In this article, I independently adjust the amplitude (with digital eq) and bit-depth of a digital music file to identify at what threshold level I can start detecting a difference in sound quality compared to the original music file. In other words, how far away from bit-perfect can I detect an audible change in SQ. All music files are available for download. As a listening experience, feel free to participate to determine your own audibility threshold level. To correlate the listening tests with measurements, the differencing technique described in JRiver Mac versus JRiver Windows Sound Quality Comparison is being used.
...
I have been listening to JRiver Media Center on Windows for almost two years and have been a happy customer. JRiver on Windows is extensively reviewed by Chris. 
It has been nearly two years to the day since I wrote about JRiver Media Center [Link
]. At the time JRiver was on version 14 and Windows 7 was somewhat new to audiophiles. Now JRiver has progressed to version 17 and most computer audiophiles have moved from previous versions of Windows to Windows 7. Much of the meat in that first article still holds true today. Using Exclusive Mode and WASAPI output remain great methods of outputting bit perfect audio from one's computer. Nevertheless it's time for an updated article that computer audiophiles can use as an unbiased reference for JRiver configuration and information.
My recent interview on Leo Laporte's TWiT network about computer audiophilia has been posted on the Ultimate AV Mag site. The video is just short of one hour and covers many topics discussed here on CA including, "the basics of high-resolution computer-audio files, including file formats and compression, adaptive and asynchronous USB DACs, ripping physical discs, online sources for high-res music files, the Simple Design Sonore Linux-based music-server appliance, cloud-based systems, using a preamp/processor with high-res music servers, local-area network streaming, answers to chat-room questions, and more." Here's a link the complete video of the show from June 27, 2011.
One of my daily routines is listening to The Adam Carolla Show podcast while reading and responding to email each morning. Last Friday Adam interviewed well known recording engineer of Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon and artist Alan Parsons. Alan discussed his work for EMI during The Beatles recording sessions at Abbey Road and his disdain for the original release of Let It Be. The whole podcast is pretty interesting but the gem mentioned by Alan Parsons is his new video series called The Art & Science Of Sound Recording. At first blush this may appear irrelevant to audiophiles but upon further investigation most Computer Audiophile readers will find many nuggets of information that enhance the listening experience. From Edison to iPod to file formats, sample rates, and training oneself to how to listen. This video series has value for those in the music industry and those of us who consume the products of the industry. After the introduction a twenty-six minute Digital Audio & Computers video is recommended. Alan and very respected engineers discuss using the best Analog to Digital (ADC) and Digital to Analog Converters (DAC) when the budget allows and how acute Sheryl Crow's hearing is while recording.
At most computer audio seminars I conduct Windows users ask about wireless audio. Mac users usually sit back with a comfortable grin when such questions are asked. Wireless audio using iTunes and an Airport Express is old-hat to Mac users. Windows users are typically familiar with wireless products from Logitech and Sonos, but they are looking for something integrated within their playback application and not tied to iTunes. In other words a $100 Airport Express for programs other than iTunes. Fortunately Windows users are in luck. Even more luck than Mac users. Using J river Media Center 15, an Apple Airport Express, and Illustrate's Air UPnP Windows users can send wireless audio around the house with no additional configuration necessary. J river Media Center is also capable of sending different songs to several different Airport Express units simultaneously. iTunes currently supports broadcasting only one song to all local and wireless devices. As a bonus J River Media Center, in combination with PlugPlayer running on an iPod Touch, iPhone, or iPad, can send audio via wireless straight to the Touch, Phone, or Pad. This works great for users with an iPod dock connected to their HiFi system. Simply connect the iPod to the dock, set J River on Random, and let the music fly while house guests wonder how much storage Apple has managed to cram into a device so small.
Categories
