Audirvana Plus 3 (official thread)

[audiocanyon]

Just downloaded the 3.1 trial version after reading all the good press. Thought I'd start with a clean slate and follow RunHomeSlow's directions for starting from scratch:

 

Go to the main library folder... PrivilegedHelperTools folder... Trash the com.audirvana.Audirvana-Plus file

 

Go to the main library folder...LaunchDaemons folder... Trash the com.audirvana.Audirvana-Plus.plist

 

Go to User... home Folder... library... Applications Support... Audirvana folder...Trash the AudirvanaPlusDatabase.sqlite (that is your database of music, back it up!)

 

Go to User... home folder... library... Preferences... trash com.audirvana.Audirvana-Plus.plist (those are A+ software preferences)

 

Restart MAC just to be sure... This will reset pretty much Audirvana like new.

 

When choosing library at first it will sync in top right main window under the logo...

LET IT GO, even better don't try to adjust windows or edit files... even playing music while it is not finished...

 

Everything went well except I couldn't find the com.audirvana.Audirvana-Plus.plist file. Anyone know where else I might look besides the User... home folder... library... Preferences... folder?

[Dyson]

I agree, only thing taken from memory (2.6.6) is that now the last (lowest) octave seems a bit shy. Stage presentation is fenomenal and "release from speakers" is the best so far on my system. :-)

 

"Release from speakers" (term not familiar with) might be a good description of the sound improvement; I was thinking along the lines of a removal of a veil. The low end seems tighter and more accurate on my system. I'm still blown away by the degree of improvement.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Computer Audiophile

 

I do agree. The latest bottom end lost some body but it's better controlled overall.

[RunHomeSlow]

Just downloaded the 3.1 trial version after reading all the good press. Thought I'd start with a clean slate and follow RunHomeSlow's directions for starting from scratch:

Go to User... home folder... library... Preferences... trash com.audirvana.Audirvana-Plus.plist (those are A+ software preferences)

Everything went well except I couldn't find the com.audirvana.Audirvana-Plus.plist file. Anyone know where else I might look besides the User... home folder... library... Preferences... folder?

 

if you didn't have A+ installed once, it should not be there..., but if you have it before it is strange to have nothing.

if all went well, don't bother, but now if you quit A+ and look back it should have one...

[OneHandWaving]

Still confused. How do I know if I'm listening to a Tidal "Master"? If I want to listen to "Masters", how do I go about doing that in Audirvana Plus? Sorry, I must be missing something.

 

If you're listening to an MQA album on Tidal you'll see the text MQA on the top right of the screen where it shows the file type/bit depth, sampling frequency etc.

[Dyson]

If you're listening to an MQA album on Tidal you'll see the text MQA on the top right of the screen where it shows the file type/bit depth, sampling frequency etc.

Is there a definition of the color on the side of the MQA logo?

[OneHandWaving]

Is there a definition of the color on the side of the MQA logo?

I'm guessing it shows how the MQA stream is being processed. I don't have an MQA DAC and it's showing as blue.

[dahlberg]

"Release from speakers" (term not familiar with) might be a good description of the sound improvement; I was thinking along the lines of a removal of a veil. The low end seems tighter and more accurate on my system. I'm still blown away by the degree of improvement.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Computer Audiophile

 

"Release from speakers" is a term I invented today missing a better phrase

for when you no longer can say that sound is actually coming from the

speakers. I have a slight allergy for when it's the other way around.

Dynamics seems to have improved as well, makes it more fun to listen :-)

What I belive is missing a bit is what's below ~30hz, the part that makes

the floor and the couch you are sitting on to move.

[DanT]

Even though direct mode doesn't work on latest mac software, am I missing a lot as a result? I have never used A+ before you see.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Computer Audiophile

[Innocent Bystander]

"Release from speakers" is a term I invented today missing a better phrase

for when you no longer can say that sound is actually coming from the

speakers. I have a slight allergy for when it's the other way around.

Dynamics seems to have improved as well, makes it more fun to listen :-)

What I belive is missing a bit is what's below ~30hz, the part that makes

the floor and the couch you are sitting on to move.

That sounds negative to me, because I rather do like to feel the bottom end when it is supposed to be there, and spent a lot of money on speakers capable of going low enough uncurtailed. It is a pity if apparent improvements in some respects are accompanied by deterioration elsewhere. Could be a deal breaker - some time I will have to try (only I will have to be certain I can revert if I don't like), but no hurry as MQA is of nominterest and I'm hoping Damien will fix the library issues soon.

[Innocent Bystander]

Even though direct mode doesn't work on latest mac software, am I missing a lot as a result? I have never used A+ before you see.

 

I could tell the difference when I tried back in version 2.1 or so. I haven't updated to v3 so can't be sure now. It will of course depend on your system and how revealing it is, and also probably on what Mac model and how it is set up - and of course on your ears! i seem to recall there is a fix knocking around, but if you can't find it or it doesn't fix it, then you like what you currently hearing it may be better not to worry about it!

[DanT]

Even though direct mode doesn't work on latest mac software, am I missing a lot as a result? I have never used A+ before you see.

 

I could tell the difference when I tried back in version 2.1 or so. I haven't updated to v3 so can't be sure now. It will of course depend on your system and how revealing it is, and also probably on what Mac model and how it is set up - and of course on your ears! i seem to recall there is a fix knocking around, but if you can't find it or it doesn't fix it, then you like what you currently hearing it may be better not to worry about it!

 

Thanks for the reply.

 

At the moment my system is:

 

MacBook Air - latest model on sierra

A+ 3.0.1

Chord C line USB

DAC V1

Naim DIN-XLR

NAP 250DR

Chord Odyssey 2 speaker wire

B&W 683 S2

 

Currently trying to decide if my USB cable could do with being upgraded. Or the preamp for that matter..

 

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Computer Audiophile

[wwaldmanfan]

Even though direct mode doesn't work on latest mac software, am I missing a lot as a result? I have never used A+ before you see.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Computer Audiophile

I don't think so. I'm running Mavericks. If there's a difference to be heard, it sounds as good or better with it off.

 

Don't worry about the friggin' USB cable, or your preamp. Been there and done that with half a dozen USB cables, and a $4K Mark Levinson preamp that a friend loaned me. No audible difference.

I stopped worrying about all this minutae, and am free just to enjoy the music.

[dahlberg]

That sounds negative to me, because I rather do like to feel the bottom end when it is supposed to be there, and spent a lot of money on speakers capable of going low enough uncurtailed. It is a pity if apparent improvements in some respects are accompanied by deterioration elsewhere. Could be a deal breaker - some time I will have to try (only I will have to be certain I can revert if I don't like), but no hurry as MQA is of nominterest and I'm hoping Damien will fix the library issues soon.

 

I will absolutely not go back to an earlier version, this one is great. My library works just fine by the way :-)

[AudioDoctor]

A few days ago I purchased the Audirvana 3.0 upgrade. I run Audirvana on 2 computers using the same license. This has never been a problem. With Audirvana 3.0 I run into problems now each time I start Audirvana. I’ve sent several emails to Damien but got no response. I am just wondering if I am the only one encountering this problem.

After the install on the first Mac entering the license key caused no problems. After the install on the second Mac I got the message that the key was invalid. I started in Trial mode and entered the key later, which was accepted.

For one day it was possible to run Audirvana on 2 Macs (I did not try simultaneously as I never do that).

Since yesterday I encounter the problem that when starting Audirvana I get the message ‘Too many installs’. When I start in Trial mode and enter the key later the key is accepted and all runs fine. I have to go through this procedure each time I start Audirvana.

Maybe Damien reads this and can offer some help to solve this.

 

To me that sounds like normal behavior if the licensing scheme has changed to only allow one Install per license. I do know that previously you could install it on multiple computers. I am glad I know this as I was going to install it on multiple computers today as well.

[AudioDoctor]

Running Mac OS Maverick I'm always use Exclusive and Direct Mode with A+ 2.6 and Luxman DA06.

I already have tried to disable both Modes and the still happens.

Even though I'm using Maverick ,where both Modes works, I need to replace de kext file that you mentioned? I believe not...

I would like to keep currently Mac OS Maverick that IMO faster than Sierra (boot less than 15seg) and considering this Mac is dedicated to A+

 

ok, I just couldn't remember when that changed. Do not change any kext files. Were you trying to play MQA files without telling A+ that the DA06 is not an MQA certified device?

[pl_svn]

To me that sounds like normal behavior if the licensing scheme has changed to only allow one Install per license. I do know that previously you could install it on multiple computers.

*two* computers max!

I always had A+ installed on my dedicated Mac mini, at home, and on my MBP for when I'm away

 

 

if this has changed to just one... that's one more reason, for me, to stick with v2

(btw... still waiting an answer about which "other" devices, apart the microRendu, v3.1 will support :-| )

[AudioDoctor]

*two* computers max!

I always had A+ installed on my dedicated Mac mini, at home, and on my MBP for when I'm away

 

Ah okay, that's how many I had it on.

[sebassie]

To me that sounds like normal behavior if the licensing scheme has changed to only allow one Install per license. I do know that previously you could install it on multiple computers. I am glad I know this as I was going to install it on multiple computers today as well.

Two computers is allowed, but it does not work with me!

 

3.3. License Grant

This Agreement entitles you to install and use one copy of THE SOFTWARE PRODUCT. In addition, you may make one archival copy of THE SOFTWARE PRODUCT. The archival copy must be on a storage medium other than a hard drive, and may only be used for the reinstallation of THE SOFTWARE PRODUCT. This Agreement does not permit the simultaneous use of more than one copy of THE SOFTWARE PRODUCT, or the installation of THE SOFTWARE PRODUCT on more than two computers that belongs to you at any given time, on a system that allows shared used of applications, on a multi-user network, or on any configuration or system of computers that allows multiple users. Multiple copy use or installation is only allowed if you obtain an appropriate licensing agreement for each user and each copy of THE SOFTWARE PRODUCT, with the exception of the installation on a second computer owned by you for your exclusive use with the express condition that this second copy is not used simultaneously with the main one.

[AudioDoctor]

Two computers is allowed, but it does not work with me!

 

3.3. License Grant

This Agreement entitles you to install and use one copy of THE SOFTWARE PRODUCT. In addition, you may make one archival copy of THE SOFTWARE PRODUCT. The archival copy must be on a storage medium other than a hard drive, and may only be used for the reinstallation of THE SOFTWARE PRODUCT. This Agreement does not permit the simultaneous use of more than one copy of THE SOFTWARE PRODUCT, or the installation of THE SOFTWARE PRODUCT on more than two computers that belongs to you at any given time, on a system that allows shared used of applications, on a multi-user network, or on any configuration or system of computers that allows multiple users. Multiple copy use or installation is only allowed if you obtain an appropriate licensing agreement for each user and each copy of THE SOFTWARE PRODUCT, with the exception of the installation on a second computer owned by you for your exclusive use with the express condition that this second copy is not used simultaneously with the main one.

 

I don't know where you get two computers out of that...

 

"This Agreement entitles you to install and use one copy of THE SOFTWARE PRODUCT."

[sebassie]

I don't know where you get two computers out of that...

 

"This Agreement entitles you to install and use one copy of THE SOFTWARE PRODUCT."

 

read again:

with the exception of the installation on a second computer owned by you for your exclusive use with the express condition that this second copy is not used simultaneously with the main one

[AudioDoctor]

read again:

with the exception of the installation on a second computer owned by you for your exclusive use with the express condition that this second copy is not used simultaneously with the main one

 

Alright, you got me.

[AudioDoctor]

ok, I just couldn't remember when that changed. Do not change any kext files. Were you trying to play MQA files without telling A+ that the DA06 is not an MQA certified device?

 

Or, to make it simpler. Did you tell A+ that the DA06 is an MQA certified renderer or decoder while trying to play an MQA file?

[Dyson]

That sounds negative to me, because I rather do like to feel the bottom end when it is supposed to be there, and spent a lot of money on speakers capable of going low enough uncurtailed. It is a pity if apparent improvements in some respects are accompanied by deterioration elsewhere. Could be a deal breaker - some time I will have to try (only I will have to be certain I can revert if I don't like), but no hurry as MQA is of nominterest and I'm hoping Damien will fix the library issues soon.

 

It isn't negative. All the lower end is there, controlled. Many versions gave the feeling to have more low end extension, but in fact had something like "boomy" basses. One version: 2.6b16 (2.5.9.16) had very controlled low end (probably too controlled BTW). Version 2.6.6 gives the impression to have more bass but not as well mastered as 3.0. Not speaking of the other sound improvement of 3.0.

[mgaluzzi]

No, A+ auto detects that Luxman is not a MQA device so I didn't change it.

I have tried my another Mac running OS Sierra, without direct, exclusive, and interge Modes and similar issues occurred! A+ starting load first track taking a long time and after shows "error to starting playback"...

I will try to remove Tidal app from my both Mac because I'm suspecting it may causing A+ issues

[iamoneagain]

I have a question about how MQA works without a MQA dac. I know if I shut of upsampling, it does the first unfold to 88/96 even if the MQA in the right shows 192 or higher. But it also outputs to 88 even if the MQA file is only 22/44. Why would it output higher than the file?

 

Next question is if I do turn on upsampling, does the first unfold still happen? So does it convert to MQA 24/96 and then apply the additional upsampler?

 

This is what I'm planing for the Roon/HQPlayer combo when they update to MQA. Do the software unfold first and then send that to HQPlayer for dsd output.