Submitted by bite-the-byte on Sat, 05/30/2009 - 14:13
Just submit to attention a new player solution, from a team of CNR (Italian National REsearch Institute), leaded by Andreas Von Salis (AVS Research) and including Simone Bianchi (Tengerine Tech), the head of Charon software I mentioned here sometime ago.
AVS is not intended to be a bit-perfect solution, it includes room correction algorithms as well as advanced psyco-acoustics algorithms. It aims to deliver 3D listening experience, also with multichannel set up.
Here is the web site: http://www.andreavonsalis.eu/
The price is Euro 350, from the web is possible to download a seven day trial demo, also directly from Apple:
http://www.apple.com/downloads/macosx/audio/avs3d%E2%80%A2vr.html
Enjoy
Paolo
MacMini->FW->Digital Konnect X32(<- Black Lion MicroClock)->AES->Weiss DAC1 mkII

...as it comes from Apple download page:
About AVS 3D • VR
Software realizes the US, EU, Int Pat audio system (retrievable on the web at “The NASA Astrophysics Data System, by Harvard, link on our andreavonsalis.com site) that improvesthe listening of all audio files (mono, stereo, surround, MP3, wave etc.) by upsampling to 192 kHz/32 bit float and allowing a perfect equalization with total transparent parametric filters that can be fine tuned in frequency, Q and amplitude. They don’t introduce any audible digital artifacts (dynamic compression, reduction of sound details, “plastification” of sound, reduction/alteration of the soundstage). In stereo you will perceive an evident increase of sound details, even starting from an MP3 file. This in stereo mode.
In the AVS 3D • VR mode the effect is - without introducing “special effects” a dramatic improvement of the quality of reproduced sound in terms od wideness of the soundstage, 3D reconstruction of sound subjects (sonic holograms), increase of perceived details, increase of bass frequency perception without bass boost or subwoofer. The audio system disappears giving space only to the music. This mode needs 4 speakers and sounds in an excellent way also reproducing audio-video sources starting from the stereo track of a DVD for ex. Many more features
Paolo
MacMini->FW->Digital Konnect X32(<- Black Lion MicroClock)->AES->Weiss DAC1 mkII
Ciao Paolo,
I downloaded the software but most confess i am somewhat confused as to how to choose the the correct settings for my setup.
I have a mac mini - firewire-weiss dac-preamp-poweramps-speakers.
Could you post screenshots of your configuration or offer any advice?
Thanks
Damian
There's a well done pdf user guide in English after AVS installation. But basically what you need to do is to have the Soundflowerbed program becominig the audio router between your Weiss and iTunes. This way the stream played by your player goes through AVS via Soundflowerbed. Tell me if you have problem in locating the step by step user guide, I can send a copy to you.
Paolo
MacMini->FW->Digital Konnect X32(<- Black Lion MicroClock)->AES->Weiss DAC1 mkII
If you have problems installing the AVS 3D.VR software, you can have a support contacting us via e-mail info@andreavonsalis.eu
For a complete assistance you can take an appointment to be followed in realtime via skype
address: avsresearchaudio
However, if you follow carefully the instructions for installation you should be able to obtain a correct installation.
For more "audiophile" infos go also on the italian site and read the "Test" page, now only in italian, but early also in english.
Enjoy.
Andrea
This is the best update that you can have on your Mac, i compared AVS with Amarra and there is no way, TRY IT you can download the full version from thei wensite and run it for 7day. Believe in me!
Ciao Stefano.
MYFI: MacMini Core 2 2Gb 340Gb H/D + Iomega 1TB - iTunes + AVS3D - iPhone + Remote - FW Echo AF 4 - S/PDIF MF V-Dac - Genelec 1037C - PS Audio Power Plant
Ciao Stefano,
Can you describe the benefits of avs 3d and the differences with Amarra please.
I am going to try avs 3d myself, I hadnt much luck getting it configured the last time but want another attempt.
Grazie,
Damian aka thequietman
Ciao Damian
First af all i can tell you that the differences between Amarra and AVS are obvious (for me), and that's why i bought the AVS license.
The AVS come with a big soundstage, the instruments are more intelligible, the extreme of frequency are more defined without annoying, especially the high ones.
Then there is a EQ with room correction (a lot appreciated).
So try again, configure it is not difficult, if you have any trouble try to contact me.
Ciao
Ciao Stefano.
MYFI: MacMini Core 2 2Gb 340Gb H/D + Iomega 1TB - iTunes + AVS3D - iPhone + Remote - FW Echo AF 4 - S/PDIF MF V-Dac - Genelec 1037C - PS Audio Power Plant
Ciao Ricky,
if you try this software you will never come back, so prepare the 350€ ;)
I'm jocking but for me was this.
Be aware that this software is not a PLAYER, it's a realtime upsampler, with some digital filters for the 3d resolution, with a powerful EQ, but the best feature that made the difference FOR ME is the preamplifier function. Yes i sold my ML 38 and i connect directly the Echo AF 4 (that is fantasic for the price, i also own a DAC2) to the Genelec, so the 350€ is ridiculous behind some hi end prices.
You have the volume bar on the main interface, and you can manage it with the classic Mac remote control.
The only thing that i want to say to all is to try this software with and without preamp!!!
You will be surprised for the performance.
PS: i am not the owner, a reseller or an employee of AndreaVonsalis company, to be clear!!!!!!!!!!!
Ciao Stefano.
MYFI: MacMini Core 2 2Gb 340Gb H/D + Iomega 1TB - iTunes + AVS3D - iPhone + Remote - FW Echo AF 4 - S/PDIF MF V-Dac - Genelec 1037C - PS Audio Power Plant
Dear Ricky,
You can find the full instructions in english in the download, identical to the italian ones, in PDF. You don't need to open the AVS sw to read them.
A.v.S.
...with only 2 channel stereo ie no rear speakers
Macbook pro 15" 2.53ghz core 2 duo with Amarra, 1 TB storage, 6 GB memory -> USB locus-design nucleus cable -> EA overdrive DAC -> -> modded parasound JC1 monoblocks -> cadence ARCA loudspeakers + REL studio III
Yes, it works with 2 ch without problems in many possible configurations.
You can download the SW and, without launching it, you will find the instructions in PDF.
If you want to test it, set first the Mac for the configuration you need (with external DAC via Firewire/USB or via optical Digital output, or even without external DAC using the analog output of the Mac).
Some DACs that works with only two channels don't recognize the output stream of AVS via Firewire/USB. In this case use the digital optical output of the Mac as described in the instructions.
Then launch AVS 3D.VR.
This way you have a full week for testing it.
:-)
A new version for Weiss DAC2 and all 2ch DAC is available.
www.andreavonsalis.com
Andrea
I am too a little bit confused with the settings. It's far behind crystal clear for a two-left-handed guy like me. Since I am willing to avoid any Placebo effect, can you please describe step by step (SF, midi setup, sound, AVS) the settings for the following installation ?
MacBook Pro / Leopard
Connected to Weiss Minerva (DAC2) via Firewire
PS : When configuring the settings on AVS (selecting SF2 as Input and Weiss as Output) the software crashes down. Might be a sign that I f***** up the configuration process somewhere, isn't it ?
MPB/iTunes + Amarra - Weiss Minerva - Accuphase E 550 - Apertura Altra Signature
Hello,
do you have a skype connection/account?
If so, we can take an appointment in order to understand where is the problem and solve it in 10 minutes.
Can you send me an e-mail at the info@andreavonsalis.eu address?
Thanking you in advance for the interest. :-)
Andrea
Dear Andrea.
Thanks for your kind help and skype coaching. Now things are working perfectly. No crash anymore. I tried many EQ settings and now I think that I've found the one that fits my room and loudspeakers placement (Yamaha EQ Hi). The sound experience is nothing but great, especially (but not only) on live recordings. For those who may read this thread, I can testimony that even on 2 channels, the improvement is noticeable : timbers are as clear and materialized as with Amarra but in addition, mid and highs are more detailed and organic. Moreover, the sound stage is wider / deeper. Instruments prompt out in the way they may have been recorded. All this makes the music more involving. No perception of sound customization. I would say "bravissimo !"
Pierre
MPB/iTunes + Amarra - Weiss Minerva - Accuphase E 550 - Apertura Altra Signature