Who's used the Audiophile Optimizer for Windows 2012 Server or Windows 8?

[audiosceptic]

I purchased and downloaded AO under the 14 day trial. I had W2012R2 setup on my testing server (Intel S1200KP MB, Xeon E3-1245 CPU, 16 GB RAM, 240 GB SSD). I was using JRMC 20 and Spotify to a Lynx HILO DAC via USB. I listen mainly through headphones which are HiFiMan HE-1000 and a custom built Audio Note HE-6 headphone amp. My usual source is a MacBook Pro Retina (2012) playing FLAC files and Spotify through Audirvana to the HILO. I used a ifi USB to SPDIF converter on the Mac to connect to the Coax input on the HILO allowing instant comparing of sources and level matching.

 

I played AO in all 3 modes (GUI, minimal server and core) and could not hear any difference in sound between the Macbook and the PC. I followed the instructions explicitly and made sure I ran the AO optimizer script every time I changed server modes. I switched the inputs using the PC to the ifi SPDIF converter and the Macbook to USB and there was no change. I then installed JPlay and tried that with JRiver and could not hear any difference. I really wanted this to be an improvement and own a legal version of S2012R2 so didn't have to pay for that but just did not hear any sound improvement over a 8 day trial listening 2-4 hours per day (I work from home). YMMV of course but this was my experience.

[audiosceptic]

Phil,

 

So you are suggesting that the optimizations performed by AO are only heard when all "weak links" are eliminated? I was under the impression from reading the comments in this thread that the improvements performed by AO were dramatic and obvious on any system. I'm disappointed I couldn't hear any improvements and will have to be content with my audio system that apparently has limiting weak links.

 

I also realize Spotify is not a good testing tool but I just wanted to point out that it is one of the methods I use my computer for enjoyment. It isn't used for critical comparative listening.

 

Thanks for your comments.