Ripping CD's in Safemode sounds much better...

[sofaspud]

Along with comparing the files to each other, has comparing them to the CD track been done? Obviously, at least one must sound different than the disc playback...

[erin]

Hi Sofaspud, I agree that playing the CD will sound different, no doubt.

This thread is to discuss the different sound that comes from ripping in safemode vs "normal" mode.

If I was to compare the CD to a rip, then I would be using different transports.
This would only be a comparison between my CD player and my PC/DAC, which is not the topic I wish to discuss today.

Regards,
Erin

[jan.didden]

It should be trivial to bit-compare the two files. If they are the same, the sound difference, if indeed it exists, is not due to the difference in ripping configuration.
This is much easier to check then trying to do controlled listening tests.

jan didden

[sandyK]

Originally Posted by janneman

It should be trivial to bit-compare the two files. If they are the same, the sound difference, if indeed it exists, is not due to the difference in ripping configuration.
This is much easier to check then trying to do controlled listening tests.

jan didden

Jan
At least 6 Blind A/B/A/ 3 minute listening sessions, with different listeners ,have already been performed by Martin Colloms,using his Naim Unitiserve with the downloaded files stored on a USB memory stick, but not with Erin's present .wav files.Checksums were verified as the same beforehand.
Alex

[jan.didden]

Sure, but I believe we wanted to know whether any audible differences are due to the Safe Mode ripping versus Full Mode.
If in each case the files are bit identical, then any difference is due to other factors.

Reality check: if you open say a Word or Powerpoint file in Safe Mode versus Full Mode, do the text or the illustrations look different?

jan

[erin]

Originally Posted by janneman

Reality check: if you open say a Word or Powerpoint file in Safe Mode versus Full Mode, do the text or the illustrations look different?

jan

Hi Janneman, funny that you should say that.
However a comparison between music, which is a varying, and text which is still, is not a valid comparison.

I believe a better comparison is between music and video, both are moving and varying. And yes, video looks better on my monitor when I load up fedilizer, than when I run without fedilizer. Colours are more vibrant, edges are sharper etc.

If you are not aware, fedilizer is software which shuts down windows processes in order to improve sound quality. It incidentally makes video look better. Starting up in safe mode, reduces processes even further, so for audio is one step better than using fedilizer.

[SY]

Originally Posted by erin

However a comparison between music, which is a varying, and text which is still, is not a valid comparison.

In both cases, the files are unchanging. And that's what you're talking about. Now, if you're talking about playback of a file with fedelizer (or safe mode) versus without it, that's a different kettle of fish. But for the creation of a static, unchanging file, played back under the same conditions, if they're the same, they're the same.

[erin]

Originally Posted by SY

In both cases, the files are unchanging. And that's what you're talking about. Now, if you're talking about playback of a file with fedelizer (or safe mode) versus without it, that's a different kettle of fish. But for the creation of a static, unchanging file, played back under the same conditions, if they're the same, they're the same.

SY, do you use windows OS? Do you use your PC for playing music?
Have you yet tried my suggestion?

I'm saying that ripping music using fedilizer, and one better, safemode, has the same sonic advantages as playing back using fedilizer, or a minimal, or reduced process operating system.

The sonic advantage of playing back music using a a minimal, or reduced process operating system is now widely accepted as sounding better than a non optimised system.

Ripping in safemode gives the same sonic advantage. Please try it and report back.

[SY]

Originally Posted by erin

SY, do you use windows OS? Do you use your PC for playing music?
Have you yet tried my suggestion?

7 Pro 32 bit, yes, and no, in that order. It's 4:22 am here and I doubt my wife and 11 year old would appreciate me playing music at the moment.

[erin]

No problems SY.
I hope you will give it a try at a more appropriate time.