Computer based Hifi

[Key]

Idiocratease do you use ASIO and foobar when you use XP? If not most likely kmixer/direct sound has been resampling your audio badly on the fly when you use XP.

[Idiocratease]

Originally Posted by Key

Idiocratease do you use ASIO and foobar when you use XP? If not most likely kmixer/direct sound has been resampling your audio badly on the fly when you use XP.

No, I had it on 'good authority' from Marian that their drivers by passed the kmixer (assuming you're using the native sample rate of the input file). So I suppose this must be correct as they write the software, so I suspect that somethign else was going wrong.

Now however, I've ditches Marian Marc 2 and XP for the X-Fi under Win 7. Significant improvement.

[Idiocratease]

Originally Posted by Idiocratease

No, I had it on 'good authority' from Marian that their drivers by passed the kmixer (assuming you're using the native sample rate of the input file). So I suppose this must be correct as they write the software, so I suspect that somethign else was going wrong.

Now however, I've ditches Marian Marc 2 and XP for the X-Fi under Win 7. Significant improvement.

Here's a couple of pics of the system...

...Zero noise from the PC, no fans, not hdd noise, no artefacts

I don't want to speak to soon.... But I genuinely feel as if I can stop messing around with the system and just listen... (Maybe when I get my next place some B&W 802D !)

[frenzic]

I use a marian prodif pro with the "xp non resampling" marian drivers for xp and i did also detect some garbage in the high end of the spectrum. I used xp sp3 with foobar and found this problem using both A and D outputs in foobar. So I also figured Kmixer was still not shut off. So I set the marian asio driver in foobar and the problem is completely gone. Hope this helps.

[Idiocratease]

Originally Posted by frenzic

I use a marian prodif pro with the "xp non resampling" marian drivers for xp and i did also detect some garbage in the high end of the spectrum. I used xp sp3 with foobar and found this problem using both A and D outputs in foobar. So I also figured Kmixer was still not shut off. So I set the marian asio driver in foobar and the problem is completely gone. Hope this helps.

Thanks. I'm glad to know there is someone else who can kind of validate what I've observed. Anyway, as I mentioned earlier, and nice inexpensive option of the Creative X-Fi Titanium seems to work perfectly under Windows 7.

Cheers,

[Netdewt]

Sorry to interject, but I'm hung up on this asynchronous vs. adaptive stuff. I read this:

Asynchronicity: A USB Audio Primer | Computer Audiophile

So, basically, in order to use USB (which I have to with a Mac laptop, I don't see a digital out anywhere) without a ton of jitter, I'd have to buy a gazillion dollar DAC? There is just so much snake oil in this hobby...

Would you guys say for sure that it's best to not use USB?

[gurley123]

Netdewt,

I use an Enhanced USB Monica from DIYParadise. I got the caseless version @ about $180 usd. Paired up with my Mac Mini running lossless files, this thing beats the pants off of any digital front-end in my system.

If you want to get a full on headache, read this whole thread here. I think the whole thing died when someone found this thing for $150 (still too rich for my blood considering you still need a quality DAC on the end of it.)

[Netdewt]

Originally Posted by gurley123

If you want to get a full on headache, read this whole thread here. I think the whole thing died when someone found this thing for $150 (still too rich for my blood considering you still need a quality DAC on the end of it.)

Wow, interesting...

A key factor in the reproduction of high quality audio, the reference design’s unique asynchronous clocking mode achieves sub-3ms roundtrip latency, making it suitable for live music playback. The credit card sized reference design board will suit the development of speakers, home theatre systems, sound cards, musical instruments and professional audio equipment.

Gordon Rankin, Chief Scientist at Wavelength Audio, a designer of award-winning USB DACs said, “I’m glad to see XMOS producing a USB Audio 2.0 solution that’s clearly focused on achieving excellent sound quality. In particular, its asynchronous mode is a vital ingredient in the reduction of digital audio jitter which results in superior sound reproduction.”

$150... hmm... https://www.xmos.com/products/develo...kits/usbaudio2

[Netdewt]

Then there's this. It says it's an ASRC (Asynchronous Sample Rate Converter):

The Metronome ASRC Module

[phofman]

Originally Posted by Netdewt

Then there's this. It says it's an ASRC (Asynchronous Sample Rate Converter):

The Metronome ASRC Module

ASRC is something else than asynchronous audio USB.