epiekarc

I also prefer the wasapi sound. I'm experience the static issue reported as well with J River and my Lynx AES16 card. Anyone find a work around besides checking the "Present 24-bit data in a 32-bit package" box? Additionally, it appears the problem is with the Lynx card and J River, because the Lynx console shows the static, I believe, on the mixer screen. I'm also experiencing dropout, if I allow it to play (muted at the amps, of course). Just incase it's needed I'm running J River 15.0.174 to an AES16 (build 017RC3) card to my DAC7.

I currently use JRiver for bitperfect playback with Apple Lossless files. It works great. I also use a program called xpTunes as a remote control. This is a great way to control JRiver as it only requires an internet browser. So if you have an iPhone, Blackberry, laptop, etc.

The major problem with the airport express, the way I see it, is that it still won't allow me to use my Lynx AES16 card. There is more to bit perfect playback than just getting it out bit perfect. The other concern, for many of us is clocking and asynchronous is really the only way to go. That's why we pay quite a bit for a card like the AES16, it allows us to get a very consistent and clean output. If I've said anything wrong, I'm sure I'll be corrected, but to the best of my knowledge that would be some major (IMO) hold backs.

Any Updates? I currently use J River for playback, only because it can handle bit perfect playback. I can't stand the user interface (just my opinion) and it seems to have a lot of bugs with Windows 7 x64 (they can't even figure out how to bring the program to the front of the screen when you click on it, you literally have to minimize any applications that are open in front of it). Any way, I'm so sick and tired of J River, I'd really like to be done with them. The one thing that I must have, is an iPhone app for music control (song selection). I always set audio output to 100%, and then allow my pre out to control volume. I would love to use iTunes, since an iPhone remote is already built, but of course they have to restrict audiophiles and make that impossible (on Windows). J River can't build there own remote, so it isn't very stable, doesn't allow you to play anything not in a play list and is quite unstable. Media Monkey has the same exact iPhone remote control manufacturer, so all the same problems. I would really love to use Window Media Center, as there are many remotes already built, and work beautifully, but I can't seem to find any support on how to setup bit perfect playback. I already use Windows Media Center with My Movies (one of the best plugins I've found for full BD playback). Currently I have a Lynx AES16 card feeding my ARC DAC7, so with J.River I'm using WASAPI exclusive mode to my Lynx card. It works and sounds awesome, it's just super frustrating trying to playback anything. Price is really no option, I am almost ready to have someone build be a custom program or plugin to get this working. I hope somebody out there can direct me to a solution before I go mad. Thank You epiekarc

I spent quite a bit of time comparing one DAC to another. The short answer is: Go with the ARC DAC7. <br /> <br /> Audio Research has a very solid track record, and the DAC7 is amazing. Don’t bother with USB though; Chris mentioned the Lynx card for a very good reason, it’s an amazing card. USB is really a joke, for audiophiles that is, it can't handle the data required for larger bit rates, and that's why no one offers USB at higher audio rates. I chose an XLR connection from my Lynx card, because it sounds the best and it is the best. I don’t plan on needing to replace my DAC7. So the money spent is well worth it. <br /> <br /> I would suggest not just reading reviews and spec sheets, but getting involved with a local dealer and hearing the difference for yourself. My dealer allowed me to bring it home and demo it for a week. <br /> <br /> Just my 2 cents, and enjoy the time spent.<br /> <br /> -Eric

Well, if I'm forced to use something besides iTunes, my next choice would be J. River, I just wish they would design a better iPhone remote app. So, I'm sure this has been covered but after several Google searches I still can't find it, where can I find instructions for setting up J. River for bit perfect playback? Like I said earlier, I'm using a Lynx AES16 for audio out with a custom cable I bought from Redco that has only one XLR connection. Thanks again for all the help.

Hello Chris, Thanks for the quick reply. I'm wondering if this thread here http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f46/itunes-9-has-wasapi-updated-zune-4-also-has-bitperfect-out-444468/ which talks about some QuickTime adjustments means bit perfect playback is coming. I won't be able to try this for a couple days, but I am very hopeful that there may actually be a solution coming. Also, if iTunes is a no go, do you have any player suggestions? Thanks again for the help.

Hello All, I am setting up my HTPC to be able to output bit perfect to my ARC DAC7. I'm using my AES16 sound card over XLR to feed my DAC7, although just so you know, I also have a Xonar HDAV1.3 sound card for Master Audio BD playback. I'm currently using TMT3 for BD play back, which allows me to select audio output to my xonar card that is pass-through. I'm looking for a similar way to output audio to my DAC. Like I said in the subject I'm using Windows 7 64 bit OS and I would really like to use iTunes. I currently own J. River Media Center and MediaMonkey Gold along with the iPhone remotes; in my opinion they have terrible user interfaces. I will only be using my iPhone to control the system and the iTunes remote works a lot better. How can I get bit perfect playback out of iTunes? I've already spent a lot of time and money setting up this system, so I am really looking for the easiest and best solution. Thanks for all the help.

Hopefully this forum isn't dead, because it has some great info. I already own a Windows 7 HTPC (it currently has 20 TB of storage). I just puchased the Lynx AES16 sound card and will be hooking it up to my Audio Research DAC7. I, like many of you, love iTunes. Every time I switch to another application, I compare it to iTunes. I like simple, I love my iPhone remote for iTunes and I love popping a disc in and then having it eject it when it's done. All artwork is there and the Genius playlists are great.<br /> <br /> Previously I played my SACD's through an external player connected right to my pre-amp, but after my player broke last week, I'm looking to import my SACD and DVD-A collection into my HTPC. Like I said earlier, storage is not an issue. Can iTunes work with SACD on a lossless format? Or do I have to switch software? Are there any special setup instructions for the software you recommend? Is there a way to get iTunes to play back SACD or DVD-A? Will it auto switch ouput format? Thanks for the help and time.<br /> <br /> epiekarc