XXHighEnd

I'm new to XXHighEnd and this forum.  Just bought 0.9y4 after a short demo.  It sounds fantastic and easily bested by previous reference player - Samplitude v10.  And I haven't even heard it at its best as I am unable to run engine 3 (see below).

Just as background.  I use a Zalman Silent Music Server with solid state drives and a Lynx AES16 PCI card and just upgraded from XP Pro 32bit to Win7 Pro 64 bit, including the new Lynx card 64 bit drivers.  I use a netbook running Remote Desktop Connection to control the Zalman.  The Zalman feeds a Berkeley Alpha DAC (24/192 capable) which then feeds Atma-Sphere M60 monblock OTL amps.  I use Cardas Clear cables for all cabling.  I have Geddes Abbey 2 way monitor speakers which are 8 ohm 95bd efficient and use a constant directivity design.  They are a sealed box design with a 12" waveguide with foam plug to kill defractions mated to a compression driver and a 12" pro woofer.  The Abbey's sound like horns, but without the honk.  I use multiple Rythmik Servo subs for the LF.

I found the Win7 upgrade gave a nice improvement in sound quality.  XXHighEnd 0.9y4 in non-oversampling, non-Arc Prediction mode easily bested my Samplitude v10 reference player.  I haven't tried the Arc Prediction mode yet and I haven't A/B'ed it since activating the software (i.e. my evaluation was just using the demo software).

I have found some bugs with 0.9y4 running Win7 Pro.

(1) Engine 3 doesn't work at all.
(2) A large number of my WAV and FLAC files generate errors when loaded and will not play.  I get an array of errors.  It's weird.  Some play fine.  Others simply don't.  All were ripped with the same software.

Congratulations to Peter for this significant step forward in digital playback SQ.  I hope the above bugs can quickly be resolved so I can fully enjoy the 0.9y4 player!

earflappin, welcome here ! and, nice system you have there ...

About your mentioned array of errors, yes, I am afraid this is so at this moment with Engine#2 (and #1) for various reasons. The mean reason will just be a lack of memory (there's a 2GB limit somwhere), while the program grows and grows, and performs tasks anticipating on Engine#3 (which is just another program with its own memory space !) while actually nobody is maintaining the consistency of the other sound engines (1 and 2). They are just not used (anymore), besides for some fall back reasons, like you obviously have one at hand yourself. Of course I am going to look into this, but I guess you appreciate it better if we get Engine#3 running. :yes:

I'll name a few obvious things you may check anyway :

- Any messages at the start of playback ? (if so, stop here, but please show the message(s))

- Volume slider is up ?

- Correct sound device is selected ? (Settings Area)

- RDC routes to the proper PC for sound ? (yes, I think you told it yourself (PM) there's a special W7 (new ?) setting for this, but as it appears now, you have been changing this setting for Direct Sound (which is #1 and #2). Since I don't know this setting, maybe this works differently for WASAPI (#3).

- Try to check for whether the Lynx drivers are not only Vista/W7 compatible, but also explicitly made for it. A good start would be telling whether you see "loudspeakers" for SPDIF output, or an "SPDIF box". The latter is good, the former is not.

- If nothing helps, you may try to set the Q1 slider at 4, 10 and 20 (default it is at 14 I think). There is one report for W7 so far that tells me this can differ (it should not, but it does in this one occasion).

Maybe one of these things help already, so I better awaiten your responses on this first.
But prepare a bit for the sound of Engine#3 ... haha

Peter

Peter, thanks for the welcome and kind comments. 

Regarding system set-up....  RDC has three sound settings - direct output to the server, host or neither.  I've got the flag set for the server (i.e. the Zalman PC).  Lynx drivers are written by Lynx and I don't see SPDIF speakers in the settings or control panel.  Slider is up.  Q1=4.

Regarding performance.....  Engine 1 does not work at all.  I get a "cannot create sound device" alarm.  Engine 2 works....but, apparently intermittently, a file will not play - I will get a "insufficient system resources (memory)".  If I click the settings, QC, analysis tabs multiple times, then that file will play.  However, the slider does not change volume.  Also, my Berkeley Alpha DAC is showing that everything I'm playing is coming in at 44.1 and I'm playing hi-rez (24/192), 88.2 and 44.1 source files...  It doesn't matter if I engage upsampling or upsampling/arc prediction.  Perhaps these functions don't work with engine 2?  But then, why wouldn't a 24/192 source file output from XXHighEnd at 192?

Engine 3 doesn't work either.  I get an "unsupported format" error followed by a second error followed by a "device cannot play" error. 


So, in summary, I can listen to music with engine 2 with the caveat that I need to click around to get files to play when I get the "insufficient resources" alarm, but.... the volume slider doesn't work (not a big deal sincet the Berkeley has a pre-amp section.  And all output to the DAC is 44.1 regardless of input file and upsampling. 

I hope this helps in diagnosing the issues.  The sound I'm getting on engine 2 is awesome and I can't wait to experience engine 3.

Best,
David

BTW, I do have my uncompressed XXHighEnd-09-y4 folder that I'm running the player from on my desktop.  Not sure if this is a sensitive variable or not? 

Regarding the intermittent problem with engine 2 it's weird.  Sometimes when I click on Exlorer tab I'll get "can't creat sound device error".  Then when I go to play the file I've selected initially I'll get a system I/O error...if I keep clicking this same error will come up 6-7 times, then the error will change to the "insufficient system resources (memory)" error and it will keep coming up, and then finally the file will play.

Now, when I just went to play a 24/192 recording I got "If you have 2Gb of internal memory, please inform your developer of your sound card and OS".  I got this error 4-5 times each time closing it and trying it again....finally the file played. 

I have 4GB of RAM....do I need to put in more...could this be causing the various errors?  I am still only getting 44.1 input at the DAC no matter what rez my source file...

Thanks,
David

earflappin,



Please concentrate on Engine#3 only;
This "second error", please show that one.
Also, for now, just play 16/44.1 files and don't use any upsampling. I mean, one step at a time. Try to avoid the RDC connection for now; later we will use it.

Concentrate on the Lynx; Whatever error you receive, it comes from the Lynx; not the Alpha DAC,

At this moment, find the Lynx' properties (start at the little speaker icon in the taskbar tray), and show or tell me the output capabilities of it for the SPDIF device of it (not the speakers, but the SPDIF device !!). Look at the below picture, where a choose an SPDIF device (look at the selected icon which is an SPDIF device) and where I next clicked the combobox. I want to see that ! Notice that your SPDIF device should mention something like Lynx. Btw, also notice the top device which is a loudspeaker device. We don't want such a device !

(and notice that the device we in the end want to use, has to be selected in XXHighEnd in the Settings Area; it is called the same there).

Maybe these steps are too obvious, and in that case I am sorry. But first we both have to be confident to be in the right direction.
It is a kind of late here now, so I'll be back on your anwers with a fresh mind ... later.
Don't try anything with Engine#1 or #2, and please don't tell about messages around those. It confuses yourself and me. It is Engine#3 we should get to work.

With whatever you try, set DAC Is to 24/192 always, and start with DAC Needs at 32 bits. Just play 16/44.1 files for now, no Doubling etc. If that doesn't work, try DAC Needs at 24 bit. Always keep the analogue volume low at this time, and set the digital volume at max.

Sorry for your troubles,
:sleeping:
Peter

Peter, thanks for the response.  The second error reads "2/32/44100/352800/8". 

If I select the SPDIF High Definition Audio Device in Settings XXHighEnd functions properly without error codes....trouble is no sound comes out of my speakers.  I configured the SPDIF in Control Panel for 2 channel, 24 bit, 192Khz.  I also have set in Settings the DAC for 24/192 and 32 bit as you suggested.

In Settings and Sound Control Panel there is a "Digital Audio Interface / Lynx AES16" as well as "Speakers / AES16".  When clicking the properties button you just get details on the driver.  This is what I select (i.e. "Digital Audio Interface / Lynx AES16") when using engine 2.  Nowhere is there a reference to SPDIF, although as you know the AES16 has two 26 pin AES/EBU outputs.

BTW, this is what I select in Samplitude v10 as well and it works without error.  However, in Samplitude it shows up as an ASIO driver.  Could this be the issue?  Does it need to be a WASAPI driver?

Thanks for the help.

David

Peter, just read a bit about ASIO vs WASAPI.  As I understand it, both of these sit in between the sound card driver and the application.  Is this correct?  If so, shouldn't the Lynx 64 bit driver work with either ASIO or WASAPI?

Thanks, that is what I wanted to know. This is with the "DAC Needs 32 bit" setting. What is the error with the "DAC Needs 24 bits" setting ?


This is the one you need.

You don't need (nor can use) ASIO here. WASAPI is merely a virtual thing, and actually it is "WDM" you need. But there is nothing to choose (except for "Engine3").


Can you show me that screen I showed in my before post (from the digital Lynx) ? or anyway mention what is in that drop down list ?
(Btw, under that drop down list are two checkboxes about exclusive mode (you can't see them in my picture); they must be ticked both !!)
After this, we can proceed.

In the mean time you may tell me whether the DAC (soundcard) auto-switches sample rate, or whether you always do that manually (e.g. for playing hires files).

I was just thikning ... you also should try the setting DAC Is 16/44.1 !
The result of this is even more important.

I'm off here for an hour or two.

How do you do I copy and paste a dialog box into a post?

I don't see anything in the drop down list about exclusive mode.  How do I troubleshoot why this isn't showing up in my Control Panel, Sound Device manager?

The items in my list are: Digital Audio (HDMI), Speakers, Headphones, Digital Audio (SPDIF), Digital Audio (HDMI), Speakers (Lynx AES16), Digital Audio Interface (Lynx AES16), Play 03+04 (Lynx AES16), Play 05+06, Play 07+08, Play 09+10, Play 11+12, Play 13+14, Play 15+16.

Second error code when selecting 24 bit (vs 32) in Settings is "2/24/44100/264600/6".  This is with DAC set for 24/192.

Second error code when selecting 24 bit (vs 32) in Settings is "2/16/176400/4".  This is with DAC set for  16/44.  Note, when I select 16/44 the volume control becomes active.  In the 24/192 it is greyed out.

This poster on Computer Audiophile is using WASAPI with his AES16 card using Vista 64.
http://www.computeraudiophile.com/content/Lynx-AES16-Occasional-Jitter-issues

The Lynx AES16 supports auto rate switching.  Using Samplitude v10 I can play 44.1/88.2/192 and the AES16 and Berkeley Alpha DAC automatically switch....and I can verify the rate and HDCD flag on the Berkeley display.

Pic 1 = How to attach pics on forum (use Snipping Tools in W7 to make them very handy tool)
          (Click addittional Options)
Pics 2,3,4 are your soundcard settings (use speaker Icon to get there, Right under on desktop)

See pic2 for Default device, you can disable all others (just Right click and disable)
             ONLY keep SPdif (but make some screen shots first, so we can see whats there)
             (maybe AES ???)
Pic 3 and 4 speak for them selfs

Pic 5 = are XXHE settings

Maybe You already know this, but just to be sure
And follow Peter's leads!!
Maybe get some AES16 Software screen shots



PS: very nice "stuff" you have there, indeed (when its going to work, it will ROCK)

Look at Roy's 4th picture. There you see the two checkboxes. :yes:


Now, I need to know the contents of that dropdown list !! :aggressive:
:)

David,

There is also a HDMI issue (of unknown source actually);
It may be beyond your, say, capabilities to solve this on your own *if* this is it (and I am premature a bit, awaitening that drop down list), but before I forget : Re: Spdif digital out only??? (http://www.phasure.com/index.php?topic=775.msg5817#msg5817) (this post and further down).
That user finally received sound after he disabled his HDMI device. And I saw you have an HDMI in there too.

Just keep this post for later, ok ?

Peter

Peter/Roy, thanks for your continued assistance.

Here are 3 screen captures of my Control Panel Sound manager plus 2 of XXHighEnd Settings.

Note, that I disabled the two HDMI objects, but the problem with engine 3 in XXHighEnd continues.  I also tried disabling the SPDIF object.  The settings for Digital Audio SPDIF are set as per Roy's instructions, but again I still have the issue. 

Question....why would the SPDIF object settings even matter since I am not selecting this in the Settings in XXHighEnd?  I'm selecting Digital Audio Interface Lynx AES16.

I look forward to next steps.

Best,
David

Here are the pictures.....

David - Select the Lynx digital interface, and lick Properties. In there go to the Advanced Tab. There is that drop down list I want to see !

Thanks,
Peter

(and don't give up)

I Hope that the volume silder is not always down ;) See your pic

I guess not, but just to be sure.

Peter!  I got it working on engine 3!  I ended up trying Play 07+08 (Lynx AES16) and I could see on the Lynx Mixer than I was getting sound....but oddly it was showing up on channel 4....so them since my HD26-to-XLR AES/EBU cable was designed for channel 1 I simply remapped channel 4 to channel 1 and BINGO we got tunes playing!  Sounds great so far!  Got to experiment with the Arc Prediction. Also, my DAC is showing the proper incoming sample rate and the volume control is working for the first time.  Would you recommend using it versus the one in the Berkeley?

The only thing I'm hearing now is intermittently I'm getting crackling sounds on the playback...if I stop or pause and restart it then goes away....I think some other posters noted this as well.

THANKS so much for being so responsive through this process.  Very much appreciated.  We'll have to make sure this intel gets passed on to other Lynx AES16....I'm going to play around some more and see if it works on other settings.

Best,
David

Good,

See my pic 5.

Try those settings, scheme 3, player prio = low, ThreadPrio = Realtime and try Q1 = 4 or try 14

then fool around with ARC

Roy

Thanks.  Trying it now.  What does the Q1 control do anyway?

These are some what good settings for most people,

Try to get what it does later (step by step) there is lots of info about that already on forum, just look for them (these can be quite technical, but its good information)

See pic 6 I added, try to get it like this, but do it step by step.

See pic 7 these are the Q= sliders (there is info about that either) use for now 0,0,0,0 or 30,30,0,0 like mine.

Try to find out what it does for you, lots of reading to do, haha
XX will grow on you!!

Happy listening

these are most important:

allow format change
start engine3 during conversion
copy to xx-drive by standard

Later on this week we talk about Unattended settings, haha
Oh yes, it gets better and better

But first we have to be sure all your settings are fine (soundcard and such)
Its not the most used connection you have there AES, I mean.
Maybe do some more reading about your souncard and cable connection.
Don't rush, take your time!

Little jealous on your berkeley ;)

and have you seen this:

Tweak Vista/w7 dead:
http://www.phasure.com/index.php?topic=548.0

Just tried the unattended settings....wow....now that was an immediate improvement in SQ.  Music became more relaxed, nuanced, detailed and with less glare....  amazing how reducing latency and power supply transients just a bit makes such a big improvement. 

Thanks for the comments on the Berkeley.  It was by far the best DAC I auditioned and easily bested my previous reference and it was the least expensive of all of them as well.  Have to admit I didn't try any USB DAC's.  If you just spend 5 minutes talking to Michael Ritter at Berkeley you realize what a brain trust these guys have.  I'll be interested to follow Peter's design for a non over-sampling DAC.

I love my Atma-Sphere OTL amps as well.  They really took my system to another level of realism,

Thanks for the note on tweaking Win7.  I had tweaked XP Pro using the BlackViper registry changes.  It definitely helped SQ.

BTW, what have you found to be the best CD ripper software?

Best,
David

You want to get your fine albums on your HDD. Haha :)

Are you familiar with EAC (Exact Audio Copy)
Do you have any experience on that, already?

Otherwise I can paste some links here.(about optimal settings)

PS: Peter is also working on this (especially to get xx to play cd's "realtime" as well, with that great SQ, too)
     And when he can do that, xx can rip it too.
     But later on, maybe never.

Take my words for it, use A Blu-ray writer drive for that (its not proven that its rips better, but believe me it does)
Something like LG, have to look for the model-type

Thanks Roy.  I use EAD now.  I'll have to get a BluRay drive for my rips.  I just have a high quality non Blu-Ray drive in my Zalman now.

BTW, how do you escape out of unattended mode and back into the XXHighEnd?

Best,
David

haha, to get out of unattended (reboot)
Just thinking about that, if you had figured it out so soon.

read release notes and learn how to use AutoHotKey (AHK)
http://www.phasure.com/index.php?topic=724.msg5220#msg5220

If you have (understand) that, use ALT-X to get out of Unattended

Will do....thanks!   :)

When playing Unattended there can be nice coverart there. (where those red crosses from xx are)
Use folder.jpg for front cover and use back.jpg as back cover
and put it in the same folder as your music

Later on when you start ripping your cd collection, start off the good way in making your self a fine
music-gallery. (and good folder structure)
But first start ripping.

XX is most complete software outthere even for maintaining large music db up +10.000's albums

 :)

David, I see you got it going with the help of Roy. Great !

Roy, thank you ! (while I got unexpected visitors)

Peter

Yep!  Gonna have to go stock up on some Depends if the SQ gets too much better....   :) 

Thanks again and I will be recommending all of my audiophile buds who've made the shift to computer audio pick up XXHighEnd.  Unfortunately, there are too many who still have their head stuck in the old CD player paradigm....but they will be assimilated soon!

I know lots of those people too, but some are a bit afraight of PC's, I guess
You have to be willing to LEARN, and spend some evenings reading.
And setup a dedicated audio-pc.

Its not that hard! (maybe just harder to admit.....)

Just listening to Klaus Shulze - 1980 - Dig It/01 - Death of an Analog (I like complex music)
With ARC ofcourse.
Have like 126 albums of him, Tangerine Dream same deal.
They all start to sound fresh again, keep in mind these are very difficult albums to get out of the digital domain.
Will sound very harsh on normal cd-player.
Now I can open up the volume and they still keep sounding good, just amazing

That SQ you would NEVER EVER experience with any CD-player.

New installed Juli@ drivers make it slightly better too for me, I think

It is indeed amazing how the older (electronic) music becomes again interesting because of this. And then to think I had just written it off.
(ok more or less)

Must I now really go through all the Tangerine Dreams again ?
Do they themselves keep track of how many albums they made ?

Ok, I've downloaded the demo and put some m4a's into my XXData folder and they show up in the left pane(basically following the installation guide verbatim), and clicking once will highlight the track, but I'm not able to play the track(tried crtl click also). I have the correct playback device selected, but somehow missed the exact method to set the bitrate and speed.

Go easy on me, I'm an oldtimer who just wants to try this out to see how it sounds. :pleasantry:


I'm running Vista Business SP2 on a Lenovo T500 laptop. UAC disabled and tried "Run as Administrator."

EDIT: I'm currently reading the "Vista Users....Prepare yourselves..." thread that somehow popped up after posting.

Hey and welcome,

I don't think xx plays .m4a files
Try wav, flac or aiff instead

Thanks for the welcome AUDIODIDAKT,
I re-ripped a CD using dBpoweramp into FLAC, put it into my XXdata folder, and it shows up on the Library pane but still does not play.
I did all that was described by Peter in the "Vista Users...Prepare yourselves..." thread also.
I am planning on using this laptop as a dedicated music server when and if I can get XX to work.

I finally got it to work. I'm playing around with the various engines and stuff now and switching between different formats.
Thanks again Audiodidakt.