrio = Realtime / Scheme = Core 3-5 / Not Switch Processors during Playback = Off/ Playback Drive none (see OS from RAM) / UnAttended (Just Start) / Always Copy to XX Drive (see OS from RAM) / All Services Off / Keep LAN - Not Persist / WallPaper On / OSD On / Running Time Off / Minimize OS / XTweaks : Balanced Load = *43* / Nervous Rate = 1 / Cool when Idle = 1 / Provide Stable Power = 1 / Utilize Cores always = 1 / Time Performance Index = *Optimal* / Time Stability = *Stable* / Custom Filter *Low* 705600 / -> USB3 *from MoBo* -> Clairixa USB 15cm -> Intona Isolator -> Clairixa USB 1m80 -> 24/768 Phasure NOS1a 75B (BNC Out) async USB DAC, Driver v1.0.4b (4ms) -> Blaxius BNC interlink *-> B'ASS Current Amplifier /w Level4 -> Blaxius Interlink* -> Orelo MKII Active Open Baffle Horn Speakers.
Removed Switching Supplies from everywhere.

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AlainGr
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« Reply #2 on: July 27, 2016, 12:20:07 pm »

I was listening to music yesterday evening... The sound is even more open, and the bass... It has a vibration that I never heard before... I thought to talk about this later, but it is so alive. One more step and I am sure I will smell the sound with my nose !

Windows 8 - that is Happy

Golden Earring - Radar Love - I am discovering this song again. And I have listened to it so many times...

Alain
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Desktop with ASUS Sabertooth X79 motherboard,Intel 3930k 6 cores (+ 6) at 1.2 GHZ,32GB ram 1333Mhz,Win 10 pro build 14386 64 bit with no updates,OS + XXHE on external Sata III SSD (Esata), music (WAV) on external 5200 rpm drive through network, OS MInimized, XX with engine 4 adaptive,4096 (buffer size), CPU with scheme 3,Player = Low,Thread = RealTime, Q1 = 14,Q345 = 1,1,1,Q1x=1,Clock res = (variable),Stop Desktop Services,Stop Remaining Services,Stop Wasapi,,LAN on,persist = on,all OSD off,SFS = 2,PE off,PA off, Arc Prediction,x16 Upsample, Straight Contiguous,Lush USB  cable,Phasure NOS1a DAC,Meitner PA-6 preamp, Spectral Audio DMA-180  Power Amp, Tannoy System 15 DMT II, Tannoy St-100 supertweeters, Tannoy TS2.12 subwoofers (2). * On hiatus for a while...
fmanheck
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« Reply #3 on: July 27, 2016, 01:29:59 pm »

Hi Alain
I would have to concur about your comments on upgrading to the NOS1a. Mine has been done for a while but I do remember exactly the qualities you are speaking of.

I also agree about being nervous about using shipping to the Netherlands or should I say from NE to the US and for good reason; My NOS1a was due to go to north of Boston and ended up in Midwest US ...in Kansas of all places!! Peter sent me another NEW NOS1a immediately and all I had to endure was break in.
 
I always tell Peter it never ceases to amaze me that music can sound even better and more lifelike and natural as this path is followed. (Don't let it go to your head Peter (-:

I trust Peter and I feel the music. Thanks for sharing Alain

Fred
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MACH lll PC 14/28 / RAM OS 10493/ 2.10 Phasure NOS1a G3 24/768 USB DAC KS mode -Adaptive/Device buffer -4096/DAC is 32bits 768khz/DAC needs -32bits/Phase Alignment - NO/Format Change - enable/ Decode HDCD ON/Processor Core Appointment 3-5/Player Prio LOW/Thread Prio Real Time/Clock Res 15ms/Xtweaks 64,1,1,0,1/ SFS 5.19 MAX 120/Include garbage collect ON/Copy to XXdrive by standard ON/Stop Desktop ON/Stop Remaining ON/Stop Wasapi ON/Keep LAN ON/Use remote desktop ON/Persist ON/OSD ON/Coverart show Wallpaper, show back, at attended, show mirror back/ Q1,3,4,5,xQ1-30,1,1,0,1/40/ Amp: Music Reference RM200 HC version / Speakers Omega HO Alnico Monitors with Audio Smile Super Tweeters  Bass augmented by 2 GR Research OB subwoofers
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« Reply #4 on: July 27, 2016, 01:34:11 pm »

Oh yes. This may be off topic but with the new Stealth LPS computer I get this trust and feel all over again.

Now I need to go listen to Radar Love... Great song Grin
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MACH lll PC 14/28 / RAM OS 10493/ 2.10 Phasure NOS1a G3 24/768 USB DAC KS mode -Adaptive/Device buffer -4096/DAC is 32bits 768khz/DAC needs -32bits/Phase Alignment - NO/Format Change - enable/ Decode HDCD ON/Processor Core Appointment 3-5/Player Prio LOW/Thread Prio Real Time/Clock Res 15ms/Xtweaks 64,1,1,0,1/ SFS 5.19 MAX 120/Include garbage collect ON/Copy to XXdrive by standard ON/Stop Desktop ON/Stop Remaining ON/Stop Wasapi ON/Keep LAN ON/Use remote desktop ON/Persist ON/OSD ON/Coverart show Wallpaper, show back, at attended, show mirror back/ Q1,3,4,5,xQ1-30,1,1,0,1/40/ Amp: Music Reference RM200 HC version / Speakers Omega HO Alnico Monitors with Audio Smile Super Tweeters  Bass augmented by 2 GR Research OB subwoofers
AlainGr
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« Reply #5 on: July 27, 2016, 02:20:28 pm »

Hi Fred,

Thanks for sharing your thoughts too Happy I am amazed at what I am hearing day after day. It is like a flower that blooms. More details appear and I am surprised. It will take quite a while before I can really grasp all of this. I will certainly come back and add my observations as more happens Happy

I am sure that the Stealth is even bringing the level of SQ further ! I am still stuck with a SMPS in my Audio PC (a good Seasonic Platinum 1kw) and hope to change it someday (or change the whole PC) Happy

Regards,

Alain
PS: I listened to Crosby, Stills and Nash "Guinnevere" and Robbie Robertson "Sign of the Rainbow"... These two are among my favorites also and they bring strong emotions ...
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Desktop with ASUS Sabertooth X79 motherboard,Intel 3930k 6 cores (+ 6) at 1.2 GHZ,32GB ram 1333Mhz,Win 10 pro build 14386 64 bit with no updates,OS + XXHE on external Sata III SSD (Esata), music (WAV) on external 5200 rpm drive through network, OS MInimized, XX with engine 4 adaptive,4096 (buffer size), CPU with scheme 3,Player = Low,Thread = RealTime, Q1 = 14,Q345 = 1,1,1,Q1x=1,Clock res = (variable),Stop Desktop Services,Stop Remaining Services,Stop Wasapi,,LAN on,persist = on,all OSD off,SFS = 2,PE off,PA off, Arc Prediction,x16 Upsample, Straight Contiguous,Lush USB  cable,Phasure NOS1a DAC,Meitner PA-6 preamp, Spectral Audio DMA-180  Power Amp, Tannoy System 15 DMT II, Tannoy St-100 supertweeters, Tannoy TS2.12 subwoofers (2). * On hiatus for a while...
AlainGr
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« Reply #6 on: October 17, 2016, 11:39:02 am »

Addendum to my journey with the NOS1a.

Please read in the opening post of this topic the part where I wrote about the 3rd switch on the NOS1a. If I have i right, it is equivalent to "lifting" the USB port black wire ground from the NOS1a chassis (pressed UP) or not (pressed DOWN).

At the time I pressed the switch down to have the ground connected.

Well I tried to "lift" that ground again yesterday and was very surprised at the details that added? It is more revealing and I hear more subtleties than before. I am surprised but very pleased too Happy

Alain

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Desktop with ASUS Sabertooth X79 motherboard,Intel 3930k 6 cores (+ 6) at 1.2 GHZ,32GB ram 1333Mhz,Win 10 pro build 14386 64 bit with no updates,OS + XXHE on external Sata III SSD (Esata), music (WAV) on external 5200 rpm drive through network, OS MInimized, XX with engine 4 adaptive,4096 (buffer size), CPU with scheme 3,Player = Low,Thread = RealTime, Q1 = 14,Q345 = 1,1,1,Q1x=1,Clock res = (variable),Stop Desktop Services,Stop Remaining Services,Stop Wasapi,,LAN on,persist = on,all OSD off,SFS = 2,PE off,PA off, Arc Prediction,x16 Upsample, Straight Contiguous,Lush USB  cable,Phasure NOS1a DAC,Meitner PA-6 preamp, Spectral Audio DMA-180  Power Amp, Tannoy System 15 DMT II, Tannoy St-100 supertweeters, Tannoy TS2.12 subwoofers (2). * On hiatus for a while...
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