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Listening to a high quality dedicated Linux server does get you thinking.
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I have been listening to W8.1, then 8.1x64 then Server2012R2 (same hardware). Amazingly, there is a very significant improvement in clarity, tonality and sound staging with the server devoid of any programs and roles other than having player software. Watching the no of threads and handles go down appears to have quite an effect. This is also the case with Server 2012 as features are stripped away, even to the extent of getting rid of .net frame 3.5. Certainly not having Antivirus and Firewall is a prerequisite to better sound.
The answer to your post is: who knows?
"Watching the no of threads and handles go down appears to have quite an effect. This is also the case with Server 2012 as features are stripped away, even to the extent of getting rid of .net frame 3.5. Certainly not having Antivirus and Firewall is a prerequisite to better sound.
The answer to your post is: who knows?"
Well... in general the answer is, as we come closer to a stable optimized audio only OS the better. We keep moving in that direction. :)
Are you in core mode?
Were you able to get the drivers working?
regards
Bob
Very interesting discovery on drivers in 2012. Only the Theyscon driver (1.61) will install and work properly. All XMOS versions fail to install although they all work in 32 bit Win.
I have managed to get 1.61 to work properly after meticulous clearing out of previous installs.
Not yet in core modes but all Server functions save file are uninstalled.
No, I haven't solved the driver update issue. But it seems that Theyscon and XMOS drivers are different, although I can now fool 32 bit W8.1 into using the latest XMOS drivers with the old Theyscon CPL and Spy Tool stitched in. This allows me to change buffers and look at usb data transfer characteristics.
I think it is a case of 'wrong' customisation of drivers with Server 2012R2 but I don't want to buy their package on the basis of minimum no of licenses.
The Totaldac d1-Monobloc with server feature allows me to listen to the Linux server and then my computer setup. The comparison is not a definitive answer to anything, but allows one to see how close the computer and it's associated accessories compare sonically to the server.
Edits: 04/20/14
"The Totaldac d1-Monobloc with server feature allows me to listen to the Linux server and then my computer setup. The comparison is not a definitive answer to anything, but allows one to see how close the computer and it's associated accessories compare sonically to the server."
I would guess much of it's beauty is the uniqueness of design, filtering, re-clocker etc. The Linux server is pretty straight forward, low power, basic MPD. As you mentioned, you can compare by plugging the re-clocker into your server. Should be a fun comparison.
It is a fun comparison Bob.
Thanks
Closeness or otherwise. This is the problem. Who knows what the reference should be?
There is no reference as you stated. It just allows you to compare your computer to a dedicated slimmed down OS.
Does Linux distribution matter? Which one are you guys using? Debian/Mint/etc?
You can slim youself with ease; install server 2012 with no extraneous functions other than to play music. A 20G install space is far more than adequate. They say 16G to install. After slimming, it's less than 10G.
"You can slim youself with ease; install server 2012 with no extraneous functions other than to play music. A 20G install space is far more than adequate. They say 16G to install. After slimming, it's less than 10G."
This still does not amount to what the optimizer does. The optimized server in core mode is very different.
I know, but things with me are slow.
"I know, but things with me are slow."
We all are... :)
Hardware 'optimisation' is as important as software 'optimisation' The 2 don't always meet.
I do both simultaneously but reject miracle components in favour of getting basics right.
"Hardware 'optimisation' is as important as software 'optimisation' The 2 don't always meet."
I have not had too many issues. The Optimizer even has settings for use of the Mytek driver which I believe some have had problems with other OSs.
I am using an Intel server board with everything turned off, and a PPA Studio USB card. Other system is an Atom with the same USB. Even the keyboard is turned off. The Atom uses MSata, so not even a cable. Depending how serious you want to get, PPA has a MB clock upgrade. I have not tried it, but it has gotten positive feedback on the forums.
Google Chromecast to HDMI to SPDIF converter into a Yaqin DAC-K9 using a tube buffer output stage. Controlled from a Samsung Chromebook.
Chromecast is slimmed down linux server, as is the Chrome OS running on both.
It is the best IMHO, started with Linux Audio in 1997, thank universe for google to figure it out for me.
"Google Chromecast to HDMI to SPDIF converter into a Yaqin DAC-K9 using a tube buffer output stage. Controlled from a Samsung Chromebook.
Chromecast is slimmed down linux server, as is the Chrome OS running on both."
Curious?
What converter are you using, and where are you storing and streaming the data from?
I am using a J-Tech converter. I stream either FLAC from the chrome browser and cast that tab, or I stream google play music unlimited.
FLAC of course sounds better, but the google play music isn't that bad at 320kbps.
I have 3TB of FLAC files ripped, and another 3TB backup, so total 6TB stored. I use an Ubuntu 12.04 LTS server with 2 external HDDs. I encrypt them with LUKS and use the ext4 file system.
You can make html5 pages of albums and just load them into chrome browser and cast the chrome tab and it sounds wonderful.
I also enjoy using internet radio, to spice things up.
below is a link to html5 audio test, FLAC works in ChromeOS and Chrome browser on my chromebook.
"I am using a J-Tech converter. I stream either FLAC from the chrome browser and cast that tab, or I stream google play music unlimited."
So Toslink out to the DAC? What frequency does to go up to, 24/96?
You are using the Chromecast stock, not rooted?
regards
Bob
I have the SPDIF version, the Yaqin at Toslink and SPDIF DAC goes up to 24/192sounds great and I can switch between Solid State or Tube output stage, upgraded the tube to a Electro Harmonics...
I am good to go!
Also got a DAC that cost 6x the cost of the Yaqin, noticed that the SS Bel Canto is just too analytical for enjoyment, I use it when I want my head blown off....
have a good one! Chromecast is stock!
Edits: 04/20/14
"I have the SPDIF version, the Yaqin at Toslink and SPDIF DAC goes up to 24/192"
You don't notice a loss in quality with toslink?
.
Uh, been repeatedly saying that here for a long time now..reliance on commercial o/s and consumer grade computers is tail chasing endeavor.Purpose built for high end audio products are miles ahead.
In just bought a Bryston BDP-2 and will never use another digital source for file playback.
My Naim steamer served me well, but the Bryston, based on the Auraliti architecture, is SOTA.
If you have not auditioned a BDP-2 you have not covered all bases IMO.
Edits: 04/19/14
I auditioned the original Bryston BDP-1 and while I was very satisfied with the audio quality, which is the singular most important think there are a couple of other things that put me off from purchasing it and from pursuing others.
Price: Most of us have some budget limit we have to deal with. With what I have invested in my Mac Mini, software, cables and external HDD I don't believe I can buy (but I certainly might be wrong) as complete and functional a self contained server as what I have.
User Interface: This is a big deal to me. I like the interface of what I have now either on my HDTV or my iPad. I have found that the user interfaces I have seen for these servers, save one from Linn, were really lacking. I simply didn't like them.
Library Management: to me if these server devices are going to truly be an all-in-one device they must have complete capability to manage a library including ripping, downloading, streaming, metadata, artwork, video display etc.
My interest and need is not limited to the simple interface of a CD like playback experience. I have not looked at servers seriously for almost 18 months and technology advances quickly so my impressions may be dated.
I like the general concept of a server but I am concerned with the lack of an agreed upon standard of form and function and each manufacturer seems to have there own concept of what this is. If you buy a disc player you are pretty confident of what you are getting and what it does.
The BDP interface has improved dramatically and it is a pleasure to use now. Thankfully they do listen to user feedback on their forum and have made substantial improvements. They added Ethernet steaming and next up is DSD playback.
Edits: 04/20/14 04/20/14 04/20/14 04/20/14 04/20/14 04/20/14 04/20/14 04/20/14
I recently picked up a CompuLab Utilite Pro to experiment with. It is interesting. There is currently a version of Volumio for it and it should also run other player software made for these ARM devices. These devices are basically what are being used in AIO streamers. Signalyst Hqplayer, (I believe Tony use this) has a Linux version.
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