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I have wondered about this question as well...gain/volume in a chain which is:
JRiver>>DAC>>Preamp>>Amp (yes, I need the preamp for MCH balanced switching)
Currently I operate JRiver at 100%, DAC on DAC mode and control volume at the PreAmp.
Thanks for any expertise.
Really interesting discussion about the intersample clipping.
It's a bit unclear to me how big a problem this is for the "at home audiophile". In other words, should a non-pro user worry about this at all?
Should we:
a) attenuate in the OS / playback software
b) run the DAC in PRE mode and change the DAC's volume to -3 dB
c) keep everything at full volume in the OS, playback software and DAC since this is not that big of a deal for non-pro users
I don't think when using sinewaves the issue will persist. We expect an owner of X-Sabre to do a similar test like Bob did on SBAF, but with sinewaves instead of squarewaves.
However, if squarewave testing concerns Matrix Audio, then I guess a future firmware will solve this "ringing" when feeding it with squares.
It won't clip in 80% (perhaps) normal use cases. There can be some songs with extra high frequency energy that will clip.
This is inherent in the DAC chip. It's been discussed here. With inputs from MC from RME. https://www.audiosciencereview.com/.../help-explain-intersample-overs-please.11651/
Just back down volume by 3db you will mostly be fine.
Really interesting discussion about the intersample clipping.
It's a bit unclear to me how big a problem this is for the "at home audiophile". In other words, should a non-pro user worry about this at all?
Should we:
a) attenuate in the OS / playback software
b) run the DAC in PRE mode and change the DAC's volume to -3 dB
c) keep everything at full volume in the OS, playback software and DAC since this is not that big of a deal for non-pro users
Really interesting discussion about the intersample clipping.
It's a bit unclear to me how big a problem this is for the "at home audiophile". In other words, should a non-pro user worry about this at all?
Should we:
a) attenuate in the OS / playback software
b) run the DAC in PRE mode and change the DAC's volume to -3 dB
c) keep everything at full volume in the OS, playback software and DAC since this is not that big of a deal for non-pro users
Coincidentally, the same question is being discussed in another thread on the forum right now but I cannot find which one at the moment...
Technically, the only way to fully preserve the recorded signal during playback is to reproduce it at fixed (full) level. Every time you touch the volume knob you ruin the recording, no matter where it is located: preamp, DAC, etc. In practice however, pretty much no one listens to recordings at fixed level anyway, at least not at home. So your question is rather pointless.
Considering that high end systems should be using some kind of DSP for EQ/room correction anyway I don't think the concept of 'bit perfect' is particularly useful as a theoretical ideal.
"Bit perfect" leaving your computer is a different issue if you need/want to avoid the OS's mixer and resampler.
The Audiophiliac Daily Show just reviewed this. His subjective comments were positive. That may or may not be of interest to folks here. The interesting problem he did have was that he had trouble getting his review sample to play MQA from Tidal off of a Node 2i. Has anyone else had this problem?
Mr. Amir:
Thanks for all the work you put into your reviews. They are great.
Is it possible to see the coax SPDIF input performance of the X-Sabre Pro MQA as well as the USB input? As was done with the Topping D90 review?
General Forum:
Does anyone have any comment on the SUBJECTIVE sonic performance of the X-Sabre Pro MQA vs. the Topping D90 (or D90 MQA)?
(If your answer is 'you should not hear a difference', I mostly agree with you, but, please don't bother commenting.
Also, please limit comments to first-hand knowledge of said units, not hypotheticals.)
Sounds like Matrix Audio made a successful prototype of a dedicated streamer for use with the X Sabre Pro. Featuring a built-in linear power supply and I2S output ... stoked
To the Matrix Audio team: firstly, thank you. Second, can you tell us more please?
Sounds like Matrix Audio made a successful prototype of a dedicated streamer for use with the X Sabre Pro. Featuring a built-in linear power supply and I2S output ... stoked
To the Matrix Audio team: firstly, thank you. Second, can you tell us more please?
Sounds like Matrix Audio made a successful prototype of a dedicated streamer for use with the X Sabre Pro. Featuring a built-in linear power supply and I2S output ... stoked
To the Matrix Audio team: firstly, thank you. Second, can you tell us more please?
Would have been nice to see a revised version of the Mini-i Pro 2S in black and silver with digital output including I2S to pair with the XSP. That would be ideal for the separates crowd and those of us that love the XSP but would like to add a streamer.
Loving mine for portable use as well. Nice SOTA setup BTW
