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Post by quattroll on Apr 24, 2020 18:10:25 GMT -5
One could also argue that the “compromised” sound most basic streamers afford only makes getting out the cds and vinyl that much better!
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Post by AudioHTIT on Apr 24, 2020 19:02:38 GMT -5
Well I wasted a lot of time today trying to figure out options, and for now I think trying Amazon HD and seeing what I can get out of it should be done, heck 90 day trial. And I’m waiting on the Wyred Remedy, which I understand is old but could make a difference, and If it does I’ll be happy. Even if the AppleTV feed is not “high res”, it’s still enjoyable. Not paying for another service is nice too. Interesting how implementation is all over the place, and how polarizing some of the equipment is, not to mention how expensive. Expensive niche equipment is almost always obsolete soon. Wish I could think of examples right now. On a related note, the receivers and integrated amps I see with Bluetooth, what quality is that? I guess it depends what you are sending, anyone Bluetooth AppleMusic? What’s happening there? I’m not sure if there’s a definitive point at which a source becomes “hi res”, one definition could be “better than CD”, in which case AppleTV could qualify. But we need to distinguish between a hi res source - like a 96/24 track on Amazon HD, and a bit perfect reproduction of that track - which AppleTV doesn’t do because it resamples. As far as Bluetooth goes, the AirPlay in your TV is probably better and has a much greater range (only limited by your WiFi), it’s what I use.
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Post by alexreusch on Apr 25, 2020 4:09:55 GMT -5
Well I wasted a lot of time today trying to figure out options, and for now I think trying Amazon HD and seeing what I can get out of it should be done, heck 90 day trial. And I’m waiting on the Wyred Remedy, which I understand is old but could make a difference, and If it does I’ll be happy. Even if the AppleTV feed is not “high res”, it’s still enjoyable. Not paying for another service is nice too. Interesting how implementation is all over the place, and how polarizing some of the equipment is, not to mention how expensive. Expensive niche equipment is almost always obsolete soon. Wish I could think of examples right now. On a related note, the receivers and integrated amps I see with Bluetooth, what quality is that? I guess it depends what you are sending, anyone Bluetooth AppleMusic? What’s happening there? I think for your current setup with the AppleTV, the W4S Remedy is probably the best option to try. If I am correct, you are using also an "older" AppleTV that still has an optical output. So in that perspective, the W4S Remedy is a good fit. The latest AppleTV systems do only have an HDMI output, so the W4S Remedy could not be used anymore. But keep in mind: As KeithL mentioned already, you might add some redundancy here, as the DC-1 already re-clocks and removes the jitter from all inputs. In that case, the impact of the W4S Remedy might be negligible... but maybe you will experience a positive surprise? If not, I would return it. In general, there are better streaming solutions on the market available, which easily outperform the AppleTV. And I think you will receive quickly better results by replacing the AppleTV with an HiFi optimized streaming device, instead of trying to fix its shortcomings. I know the AppleTV is convenient, as it combines video and audio capabilities in one box. Also, the user interface is simple and easy to navigate. But if you are really looking to improve on the audio side, you have to take another route here. There is one big issue with Amazon HD as well: While it offers a very broad catalog of music and is also reasonable priced, it was also the very last one to join the party for lossless music streaming. This means, there are not (yet) so many streaming devices available, that support Amazon Music. The only one that comes to my mind right now, is the Bluesound Node 2i. So maybe it's better to wait a few more months, until there is a broader adoption of Amazon Music? Tidal and Qobuz might be an alternative solution there as well. But nothing speaks against using Amazon Music on your AppleTV right now. Enjoy!
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Post by megash0n on Apr 25, 2020 10:48:01 GMT -5
Unless something has changed recently, Amazon HD on a PC still does not support exclusive mode, WASAPI, etc. and resamples as I mentioned above. I think everyone may not agree on that definition of 'bit perfect'. The AirPort Express resamples all signals to 44/16. So if you're listening to ripped CD's or streaming with CD quality, then yes, it is bit perfect; but if you have other resolutions (higher or lower), then I wouldn't call it 'bit perfect'. That said, I also use an AirPort Express to stream music from my iPhone or iPad, and it sounds very good (as does the TV). I typically don't disparage any of Apple's products as I use them (almost) exclusively, but I will still point out what I believe to be their shortcomings (whether I can hear the difference or not). For sure. Annoying as hell. I've emailed support about that. It unfortunately doesn't engage exclusive mode, but I set my soundcard for 24bit 192khz for shared mode. While not perfect, it is still good and much better than non HD. Good news... Amazon HD app just released an update and now allows exclusive mode on a windows PC.
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Post by AudioHTIT on Apr 25, 2020 11:28:36 GMT -5
For sure. Annoying as hell. I've emailed support about that. It unfortunately doesn't engage exclusive mode, but I set my soundcard for 24bit 192khz for shared mode. While not perfect, it is still good and much better than non HD. Good news... Amazon HD app just released an update and now allows exclusive mode on a windows PC. That is good news! I’m not going to hold my breath for the Mac version, but at least they haven’t blown off the feature. I’ll go check!
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Post by mauriceminor on Apr 25, 2020 12:00:51 GMT -5
Hi res? What a very quaint notion..,, Quaint indeed. Right up there with 2nd order harmonic distortion being desirable.
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Post by AudioHTIT on Apr 25, 2020 12:03:31 GMT -5
For sure. Annoying as hell. I've emailed support about that. It unfortunately doesn't engage exclusive mode, but I set my soundcard for 24bit 192khz for shared mode. While not perfect, it is still good and much better than non HD. Good news... Amazon HD app just released an update and now allows exclusive mode on a windows PC. Can you post the version number the AmazonHD Windows version is on? Edit: Never mind, I found this in the FAQ: Does Amazon Music support exclusive mode?Yes, exclusive mode is available in the Amazon Music app for Windows and Mac. To enable exclusive mode, click the Devices icon on the player and check the Exclusive Mode option. I found the checkbox on my latest version, testing now with a variety of bitrates to see if it actually works.
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Post by audiobill on Apr 25, 2020 12:11:13 GMT -5
Hi res? What a very quaint notion..,, Quaint indeed. Right up there with 2nd order harmonic distortion being desirable. Says the troll in a toy car.,,,
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Post by mauriceminor on Apr 25, 2020 12:17:12 GMT -5
Quaint indeed. Right up there with 2nd order harmonic distortion being desirable. Says the troll in a toy car.,,, Speaking of trolls, here is an interesting post of yours: " If you win the Emotiva $1000 award do you have to take it in Emotiva gear ? " No surprise, you deleted it 1st thing the next morning. Yet another quaint activity.
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Post by megash0n on Apr 25, 2020 13:29:08 GMT -5
Good news... Amazon HD app just released an update and now allows exclusive mode on a windows PC. That is good news! I’m not going to hold my breath for the Mac version, but at least they haven’t blown off the feature. I’ll go check! I was shocked tbh. Unfortunately, the app crashes when enabling it, but it's a good sign.
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Post by quattroll on Apr 25, 2020 14:54:58 GMT -5
Hi Guys,
I’m glad to see this discussion is progressing, and thank you for the helpful comments/perspectives, and research.
If it is true that at some point soon we can have 196 on windows with Amazon HD, then I can use a Surface with USB into DC-1? I wonder if there might be compatibility issues? I noticed a firmware number on my DC-1, maybe that is something I can update? Never have.
Last, I’m not sure if we are ripping on people here, but with respect to my “handle” I used to be active on Audi forums, and I thought Quattroll was clever. I haven’t really been happy with it lately, but why change. Also I do have the entire Sonus Faber Toy series (bookshelves, towers, and center) not sure if that’s part of this.
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Post by AudioHTIT on Apr 25, 2020 15:19:31 GMT -5
That is good news! I’m not going to hold my breath for the Mac version, but at least they haven’t blown off the feature. I’ll go check! I was shocked tbh. Unfortunately, the app crashes when enabling it, but it's a good sign. Mine is working, the device window shows my three Mac outputs — HDMI, USB, TOSLink — you can select one of them, and check the Exclusive box. So far with very brief testing, the RMC-1 is only showing 48/24, but each input has some restrictions on what it can display (I documented elsewhere), need to do more testing but it’s I nice day and I need to mow! Happy to see that Amazon put the work in, hopefully they’ll clean up any problems.
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Post by AudioHTIT on Apr 25, 2020 15:24:45 GMT -5
Hi Guys, I’m glad to see this discussion is progressing, and thank you for the helpful comments/perspectives, and research. If it is true that at some point soon we can have 196 on windows with Amazon HD, then I can use a Surface with USB into DC-1? I wonder if there might be compatibility issues? I noticed a firmware number on my DC-1, maybe that is something I can update? Never have. Last, I’m not sure if we are ripping on people here, but with respect to my “handle” I used to be active on Audi forums, and I thought Quattroll was clever. I haven’t really been happy with it lately, but why change. Also I do have the entire Sonus Faber Toy series (bookshelves, towers, and center) not sure if that’s part of this. I think AmazonHD on Windows will be fine, and megash0n should be able to help you there. Doubt there will be any firmware updates for the DC-1, nor should you need them, mine works fine with the latest macOS. Hopefully the negative banter will move elsewhere, I’m sure it’s not related to your handle.
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klinemj
Emo VIPs
Honorary Emofest Scribe
Posts: 14,739
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Post by klinemj on Apr 25, 2020 18:47:10 GMT -5
On re-clocking, what happens when we "Spring Forward" and "Fall Back"? Does the clock automatically reset, or do you hear your selections in a different time zone?
Mark (in an only slightly veiled attempt to interrupt the un-needed banter...)
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Post by quattroll on Apr 25, 2020 23:18:18 GMT -5
Ha, that’s funny, thanks. I know it messes me up!
Seriously though, I will report on the Wyred Remedy once I have it. I’m a rank amateur there but I think my setup can tell me something, and I would love to make a contribution, if warranted. Will advise.
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Post by garbulky on Apr 26, 2020 18:17:34 GMT -5
For sure. Annoying as hell. I've emailed support about that. It unfortunately doesn't engage exclusive mode, but I set my soundcard for 24bit 192khz for shared mode. While not perfect, it is still good and much better than non HD. Good news... Amazon HD app just released an update and now allows exclusive mode on a windows PC. This is really interesting. Do you have a link about this information? Where can I get the amazon hd app?
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Post by megash0n on Apr 26, 2020 19:19:48 GMT -5
Good news... Amazon HD app just released an update and now allows exclusive mode on a windows PC. This is really interesting. Do you have a link about this information? Where can I get the amazon hd app? Don't have any information. The app simply updated and had the feature. I would just Amazon hd app download. It isn't exactly easy to find on their page. "Get the app" I think is the link.
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Post by AudioHTIT on Apr 26, 2020 21:07:11 GMT -5
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