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cPlay - the open source high-end audio player using ASIO

41.183.0.21
Posted on May 5, 2008 at 12:31:58
cics
Audiophile

Posts: 1320
Joined: November 9, 2006
cPlay

The open source high-end audio player using ASIO

May 2008

cPlay delivers high quality audio playback using ASIO 2. Playback is achieved using any ASIO compatible soundcard. cPlay is a minimalist audio player using the latest high quality SRC resampler (Best Sinc SNR 145.68db or 121.33db) or SoX (VHQ or HQ). cPlay's design offers state-of-the-art ASIO-only playback and caters for touch screen users. Installation, setup and use is easy. cPlay is built in c/c++ and operates on Windows XP SP2 Professional (32 bit).

FEATURES

  1. Resampling is sourced from LibSampleRate (version 0.1.5) and SoX 14.2.0 under GNU GPL license. LibSampleRate is aka SRC (Secret Rabbit Code) and supersedes the version as used in foobar2000. Best Sinc converter now offers a SNR of 145.68db or 121.33db (versus 97db). SoX VHQ offers better than 170db SNR. Resampling is bypassed when input rate matches output.

  2. Supports Steinberg's excellent ASIO 2 and is backward compatible to prior ASIO versions (as required by ASIO drivers).

  3. Offers high quality 64 bit double precision digital volume control (in 0.5db steps). This can be bypassed.

  4. Playback is achieved through .cue, .wav or .flac files. cPlay loads entire .wav or .flac (decoded) into RAM before starting. Playback is done directly from cPlay's internal buffer. Cue playback requires .cue files as created by EAC (single or multi file standard).

  5. Ensures efficient CPU resource utilization allowing for low specification processors or high levels of upsampling. This means CPUs can be underclocked / undervolted.

  6. Supports up to 3 ASIO soundcards with each having up to 100 output channels.

  7. Advanced optimizations are applied (if available from ASIO driver) during playback.

  8. Best results achieved when using cMP (i.e. cMP²). This allows for low level Windows optimizations. Use cMP release 1.0 final or later as this allows for bypassing RAM load in cMP (set RAM Load in cMP Settings to No) otherwise wav file is RAM loaded twice. cPlay allows for both svchost and lsass to be suspended during playback thus reducing the Windows footprint. Only exception is EMU's ASIO driver which requires both (svchost and lsass) to be operational. Set cMP's Optimize setting to Critical.

  9. Full remote control is achieved with cMP: offering volume control, track navigation, next/previous and stop/eject via (wireless) mouse.

USER MANUAL

Visit cMP² website (http://www.cicsMemoryPlayer.com) for more details and setup.

Screen Shot




GETTING STARTED

Download cPlay's installer here (1.3MB). Installation and startup is straight forward.

If you don't have an ASIO compatible soundcard, use ASIO4ALL. Note that ASIO4ALL does not support channel mapping (use default) and rarely handles above 48k sample rate.

Your feedback will help guide cPlay's future development. Source code (4.1MB) is available via email.

 

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What does one keep if he DOES have network?, posted on September 2, 2011 at 08:12:20
riboge
Audiophile

Posts: 675
Joined: June 25, 2008
 You say "it is assumed, that you have no network" but what if you do? Are you able to point out which items you list not to delete in that case? Also you say to remove items from dllcache, so how does one delete items from a .cab file?

I want to mention that I came to the same method for doing the tweaks that theob describes and agree it is a good way to proceed.

Most of all I want to chime in with thanks, Serge, for your hard work and helpful results.

 

Steppe's and Mihalov's New Lists combined, posted on September 2, 2011 at 08:42:34
rickmcinnis@dogwoodfabrics.com
Audiophile

Posts: 3040
Location: Atlanta
Joined: December 15, 2003
 I noticed there were some duplications on both lists and figured it would not hurt to compile them in alphabetical order.

Serge, if there is a reason you had your files in an optimum order for deletion please let it be known.

Thanks to both of you for your gifts. (both physical and mental)

I find it easier to copy these lists into a work processor so I can make the typeface larger!

I hope I got these right since I had to type in Mihaylov's.

Combo list of Mihaylov and Steppe's recommendations

actmovie.exe,
aec.sys
amstream.dll,
avicap.dll,
avicap32.dll,
avifil32.dll,
avifile.dll,
beep.sys (these 2 are from system32\drivers),
browsewm.dll,
cdplayer.exe.manifest, my office machine cannot find this one
cewmdm.dll,
cinemst2.sys,
cpqdap01.sys,
d3d8.dll
d3d8thk.dll
d3d9.dll
d3dim.dll
d3dim700.dll
d3dpmesh.dll
d3dramp.dll
d3drm.dll
d3dxof.dll
danim.dll
dataclen.dll
datime.dll,
daxctle.ocx,
ddraw.dll
ddrawex.dll
diactfrm.dll
dimap.dll
dinput.dll
dinput8.dll,
dmcompos.dll
dplaysvr.exe
dpnsvr.exe
dpvsetup.exe
drmclien.dll,
dsound.vxd,
dvdplay.exe
dvdupgrd.exe
dvsetup.exe,
dx7vb.dll
dx8vb.dll
dxdiag.exe
dxdiagn.dll
dxtmsft.dll
dxtrans.dll
encapi.dll
encdec.dll,
gcdef.dll
gm.sys,
hh.exe,
iac25_32.ax,
ir41_32.ax
ir41_qc.dll
ir41_qcx.dll
ir50_32.dll
ir50_qc.dll
ir50_qcx.dll
ivfsrc.ax
joy.cpl
ks.sys
ksproxy.ax,
l3codeca.acm,
logagent.exe,
mciavi.drv,
mciqtz32.dll
mfo40.dll
mfo42.dll
mmtask.tsk,
mpeg2data.ax
mpg2splt.ax
msdmo.dll
msdxm.ocx,
msg711.acm,
msg723.acm,
msgsm32.acm,
MSPCLOCK.sys
mspqm.sys,
msvfw32.dll,
msvidc32.dll,
msvidctl.dll
msvidctl.dll,
msvideo.dll,
mswebdvd.dll
msyuv.dll
pid.dll
qasf.dll
qcap.dll
qdv.dll
qdvd.dll
qedit.dll
qedwipes.dll
quartz.dll
sl_anet.acm,
sonydcam.sys,
splitter.sys,
swenum.sys
swmidi.sys,
sysaudio.sys,
timer.drv.
tosdvd.sys,
tsbvcap.sys,
tssoft32.acm,
vbisurf.ax
vdmindvd.sys,
wdmaud.drv,
winhelp.exe,
winhelp32.exe,
wmiprop.dll,
wmnetmgr.dll,
wmplayer.adm,
wmsysPr9.prx,
wsock32.dll
wstdecod.dll

 

INo recommendations, just my experience, posted on September 2, 2011 at 08:53:21
rickmcinnis@dogwoodfabrics.com
Audiophile

Posts: 3040
Location: Atlanta
Joined: December 15, 2003
 Instead of using the mouse I went to keeping the keyboard close by.

I keep the mouse at the computer so the keyboard is what get used.

Like I said no re-boots since getting rid of the remote mouse.

I did not get any messages when I had a problem,the machine would just freeze and the hourglass would rotate endlessly. I would re-boot and all was fine. Though I did have a few times when I had to clear the BIOS and reset that.

I had made mention of this before but no one else seemed to be having the same problem.

I guess I have about eighteen feet of usb cable between keyboard and machine. I am using a stout linear supply for usb power.

Personally, I much prefer the keyboard. Much easier to switth back and forth the "phase"/polarity to find the best setting

 

RE: INo recommendations, just my experience, posted on September 2, 2011 at 09:00:56
Jolida
Audiophile

Posts: 329
Joined: June 26, 2009
 Linear psu for the USB?? but the port will just be used with a mouse/keyboard or an external drive to transfer files right ? How does a linear benefit for USB then??

Junaid

 

The supply is used for other things, also, posted on September 2, 2011 at 11:12:08
rickmcinnis@dogwoodfabrics.com
Audiophile

Posts: 3040
Location: Atlanta
Joined: December 15, 2003
 hdd drives.

The extra power, I thought, might be important with the long cable run.

Also, this was part of a general move to eliminate all switching supplies from the machine.

I should have made that clear.

 

RE: cplay 2.b42 or better. New very important tweaks part 3, posted on September 2, 2011 at 11:56:51
Jolida
Audiophile

Posts: 329
Joined: June 26, 2009
 I deleted the above mentioned files in the screenshot excluding the direct x input files which u suggested deleting in the second queue. Have been playing for almost two hours now. The music spectrum seems tilted towards the upper mids & highs. Entire presentation seems very Forward. Though detail has increased, there is no grip in the upper midrange which makes vocals less controlled. The bass & lower mids have gone down two notches. In short it sounds equalised. Does it need to be run-in longer???

Edit :- I put back the wdmaud.drv file back in the Drivers folder just to check again. It has cured 90% of the flaws I mentioned above. I guess we have to be extremely focussed while making changes to the system. That file has a definite purpose of being used by Julia, though it runs even without it. The files you have deleted have a profound effect on the performance. Except for the wdmaud.drv file, which if deleted, reverses their effect. Thanks :)

Junaid

 

RE: CPlay 2 b43 or better. New very important tweaks part4, posted on September 2, 2011 at 12:00:46
theob
Audiophile

Posts: 3180
Location: ann arbor michigan
Joined: November 4, 2000
 1st report. I'm only part way through...did not do the registry yet. But 1st thing I noticed is a very slow boot. But it does boot up. Sonically its very smooth, less edge, good solid bass very very nice. Today's weather is very hot 96 degrees f. But my power line is good at 120v. Yesterday it was hot but very difficult to listento: edgy (powerline noise from all the a/c units running I surmise). Today is hotter and very very nice way better than yesterday at same time. So far so good. Well done Serge.

 

RE: What does one keep if he DOES have network?, posted on September 2, 2011 at 12:13:48
Mihaylov
Audiophile

Posts: 355
Location: Moscow
Joined: March 11, 2010
 Don't worry! I made all as Steppe wrote and network works :).
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: cplay 2.b42 or better. New very important tweaks part 3, posted on September 2, 2011 at 12:22:03
Mihaylov
Audiophile

Posts: 355
Location: Moscow
Joined: March 11, 2010
 Perhaps. I did not note it.
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: cplay 2.b42 or better. New very important tweaks part 3, posted on September 2, 2011 at 12:32:23
Jolida
Audiophile

Posts: 329
Joined: June 26, 2009
 It would be great to have your feedback on the same...

Junaid

 

Has anyone noticed JPLAY?, posted on September 2, 2011 at 13:52:46
rickmcinnis@dogwoodfabrics.com
Audiophile

Posts: 3040
Location: Atlanta
Joined: December 15, 2003
 Was brought to my attention by Dr. Bill Gaw's column.

He has used cPLAY in the past but his system is so complicated I guess cPLAY does not work for him (video and all of those extra channels).

He writes about this in his column http://enjoythemusic.com/magazine/viewpoint/0911/aa_chapter_142.htm. He is one of the best in our hobby and his system is unique in every sense of the word. Nothing like it in my experience!

Maybe this will be good for those with VISTA and 7; it is not for XP.

Seems like a small program in size - much smaller than cPLAY.

Personally, I cannot imagine it being as good especially considering all of the added work done by others on the FORUM.

How about that name? Not very original!

 

RE: CPlay 2 b43 or better. New very important tweaks part4, posted on September 2, 2011 at 13:53:26
riboge
Audiophile

Posts: 675
Joined: June 25, 2008
 I completed all of part 4 deletions except the 4 items possibly related to wired mouse and monitor. OMG! How can there still be such improvement!

I did have trouble again with the Weiss dac202 driver. It wouldn't run complaining of the absence of MSVFW32.dll. I replaced it but a driver reinstall was still necessary.

There was no problem with networking--as Mihaylov posted to reassure me. Meanwhile I found it out on my own, too. Strangely, the changes fixed a problem I had posted about before about larger files that require segmentation not playing via network beyond 30 seconds or so. Now, so far, they do.

Hats off to Serge and Mihaylov. It is incredible that there might be further improvements still, but I eagerly await them anyway.

 

RE: cplay 2.b42 or better. New very important tweaks part 3, posted on September 2, 2011 at 15:34:04
kclo
Audiophile

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

Though I'm not a Juli@ user (yet, I now use ASIO4ALL), I had the exact same experience as yours when I did Tweak #3, i.e., tilled high, no bass, recess vocal. It was only after several hours playing in a period of 2 days that this thinness of sound was finally gone and everything became glorious.

 

Where can I download cplay 2 b43??, posted on September 2, 2011 at 17:09:31
cktc
Audiophile

Posts: 287
Location: So Cal.
Joined: May 7, 2005
 I only saw b39 as the lastest version.

 

RE: Where can I download cplay 2 b43??, posted on September 2, 2011 at 18:07:33
smicyta
Audiophile

Posts: 125
Joined: February 19, 2010
 There is no such official version of b4xx. 2 b4 onwards are in reference to the tweaks by inmate steppe.

 

RE: Has anyone noticed JPLAY?, posted on September 2, 2011 at 18:34:51
Mihaylov
Audiophile

Posts: 355
Location: Moscow
Joined: March 11, 2010
 "He writes about this in his column http://enjoythemusic.com/magazine/viewpoint/0911/aa_chapter_142.htm." -
Josef Piri wrote that "Like Marcin, I also used Foobar initially..." and no words that Marcin was cMP2's fun earlier.
http://www.audioasylum.com/forums/pcaudio/messages/7/70465.html
http://www.audioasylum.com/forums/pcaudio/messages/7/70512.html

Generally the authors of JPlay like to compare own player to other players but ignore cPlay as though did not hear about the such. It is strange.

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: CPlay 2 b43 or better. New very important tweaks part4, posted on September 2, 2011 at 19:21:08
wlowes
Audiophile

Posts: 112
Location: Toronto
Joined: April 18, 2009
 OMG who would have guessed this much improvement. Thank you

I was impressed by the impact of steps 1, 2, & 3, but not sure I liked the outcome. More detail for sure, but a lot of trebble on my system.

This tweak #4 just brought it all home. I now have deeper bass than ever. The entire spectrum is detailed clear and natural. But so much more bass filling in everywhere. Lots more texture. Sound stage a little smaller? perhaps and for sure moved back deep into the room. But very natural and relaxed.

It did need to settle in as if there were new caps and wire in the system. Why is that? I do have a lot of fairly new caps in my dac and lightspeed. Do they need to adjust to the new level of detail and the beautiful textured sound?

Sorry you have to rebuild.

Again.. Bravo!

 

My experience, posted on September 2, 2011 at 20:51:02
rickmcinnis@dogwoodfabrics.com
Audiophile

Posts: 3040
Location: Atlanta
Joined: December 15, 2003
 I am pleased with the sound. As stated below there is more depth. I find a more stable center image. General tonality is improved.

I thought I would mention things that have occurred for me. My machine is with the latest recommended components. I am using JULI@ digital only. I think I have incorporated all of the suggestions made in the past. The machine is only used for transport duty and has never been connected to the internet.

1. Contrary to theob's experience I find booting up even faster and this is with the SSD. Maybe a second faster to the blue screen.

2. One no longer has the ability to change the color of the desktop screen. It is now default blue. When you go to PROPERTIES you are no longer given any choices. I noticed when going to MY COMPUTER and C drive when the screen came up it was with the standard screen - no files showing. You had to click the request to show all files. Going to the VIEW/FILES gave no option. This must be the default screen. I am thinking that tomorrow I will take a run through the standard cPLAY settings and see if anything has changed.

3. No problems with keyboard (my main input) or mouse.

4. I made all of the "deletes" in one go without any problem.

5. I made all of the registry changes at one time, also. Booted right up after each set of changes were made.

6. Concerning registry changes I could not locate DIRECT SOUND. I deleted everything that had DirectPlay, MicrosoftDirectMusic and MicrosoftDirectSound in the beginning of the title. I was confused by wma - is this .wma or wmafile?

7. For what it's worth these are the files that did not exist in my machine, keep in mind the files deleted were both Serges #4 group and the files suggested by Mihaylov:
amstream.dll
cewmdm.dll
cinemst.sys
cpqdap01.sys
dvsetup.exe
gm.sys
iac25_32.ax
mciavi.drv
mfo42.dll
winhelp32.exe
wmiprop.dll
wmnetmgr.dll

The following files only showed un-deletable CACHE files when searching:
splitter.sys
swmidi.sys
sysaudio.sys
tosdvd.sys
tsvbcap.sys
vdmindvd.sys
wdmaud.drv

8. A week or so ago I deleted the DirectX file with no complications.

Hope this is comforting to those that have had similar experiences. If anyone recognizes something I have done wrong PLEASE tell me.

 

RE: CPlay 2 b43 or better. New very important tweaks part4, posted on September 2, 2011 at 22:45:12
audiodan@tiscali.it
Audiophile

Posts: 108
Location: Cagliari - Sardinia
Joined: July 7, 2009
 Hi all
I've finished the third step in both my two cMP2 systems. It works but ks.sys is a part of Xonar Essence ASIO driver, so I've reinstall it.
I've noted that each is slightly different from the other,although both are born from the same installation CD. They get same chipset mobo ( H67) but different models ( GA H67MA UDH2-B3 and GA H67N USB3-B3) same CPU and some difference in HW.
Now, before step 4, I wish to know if PC retains residual functionality or It will be used for music only or could install a new program or using a new usb device i.e.
It seems to me a very aggressive setting, I haven't fear but change registry key is not a trivial operation and could run to a crash of the entire system. About disk image backup which programs are better?
THX
Daniele

 

RE: Where can I download cplay 2 b43??, posted on September 2, 2011 at 23:42:15
play-mate
Audiophile

Posts: 948
Joined: November 21, 2008
 This Tweaking should have been posted on the cMP Forum, and not been called "a new version of cPlay" !
Hysolid // Mytek Brooklyn // Spectron Musician III // Analysis Audio Omega

 

Why not XPlite for this ?, posted on September 3, 2011 at 00:05:56
play-mate
Audiophile

Posts: 948
Joined: November 21, 2008
 Fellow Inmates,

It seems to me that an awful lot of these deletions could also be performed by XPlite.
Maybe also at a time earlier in the entire setup/optimization of cMP....
-what are the thoughts on this ?

Kind regards
Hysolid // Mytek Brooklyn // Spectron Musician III // Analysis Audio Omega

 

RE: Has anyone noticed JPLAY?, posted on September 3, 2011 at 02:50:37
smicyta
Audiophile

Posts: 125
Joined: February 19, 2010
 >>>Generally the authors of JPlay like to compare own player to other
players but ignore cPlay as though did not hear about the such. It is
strange.

JPlay is a commercial product.Certainly they would not to bring to the readers attention a competition, which is better and free.

 

RE: CPlay 2 b43 or better. New very important tweaks part4, posted on September 3, 2011 at 03:59:49
kclo
Audiophile

Posts: 68
Joined: August 21, 2010
 I had just done part 1 and 2. Amazing improvement on the get go. Unlike tweak # 3, sound is excellent without even burn-in. Soundstage depth is now very plausible for the first time. And what clarity.

Just could not imagine the improvement that is still possible after tweak #3. And there are more to come. Can you believe that guy steppe?

Just deleting my pet hate IE and Outlook is enough to make me delirious with joy.

 

RE: cplay 2.b42 or better. New very important tweaks part 3, posted on September 3, 2011 at 05:05:22
Jolida
Audiophile

Posts: 329
Joined: June 26, 2009
 Yes it does. But without that file, the music does not seem to be balanced at all (atleast with Julia)...

Junaid

 

RE: My experience - similar, posted on September 3, 2011 at 05:56:45
wlowes
Audiophile

Posts: 112
Location: Toronto
Joined: April 18, 2009
 Same experience on many fronts. Faster boot as well. No issue doing all deletes then one reboot then all registry changes then reboot and play. Also confused by WMA.

 

RE: cplay 2.b42 or better. New very important tweaks part 3, posted on September 3, 2011 at 08:35:26
theob
Audiophile

Posts: 3180
Location: ann arbor michigan
Joined: November 4, 2000
 Is this a warning for all or just jolida?

 

RE: CPlay 2 b43 or better. New very important tweaks part4, posted on September 3, 2011 at 08:42:34
theob
Audiophile

Posts: 3180
Location: ann arbor michigan
Joined: November 4, 2000
 Ok finally got through the whole list...magnificient! When I went through the register at first I missed Direct Sound and while sonics were ok but they were not as good as everyone reported. Now that I deleted Direct Sound the highs are way better. I agree with all other comments on sonics but for me highs are now perfect.

 

RE: Where can I download cplay 2 b43??, posted on September 3, 2011 at 08:51:11
Jolida
Audiophile

Posts: 329
Joined: June 26, 2009
 Well I think it has been posted in the correct forum. In the cMP forum we discuss hardware-level modifications. In cPlay forum we are discussing software-level modifications. It makes things a lot easier & organised...

Junaid

 

RE: Where can I download cplay 2 b43??, posted on September 3, 2011 at 09:06:39
Mihaylov
Audiophile

Posts: 355
Location: Moscow
Joined: March 11, 2010
 "...not been called "a new version of cPlay" !" -
I completely agree with it. These tweaks have no relation to cPlay.
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: cplay 2.b42 or better. New very important tweaks part 3, posted on September 3, 2011 at 09:14:43
Mihaylov
Audiophile

Posts: 355
Location: Moscow
Joined: March 11, 2010
 Most likely it is reinsurance. Files DirectInput probably concern only game pointing devices (joystick etc.)
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: CPlay 2 b43 or better. New very important tweaks part4, posted on September 3, 2011 at 09:14:56
theob
Audiophile

Posts: 3180
Location: ann arbor michigan
Joined: November 4, 2000
 Oh shit after listening for an hour or so I get a very loud staticky sound that if left unchecked will probably take out my panel amplifier. Hope nobody else has this. At 1st it sounded like Cryptograph Service kicked in and it did so I set it back to Stop. Didn't work. So I rebooted 3 times still there. I am going to have to retreat to a prior windows image. Sorry Steppe.

 

RE: cplay 2.b42 or better. New very important tweaks part 3, posted on September 3, 2011 at 09:21:00
Jolida
Audiophile

Posts: 329
Joined: June 26, 2009
 After deleting the files in Ur screenshot ( except the wdmaud.drv which I mentioned) & running in for a day, it sounds OUTSTANDING. I still wonder what role does that one file play in maintaining tonal balance. Excellent job. Thanks :)

Junaid

 

RE: CPlay 2 b43 or better. New very important tweaks part4, posted on September 3, 2011 at 09:25:54
Mihaylov
Audiophile

Posts: 355
Location: Moscow
Joined: March 11, 2010
 "About disk image backup which programs are better?" -
Acronis! http://www.acronis.com/homecomputing/products/trueimage/
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: CPlay 2 b43 or better. New very important tweaks part4, posted on September 3, 2011 at 09:49:26
Ryelands
Audiophile

Posts: 1867
Location: Scotland
Joined: January 9, 2009
 About disk image backup which programs are better?

Everyone has their favourite; mine is Snapshot (see link). One useful feature is that you can set an imagefile to look like a CD by clicking on it in Explorer. That allows you to extract individual files. (Other products might by now do the same but they didn't when I bought Snapshot over five years ago.)

With a good utility such as this and a docking station (so you can restore on a different computer and avoid all that "how do I get the thing to boot?" hassle), you can go from cMP^2-is-dead-in-the-water to back up and running in under ten minutes.

Obviously, you need either two drives (or a partitioned drive) or a network as you can't restore the only disk/partition on a computer from that disk or partition.

They're pretty much essential tools if you're trimming an OS and are also useful for general maintenance.

 

RE: CPlay 2 b43 or better. New very important tweaks part4, posted on September 3, 2011 at 10:06:33
theob
Audiophile

Posts: 3180
Location: ann arbor michigan
Joined: November 4, 2000
 I reloaded a Stewppe pre-tweak # 4 and got same result. Then I took out one of my ferrite/cap infested p24 cables and now I can't even get the thing to try to boot. So I think I have a hw problem somewhere.

 

power cable loose nt, posted on September 3, 2011 at 11:01:17
theob
Audiophile

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

 

This is not a great upgrade, it's fantastic!, posted on September 3, 2011 at 15:23:58
audiodan@tiscali.it
Audiophile

Posts: 108
Location: Cagliari - Sardinia
Joined: July 7, 2009
 This evening I've finish to climb the mountain and the four step also was done.
The sound quality is now miles away from the previous, no doubt, no problems. All perfect
Everythings works, a little bug shutting down the PC, it cannot, so I must turn off the switch, no matters.
A question to steppe; I've found in the registry a lot of keys Direct sound with extensions. I must cancel everything because extensions are no critic, or only the former? Also Microsoft Direct Music and Direct sound get the same problem. Can we have some more informations about?
Great job, I can't believe it's so good.
BRAVO!
Daniele

 

Improved SQ confirmed !, posted on September 3, 2011 at 17:15:52
play-mate
Audiophile

Posts: 948
Joined: November 21, 2008
 Dear Inmates,

Stepped into these modifications and like to confirm : GREAT !

I deleted the first 15 DLLs and the improvement was apparent right away :
More air and ease combined with more focus and deeper soundstage.
Step 2 turned the mid-bass markedly leaner and made the overall presentation turn brighter.
Following another long bunch of DLLs & Drivers the sound resurrected its natural balance, but improvement was less marked.
-but what a revelation !!

Has anyone a technical explanation to this ?

I´m AMAZED !

Thanks a bunch, guys.
Hysolid // Mytek Brooklyn // Spectron Musician III // Analysis Audio Omega

 

Serge, please clarify the wma issue, posted on September 4, 2011 at 08:54:12
rickmcinnis@dogwoodfabrics.com
Audiophile

Posts: 3040
Location: Atlanta
Joined: December 15, 2003
 Do we delete .wma or wmafile?

Thanks,

 

Are the oringinal optimazations necessary now?, posted on September 4, 2011 at 18:42:11
rickmcinnis@dogwoodfabrics.com
Audiophile

Posts: 3040
Location: Atlanta
Joined: December 15, 2003
 I went back to see if the cMOP "standard" setting had changed after finding out I could no longer change my DISPLAY settings and sure enough you cannot.

Everything seems to have reverted to standard WINDOWS settings AND you cannot change them because nothing happens.

The questions posed are:
1. Are these settings no longer applicable once these files are deleted?
2. Have the previous setting actually remained we just can't "see" them any longer?
3. Can one bypass this part of setting up a cMP machine when deleting the files or should one do it anyway because it just seems that they have reverted?

Or is this unique to my machine?

Bye,

 

RE: Steppe's and Mihalov's New Lists combined, posted on September 4, 2011 at 22:13:07
kalimasada
Audiophile

Posts: 18
Location: Medan
Joined: November 6, 2002
 I can't delete wsock32.dll. Can anybody tell me what's wrong?

TIA

 

RE: Are the oringinal optimazations necessary now?, posted on September 4, 2011 at 22:52:28
audiodan@tiscali.it
Audiophile

Posts: 108
Location: Cagliari - Sardinia
Joined: July 7, 2009
 Interesting questions, rick.
I was worried about this but results tell me that my two systems are better than previous. Another question rises, now: what happens if we set only minlogon,kernel, cics'registry settings and memory page locks then steppe's steps only?
It could be interesting to try.
Daniele

 

RE: CPlay 2 b43 or better. New very important tweaks part4, posted on September 5, 2011 at 06:52:06
Jolida
Audiophile

Posts: 329
Joined: June 26, 2009
 I have been using Acronis True Image since i started cMP about a year ago. It works best for me as well. A snapshot(back-up file) of an entire cMP partition comes to less than 750MB..

Junaid

 

that's what I am suggesting, posted on September 5, 2011 at 08:20:19
rickmcinnis@dogwoodfabrics.com
Audiophile

Posts: 3040
Location: Atlanta
Joined: December 15, 2003
 nothing relpaces minlogon, autoruns, and other registry changes.

I meant the CONTROL PANEL settings.

But, the question remains: do those settings remain if made before the latest deletions or are they made redundant or useless?

Could save some time on a new system. Not that the time required to make the deletions is minimal and with more to come ... Can't wait for the next round, don't get me wrong!

Serge, you have made this adventure an adventure again.

Now if you would just clarify what we do with wma.

Bye,

 

More than just a loose cable, posted on September 5, 2011 at 08:40:02
theob
Audiophile

Posts: 3180
Location: ann arbor michigan
Joined: November 4, 2000
 So I ran into a problem where I could not boot and after a day of trying to figure it out I discovered my agi psu (essentially a dirty power unit running all except p24) was faulty. I run dual switching psu's ala Cics recommendation a while back. So the slow boot, and the anomalies I have been suffering the last few months was probably caused by this AGI psu going bad and finally failing. So I'm running my antec for all power feeds and it works well but just does not sound as good as dual psu's. This is for the benefit of those wondering '...what did Theob do this time...' or is Steppe #4 safe. I'm sure it is safe although I have no guarantees about Theob.

Anyway I need another psu (no more AGI's). But all my local stores are closed (Labor Day in the States) so I have some time to think about it. Should I get a pico to run p24 or another Antec or similar ranked standard ATX brand?

 

RE: CPlay 2 b43 or better. New very important tweaks part4, posted on September 5, 2011 at 12:10:55
Jolida
Audiophile

Posts: 329
Joined: June 26, 2009
 Deleted files from step 4 & let it burn for 24 hours now. The highs have dropped down considerably. Sounds dry. Is this normal ?? It was better when played soon After step 4. But now it's starting to get dry in the upper mids & treble. Does it need more burning in??

Junaid

 

RE: More than just a loose cable, posted on September 5, 2011 at 13:41:44
audiodan@tiscali.it
Audiophile

Posts: 108
Location: Cagliari - Sardinia
Joined: July 7, 2009
 Shure! A picoPSU 160 XT feeded by a little linear PSU Belleson Superregulator based. It's a bit tricky, just a bit, but improvement are greater than bother.
Your mobo must get a power consuption lower than 2A however.
I live happy with it. Great device!
Daniele

 

RE: Serge, please clarify the wma issue, posted on September 5, 2011 at 14:09:53
theob
Audiophile

Posts: 3180
Location: ann arbor michigan
Joined: November 4, 2000
 Rick WMA is in the top list of lower case stuff in this key. I was looking in the bottom one and didn't find it 1st time through.

 

It's ".wma", right? (nt), posted on September 5, 2011 at 15:02:38
riboge
Audiophile

Posts: 675
Joined: June 25, 2008
 .

 

RE: It's ".wma", right? (nt), posted on September 5, 2011 at 16:24:12
theob
Audiophile

Posts: 3180
Location: ann arbor michigan
Joined: November 4, 2000
 Now that I deleted it I don't know. But if its in the top alphabatized list then yes.

 

It is not that I could not find it, posted on September 5, 2011 at 18:45:25
rickmcinnis@dogwoodfabrics.com
Audiophile

Posts: 3040
Location: Atlanta
Joined: December 15, 2003
 My problem was that he made it clear we deleted .wav but when it came to wma that is all he said. No period in the prefix.

There is also a file called wmafile with no period later on down the list.

This led to my confusion.

Did not want to delete something THERE without being sure. If you deleted and not having problems (??!!!) I will take your word for it and delete it.

Easy enough to replace deleted files but I have no idea how to replace deleted registry entires so I thought I would wait for an answer.

Thanks,

 

RE: cplay 2.b42 or better. New very important tweaks part 3, posted on September 6, 2011 at 03:17:53
Jolida
Audiophile

Posts: 329
Joined: June 26, 2009
 I forgot to mention that after deleting the said files in Ur screenshot I am not able to use the wheel & right-click on the cordless mouse. Before I did the mod, the wheel scrolled down highlighting the next items on the list & clicking the wheel activated it. Now I can only use the left-click alone to point at songs & play by double-clicking them. Which file needs to be replaced to sort this out???

Junaid

 

How can registry deletions re unused items change sound?, posted on September 6, 2011 at 08:12:24
riboge
Audiophile

Posts: 675
Joined: June 25, 2008
 I have been meaning to ask this for a while. The registry AFAIU is just a catelogue of settings, paths, etc. While the effects of many of the cMP2 modifications are hard to specifically explain, these in particular seem inexplicable. If you remove keys for needed items you get errors and/or malfunction. If you remove keys for unused,unneeded or deleted items, these entries are not used even if present, so how does removing them change anything--except perhaps for freeing up minute amounts of memory for those that are loaded at startup despite going uncalled on?

I wonder if anyone--Serge or Mihalov?--has actually tested the effect of removing only registry items in the recent 'versions'?

 

Wow !! CAN this be something like part 5 ????, posted on September 6, 2011 at 10:12:42
Jolida
Audiophile

Posts: 329
Joined: June 26, 2009
 Hi serge. I made deletions as per what u suggested in Part 4 but was somehow not as pleased as I thought I would be. It dint sound balanced. Especially in the bass & mids. Waited for it to burn in for almost 48 hours now. But still not happy. So I went ahead & tried something wild. Made a list of files which I thought could effect the performance in addition to what we already have deleted as per Ur suggestions. So I deleted a few files & was stunned at what happened. It's like the whole music spectrum has cleaned up. Sounds like as if the noise-floor came down a couple notches. Am able to listen at a much more louder volume than I mostly do. Sounds very controlled as well. These are the files I have deleted. A few are from the System folder as well. But most are from System32.

fp40.ext
fxsocm.dll
iis.dll
imsinsnt.dll
msgrocm.dll
msmqocm.dll
netoc.dll
ocmsn.dll
tabletoc.dll
zoneoc.dll

Avicap.dll
Avifile.dll
MCIAVI
MCIWAVE
MSVIDEO.dll
TAPI.dll
winscard.dll
wmp.dll
wmp.ocx
wmpasf.dll
wmpcd.dll
wmpcore.dll
wmpdxm.dll
wmploc.dll
wmpshell.dll
wmpui.dll
wmspdmod.dll
wowfax.dll
wowfaxui.dll

Junaid

 

A few of those were on Serge's list, posted on September 6, 2011 at 11:09:20
rickmcinnis@dogwoodfabrics.com
Audiophile

Posts: 3040
Location: Atlanta
Joined: December 15, 2003
 Avicap.dll
Avifile.dll
MCIAVI
were on Serge's list. Just thought I would make mention of this.

I have, to this point, been pleased with Serge's recommendations as to balance. One wonders if they are happy now would we not be happy after making these additional deletions?

So no problems with these?

Might have to give it a try.

It is amazing how much smaller my WINDOWS folder is now.

Thanks for YOUR intrepidity, also!

 

A MUST TRY !!!, posted on September 6, 2011 at 11:14:04
Jolida
Audiophile

Posts: 329
Joined: June 26, 2009
 Hi serge. I made deletions as per what u suggested in Part 4 but was somehow not as pleased as I thought I would be. It dint sound balanced. Especially in the bass & mids. Waited for it to burn in for almost 48 hours now. But still not happy. So I went ahead & tried something wild. Made a list of files which I thought could effect the performance in addition to what we already have deleted as per Ur suggestions. So I deleted a few files & was stunned at what happened. It's like the whole music spectrum has cleaned up. Sounds like as if the noise-floor came down a couple notches. Am able to listen at a much more louder volume than I mostly do. Sounds very controlled as well. These are the files I have deleted. A few are from the System folder as well. But most are from System32.

fp40.ext
fxsocm.dll
iis.dll
imsinsnt.dll
msgrocm.dll
msmqocm.dll
netoc.dll
ocmsn.dll
tabletoc.dll
zoneoc.dll

Avicap.dll
Avifile.dll
MCIAVI
MCIWAVE
MSVIDEO.dll
TAPI.dll
winscard.dll
wmp.dll
wmp.ocx
wmpasf.dll
wmpcd.dll
wmpcore.dll
wmpdxm.dll
wmploc.dll
wmpshell.dll
wmpui.dll
wmspdmod.dll
wowfax.dll
wowfaxui.dll


Junaid

 

They all look safe to me, posted on September 6, 2011 at 13:50:43
rickmcinnis@dogwoodfabrics.com
Audiophile

Posts: 3040
Location: Atlanta
Joined: December 15, 2003
 which is not saying much (I am no one to make such a judgment!) but they seem to be more of the same ilk as Serge's deletions. I gave a cursory look-up with GOOGLE and saw nothing scary about any of the files.

As I mentioned before, three of the files were on Serge's list.

I will try them tonight and give my opinion tomorrow.

 

RE: A MUST TRY !!!, posted on September 6, 2011 at 15:23:38
riboge
Audiophile

Posts: 675
Joined: June 25, 2008
 I deleted your list save the few I didn't find. It seems to bring a further improvement along the lines of the last two lists. Greater clarity and dimensionality with more exact localizations. All ranges sound full and, as you say, clean. I am listening to a marvelous recording of Porgy & Bess, the full musical on EMI CD with Rattle and the London Philharmonic. I can close my eyes and be in orchestra center so for real I wonder where my tickets are.

 

RE: A MUST TRY !!!, posted on September 6, 2011 at 17:02:02
theob
Audiophile

Posts: 3180
Location: ann arbor michigan
Joined: November 4, 2000
 Ok Jolida magnificient! The air around instruments is stupendous. How can it keep getting better. What strategy did you use to find these files? Was it just random or was there some method to the madness because you chose the best ones to delete/move. This might be best of the best based on a cursory listen to. I have a file Bach Concerti for 3 harpsichords by the Cologne Chamber Orchestra which was always on the border of brightnes/edgyness. Now the instruments just hang into space dripping of liquidity!!

Well done!

 

Yes, it muct be done, posted on September 6, 2011 at 17:42:49
rickmcinnis@dogwoodfabrics.com
Audiophile

Posts: 3040
Location: Atlanta
Joined: December 15, 2003
 Everything does sound YET better.

I think you are on the right track about noise. Not just a noise floor but noise that was there and not perceived until it was gone.

Noise between instruments, notes, etc.

Thanks,

 

possible problem, posted on September 6, 2011 at 20:16:03
wlowes
Audiophile

Posts: 112
Location: Toronto
Joined: April 18, 2009
 I don't want to raise an unwarrented alarm, but for me this did not work out. I can boot, cplay starts, and appears to play, but no sound. I am using aqvox asio driver. Perhaps something else is wrong. I'll debug tomorrow.
After deleting files, some exe failed to start due to wincard.dll missing.
otherwise system normal, but no sound. running xp home sp3.

 

RE: possible problem, posted on September 6, 2011 at 22:10:02
audiodan@tiscali.it
Audiophile

Posts: 108
Location: Cagliari - Sardinia
Joined: July 7, 2009
 Hi wlowes
has you checked the drivers used by your aquox before starting this "russian roulette", on "sound" of your control panel?
I think this is mandatory for everyone before any alteration of files inside system 32 folder, maybe you've deleted some of these ones.
I'm sorry for you, but these "delection work" is the main upgrade until now,IMHO, but is "PC sensitive" so results can diverge from one to other, formerly for the different soundboards used.
Daniele

 

RE: possible problem, posted on September 6, 2011 at 23:22:22
play-mate
Audiophile

Posts: 948
Joined: November 21, 2008
 Hey Guys,

We also had problems with a cMP running a RME Soundcard. All deletions worked (uptil Part 3), except : ks.sys & ksproxy.ax.
Just beware.

kind regards


Hysolid // Mytek Brooklyn // Spectron Musician III // Analysis Audio Omega

 

RE: A MUST TRY !!!, posted on September 6, 2011 at 23:51:54
Jolida
Audiophile

Posts: 329
Joined: June 26, 2009
 Yes exactly... I perceived a very strong change as well. Was apparent immediately upon doing it. I made the deletions based upon critical listening after deleting each file. Most important was getting rid of the dll files starting with the 'wmp'. I specifically wanted to delete them, as it did not make a Very strong change by just cutting the Windows Media folder from the Program Files. I suppose those files were still messing up things in the background.
Wlowes :- I think ur soundcard uses the 'wincard.dll' file which i specified. As i am using Juli@, it worked for me, but since u r using different soundcard, it must have had a conflict. I suggest u put it back in the system32 folder IF u have not permanently deleted it. If not let me know & i shall send it to u by email...
Theob :- Yes the edginess has vanished. I too was noticing the vocals to be a little strained especially in the lower-mids. If u have noticed, the mid-bass has also cleaned up, thus cleaning up the Vocal ranges as well.
Riboge :- You got that right !! the Imaging now looks spot-on, because the noise-floor has gone down making the spacing between intruments to EXIST. Prior to this, it was'nt completely deliniated. Now that the background is more Black, we are able to localize the presence of instruments more clearly without straining.
This is very inspiring. I had made many Hardware-level upgrades to my cMP like making Linear supplies & Ferrites & Caps & what not. But im surprised that these Software-Level changes can lead to an equal or if i could say a better improvement than the former. And best of all, its FREE :)

Junaid

 

RE: A MUST TRY !!!, posted on September 7, 2011 at 03:42:36
theob
Audiophile

Posts: 3180
Location: ann arbor michigan
Joined: November 4, 2000
 My favorite time to listen to my system is 5:00 am - 7:00am. This is when my powerline is the least distorted. I just listened and wow these deletions take my system to a level I have not heard before. Can't say enough good things about the effectiveness of your recommendations.

I now hear what you say about mids and mid bass but for me the beauty of these recommendations is in the highs. All that has been said in this thread are indeed what any keen eared audiophile can hear. Do check what files you need for your soundcard and yes please do try these deletions.

 

RE: A MUST TRY !!!, posted on September 7, 2011 at 04:03:14
Jolida
Audiophile

Posts: 329
Joined: June 26, 2009
 It's because the Highs are free from the grunge of the Bass which was dominant on the whole spectrum till this had been done. The deletions have balanced the tonal equation to a very great extent. The experience is more "Out-of-the-box". If the tonality is not balanced, it sounds Analytical. I guess now it's become more "Musical". I'm glad you liked it :)

Junaid

 

RE: possible problem - False Alarm, posted on September 7, 2011 at 20:24:07
wlowes
Audiophile

Posts: 112
Location: Toronto
Joined: April 18, 2009
 My appologies, this was truely a false alarm. It seems a signal wire deep inside my DAC broke as I deleted the files.

I have now got it working again, and have made these deletions and could not be happier with the results. I'll save listening impressions for when I have had more time, but no question the noise floor has dropped away leaving air, and details not before heard.
Thank you again, and sorry to those to whom I have caused hesitation.
Walter

 

RE: A MUST TRY !!!, posted on September 7, 2011 at 22:20:38
audiodan@tiscali.it
Audiophile

Posts: 108
Location: Cagliari - Sardinia
Joined: July 7, 2009
 Hi all
also this new chapter of "deletion files war" or better "russian roulette" was done.
I agree on transparency, clearly best, others veils are dropped (a lot!) between my loudspeakers and my ears and from this background silence new particulars shows up. I could name this like Silent Music, music born from deep silence? Or better from silence and vacuum, it's a completely new experience for me, very exciting.
I need other hours of listening because I've had a first impression of a leaner sound, more open but with tonal balance slightly on highs. No cold, no harsh only more open so I need more time to find proper new settings, but results are outstanding.
It could needs a software burn-in (another strange phenomenon, but true)?
Impressive!I can't believe that deletion of few files could causes so big change in SQ.
Thanks a lot for your job, jolida

 

RE: A MUST TRY !!!, posted on September 7, 2011 at 22:27:49
Jolida
Audiophile

Posts: 329
Joined: June 26, 2009
 My pleasure :)
By the way Which soundcard are u using ?

Junaid

 

RE: cplay 2.b42 or better. New very important tweaks part 3, posted on September 8, 2011 at 01:02:54
kclo
Audiophile

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

First of all, thanks for your list, there is now better left/right balance, more precise image, and a yet tighter bass. And as I was listening to Tweak #4.5 (that's what I call yours) I though to myself, why don't I try your other suggestion, put wdmaud.drv back, after all no harm can be done and I can always remove it if I don't like it.

To put a story short, I think you are right again. Putting it back does make a big difference. The sound is now no longer thin; not only is it fuller and more natural, the soundstage is now more extended to the back, so that it is now square instead of a thin rectangle.

I suggest others to try it to see how you feel.

 

RE: cplay 2.b42 or better. New very important tweaks part 3, posted on September 8, 2011 at 01:27:18
Jolida
Audiophile

Posts: 329
Joined: June 26, 2009
 In fact I was JUST about to post a new topic regarding the same. I have been noticing this since about a week. The bottom end & for that matter the whole Range does not sound FULL without the wdmaud.drv file in it's respective folder. I agree that Juli@ does work without the file as well, but the bottom line is that the end-result sounds incomplete without it. Without the wdmaud.drv file, I feel that, if not full, atleast half an octave sounds missing in the lower registers ( somewhere between the bass/midbass/lower-mids section). The male vocals sound leaner & the impact in bass guitars lacks the Bite which kinda makes the sound, as we could say "light-weighted". Whether Juli@ needs the file to work or not, it sure is needed to make the presentation Complete.
Last night when I was having my listening session, I did one more thing. Serge had suggested that we delete the file named "SOUND" in his 1st list. I put it back in it's respective folder, & heard a wake-up call again. When we make deletions, we need to be absolutely focussed & sure as to how it sounded before & what it's sounding after the deletion. A CHANGE need not always be an improvement. That's what has happened by removing those two files. I suggest u try it as well & post a feedback.
I cannot comment on the improvements of users who use other soundcards apart from Juli@. It's a sure possibility that they too might equally benefit by putting back the wdmaud.drv & SOUND files in their original folders. But as far as Juli@ is concerned, it's a MUST !!!

Junaid

 

A NOTE TO JULI@ USERS !!!!, posted on September 8, 2011 at 02:15:03
Jolida
Audiophile

Posts: 329
Joined: June 26, 2009
 I have been noticing this since about a week. The Bottom end, & for that matter the whole Range does not sound FULL without the wdmaud.drv file in it's respective folder. I agree that Juli@ does work without the file as well, but the bottom line is that the end-result sounds incomplete without it. Without the wdmaud.drv file, I feel that, if not full, atleast half an octave sounds missing in the lower registers ( somewhere between the bass/midbass/lower-mids section). The male vocals sound leaner & the impact in Bass guitars lacks the Bite which kinda makes the sound, as we could say "light-weighted". Whether Juli@ needs the file to work or not, it sure is needed to make the presentation Complete.
Last night when I was having my listening session, I did one more thing. Serge had suggested that we delete the file named "SOUND" in his 1st list. I put it back in it's respective folder, & heard a wake-up call again. When we make deletions, we need to be absolutely focussed & sure as to how it sounded before & what it's sounding after the deletion. A CHANGE need not always be an improvement (No Offence to Serge). That's what has happened by removing those two files. I suggest u all try it as well & post a feedback.
I cannot comment on the improvements of users who use other soundcards apart from Juli@. It's a sure possibility that they too might equally benefit by putting back the wdmaud.drv & SOUND files in their original folders. But as far as Juli@ is concerned, it's a MUST !!!



Junaid

 

RE: cplay 2.b42 or better. New very important tweaks part 3, posted on September 8, 2011 at 03:11:27
kclo
Audiophile

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

Thanks for another excellent suggestion! Do note that I am not a Juli@ user. I use ASIO4ALL and the Devilsound dac through an USB isolator with an external battery power supply.

After putting back the sound.drv (lower case in my system) back to System32 and dllcache. I immediately played Van Morrison's 'His Band & The Street Choir'. I always thought that record is the worst recorded of his 3 classics which include "Astral Weeks', and 'Moondance'. This applies to both the LPs (Japanese pressing) and the wave files ripped from Japanese remastered CD. But by putting back the sound.drv file, the sound of that record is no longer a bit recess, but is as immediate as the sound on 'Moondance', one of the most immediate recordings ever! Image my surprise! Everything is now in my room!

A revelation indeed. Everyone MUST give this a try.

 

RE: A NOTE TO JULI@ USERS !!!!, posted on September 8, 2011 at 03:42:38
theob
Audiophile

Posts: 3180
Location: ann arbor michigan
Joined: November 4, 2000
 Sound goes back into system32 drivers subfolder, correct? I tried but did not reboot and I did not like it. Did you reboot after replacing Sound?

 

RE: A NOTE TO JULI@ USERS !!!!, posted on September 8, 2011 at 03:48:28
Jolida
Audiophile

Posts: 329
Joined: June 26, 2009
 The file that I deleted earlier was the "SOUND" in capital letters. It was in the Recycle Bin which I just restored. I think it does go to the drivers folder if I'm not wrong. Yes a reboot is a must. Reboot in cMP mode. Restore the wdmaud.drv file as well...

Junaid

 

How to move System Files , posted on September 8, 2011 at 03:56:49
play-mate
Audiophile

Posts: 948
Joined: November 21, 2008
 Hey Guys,

When trying to move certain system drivers and the option "extract" or "compress" comes up : what to do then ?

greetz
Hysolid // Mytek Brooklyn // Spectron Musician III // Analysis Audio Omega

 

RE: A NOTE TO JULI@ USERS !!!!, posted on September 8, 2011 at 04:28:52
theob
Audiophile

Posts: 3180
Location: ann arbor michigan
Joined: November 4, 2000
 Rebooted and its better but still not sure I prefer. There is more (apparent) transparency with Sound deleted and a deeper soundstage but with Sound back in there is a more traditional sound...a certain brightness that disappears (which is appealing) and soundstage moves more up front (which ims is not appealing). I'll listen a few days and see/hear which I prefer. There is a theoretical aspect of this that bothers me. I get that deleting stuff not needed reduces pc overhead. Putting stuff back in to eq the system strikes me as wrong. I have a digital crossover that allows me to eq stuff so I prefer to do it that way. However with Sound deleted I did try to eq with my crossover and it was not as effective as 'putting Sound back in'. But I am pragmatic about this so I'll live with this a few days and make a final judgment then.

Thanks again for all the suggestions. BTW I take it that you prefer Sound back in (I have all juli@ drivers still in Sys32) but what drove you to try this? Was it a dissatisfaction and did you try to put other drivers back in as well?

 

RE: A NOTE TO JULI@ USERS !!!!, posted on September 8, 2011 at 05:03:15
Jolida
Audiophile

Posts: 329
Joined: June 26, 2009
 A week ago, I had made deletions based on a screenshot by Mihaylov. I deleted all the files listed on it which CHANGED the sound though, but I wasn't sure if I liked all of it. Felt as if some in-between stuff was missing. Though it became more Open & light, I felt that passages having drum-strikes & lower frequencies lacked Attack. Before making those deletions, I had noted that the wdmaud.drv was on the list of the drivers which Juli@ was using (in the Control Panel > Sounds > Juli@ > Properties > Driver. So curiously wanted to cross-check if it's deletion was worth it. And to my surprise, it brought back that missing section which I felt had to be restored. I immediately notified Mihaylov about it & he said he would look into it.
Last evening, I was guiding a cousin of mine who lives close-by with the procedure of deleting the files step by step. He first deleted the 16 files of Serge's first list ( which included SOUND) & upon completion we noted that though it became better in the high frequencies, something was giving a feeling of Hollowness in the lower mid-band. Ran it continuosly expecting things to settle, but no luck. Thereafter we started restoring each file at a time, & deleting it again to re-check, we came to a point where restoring the Sound file filled that Hollow section & sounded more correct.
He is using Juli@ as well. I understand that deleting un-necessary files reduces pc overheads that tax the motherboard thereby polluting the supply. But what I am most careful about, is not to use any tweak in the form of a "tone control" or as u say an EQ, which may reveal more airiness but which is tentatively the result of pulling down other frequencies, thus creating a feeling of something New..
I certainly agree that we all have our personal listening tastes, which may appeal to me & not to others. But it showed a positive change to me, so I thought I would encourage other inmates who use Juli@ to also try the same.
Thanks for Ur feedback :-)

Junaid

 

RE: A NOTE TO JULI@ USERS !!!!, posted on September 8, 2011 at 05:10:38
theob
Audiophile

Posts: 3180
Location: ann arbor michigan
Joined: November 4, 2000
 Fair enough believe me I am not criticizing...just providing the feedback you requested. Make no mistake the files you suggested to delete are perhaps one of the biggest tweaks I have made to CMP...keep up the good work.

 

RE: A NOTE TO JULI@ USERS !!!!, posted on September 8, 2011 at 05:26:09
Jolida
Audiophile

Posts: 329
Joined: June 26, 2009
 Thanks :-) Ur feedback is important to me, as well as to all who are reading this forum. Audio Asylum, by itself is a place where we share our views about each other's findings, so that other inmates can also benefit from them. I truly appreciate the efforts taken by Serge & Mihaylov, who have let us in this direction, of improving the cMP, based on a Software-Level modification. Two thumbs up for them..!!!

Junaid

 

RE: How to move System Files , posted on September 8, 2011 at 06:09:51
Jolida
Audiophile

Posts: 329
Joined: June 26, 2009
 I dont quite get ur point..??? Those options show up when ur trying to delete which file(s)??? Deleting .dll or .drv files are as simple as deleting any other file for that matter. Are u trying to delete them to the Recycle Bin or do u wanna move them to a Temporary location? Either way, the options u are getting will show up only when u right-click on a file & have something like WinZip or WinRar installed.. A deletion is straightforward. Just Right-click & delete. Or am i missing something from what ur trying to ask????

Junaid

 

RE: How to move System Files , posted on September 8, 2011 at 06:18:32
GStew
Audiophile

Posts: 633
Location: NE Mississippi
Joined: September 21, 2001
 These are files that are stored inside of '.cab' files, which are similar to '.zip' files. These are packaged for installations and are not executable in this form. My opinion is that you don't need to bother with these files... they aren't running and aren't accessable to Windows without an running an install program.

Greg in Mississippi
Everything matters!

 

RE: How to move System Files , posted on September 8, 2011 at 07:36:59
GStew
Audiophile

Posts: 633
Location: NE Mississippi
Joined: September 21, 2001
 Jolida,

If you use Windows' Search to find files, it will show you the ones inside of '.cab' files too. These are the ones that will give you the option of "extract" or "compress" when you try to move them.

And as I mentioned above, they can be ignored.

Greg in Mississippi
Everything matters!

 

RE: A MUST TRY !!!, posted on September 8, 2011 at 10:24:34
audiodan@tiscali.it
Audiophile

Posts: 108
Location: Cagliari - Sardinia
Joined: July 7, 2009
 I use an Asus Xonar Essence STX with his analog output. I'm waiting for next steppe' steps for make a complete update on all files deleted.
It seems to me that also your "list of deletion" needs a little burn-in time.
It's strange but after few hours sound is clearly better balanced, no more "lean" sensation. It sounds great, really
THX again Jolida

 

RE: A MUST TRY !!!, posted on September 8, 2011 at 10:36:46
Jolida
Audiophile

Posts: 329
Joined: June 26, 2009
 Really nice to hear that. Thanks for your appreciation...

Junaid

 

RE: A MUST TRY !!!, posted on September 8, 2011 at 11:19:04
Ryelands
Audiophile

Posts: 1867
Location: Scotland
Joined: January 9, 2009
 . . . your "list of deletions" needs a little burn-in time

If you mean that it takes even experienced listeners time to appreciate the effect of subtle changes in a configuration, I agree with you.

Simply detecting a change (which experienced listeners can do very quickly) and properly evaluating it are different things. Listeners are inevitably "anchored" to the old base-line.

If OTOH it is implied that the way data are processed changes for the better over time (all else being equal) simply as a result of minor software changes then I cannot agree.

If people find that it takes time fully to appreciate a given change, might I suggest that we avoid the term "burn-in" as it has a reasonably well-understood meaning associated with chemical and other changes in audio components as functions of age and temperature.

Something like "give this a little time" perhaps?

Dave

 

RE: A MUST TRY !!!, posted on September 8, 2011 at 11:31:09
riboge
Audiophile

Posts: 675
Joined: June 25, 2008
 Ryelands points out it takes time to appreciate subtleties. I add that in taking time one accommodates to the 'new' sound so it seems to become more balanced...i.e., more familiar. Or, OTOH, one gets over the thrill of the new and finds it thin or flat after a while, which also has been reported. I believe there is no doubting that these deletions have improved the sound, each phase of deletions, but I am a bit skeptical of the reports of clear changes due to deleting one element or returning one element though, of course, it as possible as any of these changes--all are hard to explain.

Thanks, none the less, to Jolida.

 

MORE FILES, posted on September 8, 2011 at 12:18:45
Jolida
Audiophile

Posts: 329
Joined: June 26, 2009
 Was auditioning the new deletions I just made. I'm SO beginning to wonder how much potential is hidden under the hood of this so called Marvellous cMP project. Try & hear it for yourself :-)


wowexec
Winfax.dll
Winhttp.dll
Wpnpinst
Wupdmgr
Cdrom
Flpydisk

Finally go to the Drivercache folder & delete the i386 folder. Yes the entire folder.

Have been listening for an hour after making these changes & am surprised where is it finally going to land up :-)
Truly Awesome !!!
Note:- please restart in cMP mode to apply the changes..

Junaid

 

RE: MORE FILES, posted on September 8, 2011 at 13:16:48
theob
Audiophile

Posts: 3180
Location: ann arbor michigan
Joined: November 4, 2000
 Can't wait to try you are amazing!

 

RE: MORE FILES, posted on September 8, 2011 at 13:20:20
theob
Audiophile

Posts: 3180
Location: ann arbor michigan
Joined: November 4, 2000
 Quick question does deletion/removal of cdrom preclude you from reloading windows from a disk? That is ok for us that use image restorers like snapshot or ghost but for those that don't this could be an issue.

 

Is it possible to add a "File Deletions" page on the wesite ?, posted on September 8, 2011 at 13:28:38
gjwAudio
Audiophile

Posts: 160
Location: Toronto
Joined: March 11, 2006
 Hi All

With so much activity and dialogue concerning the SQ improvement wrought by deleting Windows system files (and registry trimming), it may be time to gather the collected wisdom onto a webpage.

Does anyone have the power to modify/update the cicsmemoryplayer.com website ?

A full master listing of all "candidates for deletion" would be very helpful. Since no two XP installations can be expected to have identical system file contents, this would be more of a "suggested list" than a 100% "must remove" requirement.

As some early adopters have noted, the presence or absence of certain files may have a "tone control" effect, and this information should be part of the list.

Should the files be divided into groups or phases... reflecting the way they were first posted ? Are there sound technical reasons to apply the changes in stages - or can they be executed in one go for maximum SQ boost. I have no idea, and defer to the authors to make that call.

Thoughts ?

Cheers,
Grant

That's not a Toy... IT'S A TOOL !!

 

I'm not a Juli@ user, and yet same experience, posted on September 9, 2011 at 02:31:27
kclo
Audiophile

Posts: 68
Joined: August 21, 2010
 No, I am not a Juli@ user. I use ASIO4ALL and the Devilsound dac through an USB isolator with an external battery power supply.

And as I was listening to Tweak #4.5 (that's what I call Jolida's first list) I thought to myself, why don't I try Jolida's other suggestion posted a week ago, putting wdmaud.drv back. After all no harm could possibly be done because I can always remove it if I don't like it.

To put a story short, putting wdmaud.drv back does make a big difference. The sound is now no longer thin; not only is it fuller and more natural, the soundstage is now more extended to the back, so that it is now square instead of a thin rectangle.

Then Jolida make another suggestion, put SOUND back. After putting back the sound.drv (lower case in my system) back to System32 and dllcache. I immediately played Van Morrison's 'His Band & The Street Choir'. I always thought that record is the worst recorded of his 3 classics which include "Astral Weeks', and 'Moondance'. This applies to both the LPs (Japanese pressing) and the wave files ripped from Japanese remastered CD. But by putting back the sound.drv file, the sound of that record is no longer a bit recess, but is as immediate as the sound on 'Moondance', one of the most immediate recordings ever! Imagine my surprise! Everything is now in my room!

A revelation indeed. Everyone MUST give this a try.

P.S. I understand that Jolida had created a second list. I think I will sit this one out, at least for a couple of days. The sound coming out of the steppe tweaks 1-4 + Jolida's 4.5 + 2 DRV files back has created such fantastic sound I think I will just happily enjoy that for the moment.

 

RE: Is it possible to add a "File Deletions" page on the wesite ?, posted on September 9, 2011 at 03:22:14
Jolida
Audiophile

Posts: 329
Joined: June 26, 2009
 Well... As for ur 1st question, we must leave that to Cics. The cMP website has been hosted by him, & most of all, this project was initiated by him alone, so its upto him to add or modify its contents. And as for the question "When???", i feel its best to be done ONLY after all possible/needed deletions have been made. By saying that i mean, that it should be done at a so-called 'Saturation-Point', after which deleting any additional file will have no effect on the SQ. And/or when ALL the 'Not-really-needed' files are removed, thus leaving back only those files which are critical for the operation of Windows...

Junaid

 

RE: MORE FILES, posted on September 9, 2011 at 03:51:18
Jolida
Audiophile

Posts: 329
Joined: June 26, 2009
 http://m.computing.net/answers/windows-xp/where-do-i-put-cdromsys/81265.html

We would be needing a CD-Rom drive only when we need to re-install a corrupt Windows installation (i.e. when it does not boot). So having the cdrom.sys file in the system is of no use when we are unable to boot to Windows itself. Either way, a corrupt Windows installation has to be repaired before Windows starts, by booting from the Windows set-up CD & selecting to repair a Windows partition. And as for us, who have made an image of the cMP partition with Drive-backup solutions ( i use Acronis), we as well need to start the Recovery procedure by booting from a CD of that Recovery program. The CD rom just needs to be enabled in the BIOS for both the situations to work.
As for the cdrom.sys file in Windows, its only for using a cd-rom to install something while windows is already running ( which ofcourse we would not)...

Junaid

 

RE: I'm not a Juli@ user, and yet same experience, posted on September 9, 2011 at 04:04:11
Jolida
Audiophile

Posts: 329
Joined: June 26, 2009
 Hi kclo,
I understand your situation completely. It has happened to me many a times in this hobby, that when ur system plays flaw-less after trying some tweaks or upgrades, one does not want to mingle with the Already perfect Equation that has been created :-) & wants to enjoy by re-discovering his precious recordings which now sound "ENJOYABLE"...

Junaid

 

RE: MORE FILES, posted on September 9, 2011 at 05:09:28
theob
Audiophile

Posts: 3180
Location: ann arbor michigan
Joined: November 4, 2000
 My feedback: more transparency, louder, more of the same the last jolida batch brought us. When I listened yesterday it was solid homerun. This am my system showed more of the grunge I usually get until the system warms up. But it was plainly/painfully noticeable. In 15 minutes it was back to yesterday's performance level... an out and out success!

 

RE: netoc.dll, posted on September 9, 2011 at 05:36:44
wlowes
Audiophile

Posts: 112
Location: Toronto
Joined: April 18, 2009
 I see a file NTOC.dll, but not netoc.dll. Perhaps I missed it. Is it possible this is a typo?

 

RE: netoc.dll, posted on September 9, 2011 at 05:47:48
Jolida
Audiophile

Posts: 329
Joined: June 26, 2009
 No it's not a typo. The file is netoc.dll
The file u specified is a non-system file. Must be belonging to some software u have installed on Ur system

Junaid

 

RE: MORE FILES, posted on September 9, 2011 at 06:47:09
Jolida
Audiophile

Posts: 329
Joined: June 26, 2009
 Exactly !! More transparent. Most of all I liked the Delicacy in the Midrange & Instrument-definition. And again, Noise-floor dropped further. Am able to hear how long the piano notes are sustained in certain recordings. Overall, more clean & Musical. I'm surprised to see how quick the cMP shuts down after this deletion..

Junaid

 

Things are getting really good with these latest ..., posted on September 9, 2011 at 08:00:12
rickmcinnis@dogwoodfabrics.com
Audiophile

Posts: 3040
Location: Atlanta
Joined: December 15, 2003
 With this latest round there was an increase in transparency and resolution that is almost hard to describe.

Maybe there is a cumulative effect?

I have not re-installed the two "JUL@" files yet. I do not find any hollowness in the region described but many times (most times) it is easy to delude oneself so I am going to try it.

Being a rather mindlessly decisive type I had deleted those files completely so I had to copy them from my other computer. I put them on a thumb drive and discovered that the music computer no longer recognizes it. Even though it shows up in DEVICE MANAGER/HARDWARE it will not show up on MY COMPUTER. I will have to put it on a HDD to give it a try. Not that that is a problem. Just thought it was interesting.

Also, as I had mentioned before after these deletions you will find some of the cics recommended optimizations have disappeared. Most notably was the SYSTEM/ADVANCED/PERFORMANCE setting. I had to reset to BEST PERFORMANCE. One should take a quick run through to see what your machine might have done with these settings.



 

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