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cMP - the open source high-end Memory Player

41.183.0.21
Posted on December 30, 2007 at 05:42:01
cics
Audiophile

Posts: 1320
Joined: November 9, 2006
cMP

The open source high-end Memory Player

December 2007

Music delivery is perfected. cMP (cics Memory Player) delivers memory playback (without RAMDisk or other utilities) thereby eliminating disk interference during playback.

In creating cMP, its critical objective was the implementation of fundamental designs that:

  1. Remove disk traffic interference during playback without having the inconvenience of manually loading files into a virtual RAM drive, etc..
  2. Ensure time critical sample delivery to the external DAC. Streaming of samples from precision upsampled (to 24/96) sound buffers to the soundcard must be fast, lean and mean! There's no room for any bottlenecks or overheads here, otherwise we risk increasing jitter and compromise Bit Transparency.
  3. Provide better power supply and remove the need for a ferrite core on the mouse connection.
  4. Provide flexibility to choose any player (Foobar2000, Winamp etc.).
  5. Further minimize the Windows footprint to that more optimal than XP's Embedded SP2 operating system as used in large scale commercial applications. This provides the foundation for the 2nd design goal.
  6. Offer a CD/DVD-ROM drive without impacting sound quality.
  7. Offer proper remote usability as locating that mouse cursor from a distance is cumbersome.
  8. Contain costs but also allow for a complete elegant one box solution.

Such designs in theory should render a stunning sonic experience. Its implementation however was a massive challenge. Did this theory meet the sonic expectations? Yes as evidenced in cMP's bit perfect performance and ultra low jitter.

How does it sound? The most descriptive word that comes to mind is emotional. cMP's sonic purity is truly profound. It grips those musical lines across any genre with remarkable precision. Soundstage improves, there's better layering and even more ambient information. Bass is tighter, with natural vocals & instruments.

FRONT



BACK



More pictures and screenshots are available from the cMP documentation link provided below.

FEEDBACK

Pre-release testing by music lovers located all over the world yielded further insight and perfection of cMP.

  • A music lover based in the US with limited or no computer training:

    This has been a great way to learn about computers in addition to making something very useful for enjoying music.

    Compared to my ###### (read expensive high-end traditional CD transport), even with some tweaking and learning left to do, this sounds much better. Dynamic, yet relaxed (effortless?).

    I started listening last night at 7:00 and had to force myself to go to bed at twelve. Amazing spaciousness. It is truly getting close to GREAT analog and is much better than average analog already. It is simply amazing.

    I found your instructions easy to follow ONCE I understood what I was being told to do. To repeat, I have never done anything like this before, so your instructions were clear without resorting to "hand holding". I think the process was easier than you warned. I kept saying to myself, "that wasn't so bad!"

    After cMP:

    My only audio friends are very analogue-centric. Sometime in January I am going to have them over to audition the cMP. I think they are going to be amazed. Of course, I am confident that JULI@ is going to be the icing on the cake. If this takes the whole thing another step closer I think they will be grateful that one can enjoy listening to CD's as much as LP's. Of course, in many ways your approach does things even LP's cannot do. It is becoming a toss-up, but the best kind; one can enjoy either one equally well!

  • A music lover based in Europe with more than 2000 CDs:

    the quality of sound reproduction is quite amazing. My motivation for building was that I am not wealthy and could never dream of, let alone buy, a high-end CD player. Even this project was considerably more than I could properly afford and I began it with some trepidation. But it's been well worth it.

    After cMP:

    I spent several hours last night testing the latest cMP. I did several A/B runs with cMP on the one hand and Foobar launched via old batch files and reading direct from disk on the other. There is no doubt in my mind that the sound using cMP is a significant improvement even with my modest setup.

    The quality is quite stunning, significantly better than previous. (My partner agrees with this - she's no audio junkie but she is an informed music lover.)

  • A music lover based in Australia:

    I have been wanting to relay to you my own experience with your methods and give you some feedback . So far, I have found your approach produces very good results so I must convey to you my thanks and appreciation. At some point soon I will formalise my thoughts and send them to you or post them. I believe what you have done has become an excellent resource/asset to people interested in PC Audio.


FEATURES

  1. Disk traffic interference during playback is eliminated. Advanced RAM playback is based on available physical RAM (as reported by Task Manager or Process Explorer). This means up to 4GB (XP's limit) can be used allowing for 24/192 RAM playback. Recommendation is to use 1GB RAM (which yields available physical RAM of ~830MB - enough for any CD at 16/44.1). cMP achieves memory playback via the system cache and not through a simulated virtual drive. This approach removes Windows disk I/O overheads (irrespective of whether disk is physical or virtual) hence, it's more optimal.

  2. Extensive Windows & Player (Foobar2000 or other) optimizations yielding much lower jitter and bit perfect delivery. System level optimizations are done at runtime (which cannot be achieved using .bat files and utilities like Process Explorer). cMP is designed to work with 32 CPU cores!

  3. Open architecture. cMP allows for any player to be used: Foobar2000, XXHighEnd, Winamp etc. (player just needs to handle .cue files like foobar2000 otherwise play entire .wav). Any ripper software can be used (as long as it conforms to .cue single file standard like those created by EAC). Additional flexibility is provided, for example use cMP to drive your HTPC playing any movie from any genre (a .cue file for each .iso file is needed).

  4. All .cue files are processed by cMP which means the player focuses only on playing the CD. In Foobar2000, the album list control component is not needed. In techno speak this is called separation of concerns.

  5. Power delivery to the mobo is improved by further reducing interference. The need for a ferrite core is removed.

  6. Full function remote control using a wireless mouse is achieved. Your entire library can be navigated: play any CD, eject it, jump to any track or change volume. This is achieved using just ONE mouse button: the Wheel! Use the mouse as a normal one (left-click) or hold it in your hand (like a remote control) and wheel away using your thumb. Of course other buttons are used for more convenience. There's no need to find that tiny mouse cursor and left click! (You can still do this if needed).

  7. Your entire library that you so diligently ripped is fully compatible with cMP. No proprietary / lock-in stuff here which forces you to re-rip. Just point cMP to your music folders containing .cue and .wav files (or flac or other). cMP supports any content file as long as cue files are defined for them. For flac content files, the known EAC bug of adding an additional .flac suffix to the content file's name must be removed (otherwise your cue's content file directive will not be found).

  8. CD/DVD-ROM drive is implemented without compromising playback quality. For the purist, this can be unplugged without opening computer or rebooting.

Bottom line: cMP is a (one box) highly advanced memory player that's easy to setup and use. cMP's core strength lies in newly developed operating system software components (built in c/c++) that uses XP SP 2 as a foundation. Windows Explorer is done away with while cMP takes over and more. Bit perfect delivery is achieved yielding an ultra high resolution of more than 23.5 bits (a limitation in measuring instruments prevents measuring cMP's perfect resolution). DAC's have yet to achieve this resolution (as a minimum of 141db SNR is needed)! For cMP's bit perfect measurements, see (Bit Perfect Measurement & Analysis ).


GETTING STARTED

Visit cicsMemoryPlayer.com where you'll find detailed easy to follow instructions and much more.

Ensuring clean AC power delivery to equipment is very important. For DAC, pre-amp and amplifiers, use a dedicated AC circuit. For source equipment, use another AC circuit as this is where cMP's main PSU should be powered from. Use another less important AC circuit for powering cMP's 2nd dirty power inlet. Use of quality power cords and line conditioners is recommended.


Special thanks to those that provided such brilliant feedback and suggestions during pre-release testing. cMP's software is at version 1.0b as more feedback is desired. Your input, insights, criticisms, experiences and suggestions all help.

Thank you.

 

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RE: How to Power the Memory - Part 2.2 : Three Terminal Linear Regulator , posted on December 14, 2011 at 05:31:12
jackwong96
Audiophile

Posts: 219
Joined: April 20, 2010
 Hi Theob,

For heatsink, the one I used in Part 2.1 is the minumum requirement. The regulator will disspate more than 4W of heat. You could use one third the size of heatsink that I used in Part 2.2.

Use an iron solder to remove the choke. Heat up the soldering point and press down the pins one after another. No need to find a choke, use the one that you will desolder from the mobo. Put one choke on the output of the reg. If you have more chokes, put another on the input side of reg.

1/2 or 1/4w resisitors wil do.

No problem with ground loop if you use a seperate PS. Don't worry about the wire length, it will work. It's not a permenant setup afterall.

"I take it that in to the regulator is lead from left of 2RO in your picture and out to the board is the the lead (or hole) on the right of 2RO"

That's not correct.r
Only the hole close to the ram slot will be used. The output terminal of the Reg. goes to this hole, with a choke in between.




The input to the reg. and 0V shouild be taken from the P24 connector. 3.3V (input to reg) and 0V both taken benneath the P24 socket. Plug in the P24 and you will see the colour of wires. The 3.3V is organge and 0V is black. One set of these wires just happen to be located on the edge of the socket near the choke, connect (solder) benneath the organge wire. This wire will be connected to the input of reg.(if you have more chokes, put one in between) Do the same for the 0V black wire which will connect to the Ground of the reg.


A new idea

I am going to power the RAM by using 3.3V Lifepo battery. Since you have the same, so you may want try this before I do. It should work better than NiMh batteries.

You need:

a 3.3V =>10AH battery(small ones parellel them), 10W 0.75 ohm and 10W 0.82 ohm resistors, 16V 4700uf cap.

Simplily connect + of battery to one end of 0.75ohm, the other end of the 0.75ohm to the hole nearest to the RAM slot. Connect - of battery to any ground of mobo(black wire). You may need a switch for start up or may twist the wires for connection. You also need to solder a 4700uf Cap, - to Ov of Mobo, + to the only hole on the mobo, i.e. the 0.75ohm R and + of cap go to this hole, and - to the ground.

Make connection and measure the voltage on the other end of the 0.75V R, which should be around 1.5V, then power up the mobo.

And then enjoy music and the improvements which will be more significant than any of the tweaks you've tried or even their accummlated effects.

You may change to 0.82ohm to see if it will boot at lower volatge.

 

RE: How to Power the Memory - Part 2.2 : Three Terminal Linear Regulator , posted on December 14, 2011 at 06:44:50
theob
Audiophile

Posts: 3180
Location: ann arbor michigan
Joined: November 4, 2000
 Thanks Jack .. just what I needed. I will order the parts now.

 

RE: How to Power the Memory - Part 2.2 : Three Terminal Linear Regulator , posted on December 14, 2011 at 07:09:13
theob
Audiophile

Posts: 3180
Location: ann arbor michigan
Joined: November 4, 2000
 Using a bunch of 3.3 lifepo4 batteries is a great idea and simple to implement! What is purpose of twisting the wires?

 

RE: How to Power the Memory - Part 2.2 : Three Terminal Linear Regulator , posted on December 14, 2011 at 09:02:35
jackwong96
Audiophile

Posts: 219
Joined: April 20, 2010
 For temporary connection without soldering - joint the ends of two wires together by twisting them. In this case, one wire from the choke hole and the other from the 0.75 ohm resistor.

Let me know the good news! I haven't tried LIFEPO yet.

 

The saga of my netbook power supply, posted on December 16, 2011 at 02:56:37
kclo
Audiophile

Posts: 68
Joined: August 21, 2010
 Hi Eunegis,

Like to share my experience relating to netbook's various power supply configurations.

I have been using Acer Aspire One + Devilsound USB dac/cable for over a year, and have been through the following configs.- in the time sequence of implementation:

1. Aspire One's native switching PS
2. Aspire One's battery unit
3. Workbench linear PS
4. Linear PS + USB isolator + external USB battery PS
5. Aspire One battery + USB isolator + external USB battery
6. Linear PS + Aspire One battery + USB isolator + external USB battery

2. was totally not workable, the battery pack did not have enough juice to power the USB dac. 3, 4, and 5 all had BIG SQ improvement, with 5 the biggest-really one of a different magnitude. What was most unexpected was the bass, with much better definition and body. What was previously a bit digitally thin was no more and the sound sings with analog glory. Though 5. was a bit dark sounding with some recordings. But the darkness was gone with 6.

To cut to the chase, battery power is essential for a good sound in netbook, and yes, net + battery gives you the best of both worlds.

KC

 

RE: The saga of my netbook power supply, posted on December 16, 2011 at 03:03:28
Eunegis
Audiophile

Posts: 49
Joined: August 26, 2010
 Hi KC,

great! That's useful experience.

-> What linear PS and USB-Isolator did you use? I've always had trouble with finding a linear PS with an acceptable WAF - usualy the are not living room compatible. And I have no experience with USB-isolators at all.
-> Does the Devilsound DAC provide asynchronous operation?

Eunegis

 

RE: The saga of my netbook power supply, posted on December 16, 2011 at 19:52:45
kclo
Audiophile

Posts: 68
Joined: August 21, 2010
 Hi Eunegis,

My linear PS is a Chinese made regular workbench PS I got in Beijing. Looks OK to me as a technical equipment. You can always hide it if you want. I just put it on the floor behind the speakers so it is mainly out of sight.

You can find info on the USB isolator on the cMP site here, under optimizing USB Dacs:

http://www.cicsmemoryplayer.com/index.php?n=CMP.10Soundcard

I got mine (exactly the one shown in the photo) in Taobao, a Chinese ecommerce site. I must emphasis that IMO the isolator is a must if you are using a USB Dac.

No, Devilsoubnd is not asyn. I use it because of cost and convenience (no need to think about cables on both end and USB powered). But this little guy just surprise me to no end. Big sound and no matter whatever optimization I'd done over the year, and you know that there are a lot, esp. recently by steppe and all, I have never out grow this guy, i.e. the effects of various optimizations are quite noticeable through it.

KC

 

RE: The saga of my netbook power supply, posted on December 17, 2011 at 14:19:20
Eunegis
Audiophile

Posts: 49
Joined: August 26, 2010
 Hi KC,

nice hints! I've ordered an ADuM4160 USB-isolator in the meantime after having read your post. I've even found out through cics' hint that it is availible right here at home in Europe. What a small world... I'm curious to find out about its sonic properties!

At the moment I'm listening to the new netbook. Even though it's through Vista (moderately tweaked) with the latest foobar and a Musiland Monitor 02US used as an asynchronous USB->SPDIF-converter (very latest drivers 2.2.0) plus a new amplifier with inbuilt DAC (Onkyo A-5VL) results are already very pleasant. A comparison to my fully optimized cMP²-system (no Juli@ though, but Audio-gd's Digital Interface and NFB-2 DAC) plus a nice KT-88 tubeamp is yet to come.
And at the moment the netbook's fully tweaked XP-system including minlogon doesn't recognize the Digital Interface, the Musiland Monitor or an USB-HDD. There's some more fiddling ahead of me, I guess... (though so far no bug has remained unsolved ;-D)

I'll let anyone who's interested know about my comparisons, but it will take a week or two at least to be serious. Until then I'm (and maybe others are) curious about all other experience and suggestions related to the netbook-way-to-do-it!

Eunegis

 

RE: The saga of my netbook power supply, posted on December 17, 2011 at 21:55:49
kclo
Audiophile

Posts: 68
Joined: August 21, 2010
 Hi,

Nice to hear that you are moving from a 'full' setup to a laptop; while I'm trying to do the opposite. Not that I am unhappy with the current sound, in fact I am absolutely delighted with what I'm hearing now, what with the recent tweaks by steppe and all, I am getting the sound of my previous full analog gear. (Infinity RS1, Sota Diamond, Decca cartridge etc.)

Please note that if you want to externally power your USB isolator, you'll have to do a couple of soldering jobs. However, because your dac is self-powered, the benefit you could derived from the ADuM4160 might not be as great as mine.

When you said 'fully tweaked XP' do you mean the full spectrum of the steppe tweaks (22+ I think)? If yes, then your USB doesn't work is a given because the full steppe tweaks are not taking the USB into account. You would need to find out what files are needed to enable the USB to be functional and restore them.

KC

 

RE: The saga of my netbook power supply, posted on December 18, 2011 at 00:56:56
Eunegis
Audiophile

Posts: 49
Joined: August 26, 2010
 Hi KC,

fully tweaked XP is meant only according to cics' recommendations.
I tried to find out about steppes tweaks in the Asylum. Information seems to be scattered all over, and tweaks look extremely aggressive. So its difficult to find a point to start at - would the post linked below make sense???
Have you cross-tested all of steppes tweaks already?

Eunegis

 

RE: The saga of my netbook power supply, posted on December 18, 2011 at 01:59:31
Eunegis
Audiophile

Posts: 49
Joined: August 26, 2010
 ...by the way:
my DAC is self-powered - but the Digital Interface (SPDIF->USB-converter) is not! So maybe at this signal's crucial turning point the power isolator may help.
And not recognizing DI, Musiland and HDD is strange since USB-sticks are recognized normally. It may have something to do with the power level on the USBs and those three devices demanding more power than USB-sticks, but I don't know yet, and I haven't heard of any ways to adjust that so far. I believe that's done automatically and can be seen in the properties dialog of each hub.
E

 

RE: The saga of my netbook power supply, posted on December 18, 2011 at 02:14:40
kclo
Audiophile

Posts: 68
Joined: August 21, 2010
 Hi Eunegis,

(This really belongs to the cPlay thread.)

I understand the confusion and I think many inmates would agree. I am confused too. But (steppe and others) tweaks are important.

I am currently at steppe 4 +Jilida 2 + some of steppe's later tweaks (lets call them watchdog, shell32 trim, and 3 mermaids). All these tweaks in totality makes a huge difference. I had went beyond steppe 4 (to steppe 8, I think) but then had to retract because I didn't liked the sound, way too thin. I will venture forth with further tweaks after I setup my multi-partition, multi-boot hard drive. The only way to do these later dangerous tweaks is to have a multi-boot/partition drive and a good backup/restore procedure. But then early tweaks are quite safe.

My suggestion:

1. Go to steppe's earliest tweak post and then start from there:

http://www.audioasylum.com/forums/pcaudio/messages/9/91415.html

read everyone's comment and then decide whether you want to go forward with it.

2. email Julida and ask for his Bitches Batch (a series of batch files to do the tweaks so that you don't have to remove each file/dll manually)

3. set up a mutli-boot/partition hard drive with a backup/restore procedure so that you can go back to a saved backup if something goes wrong.

KC

 

RE: LiFePo4 Battery from 13.2V to 12V (or 11.8V), posted on December 19, 2011 at 03:14:54
kclo
Audiophile

Posts: 68
Joined: August 21, 2010
 Hi Jack,

I am planning my next music server, and am also a believer in battery power supply. Would like to get your input on something I found in Taobao:

http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=4472332925&ali_refid=a3_420435_1006:1102524038:6:%B5%E7%C4%D4%B5%E7%D4%B4:c31f8980be71f171b0dcf92593006536&ali_trackid=1_c31f8980be71f171b0dcf92593006536

Would something like this be able to simplify the power supply issue?

Thanks for your input, as always,
KC

 

RE: LiFePo4 Battery from 13.2V to 12V (or 11.8V), posted on December 19, 2011 at 03:28:50
theob
Audiophile

Posts: 3180
Location: ann arbor michigan
Joined: November 4, 2000
 KC any english translation available? What is jist of article?

 

RE: LiFePo4 Battery from 13.2V to 12V (or 11.8V), posted on December 19, 2011 at 04:06:40
kclo
Audiophile

Posts: 68
Joined: August 21, 2010
 Hi Theob,

This board accepts:

1. Battery input (24V/21V/19V)
2. Charging input (220V/12V-car lighter/12&24V-car battery)

and output 12V, 5V and 3.3V for the MO and display card

You don't really need the Chinese, just look at the diagram and my description above

KC

 

RE: LiFePo4 Battery from 13.2V to 12V (or 11.8V), posted on December 19, 2011 at 04:32:45
theob
Audiophile

Posts: 3180
Location: ann arbor michigan
Joined: November 4, 2000
 Thanks

 

Jack Wong, your help, please, posted on December 20, 2011 at 08:40:17
rickmcinnis@dogwoodfabrics.com
Audiophile

Posts: 3040
Location: Atlanta
Joined: December 15, 2003



Working on my MB last night.

I removed all of the unnecessary video ports and USB ports.

I can easily see the two video chips that need to be removed and the mosfets for the two fans but after that I lose my confidence.

I am almost sure that the chip towards the back to the left of the audio jacks should be removed but I need assurance.

The same with that chip on the left side, almost to the back near an on-board audio jack - I think this one should be removed but ....

There were a few other items you mentioned in your original post and I thought I had it figured out but it is no surprise that when you pick up the hot air gun much confidence can disappear.

Would you mind looking at the picture and tell me what I am missing?

Sorry my white circles are hard to see. I have to use a magnifier to see them.

THANKS very much,

Rick McInnis

 

RE: LiFePo4 Battery from 13.2V to 12V (or 11.8V), posted on December 20, 2011 at 08:44:37
jackwong96
Audiophile

Posts: 219
Joined: April 20, 2010
 Hi KC,

The product highlighted is very good value for SQ performance. Just slightly more expensive than an ATX PS, you can get a battery switching PS. The good thing is that you will certainly get rid of all power-line noise. The bad is that it's still a switching PS, but at this price I don't think one should ask for more. My comments are that you cannot possible buy a better PS at this price and it can possibly outperform some linear PS.

The choice is very personal. This product offers ease of installation but is not a choice for ultimate performance. If you want better performance, look somewhere else.

The LiFePo4 options are preferred. SQ will benefit from adding some good bypass capacitors and ferrite chokes. Of note, even with this PS, a separate 12V is still needed for the P4 for noise isolation.

 

RE: Jack Wong, your help, please, posted on December 20, 2011 at 10:52:20
jackwong96
Audiophile

Posts: 219
Joined: April 20, 2010




Your assessment is correct. Use a forceps.
1. Sound chip (easily blow off)
2. Network (bottom is soldered to the mobo, require more heating)
3. IDE controller (cut off legs by a cutter, it's easy. And then remove the residue by a paste of tin solder)
4. Regulator for 3 above(fear you might remove side components, so don't remove this one. But you may lift the legs on both sides of the reg.)
5. HDMI Video converter (bottom is soldered to the mobo, require more heating)
6. DVI Video converter (bottom is soldered to the mobo, require more heating)

Do not remove the mosfets for fans. It's unnecessary. Just cut off their legs.

Try 1 first. When you've done 1 and 2, you can do the rest. The only issue with removal of video chips is insufficient space to work it out. I've removed the block of connector for Spdif etc. in order to make space for work.

Again, good luck.









 

THANKS!!! very much, posted on December 20, 2011 at 11:47:01
rickmcinnis@dogwoodfabrics.com
Audiophile

Posts: 3040
Location: Atlanta
Joined: December 15, 2003
 I feel much more confident and will follow your instructions.

Thanks, again, and a few more times after that!

 

The Singing Atom, posted on December 20, 2011 at 14:05:36
Douwe01nl
Audiophile

Posts: 71
Location: Amsterdam
Joined: September 29, 2011
 Hi all,
this weekend the Atom based Asrock AD525PV3 arrived: AND IT ROCKS!!
Boy, this board is SINGING AND SWINGING! Great detail, soundstage etc...MUSIC!!

No deletions done yet!! Only:
- small nLite install (as per Junaid / Rick)
- minlogon
- awe
- mem=256 boot.ini-tweak
I am VERY VERY happy!!

My current Gigabyte GA-H55M-USB3 will move to desktop and take care of office-work. I purchased the h55m a year ago, for its well-designed cpu power phases. Unfortunately sq was disappointing: too much needles chips (sound, hdmi, dvi, sata2/IDE, USB-3) which made it difficult to get good sound and real music.

Then Ryelands set me on the Atom-trail (thanks Dave!). For me upsampling to 88.2 is enough, so i don't need sse4-capable CPU.
see http://www.audioasylum.com/forums/pcaudio/messages/9/98866.html

Why the Asrock ROCKS:
- simple design, no needles functions
- detailed bios
- fanless (i removed the fan and extended the heatsink, by putting an old heatsink up-side-down on top - for the moment, later more elegant solution - it keeps temp below 50 max is 100)

The Bios
- cpu: i clocked it to 1,5GHz. By changing system/'FSB'-clock. This means underclocking memory as well.
- memory is clocked @333MHz - DDR3-667
- most steep dram latency settings:
tCL 5
tRCD 4
tRP 3
tRAS 11
tRFC 30
tWR 4
tWTR 2
tRRD 2
tRTP 2
- besides latency this bios offers "DRAM Rcomp control". This is a set of 6 variable settings which controls the datatraffic between RAM and CPU. I didn't find anything on it, have to ask Asrock.
Some settings give more detail, others more laid back.
Any ideas how to set Rcomp?
- cpu voltage set to 1,0v (lowest setting)
- dram voltage set to 1,3v (lowest setting)
- disabled spread-spectrum, usb, lan, pci-ide-busmaster, parrallel port, com-port
- fixed graphics memory

Only strange thing is xp (and cpu-Z) only sees two cores, not the hyperthreads / 4 cores.
I installed xp in MPS-multicore (non-acpi). Maybe that's why xp only sees 2 cores. But i did this on the h55m and this worked ok (4 'cores').
Any ideas?

In the mean time, i'll play some music and enjoy all the new details!!

Cheers!
Douwe

 

RE: LiFePo4 Battery from 13.2V to 12V (or 11.8V), posted on December 20, 2011 at 16:20:28
kclo
Audiophile

Posts: 68
Joined: August 21, 2010
 Hi Jack,

Thanks for your input. My intention is to use my existing work bench linear PS for the charging supply.

KC

 

RE: LiFePo4 Battery from 13.2V to 12V (or 11.8V), posted on December 20, 2011 at 16:23:02
kclo
Audiophile

Posts: 68
Joined: August 21, 2010
 And, jack,

Is it possible for you to sent me an email.

Thanks
KC

 

RE: LiFePo4 Battery from 13.2V to 12V (or 11.8V), posted on December 20, 2011 at 16:29:08
kclo
Audiophile

Posts: 68
Joined: August 21, 2010
 Hi Jack,

Is it possible for you to sent me an email?

Thanks
KC

 

Everything removed, and tomorrow I get to see ..., posted on December 20, 2011 at 21:28:29
rickmcinnis@dogwoodfabrics.com
Audiophile

Posts: 3040
Location: Atlanta
Joined: December 15, 2003
 or more properly HEAR, if I destroyed the thing.

Luckily it was a second board so it won't ne tragic.

Will let you know.

 

Is Asrock AD525PV3 better sounding than H55M-USB3, , posted on December 20, 2011 at 22:26:45
jackwong96
Audiophile

Posts: 219
Joined: April 20, 2010
 under the same Windows and hardware conditions?

 

Yes Asrock AD525PV3 is much better, posted on December 21, 2011 at 01:11:41
Douwe01nl
Audiophile

Posts: 71
Location: Amsterdam
Joined: September 29, 2011
 Hi JackWong, yes, the AD525PV3 is sounding much better!
I'm very happy, and even more happy when i think about implementing your hw-tweaks on bypassing caps and dedicated DRAM-psu!!!

Same setup for both AD525PV3 and GA-H55M-USB3 boards:
- minimal nLite install, MPS-Multiprocessor
- AWE
- minlogon
- boot.ini tweaked as per steppes mem=256
No hardware tweaks (only Juli@ has dedicated psu)
Edit: yes 1 difference in HW setup: AD525 runs on 30GB-SSD (40 cd's stored), h55m has 120GB-SSD (80 cd's stored). I'll check effect on sq in next weeks.
Edit 2: after comparing 30GB and 120GB SSD's in AD525PV3: subtle difference in favour of 30GB SSD. Conclusion: AD525PV3 beats H55M-USB3 with ease.

AD525PV3 provides more detail, more musical. I really heared some new details. In multi-voice songs the location of the singers is better, more subtle.
And it needs less power: h55m could run 6 hours on SLA-batteries, AD525pv3 sings 10 hours.

Nice thing is, there is only one cpu power phase. Simple design, less switching, more constant power-draw (i think but not sure - i'm sure about the SQ though). Easy to tweak/bypass with sikorel-Wima combo's.

Other nice thing is the Rcomp control in bios. Playing with these settings can provide different optimum-settings for instrumental / sing-a-song / classical. Three different bios settings can be stored in bios (like the h55m).

So if one could do with 88.2/96 upsampling or less, one should definitely try the ad525pv3. I'll keep the h55m for future use in a roomcorrection setup.

Of course i'm still very interested in your h55m-usb3 development. We have a shared reference now (untweaked h55m-usb3). During the next weeks, after burning in, i'll do another A-B test (ad525-h55m) and report.

Question: Could you have a look at the 2nd picture in
http://www.audioasylum.com/forums/pcaudio/messages/9/98866.html
Top left corner: between sound-chip and pci-slot, you can see a tiny black smd-souldered 'thing'. There is another right next to it (in the picture it's hidden behind the pci-slot). Could this be the choke for powering sound-chip? So if i remove it i disable the sound-chip?
Is it the same thing as you described in http://www.audioasylum.com/forums/pcaudio/messages/9/98886.html ?

Besides that i can't wait until your next post on DRAM-psu!!

Cheers!
Douwe

 

Congratulations Rick! Very curious about your results! n/t, posted on December 21, 2011 at 01:18:06
Douwe01nl
Audiophile

Posts: 71
Location: Amsterdam
Joined: September 29, 2011

 

Mr. Wong, should I bother with the capacitors?, posted on December 21, 2011 at 07:53:53
rickmcinnis@dogwoodfabrics.com
Audiophile

Posts: 3040
Location: Atlanta
Joined: December 15, 2003
 Wondered if you think it is worth the trouble.

They seem benign without the chips.

I know you got rid of them but wondered if you have had second thoughts as to how worthwhile this is.

(yes, it is obvious I am being lazy ... or am I trying to delay the moment of truth of actually trying to USE the board?)

Thanks,

 

Don't bother, leave them there, , posted on December 21, 2011 at 08:14:02
jackwong96
Audiophile

Posts: 219
Joined: April 20, 2010
 and USE the board to hear it!

 

Tonight, tonight ..., posted on December 21, 2011 at 09:40:03
rickmcinnis@dogwoodfabrics.com
Audiophile

Posts: 3040
Location: Atlanta
Joined: December 15, 2003
 I have no excuses to delay!!!

THANKS!!!!!

 

RE: Yes Asrock AD525PV3 is much better, posted on December 21, 2011 at 09:51:08
jackwong96
Audiophile

Posts: 219
Joined: April 20, 2010
 Yes. Removing the choke will disable the sound chip, although partially. I checked the data, the chip needs 3.3V and 5V supply. You will disable either of them.

Based on your experience, I re-test my GA-D510UD (1.66Ghz, 1M cache), underclocked to 1.0Ghz, 0.95V, ram 1.8V(no lower setting), Julia@, similar CMP as yours. I must say I was disappointed, when compared to others. There are only 3 chokes on this mobo, 6 on yours. I believe this is the reason.

 

It works - but my old install will not boot, posted on December 21, 2011 at 14:01:58
rickmcinnis@dogwoodfabrics.com
Audiophile

Posts: 3040
Location: Atlanta
Joined: December 15, 2003
 so I have to do YET another install.

Don't mind since each time I think I do it a little better.

At least I did not ruin the board.

Thanks for all of the help (again X pick any large number)

 

RE: It works - but my old install will not boot, posted on December 21, 2011 at 18:02:46
jackwong96
Audiophile

Posts: 219
Joined: April 20, 2010
 Hardware changed, devices missing and your ultimate Windows failed to recognize, which is good.

 

RE: Yes Asrock AD525PV3 is much better, posted on December 22, 2011 at 06:17:49
Douwe01nl
Audiophile

Posts: 71
Location: Amsterdam
Joined: September 29, 2011
 Yes i guess chipset and GPU of the Asrock get cleaner power.
Thanks for the advice on audiochip. i'll remove the chip by (de)soldering.

Since in bios cpu and memory frequency are directly related, i willtry the asrock AD525PV, which has DDR2. I'll try to runit on slowest possible memory, but with CL3. I think i can get cpu to 900MHz, while running DDR2 memory on 100MHz. A 100Mhz CL3 gives closely the same action-time as 166Mhz with CL5 memory. to be continued...

Douwe

 

RE: Yes Asrock AD525PV3 is much better, posted on December 22, 2011 at 08:48:18
jackwong96
Audiophile

Posts: 219
Joined: April 20, 2010
 It would be very difficult to remove the chip by solder iron, because the iron tip cannot transfer heat to all the pins at the same time. You may try but a heat gun is preferable.

Doesn't this Mobo use DDR3? The manual says so.

 

Through with most of the install, and ..., posted on December 22, 2011 at 08:55:55
rickmcinnis@dogwoodfabrics.com
Audiophile

Posts: 3040
Location: Atlanta
Joined: December 15, 2003
 though I am not yet comparing equivalent installations I can hear a subtle improvement.

Not night and day (don't we all hope for the giant breakthrough?).

Still registry slimming work to do. By the end of the day I should have a good idea.

If for no other reason than this makes it easier to implement linear power for the board. Unfortunate that it does not help the five volts rails.

I think I have done the installs so often that I find them relaxing. With the additional pleasure of seeing how fast I can do them. That does seem contradictory but for me it is not. A steady methodical pace with the occassional break for a restart!

I am glad I have done this. It takes "it" off of your mind knowing that you have brought the system one step closer to the ideal. Once you know there is a way to improve the system one can not quite settle down to listen without that nagging voice telling you it would be better if ....

Thanks, yet, again for your help, encouragement and inspiration!

 

The difference is in the background , posted on December 22, 2011 at 09:48:24
jackwong96
Audiophile

Posts: 219
Joined: April 20, 2010
 .

 

RE: The saga of my netbook power supply - Goody found..., posted on December 23, 2011 at 02:40:39
Eunegis
Audiophile

Posts: 49
Joined: August 26, 2010
 I found this little thing here... (see link below)
Looks very handy and clean, no fiddling.
I only don't understand how it can isolate if it still transmits power...???

You guys, comment, please!

 

RE: How to Power the Memory - Part 2.2 : Three Terminal Linear Regulator , posted on December 23, 2011 at 06:12:39
theob
Audiophile

Posts: 3180
Location: ann arbor michigan
Joined: November 4, 2000
 Jack a quick question. If I'm running my memory on battery power and the battery runs too low will I crash my cmp pc or will it simply shut off? This is a big operational factor.

 

RE: The saga of my netbook power supply - Goody found..., posted on December 23, 2011 at 06:27:59
Bibo01
Audiophile

Posts: 648
Joined: December 18, 2008
 There are many similar adaptors on the market, probably employing the same ADU chip.
It only works up to 48 kHz. It is compatible with USB 2.0 but up to Full Speed, NOT High Speed required for higher sample rates.

 

RE: The saga of my netbook power supply - Goody found..., posted on December 23, 2011 at 06:56:40
Ryelands
Audiophile

Posts: 1867
Location: Scotland
Joined: January 9, 2009
 [The ADuM4160] only works up to 48 kHz.

I reported on this list that I could get the device to 48 KHz only. Soundchekk (who first suggested I try it) reported that it works up to 96 KHz. I concluded that the issue was something to do with the driver I was using. Someone who bought one on my recommendation also runs it at 96 KHz.

HTH

Dave

 

RE: The saga of my netbook power supply - Goody found..., posted on December 23, 2011 at 07:09:14
Bibo01
Audiophile

Posts: 648
Joined: December 18, 2008
 Thanks for pointing that out.
The limitation is then only for newer 192kHz drivers...

 

RE: How to Power the Memory - Part 2.2 : Three Terminal Linear Regulator , posted on December 23, 2011 at 08:31:05
jackwong96
Audiophile

Posts: 219
Joined: April 20, 2010
 Not an issue at all. I can't recall, those were either BSOD or totally black screens, BSOD most probably. But not a single problem rebooting.

You shouldn't worry about it and experience the battery memory sound. 3.3.V 10AH will last 1 hours, probably. If you like it, there are many ways to extend battery life.

I should remind you to use a 1GB Ram for the first test, as I have not measured the current of smaller RAMs. Try my setting first. If your mobo will not boot with the given setting, the memory is drawing large surge current at start up, thereby causing excessive voltage drop across the resistor.

Should this happen, you should decrease the 0.75Ohm resistor to 0.72 or 0.68.

Should this fail too, you will need to add a fully charged 1.25V NiMh battery(at least 5AH). So, LifePo>resistor>NiMh>RAM, but powering on is a bit tricky because the 2 batteries should only be connected through the resistor when powered on.

This is a simple but rewarding experiment that can be worked out easily.


 

RE: Yes Asrock AD525PV3 is much better, posted on December 24, 2011 at 06:35:39
Douwe01nl
Audiophile

Posts: 71
Location: Amsterdam
Joined: September 29, 2011
 The AD525PV3 uses DDR3, the AD525PV uses DDR2. It will arrive in a few days. Later on i will try to remove the sound-chip.

Happy Christmas!
Douwe

 

RE: Latency Performance Issues - Intel i3 (35W) Build, posted on December 25, 2011 at 09:53:49
jackwong96
Audiophile

Posts: 219
Joined: April 20, 2010
 Didn't see your post. Please download PCI Lantency Tool. Set soundcard latency to 128.

 

Why the power dance on the old hardware, posted on December 27, 2011 at 12:44:22
Dawnrazor
Audiophile

Posts: 12592
Location: N. California
Joined: April 9, 2004
 just wondering why on the old mobo one had to slowly work down to low voltages and clocking, yet on the current i3 hardware it just seems to work off the bat.

Said another way is there something that could be done on the old systems to improve their performance in this regard.

Yes I just did another cmos reset. Things were great at 990hz and I went down a bit and voltage and set it to 960hz. worked fine, but after turning it off it wouldnt boot. Back at 990hz and all is fine.

Cut to razor sounding violins

 

RE: Juli@ PSU highlights, posted on December 28, 2011 at 02:01:13
acvtre@gmail.com
Audiophile

Posts: 1
Joined: July 3, 2011

Hi, I was wondering if it's possibile to use the molex of a picopsu to give the proper tensions to the esi.
In the photo you see the voltage of the molex and if you don't unsolder the regulator on the esi, maybe you could use the 5V and 0V of the molex. Do you think it's possible?

 

You might try Serge's (STEPPE) idea of using multiple BIOS entries, posted on December 28, 2011 at 07:57:13
rickmcinnis@dogwoodfabrics.com
Audiophile

Posts: 3040
Location: Atlanta
Joined: December 15, 2003
 I could never get the "new board" to get "lower" but when you follow his idea of lowering it in stages and saving a midpoint I bet you can get it much lower than you thought possible.

Of course, before you shutdown you will need to return to the "start" values so there is a measure of inconvenience.

 

RE: Why the power dance on the old hardware, posted on December 28, 2011 at 14:26:53
theob
Audiophile

Posts: 3180
Location: ann arbor michigan
Joined: November 4, 2000
 Hey Dr leave it on all the time. Only reboot when you have to.

 

undervolting by HARDWARE tweaks, posted on December 31, 2011 at 03:40:01
Douwe01nl
Audiophile

Posts: 71
Location: Amsterdam
Joined: September 29, 2011
 Hi all,
i saw this very interesting post on undervolting by HW-tweaking the mobo.

http://www.overclock.net/t/1075300/asrock-525-undervolting-and-other-atom-platforms

Could be a nice tweak for atom-users, but it mainly is important because it contributes to our hardware-knowlegde.

 

RE: The saga of my netbook power supply - Goody found..., posted on January 1, 2012 at 10:15:57
Eunegis
Audiophile

Posts: 49
Joined: August 26, 2010
 Just a short update:
the USB2ISO works generally at least up to 96kHz - I tested it myself with Audio-gd's Digital Interface hanging behind it (which utilizes a Tenor TE7022 receiver chip).

Generally I think I'll keep my netbook. I found for myself that a good ASIO driver contributes more to sound quality than the type of computer or DAC. Saying that, I'm talking about precision, transparency and extension of sound, not so much about brighter/darker - the latter can be tuned by the choosing a certain DAC or Amp.

 

Safe Mode - how to undo CMP Mode ??, posted on January 4, 2012 at 19:56:09
Ken Stuart
Audiophile

Posts: 134
Location: California
Joined: December 27, 2011
 I tried CMP in a Vista machine and evidently what I thought was "disable Welcome Screen" according to a dozen web sites, is not sufficient for CMP.

So, when I did a startCMP restart, it hangs at the Welcome screen, even though "disabling the Welcome screen" is equivalent to "not having to login at the logon screen" for everyone except "cics" the programmer.

cics wrote: "The Welcome screen requires Explorer (and causes a lock with cMP that needs a safe-mode restart to fix). Control Panel > User Accounts > Change the way users log on or off. Deselect Use the Welcome screen and restart"

That control panel does not exist in Vista, hence I did it as specified in many web sites.

So, how do I undo CMP mode in safe mode with command prompt (the only safe mode that works) ? What was done that I need to undo ?

Thanks for your help.

 

RE: Safe Mode - how to undo CMP Mode ??, posted on January 4, 2012 at 21:30:02
Ken Stuart
Audiophile

Posts: 134
Location: California
Joined: December 27, 2011
 Aha - I figured it out.

And I will leave this thread here for any future inmate who has the same problem.

When it booted into Safe Mode - Command Prompt, I typed explorer.exe which gave me an Explorer GUI, and I went to Desktop and clicked on CMP and then in settings, selected StartXP, saved and clicked on the X, which restarted the PC and back into Vista normally. Whew !

But I still need to figure out why a barren Welcome screen still causes a hang... any help would be appreciated.

 

What mobo for new cMP setup? : Intel NM10 Express (Intel Atom) or socket 1155 + Intel I3 or Celeron, posted on January 6, 2012 at 14:43:05
hfavandepas
 Hi All,

After 3 years, I want to re-new my Gibabyte G41 Mobo for a newer design with newer chipset and newer processor technology.

The classic cMP upgrade would be:
- socket 1155 + Intel I3

But I read reports from inmates (Ryelands, Jackwong, Douwe, ect) that exelent sound quality is also coming from alternative chipset / processor combos like:
- Intel NM10 Express (Intel Atom)
- socket 155 + Celeron G440 (1MB cache) or may be G530 (2 Mb cache)

Are there any other inmates who compared some of these alternatives directly head on, too the classic cMP (socket 1155 + Intel I-3) solution?

As we all know also chipsets have a profound impact on sound quality, I would like too here from other inmates who compared alternative chipset / processor combos with the classic cMP (1155 + I-3) solution.

I plan too drive the new MoBo again with XP
I will not use USB (USB disabled in Bios)
Instead I will use a headless VNC server setup, remote controlled with VNC client on andriod smartphone/tablet through LAN.
I will re-use the small Kingstone 8 Gb SSD with music files stored on a Buffalow NAS.
I also will re-used my PCI ESI Juli@ digital part.
With the 5V and 3,3V separately powered through heavily filtered linear PSU’s, the Juli@ digital part sounds gorgeous ! (Thank you Mihaylov, Gstew and others for inspiration and guidance)

Comments, suggestions on new alternative chipset / processor combo’s are very much welcomed.
(don’t forget too also give some hint about your setup: dac, amp, speakers with which you compaired)


Mark

 

RE: What mobo for new cMP setup? : Intel NM10 Express (Intel Atom) or socket 1155 + Intel I3 or Celeron, posted on January 7, 2012 at 09:19:47
Douwe01nl
Audiophile

Posts: 71
Location: Amsterdam
Joined: September 29, 2011
 Hi Mark,
Next board i want to try is Alix 1D (don't know when i'll have the time). AMD Geode @500MHz, onboard 256 MB RAM, CF-slot for OS, can handle XP-Home. I think the smaller the better. Downside could be small cache. No upsampling i guess.
http://pcengines.ch/alix1d.htm
My CD-player (digital out to Benchmark DAC1) still wins over cmp on sound quality. It just has less stuff than a computer. The more we approach a box with data, a bufferchip and good clock, the better for SQ.

SSD
Right now a 1GB Sata Disk on Module is plugged into my Atom-Asrock AD525PV3. Sounds slightly better than my 30GB OCZ-SSD.
http://www.ebay.nl/itm/FLASH-DOM-Disk-On-Module-1GB-7PIN-SATA-SSD-Hard-Drive-/300529538792?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item45f8f4d6e8

Good luck with your new CMP!!
Please report!

Douwe

 

RE: What mobo for new cMP setup? : Intel NM10 Express (Intel Atom) or socket 1155 + Intel I3 or Celeron, posted on January 7, 2012 at 09:26:17
theob
Audiophile

Posts: 3180
Location: ann arbor michigan
Joined: November 4, 2000
 You said

'My CD-player (digital out to Benchmark DAC1) still wins over cmp on sound quality.'

I am shocked @ this. Are you using digital out to the benchmark or analog out from juli@?

 

cd-player seems to win over CMP, posted on January 7, 2012 at 12:17:44
Douwe01nl
Audiophile

Posts: 71
Location: Amsterdam
Joined: September 29, 2011
 both connected to modded Benchmark DAC1 by SPDIF:
** CMP - Juli@ optical out (removerd analogue part of the card) - vdHull optical cable - BM dac1
** Marantz CD63 coaxial out - coaxial 75Ohm cable - BM dac1

OS is very small nLite-XPproSP2-install, awe, mem=256-tweak. No steppe's or BitchBatches yet.

The old (but famous) Marantz wins. Not easily, but it wins. It's designed very neat, has separated power lines for analogue and digital and cd-mechanic, but not a very good clock (like juli@).
I was shocked too. I got rid of the Marantz a few years ago, because cmp won at that time. Two years ago i changed amp (Arcam A90 to Hexateq UcD400 with greeaat PSU). I forgot, until Junaid lately asked me to compare cmp and cdp. I'm unpacking my cd's now.
I still have to try Junaids batches and XP-Home.
Besides that i'm thinking of trying Voyage MPD as OS, but I'm not really at home @ linux.

I think cdp's only task is buffering data and clocking it right before passing to spdif-chip.
cmp-boards have a lot more functions and chips to feed.
That's why i'm thinking about Alix 1D + Juli@.

How about your cdplayers?
Has anyone tried Voyage MPD as OS?

Douwe

 

RE: cd-player seems to win over CMP, posted on January 8, 2012 at 00:29:10
Dawnrazor
Audiophile

Posts: 12592
Location: N. California
Joined: April 9, 2004
 hi D,

Interesting result!

Are you using the recommended mobo or some other one? Which processor, etc.

Did you have both the cdp and cmp2 box running and connected during this test? If so can you just do one at a time disconnecting the other?

And why toslink vs. coaxial? Why not coax vs. coax?

2 things really. it is not clear this is actually a cmp2 box you are comparing, and even then I think you can only conclude that coax sounds better than toslink given what you posted.

Also were you upsampling or not?

Cut to razor sounding violins

 

Jack Wong - guidance on H61 MB BIOS, please, posted on January 8, 2012 at 01:40:56
rickmcinnis@dogwoodfabrics.com
Audiophile

Posts: 3040
Location: Atlanta
Joined: December 15, 2003
 Have you come up with any conclusions on how best to use these boards?

There are so many different designations; I do not understand what they do and how they would compare to the H55 BIOS.

Some of the entries are the same but many are unknown to me.

Any direction you would give would be appreciated.

Got the chips off and WINDOWS installed. Almost done with tweaking the installation.

Sounded good from the start. No question native PCI support is no longer as important as we thought.

Thanks,

 

RE: cd-player seems to win over CMP, posted on January 8, 2012 at 03:33:54
Douwe01nl
Audiophile

Posts: 71
Location: Amsterdam
Joined: September 29, 2011
 Mobo is Atom-based Asroch AD525PV3. I tried this, because GA-H55M-USB3 was not satisfying SQ-wise.
See my post The Singing Atom:
http://www.audioasylum.com/forums/pcaudio/messages/10/100814.html

Coax/optical
- when testing, only one item is connected (cdp or cmp2)
- on both cdp and cmp2 optical sounds better
- i connect cdp via coax for convenience: optical cable is very tight, not easy to disconnetc; coax (BNC) easy to disconnect.

OS/box
The cmp2 is a cmp2 machine (cmp + cplay).
OS is small nLite-install as per Junaid/Rick. Networking possible (but in bios disabled, yet). AWE, mem=256, minlogon. Slimming beyond nLite not yet done. Later i'll try this and report.
Maybe if i try this, and the other reg-slimming and mermaids, the cmp2 will win (i hope so). Next weeks i'll be too busy with other things (work). If i can find the time i also want to try Alix 1D, i think we must try to slim OS ánd hardware.
A cd-player has very little hardware... and a tiny OS...

Upsampling
The Benchmark DAC1 upsamples to 176.4 KHz. The sound is best when CMP2 upsamples to 88.2 and then the dac upsamples to 176.4

 

Did someone make fully linear power supply for Gigabyte GA-H67M-UD2H-B3?, posted on January 9, 2012 at 10:35:56
Mihaylov
Audiophile

Posts: 355
Location: Moscow
Joined: March 11, 2010
 They say there are difficulties with the start of this system board. Who can say about this?

Serge.
http://cmp2-mihaylov.narod.ru/

My cMP2: Windows XP SP2 Ru, GA-H55M-UD2H, i3-530, Corsair CM3X160C9DHX 1GB, system drive - Transcend IDE FLASH MODULE TS2GDOM40V-S FAT32, ESI Juli@, full linear PSU, NAS - WD My Book Live

 

RE: Jack Wong - guidance on H61 MB BIOS, please, posted on January 9, 2012 at 10:44:32
Mihaylov
Audiophile

Posts: 355
Location: Moscow
Joined: March 11, 2010
 Hi Rick!
What system board you are using on the chipset H61? Gigabyte H61M-S2H? Did you guess how to reduce the CPU and GPU voltages in bios?

Serge.
http://cmp2-mihaylov.narod.ru/

My cMP2: Windows XP SP2 Ru, GA-H55M-UD2H, i3-530, Corsair CM3X160C9DHX 1GB, system drive - Transcend IDE FLASH MODULE TS2GDOM40V-S FAT32, ESI Juli@, full linear PSU, NAS - WD My Book Live

 

GIGABYTE GA-H61M-S2H is what I have, posted on January 9, 2012 at 12:57:38
rickmcinnis@dogwoodfabrics.com
Audiophile

Posts: 3040
Location: Atlanta
Joined: December 15, 2003
 I was confused by the TURBO BOOST stuff and then saw (it was plain as day) that you can turn it off.

Does have the ability to disable SPREAD SPECTRUM.

Set the memory to the settings given by the other Serge. Set memory voltage to 1.3 volts.

I could see how to reduce the voltages just was not sure how far to go. I guess the best thing is just see what happens. I did notice this morning when looking at the CPUZ screen posted by Mr. Wong that he has his processor voltage at 0.88.

Can't seem to get the Vcore very low but then I am not sure what the control I am using does. There are many things labelled the same as the H55 board but a few with a new nomenklature that I am not sure about. Here you reduce the voltage in predetermined amounts - you do not get to pick a set voltage. So far it says I am at 0.84 volts in the BIOS. Forgot to install CPUZ and now it is too late.

I will try to make a list of the entries tonight

This board does sound good. Different from the H55 board. The presentation is more forward at the moment but I have not minimized the system hive yet. That will probably recess the stage a bit.

The board is very quiet. Much quieter than H55 and I thought that board was quiet. Comparing two boards with audio and video chips removed along with fan mosfets, the H61 is obviously quieter. I was not expecting that at all.

As I said before I hear no shortcomings of the PCI bridge as if I would know what to listen for ... (!)

I will optimize this board's installation and get used to it and replace the h55 back in a couple of weeks from now.

Any suggestions of how best to use the BIOS would be appreciated.

Thanks,

 

Hope this is not so for the H61 boards, posted on January 9, 2012 at 13:00:07
rickmcinnis@dogwoodfabrics.com
Audiophile

Posts: 3040
Location: Atlanta
Joined: December 15, 2003
 As I plan on using a linear supply for P24.

Will let you know on this one.

 

OK, posted on January 9, 2012 at 13:18:42
Mihaylov
Audiophile

Posts: 355
Location: Moscow
Joined: March 11, 2010
 -
Serge.
http://cmp2-mihaylov.narod.ru/

My cMP2: Windows XP SP2 Ru, GA-H55M-UD2H, i3-530, Corsair CM3X160C9DHX 1GB, system drive - Transcend IDE FLASH MODULE TS2GDOM40V-S FAT32, ESI Juli@, full linear PSU, NAS - WD My Book Live

 

cMP Mode hangs on Welcome Screen in Vista 32-bit, posted on January 9, 2012 at 20:36:23
Ken Stuart
Audiophile

Posts: 134
Location: California
Joined: December 27, 2011
 I tried cMP shell on Vista SP2 32-bit and it hangs at the Welcome Screen.

I followed what everyone calls "disabling the Welcome Screen in Vista", which is to use only one account, and to untick the checkbox to ask for a password logon. But even when you do that, there is a screen in the boot process in Vista with the word "Welcome" and it hangs at that point when you try to startup in cMP mode.

Has anyone managed to fix this in Vista ?

Thanks !

 

RE: Gigabyte GA-H55M-D2H, posted on January 10, 2012 at 05:21:15
domgoh@yahoo.com
Audiophile

Posts: 16
Joined: January 10, 2012
 Hi
I'm completely new to this, so pardon what might be a very basic question. Is it possible to use a Gigabyte GA-H55M-D2H motherboard instead of the UD2H recommended in the guide?

Also, is it necessary to install a soundcard to get a digital output of 24/192 resolution? Is it possible to obtain this resolution through the motherboard's SPDIF output? (I'm planning to use my existing outboard DAC)

Thanks very much

 

Zalman HD160XT Plus, posted on January 10, 2012 at 22:40:00
domgoh@yahoo.com
Audiophile

Posts: 16
Joined: January 10, 2012
 Hi
Just wondering if the Zalman HD160XT Plus can be used with XP Pro? The product description says that the touchscreen program supplied with the Zalman is optimised for Vista. My question is whether this program can also be used with XP Pro?

Thanks

 

RE: cd-player seems to win over CMP, posted on January 10, 2012 at 23:22:26
Jolida
Audiophile

Posts: 329
Joined: June 26, 2009
 I have tried optimising cMp to its utmost, but still the CD player excels in Musicality & overall enjoyment. The cMp sure sounds extended in the Mids/Highs but sounds Analytical when compared to a CD player. It was a big disappointment when i connected my Cd player after a real long time of working on the cMp. Inspite of tweaking & improving the cMp, both hardware & software-wise, it still does not stand upto a Mediocre Cd player as a transport. I own an ElectroCompaniet EMC-1 cd player, as well as an Arcam Alpha 9, & a Denon dvd-2930. Let alone the first two players (they sound far far superior), even when hooked up to the Dvd player as a transport, it beats the cMp easily. There sure may be more detail & air when optimising the cMp, but the overall enjoyment is somehow defeated. The bass & Mids sound way FULL in a cd player, as compared to the cMp.
Since i have spent so much time & work in improving the cMp machine, i felt its not fair to give up on it immediately. Instead i opt to try optimising it further for a while more, & inspite of that, if it still has a downside, i guess its wise to change over to traditional cd playback....
Just My opinion..

Junaid

 

RE: cd-player seems to win over CMP, posted on January 11, 2012 at 05:32:26
theob
Audiophile

Posts: 3180
Location: ann arbor michigan
Joined: November 4, 2000
 I owned maggies for a long time, I believe you do too. I remember when I bi-amped or otherwise tried stuff that tightened the bass I got the same reaction as apparently you are getting now.

 

RE: cd-player seems to win over CMP, posted on January 11, 2012 at 05:42:50
Jolida
Audiophile

Posts: 329
Joined: June 26, 2009
 As in..??

Junaid

 

RE: cd-player seems to win over CMP, posted on January 11, 2012 at 07:07:01
theob
Audiophile

Posts: 3180
Location: ann arbor michigan
Joined: November 4, 2000
 Thinner bass. A lack of fullness.

 

Rerouting power supply, posted on January 11, 2012 at 07:37:19
domgoh@yahoo.com
Audiophile

Posts: 16
Joined: January 10, 2012
 I've been reading the assembly instructions on how to reroute power for the touchscreen, CD ROM and spare USB hub, but it's not clear to me where the power supply for these 3 components will come from. Is it from one granite PS or several?

Also, if the CD is to be powered through the spare USB hub, drawing power from a granite digital PS, wouldn't that also overload the PS?

Would appreciate some clearer instructions pls. Thanks

 

RE: What mobo for new cMP setup? : Intel NM10 Express (Intel Atom) or socket 1155 + Intel I3 or Celeron, posted on January 12, 2012 at 16:02:20
smicyta
Audiophile

Posts: 125
Joined: February 19, 2010
 >>Next board i want to try is Alix 1D (don't know when i'll have the time).
AMD Geode @500MHz, onboard 256 MB RAM, CF-slot for OS

The Bryston BDP-1 uses this board together with the Juli@ sound card. It is really an excellent sounding machine.

But it does not support the SSE instruction set so I am wondering if cPlay would be functional on this board.

I had used a CF on my cMP machine and it is slightly better sounding than the 30Gb Kingston SSD.

Let's know if you get to try out the Alix 1d.

Regards

 

RE: What mobo for new cMP setup? : Intel NM10 Express (Intel Atom) or socket 1155 + Intel I3 or Celeron, posted on January 12, 2012 at 16:42:09
Ryelands
Audiophile

Posts: 1867
Location: Scotland
Joined: January 9, 2009
 I had used a CF on my cMP machine and it is slightly better sounding than the 30Gb Kingston SSD.

What make & model of CF and what adapter did you use to get XP to boot from CF? I tried but I couldn't even get the wretched card to format, let alone load XP.

TIA

Dave

 

RE: What mobo for new cMP setup? : Intel NM10 Express (Intel Atom) or socket 1155 + Intel I3 or Celeron, posted on January 12, 2012 at 17:08:16
smicyta
Audiophile

Posts: 125
Joined: February 19, 2010
 Hi Dave

I am using an adapter similar to this one: http://www.ebay.com.sg/itm/CF-Compact-Flash-Type-I-II-Serial-SATA-Adapter-New-/110784138767?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item19cb3fce0f#ht_2674wt_1012.

As for the CF I am using an 8GB Kingston CompactFlash – Elite Pro 133x.

Software used for migration is Paragon.

HTH

 

no SSE on Alix-1D's AMD-CPU,, posted on January 12, 2012 at 17:52:15
Douwe01nl
Audiophile

Posts: 71
Location: Amsterdam
Joined: September 29, 2011
 so you're probably right: not suitable for cPlay.

Thanks Smicyta, i didn't think about SSE. I used to have a AMD-based CMP (Socket-A Athlon Thunderbird) on which cPlay could not function. So a choice for Alix will be a choice for 'back to Foobar'.
Or may be migrate to Voyage-MPD (though as a linux-noob i'm a bit reluctant to).

I read about the Bryston, also read it has a Voyage-MPD-based OS.
Did you have the opportunity to compare the Bryston with cmp2 or cd-player? If so, could you post some comments?

I'll be very busy with work the next months, so i will not build a Alix-CMP before march/april. When i do, of course i will report.

Douwe

 

RE: no SSE on Alix-1D's AMD-CPU,, posted on January 12, 2012 at 18:45:53
smicyta
Audiophile

Posts: 125
Joined: February 19, 2010
 I had heard the Bryston BDP-1 briefly at the dealer showroom. The only thing I remember was the pin point accuracy of the images, with excellent depth. Maybe that's the characteristic of the PMC speakers used.

 

RE: no SSE on Alix-1D's AMD-CPU,, posted on January 12, 2012 at 23:13:33
Douwe01nl
Audiophile

Posts: 71
Location: Amsterdam
Joined: September 29, 2011
 Great! My speakers ar the PMC OB-1 :)))

 

Thermalright SI128SE CPU cooler, posted on January 13, 2012 at 03:16:55
domgoh@yahoo.com
Audiophile

Posts: 16
Joined: January 10, 2012
 Hi
I've tried to purchase the Thermalright SI128SE cooler (as recommended in the components list), but I'm told it only fits AMD 775 CPUs. How do I get it to fit a socket 1156 CPU?

Thanks

 

RE: Thermalright SI128SE CPU cooler, posted on January 13, 2012 at 04:20:33
smicyta
Audiophile

Posts: 125
Joined: February 19, 2010
 You can try to get it from Gary at

http://www.niceday.com.sg/thermalright.html

Mine was sent from Taiwan. PC Themes @ Sim Lim Square does have stock @SGD20 wheras mine was bought for only SGD12

 

I would, posted on January 13, 2012 at 19:00:15
steppe
Audiophile

Posts: 641
Joined: September 28, 2006
 recommend to first visit cicsmemoryplayer.com and read there EVERYTHING. That is a lot of information, also download cics' pdfs describing the building process a-z. If You cannot find these documents online, e-mail me and I will send them to You. I use this case, but I don't use the touchscreen feature and even don't use the in-built screen as a monitor at all. It's a long story... The display is too small for many activities while tweaking and more...
Just try to read. People are not very quick to answer and though it's a shame, it's understandable, as we have gone a long long way ahead. BUT INITIAL PRINCIPLES still remain relevant.
Serge.
If You want to ask me any question, I am more frequently on the cplay thread. I will try to answer as best I can.
http://www.audioasylum.com/forums/pcaudio/bbs20080613.html

 

RE: Rerouting power supply, posted on January 13, 2012 at 19:10:50
steppe
Audiophile

Posts: 641
Joined: September 28, 2006
 Hello, again! Using G55 m Ud2H and other mobos with esata makes granite digital psu almost obsolete, it seems, as they were supposed to primarily give power to hdds. You can easily use a thermaltake silver river II (single hdd version) esata-usb combo external hdd box and get an absolutely empty case. My zalman heatpipe only powers mobo, processor memory and the soundcard. It's best to use a separate soundcard, not the one built on the mobo. This way You can get real ASIO, not ASIO4ALL. Folks on this thread know a lot about these things. I am sure You will get lots of good advice.
1. My advice is - use esata combo for hdd (with separate power supply)
2. Use a separate simplistic monitor.
3. When getting a cooler for processor, calculate its height, or if too big, it may not fit inside the case.
Serge
Everything IMHO.

 

RE: I would, posted on January 13, 2012 at 22:01:56
domgoh@yahoo.com
Audiophile

Posts: 16
Joined: January 10, 2012
 Thanks for your response.
I have read everything on the build process, but could not find any pdfs. Could you send them to me?
I've already started my build, and am having some fun. Will follow the instructions for now (ie with Granite Digital PSU) and tweak as I learn more.

 

RE: Rerouting power supply, posted on January 13, 2012 at 22:07:16
domgoh@yahoo.com
Audiophile

Posts: 16
Joined: January 10, 2012
 Thanks again for your tips.

Re power supply, I am thinking of using a second ATX box to power the CPU and other "dirty" units. Does that work?

For the cooler, which brand and model are you using? I saw the Cooler Masters Gemini 4, which is 44mm high, but I'm wondering if there is sufficient cooling capacity if used in Fanless mode for our purposes?

 

RE: Jack Wong - guidance on H61 MB BIOS, please, posted on January 14, 2012 at 09:57:49
jackwong96
Audiophile

Posts: 219
Joined: April 20, 2010
 Please see my BIOS settings.

My Kingston 1G DDR3 1333 can run at 1.1V, another older 512mb can only start at 1.3V.

Try to limit the Turbo values to 30.

It's a G440 CPU, so the BIOS was indicating ALL core.

I've not test the lowest voltage limit of this CPU, which should be around 0.8V. My i3-2120T running on an H67 mobo can run at 0.805V, but still haven't tested its lowest limit.


















Quick Boot should be "Enabled"
















 

RE: Gigabyte GA-H55M-D2H, posted on January 14, 2012 at 10:09:56
jackwong96
Audiophile

Posts: 219
Joined: April 20, 2010
 The hardware presented in the CPLAY site has not been updated for some time. H55 mobo is out of production and difficult to get. Better pick Atom or H61/67 mobo for better sound quality, lower noise and heat dissipation. Please search the posts.

A good quality sound card is mandatory if you want good sound. On board SPDIF is no comparison with a good sound card. Apart from ESI Juli@, MAYA44 PCI sounds very closed in the digital part and is cheaper.

 

I use, posted on January 14, 2012 at 18:37:22
steppe
Audiophile

Posts: 641
Joined: September 28, 2006
 a flat cooler from scythe, can't remember its name. It's on their site. square, if you look from top, with petals perpendicular to tha flat plane of processor. sorry for typing like this. don't go for the granite digital stuff, unless you already have them. just get yourself an external esata/usb box for hdd. it's an ideal variant for our mobos. on this thread inmates mostly discuss technical-hardware aspects. software - cplay player for cmp is on another thread. both hardware and cmp-cplay software are one project. click on my monicer and send me an e-mail and i will send you what pdfs i have.
serge.

 

Thanks very much, posted on January 15, 2012 at 09:24:36
rickmcinnis@dogwoodfabrics.com
Audiophile

Posts: 3040
Location: Atlanta
Joined: December 15, 2003
 I am using a KINGSTON 512mB memory and it will not go below 1.26.

Might have to try that same memory you are using. 1.1 volts - impressive!

Have you not tried Serge/STEPPES memory settings?

I am using them (thought there are a few differences so I have only implemented the ones with the same name).

What is interesting is with these settings the H55 board would not boot. One had to have a intermediate step. With the H61 board - boots right up.

I have been experimenting with how low the voltages can go.

I will report where I am. Cannot remember.

Glad you are back. We need you.

 

RE: Thanks very much, posted on January 15, 2012 at 11:05:16
jackwong96
Audiophile

Posts: 219
Joined: April 20, 2010
 It's a KINGSTON 1GB 1333 Value Ram, better sounding than the HyperX I have got. Lowest is 1.08V when powered by NiMh batteries. 2D size will last more than 5 hours.

On H55M_UD2H, I could set my memory latency values slightly lower than that. It's because the default ram power circuit was by-passed.

The same memory setting will boot on H61 mobo because it has got a more responsive power supply than H55! The integrated Driver MOSFETs make provision for a low noise environment and speedy PS. This is a decent mobo, you won't go back.

 

Yes it is a "decent" MB!, posted on January 16, 2012 at 11:54:12
rickmcinnis@dogwoodfabrics.com
Audiophile

Posts: 3040
Location: Atlanta
Joined: December 15, 2003
 I had previous to your post disabled the TURBO BOOST stuff.

Since you are using it I had to try it.

It took quite a few cycles to get close to the values you are using and I think this is causing some usage problems - not actual sonic problems even though I do get the occasional loud crackle which I cold live with and a few episodes of a sudden blue screen with a consequent squeal coming from the loudspeakers.

Please tell me what you think the advantages of this thing is.

It seems like a current limiter as opposed to a regulator which makes me think back to your original posting on the H61 boards where you noticed the occasional spike in current. Was this with or without the TURBO B engaged? One wonders if my problems are caused by the MB needing extra current but the demand is "blacked" by TURBO BOOST?

I am able to use even lower (not much) values for the memory that Serge's suggestions. And the board will boot every time.

I gave you the wrong voltage for memory - I am able to use 1.22 volta.

Can't go as low with the CPU voltages as you - if I go too low the board cannot load the JULI@ ASIO drivers - very strange - never had that problem with the H55 board - it either worked fine or died well before the cMP screen.

I use the 512mB memory since that was what cics recommended and he recommended it for the low power it required versus larger sizes. It is a KINGSTON VALUE RAM also. I should try the 1M and see what happens.

Thanks again for your help,

 

RE: Which CPU are you using?, posted on January 16, 2012 at 17:18:39
smicyta
Audiophile

Posts: 125
Joined: February 19, 2010
 I have the S2H and S2P-B3 mobo and a G440 processor. Haven't find the time for installation yet.

Your post would be useful to me, and thanks to Jack for the recommendation.

 

i3-2100T , posted on January 17, 2012 at 09:17:12
rickmcinnis@dogwoodfabrics.com
Audiophile

Posts: 3040
Location: Atlanta
Joined: December 15, 2003
 bought it in September and had no luck finding a good board to use it with.

When Jack Wong made his post I was glad that I could put the thing to use.

I like the combo very much.

I think my H55 board has been permanently replaced.

 

LCD power for Zalman HD160XT Plus, posted on January 17, 2012 at 23:08:03
domgoh@yahoo.com
Audiophile

Posts: 16
Joined: January 10, 2012
 The LCD screen for the Zalman HD160XT Plus appears to have a different power connection from the XT model. The LCD power is drawn from the main 24-pin ATX cable using 4 wires coloured yellow(+12V), blue(-12V), black(gnd), red(+5V).

I'm wondering if I can pull these wires and power them with either a separate Granite Digital PS or through a second ATX power supply. If the Granite, then can I connect the blue (from the LCD) into one of the blacks on the Molex? If the second ATX, which connector should I use?

Thanks

 

cMP - software sequence of installation, posted on January 17, 2012 at 23:13:04
domgoh@yahoo.com
Audiophile

Posts: 16
Joined: January 10, 2012
 I managed to get my player working last night and installed win xp on my system. The next step is to install all the relevant software and perform the optimizations.

Can I confirm the sequence of installing the software is as follows:

- Windows XP Pro
- install all necessary drivers, utilities and software listed on page 2 of your pdf checklist
- perform Windows optimisations
- perform BIOS optimisations
- install cMP
- remove Windows Welcome screen and explorer
- run cMP shell

My cMP:

Zalman HD160XT Plus
GA-H55M-D2H
i3-530
2GB RAM
Cooler Master Gemin II M4 CPU cooler
Zalman 500W Heatpipe PS
2x Granite digital PS
Samsung DVD ROM
1TB Western Digital 2.5 HDD
ASUS Xonar Essence STX Soundcard

 

RE: cMP - software sequence of installation, posted on January 18, 2012 at 02:10:58
Ryelands
Audiophile

Posts: 1867
Location: Scotland
Joined: January 9, 2009
 Can I confirm the sequence of installing the software . . .

Disabling any devices in BIOS that you do not need before installing the OS saves you having to delete their drivers at a later date as the XP installer does not load them. That includes on-board audio, LAN (unless you're using a LAN), serial and parallel ports, the power-saving stuff, etc etc.

My advice FWIW would be to disable devices in BIOS, install the OS, load the chipset drivers, fit your soundcard and install its drivers (IIRC, you can tell the ASUS Xonar installer to load the basic driver only, not the bloatware that comes with) and then start "tweaking".

And to make backups as you go along.

HTH

Dave

 

create 4 partitions: 3 small and 1 big, posted on January 18, 2012 at 02:40:13
hfavandepas
 Hi

In addition too Ryelands advice:

If you know how to create partitions on your disk:

* create 4 partitions on your 1 TB disk.
- Three (3) small partitions (say 20 Gb) for installing 3 different XP installs.
- One (1) big partition (960 Gb) for your music files.

On these 3 small partitions you can have:
- one (1) partition for: a standard XP installation for doing backups, maintenance, ect on the other 2 partitions.
- one (1) partition for: an optimized cMP XP setup as per Cics website
- one (1) partition too mess around with and for testing purposes. For instance: testing how good Mini-XP sounds or testing Steppe tweaks ect, ect. All this without wrecking your optimized cMP setup because you can always boot into your standard XP or boot into the standard cMP setup when you messed up XP install number 3 while testing and experimenting.

Also you can easily compare SQ between these XP installs and suggested tweaks.

Order / create the partitions this way: first you create the three small ones. The last partition should be the big one.

Mark

 

Limit Turbo current to 30 means , posted on January 18, 2012 at 08:06:44
jackwong96
Audiophile

Posts: 219
Joined: April 20, 2010
 stopping any turbo boost.

 

RE: LCD power for Zalman HD160XT Plus, posted on January 18, 2012 at 17:35:59
smicyta
Audiophile

Posts: 125
Joined: February 19, 2010
 >>>> 4 wires coloured yellow(+12V), blue(-12V), black(gnd), red(+5V). <<<

I believe the the blue mentioned by you is the purple colour wire the +5VSB.

My HD 160XT Plus is powered by a linear supply and I don't remember having a -12V supply to it.

 

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