Jump to content
IGNORED

A novel way to massively improve the SQ of computer audio streaming

austinpop

By austinpop
in Music Servers

The Computer Audiophile
Message added by The Computer Audiophile

Important and useful information about this thread

Posting guidelines

History and index of useful posts

Most important: please realize this thread is about bleeding edge experimentation and discovery. No one has The Answer™. If you are not into tweaking, just know that you can have a musically satisfying system without doing any of the nutty things we do here.

Recommended Posts

Middy

Middy

Posted
Posted

Have a look at inner fidelity or PM Tyll Hertsen if you need specific cans for work with good tonal balance. @Superdad

 

He and now Jude of HF do testing for frequency humps. The high end focal top end is crystal sharp and the lcd4 smooth and rich.  Upgraded Ether Flows I have I do like and glad I have them. HD 800s was pin point in places. The proto ether electrostats sound fantastic so floating and light.

 But Austin is spot on that with so many US firms doing trials and just a return post fee.Get them on your rig and head first. But my experiences were just 5 mins in a small meet environment...

A few weeks at home would be fantastic.

Just my 2 cents worth O.o

But apologies for over simplified semi patronising post.. just in case others don't know on the headphone side of things. .

Good luck

Dave:)

 

Oh the new Mr speakers sub $800  was measured and tested by Tyll and he rates them..

Link to comment
  • 3 weeks later...
Middy

Middy

Posted
Posted

People have said the Elgar is a little quieter transformer  hum but the Topaz Elgar's v low winding capacitance is the strong point.

With second hand models it's always good to get an EE to pass them off as safe....

Airlink do a US version but as for UK to US is the freight cost. 

Link to comment
  • 4 weeks later...
Middy

Middy

Posted
Posted
7 hours ago, misterspense said:

Great stuff! Been following this thread for some time, really interested in the NUC approach, but totally lost on what version I should buy. A generation 7 celeron? Or buy an i3 or i5 because the much faster processor will give lower latency? Or would the faster processor generate more noise? Would a fanless Asus be as good as the Intel in Akasa case? Expect that the Asus will have a better BIOS, but maybe no 'magic sauce'? Is the magic happening in the ddr3 ram? Buy ram the uses the lowest current? So much to think about...

Hi all and thanks to all for this superb thread and the CA community.....

I am in the same boat as many i think who want a simple PC not a server or high price box. 8 power lines or a pcie ocx network card MAC..(Any Antipodes or faun freebies just pm me) i've ran off an android phone but tried my Qutest with my old gaming pc no fancy power conditioning and liked the sound. 

I really respect the effort of the CA members to push the boundaries. I suppose i am waiting for a NUC solution with basic instruction and buying guide. I can have the options of roon ect later..  with power, cables and upgrades.

Just load up my flacs and use my phone as a remote. No monitor. Linux is a scary prospect.

£200+ is a bargin in this hobby and managable. But the added complexity beyond my skill level is daunting. My needs are not the same as others but i am trying to guide some young audio newbies into a low cost set up. Amp dac headphones with a millennial transport option..... NUC seems an answer for all tiers of audiophile and still have space for highend products.

May be i am just asking for a one hit  guide but there still seems a lot of road yet to travel for both fine tuning and implementation.

 

Thanks again and good luck.

 

Dave

 

 

 

 

Link to comment
Middy

Middy

Posted
Posted

For those on the fence reading this, I tried Euphony to see for myself if a Linux OS works. Not that i didn't  think it wouldnt..

https://euphony-audio.com/installation/

30 free days only.

I saw it on another thread but its not DOS style Linux commands. For a novice like me its a bit uncomfortable but not so bad getting it to work..

Download a trialzip. Run exe file onto a blank 8 G memory stick. Reboot and go into your bios F2 and pick the memory stick. Thats the pc part.  Follow thier instructions on another pc or phone just on your network wifi. The web page gets you to start a trial.. you have too figure out where your music is and mount it in settings. Not easy for me but got it working eventually. 

Will i invest in a NUC PC? My old gaming PC was better than Android phone 5% 

With Linux 10-15% IMHO.

I am not endorsing this product or any other but it allowed me to try with no investment or linux knowledge. (I have liitle of either..)

There seems to be a lot of mileage with these kind experiments, on our behalf left to go. 

So i can't  wait and see the end recommendations in its basic form and whats possible.

 

I can't afford much more than a cheap NUC PC and thats in the sales Jan 2019 and many like me have no real clue of Linux until this thread. Or the Intel NUC.

Reverting back is as easy as just removing the memory stick from my computer..

 

I hope this helps some try this out, or another easier way is mentioned for free.

The point being it does work for me and flacs sound much better. Whatever your personal circumstance have a go and see. 

 

Roon, fancy power or cable mods can come later. Or a computer degree...

*Web page on my phone, capture

*My simple test setup to try Linux on my old PC. Qutest, 3 ifi filters, 5v battery and headamp.

 

Good luck and thanks again for improving my music..

 

Dave

 

1744620079_Screenshot_20181028-200521_SamsungInternet.thumb.jpg.9162980da6eb75513fc138db0944a378.jpg

 

20181028_192706.thumb.jpg.325cb10d603b74ba00fafd1d1f1302d3.jpg

Link to comment
Middy

Middy

Posted
Posted
4 hours ago, rickca said:

I wonder why people only recently jumped on this AudioLinux/NUC solution.  Hasn't AudioLinux been around for quite some time?

Not a clue..... thought Linux was for specialists and devs. NUC or similar was for small company work stations noisy and cheap for windows. The work here is high level too me, with hard work and very clever input. Still trapped, as i hear the difference in an OS but implementation is beyond me yet. 

I will buy a NUC to move from android to win 10 pc for my bedroom. Better seems x2 Pc's server + ram only. Audiolinux. headless.....

 

But i dont want to derail anything here. Ask later for about a 1 NUC budget option.

 

Bleeding edge is great to watch, i just want the a bit on pommel of the broad sword waving about here...

 good luck all

 

Dave

Link to comment
Middy

Middy

Posted
Posted

Just a note, bare bones does come with a laptop style PSU with international plugs. There is an approved list on intel site for that NUCs memory. Was suggested that single Ram module goes in the lower slot.. Celeron. NUC

sorry lost link.. 

Cheers

Dave

 

Link to comment
Middy

Middy

Posted
Posted
6 hours ago, tapatrick said:

 A warning for those in the UK if you are looking for a fanless case for your NUC7CJYH don't buy from amazon as its 2x the price of the same one here: https://www.scan.co.uk/products/akasa-newton-jc-fanless-low-profile-case-8th-generation-intel-nuc-june-canyon-25-hdd-ssd

 

NUC7CJYH can be found here.. for £109

https://www.laptopsdirect.co.uk/intel-nuc-kit-nuc7cjyh-celeron-j4005-mini-barebone-pc-boxnuc7cjyh3/version.asp

 

Thanks mate,  I sold 2 old phones and jumped the gun.

     I made the mistake of Using Ebuyer, not the best in UK but god they use Yodel as thier delivery firm. Thier working model is deliver when you are out, not weekends and have the nearest depot 30 miles away.  Next try Wednesday the wifes in...

At least its via Amazon....

 

I ordered 4G ram do i need the full 8G for the celeron NUC? No rush for answers just having fun going under the radar ish.... learning new tricks 

Hoping my 13v Sbooster can drive it as mentioned..

 

Keep smiling all

Dave

 

Link to comment
Middy

Middy

Posted
Posted

NUC noise celeron based

Iam setting mine up for windows now, i am sat next to it and cant hear it. Unless you want to use it as a pillow.

Its a fair lump of a PC but its not to stop it flying around the room like a crazed drone on a hot heavy load.... 

Adding to a fanless case isnt for the faint hearted. mobo chip dependant how easy that is. Stepped combo cpu gfx.??

Can't see any custom fan replacements or even replacements.

 

A low cpu load and keep it out of dusty environments. You could get PC sound foam and intake filter material if you are that worried. 

You can get at the fan and clean it with some effort if it does get dusty and unbalanced. Any noise in warranty RMA it.

 

Dont forget gents USE ESD protection handling electronics. A strap and earth plug doesn't cost much. Can save you a lot of time and effort/ cost poking around PC/hi fi equipment.

Have it not need it.. rather than need it philosophy....

 

My NUC experience so far on the cheap..

 

I may do the Aerial mod and attach external antenna for wifi boost. Lots of options googling NUCs.

 

My old 13v Sbooster/ IFI DC purifier quad cable  MOD boots the NUC and does sound better.

NUC win 10 and wall mart still sounds better than my gaming PC.  No DSD just pcm.

ill try Dalphile again and work my way up when its more fool proof.

Sorry for basics and reiteration of earlier posts but i am aiming for people my level. Cash and IT experience lacking. No roon ect just a NUC.

 

Win10 pro key £4 ebay. Add to usb stick

Aerials £6 for better reception if an issue.

Spare mouse keyboard £8

Dalphile headless and free to give Linux os a try...

It adds up but nothing to potential the big boys are doing here.

Good luck if helpful 

Dave.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Link to comment
  • Popular Post
Middy

Middy

Posted
  • Popular Post
Posted

Id thought this in my crudest terms is the buffer is a bucket ..how fast it fills and empties. (Rate) how smooth the flow is (latency) and how dirty the water is (Electrical noise). How the bucket fills does add noise? (Crystal clocks smooth the flow)

Linux kernal and lack of others is the sauce? Ram being the least disruptive...

Less work, less noise, cleanest signal for the DAC. 

 

I thought it an interesting question as i am clueless beyond a plug and fuse. Maybe ask the experts on the sponsored forums JS/SD Uptone. Sonore guys/ IFI? ET AL if they can help at such a technical level. If the already knowledgeable gents here can't won't ..OP rules..

 

Thank goodness for this thread but iam still learning to tie my audiophile shoelaces, everyone else is fixing thier bow ties and off too the dance....?

Rav is a dapper and  debonair gentleman...

 

Apologies, iam still in excited mode, just a NUC has been a revelation, applying the hard work here, power/signal/ OS trimming now makes a real difference.

This is driven for endgame /high end polishing.

I am having Christmas as a 6 year old again.. a cheap toy and lots of excitement....

Good luck

Dave

Link to comment
Middy

Middy

Posted
Posted

Some details on bios settings about..NUC roon labs community rock software. Any thoughts other than turn off not needed hardware Bluetooth LAN , WLAN ?. Advanced setting bios may differ on Mboard. Sorry if i missed previous suggestions.

 

I need WLAN on but the card on the Mboard. (Single NUC no roon. LAN)

 

For the Fanless guys who need WLAN would this help? Thinking outside the box... Riser card/ extender. 

You cant unplug it, so still some device noise.  Move it away or outside the case.

Room for shielding the device, riser ribbon cable, aerial leads and keep antenna on the outside.

Possible for m.2 cards also with riser if you have them.

What difference it makes i dont know?

Right then ..Tidy the house before 1 year old destroys it again and wife kills me.

Have a great week all.

Dave

EG

 

 

BQLZR Mini PCI Express PCI-e Mini Card Extender Extension Cable Powerful Test Tool https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00T2FP7X4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_oUc6BbVV2HBE1

 

HUACAM HCM16 2 x 2.4GHz 6dBi Indoor Omni-directional Antenna 802.11n/b/g RP-SMA Female Connector + 2 x 12cm U.FL Mini PCI to RP-SMA Pigtail Antenna WiFi Cable

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00VHDXSSU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_-fd6BbHEFP2W4

 

Link to comment
Middy

Middy

Posted
Posted
2 hours ago, tapatrick said:
As several folks got in touch with me curious to hear my opinion, here is my assessment of using the NUC with Audiolinux.
 
Once again big thanks to @lmitche and @romaz!
 
 

My case coming tomorrow, cheers for the tip. Did you remove the WIFI card as you dont need it( just a thought) if that adds anything even turned off??

Any tips for assembly let us know.

Hopefully Ted at PS new snowmass is the icing on the cake and happy

christ-snow-mass for you mate.

The audio elves are busy this year..

Thanks

Dave.

Link to comment
Middy

Middy

Posted
Posted
2 hours ago, Hauser said:

This may be a good time to take a short break from NUCs to share my recent upgraded power supply project.   

 

 

DSCF3242.JPG

 

 

That is a thing of beauty Martin. Aesthetics and attention to detail just lovely.

 

 

 

 

Link to comment
Middy

Middy

Posted
Posted

Ask Austinpop if he would review it on his journey. His series of Dac reviews is/ has been great read. I am sure the Dutch manufacturer would also. Its been a while since that DAC popped  up on the radar, at its price point and glowing review. I though it died until it was mentioned here. I am glad its still going and improving. Cable lovers may not like it....there arent many needed...

 

I am sure a few would like a third party opinion... more is better in this game..

Good luck

Dave

 

 

Link to comment
Middy

Middy

Posted
Posted
6 hours ago, tapatrick said:

Hi Dave, I didn't remove the wifi card just switched off in Bios, but that might be a good idea to remove.

 

The most difficult part I found was getting the motherboard out.

Yes it certainly seems like Xmas has come early..:)

Just got the Akasa chassis for the NUC. Celeron

If you Tapatrick or others are inclined or bothered! the Block isnt very good. Its just fly cutter milled roughly. Rub a nail across it. Just google 'Lapping a cpu heatsink'. A good CPU heat sink is like glass. + flat.

This makes it flatter for more surface area to transfer heat. Have a look, not that hard.

Remove the cheap silicone grease and apply a carbon TIM like Artic mx4 . 'Non conductive' if you make a mistake.

Screw back in lightly diagonal and tighten for even pressure.

I won't do a guide, IT guys here know over clocking. But simple techniques make the case earn its money. Especially + celeron/pentium chips like i3 i5.  

No over clocking but a cooler cpu. GFX

 

All fun and something else too play with.

Flat is better than super smooth.

Food for thought !!and should help keep it cooler.

Dave

 

 

 

 

Link to comment

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
Go to topic listing


sonore

aurender

Lumin

HEAP

Schiit

SOtM

Mytek

mutec

uptone

jcat

sotm usa

audioquest

Taiko Audio

Teddy Pardo

Eversolo




×
×
  • Create New...