AIXX ,FLAC, and MQA on my XMC-1

[repeetavx]

So I'm signing up for Tidal and comparing it to HDTracks. On HDTracks I've got a choice of codexes, so I try a couple. Now this is through my windows 10 HTPC using an HDMI interface. HDMI into my XMC-1 where I'm using "Direct" processing.

Well first I listen to "The Captain and Me" in AIXX,  and then FLAC knowing that there should be no difference, right? Well there is. The AIXX file, as decoded with my XMC-1, is clearer and the instruments more distinct in AIXX then FLAC. I know this shouldn't be happening, thus this missive.

What do you guys think. Is the XMC-1 having trouble filling in the compression spots on the FLAC. Or is there some other reason I'm missing.

(Yes, I know I could be imagining it, but no).

[monkumonku]

Jun 9, 2017 19:49:55 GMT -5 repeetavx said:

So I'm signing up for Tidal and comparing it to HDTracks. On HDTracks I've got a choice of codexes, so I try a couple. Now this is through my windows 10 HTPC using an HDMI interface. HDMI into my XMC-1 where I'm using "Direct" processing.

Well first I listen to "The Captain and Me" in AIXX,  and then FLAC knowing that there should be no difference, right? Well there is. The AIXX file, as decoded with my XMC-1, is clearer and the instruments more distinct in AIXX then FLAC. I know this shouldn't be happening, thus this missive.

What do you guys think. Is the XMC-1 having trouble filling in the compression spots on the FLAC. Or is there some other reason I'm missing.

(Yes, I know I could be imagining it, but no).

I could be wrong but I don't think the XMC-1 has the capability of decoding FLAC or AIXX files. They have to be decoded before being sent to the XMC-1, don't they?

[novisnick]

Jun 9, 2017 21:27:04 GMT -5 monkumonku said:

Jun 9, 2017 19:49:55 GMT -5 repeetavx said:

So I'm signing up for Tidal and comparing it to HDTracks. On HDTracks I've got a choice of codexes, so I try a couple. Now this is through my windows 10 HTPC using an HDMI interface. HDMI into my XMC-1 where I'm using "Direct" processing.

Well first I listen to "The Captain and Me" in AIXX,  and then FLAC knowing that there should be no difference, right? Well there is. The AIXX file, as decoded with my XMC-1, is clearer and the instruments more distinct in AIXX then FLAC. I know this shouldn't be happening, thus this missive.

What do you guys think. Is the XMC-1 having trouble filling in the compression spots on the FLAC. Or is there some other reason I'm missing.

(Yes, I know I could be imagining it, but no).

I could be wrong but I don't think the XMC-1 has the capability of decoding FLAC or AIXX files. They have to be decoded before being sent to the XMC-1, don't they?

Thats what I thought as well.

[repeetavx]

Hmmm, that would make more sense. It's my computer having trouble decoding the FLAC.

Right now I'm listening to my trial subscription of Tidal. From the songs I've played so far, it seems to be the best source I've got. Including CDs and Vinyl. Even so, I'm not sure it's going to be worth it to keep it. It depends if I can find the hidden MQA files. If I can, then I'm going to buy a Dragonfly Red and check it out.

[bootman]

Your PC is sending PCM to the XMC after it decodes the file via HDMI.

You would have to use USB to bypass that and the XMC doesn't decode those formats.
(nor IMHO it should that should be the player's job)

[mountain]

Jun 9, 2017 21:35:00 GMT -5 repeetavx said:

Hmmm, that would make more sense. It's my computer having trouble decoding the FLAC.

Right now I'm listening to my trial subscription of Tidal. From the songs I've played so far, it seems to be the best source I've got. Including CDs and Vinyl. Even so, I'm not sure it's going to be worth it to keep it. It depends if I can find the hidden MQA files. If I can, then I'm going to buy a Dragonfly Red and check it out.

The mqa tidal "master" files are labeled with an M.  They are only available via desktop application.  They are currently not available via phone and tablet apps.  You need the high fi subscription.  You may need to update your desktop app.  They are embedded within some artist lists of albums and by going to what's new, select releases by album, select master, select show all for a sampling.  There are settings for both the app and your computer to stream these files correctly.  I'm not computer savvy but easily found these settings using google search.  

[repeetavx]

Ok, there they are. I had to scroll down to find Albums. Also the "M" is dark gray against a black background. So far I'm impressed at the quality of all of the streaming.

Ok, so my next adventure is to get the Dragonfly Red, have my computer recognize it as a valid audio output choice, and see how it sounds.

[Loop 7]

Here's a list that's being maintained by some folks that contains all the MQA encoded material.

MQA (Google Spreadsheet)

[cwt]

Jun 9, 2017 21:35:00 GMT -5 repeetavx said:

Hmmm, that would make more sense. It's my computer having trouble decoding the FLAC.

Curiously have found 2 references to using the usb a ports repeetavx but it seems this capability has gone by the wayside Maybe something for the RMC1 ?

www.avsforum.com/forum/90-receivers-amps-processors/1617090-emotiva-xmc-1-owners-only-thread-9.html#post29088425

In addition to the XMC-1's current array of seven HDMI 1.4 inputs and one HDMI 1.4 output (3D and 4K compatible), the XMC-1 also boasts four optical and four coaxial digital audio inputs; balanced and unbalanced stereo audio inputs; two USB Type A ports, which facilitate FLAC, WAV, AAC, and MP3 audio streaming; a USB Type B port for high bitrate lossless audio streaming; and a 3.5mm headphone output driven by a dedicated Texas Instruments DirectPath Stereo Headphone Amplifier.

hometheaterreview.com/emotiva-announces-hdmi-20-upgrade-for-xmc-1-av-preamp/