New User Comments and Questions

[zackthedog]

Hi, I just started using XXHighEnd and am very impressed so far.  Below are some observations.  They may resolve themselves with more understanding, or maybe someone has suggestions:

1) System is late 2014 Mac Mini middle model (8 GB ram) with Windows 10 Build 10586 in Bootcamp partition.  Arcam irDAC connected via USB.  FLAC files (mostly) sourced from network storage via ethernet.

2) To get irDAC to use KS mode I have to force 24 bits.  Will not work in 32 bit setting.  ASIO driver works fine in 32 bit but I think I like KS better.

3) Will play at 192 in Unattended Mode with 96/192 setting but if I hit Alt-S I get error message.  Currently using 88 setting and UM works fine.

4) Minimize OS produces error message.  I need to read more about this mode.

It sounds very good, less colored than HQ Player (which I like), and particularly more natural top end.

[PeterSt]

Hi there - welcome !

3) Will play at 192 in Unattended Mode with 96/192 setting but if I hit Alt-S I get error message.

Although still in there, this mode of playback is actually for test purposes only and originates from very early XXHighEnd days when SQ was not (say 10 years back) what it is today.
It would be true that some more ancient DACs can work in this mode only (HD MoBo device can be among that, especially for laptops), but if that is the case then it would be the advice to get another DAC. Anyway, this is not your situation (I'd say, from the distance).

ASIO driver works fine in 32 bit but I think I like KS better.

There must be a misunderstanding here, somewhere;
ASIO is not supported by XXHighEnd (poor sound) so that can't play anyway. Thus let's say that you mean WASAPI (WDM);
If now you can play with that over 32 bits while you can not with Kernel Streaming, something should be amiss but I can't tell what. All I know is that KS is a lower level driver than WASAPI/WDM so it should be capable of more.
And yes, I realize that the maybe too many XXHighEnd settings may confuse. Maybe a key question should be this one :

2) To get irDAC to use KS mode I have to force 24 bits.

So what is wrong with that for you ?
IOW, is there a problem in the end ?
Notice that "DAC Needs" 24 bits is different from the 96/192 you mention, and that it won't be without reason that you tried the latter in the first place. It would be my idea of things that you try to stay out of that 96/192 Only mode, and *then* tell us what works and what not or what you like to achieve. OK ?

4) Minimize OS produces error message.

This is because you are in Demo Mode.
Please notice that being Activated will not imply your DAC suddenly to be able to play where it otherwise does not, but that SQ improves vastly in Minimized OS mode, while at the same time you have many more "tuning possibilities". This is because the OS runs so lean in that Mode, that all sorts of buffers can be set way smaller (or longer) and *that* influences SQ vastly on its own (you just have more play ground).

Let me know your findings.
Regards,
Peter

[acg]

Once you undemo XXHE and hit that MinOS button the sound quality leaps forward...not a subtle change.

[zackthedog]

Thanks, Peter.  Nothing wrong with forcing 24 bits, except the warning that comes up. :-)  Just wanted to make sure it wasn't a problem.  irDAC doesn't do 176, but it still sounds great.  And yes, I meant Wasapi.  I will experiment more with 32 bits.  irDAC can be a little fussy.

Regarding activation, I thought I was but I will investigate and make sure it is activated.

Thanks, acg.  I'm going to try not to pepper the forum with questions that I can answer myself by reading more instructions. :-)

[PeterSt]

Nothing wrong with forcing 24 bits, except the warning that comes up. :-)

OK !
Notice how the message explains how to remove the message(s) in the future.

Regarding activation, I thought I was but I will investigate

... I only now see that it is "you" (maybe good to not be so anonymous, which is what we like anyway ).

So that message you receive at going to Minimized OS, is that about contacting Phasure and such ?
Title bar of XXHighEnd is not red (when it the active window) ?

Regards,
Peter

[jhmvl]

Hi,

I also have a xxhe version running on a mac with bootcamp, just because you can do it. I cannot get that to minimize OS either. I do not know exactly why but I always assumed that it has to do with all the extra drivers and software that Apple installs to keep windows running on the MAC (that list is rather long if you look it up). Got a dedicated windows pc (i.e. Not a MAC) and now it works very well.

So all in all my guess is that minimize OS does not work on a MAC with Bootcamp.

Hans

[zackthedog]

Thanks for the replies.  Just getting time to return to this.  I'll continue to fiddle with Minimize but that's a good point about Bootcamp.

One thing I did discover is the difference between an SSD and an HD.  I switched back to HD on my Mac Mini and the music opens up a lot.  More emotional, less analytical, but still accurate and detailed.  Not a subtle difference.  No more SSD for me. :-)