Audiophile Optimizer on network streaming PC

[Mike Rubin]

I don't want to splurge for a Windows Server license, but I would like to explore using AudioOptimizer on my Windows 10 Pro NUC.  I have not been able to ascertain whether it can make an difference on a computer not connected to the DAC over USB.  I run the NUC headless using Splashtop Streamer and stream music stored on a NAS (variously using Roon, JRiver DLNA, or Audirvana) over ethernet to several Sonore rendus that are connected via USB to DACs or the digital input of an integrated amp.   I therefore don't have DAC drivers installed on the NUC and thus don't need improved ASIO or WASAPI connectivity.

 

Can AudiophileOptimizer improve sound quality on a Windows 10 server that does not use DAC drivers?  Does it disable the services needed for remote access?

 

Thanks for any information you can provide.

 

[ms012873]

I use Win Server 2019,  not Windows 10; however, I connect my music server to my DAC via Ethernet, not USB, and can say

that AO 3 absolutely unambiguously improves sound quality for me.  The improvement is not subtle.  It is obvious and palpable. 

 

Regarding your question about disabling remote access services, that would depend upon the customization selections you make during 

the set up & configuration (any one of which easily can be reset).  I have AO configured so that remote access is available.

The manual is thorough.  I would recommend reviewing it before you try to install.  There is a 2 week trial.

[ms012873]

I should mention that before you “splurge” on a server license, you could install a free trial edition of Windows server.

AO 3 has utility that permits the use of Windows Server 2019 Essential, which is about 1/2 the price of a Standard license,

without any reduction in sound quality.

[Mike Rubin]

Thank you.  This is useful information.

 

I have a NUC 10 i7 with 16gb RAM.  Some folks seem to have gotten Server 2019 to work with similar NUC’s but it doesn’t appear that Intel recommends that.  I guess there’s no harm in trying, unless I manage to make an ssd unbootable when trying to transition from the existing W10 installation to Winserver.  
 

I hadn’t heard about Essentials.  Does this version also use a GUI?  I haven’t used a computer without s GUI since c/pm and early DOS and the thought terrifies me, now that I am old.

[kelvinwsy]

It is not difficult - Just use Taskmaster on WinServer 2019 Core without the GUI. _ It is A LOT CALMER and pleasant SQ compared to WIN10Pro

Using Taskmaster, you can use the FILE and then RUN NEW TASK to do most tasks without the CMD_Line

Good Luck 

[Mike Rubin]

Thanks, Kelvinswy.  It sounds, though, from the AO documentation that there’s little SQ reduction from using the Server 2019 GUI, so I am inclined just to go that route if I use Server 2019 rather than Win 10 Pro.