Multi-Channel, Multi-Amplifier Audio System Using Software Crossover and Multichannel-DAC

[dualazmak]

Possible strict synchronization of multiple independent DAC units within Windows 11 PC using VB-AUDIO MATRIX Version 1.0.2.5: -6-
Objective confirmation of trigger (kick-off/start-up) timing lags and excellent role of MATRIX 1.0.2.5 as digital distributor/selector feeding into multiple independent USB-DAC units

Hello ASR Friends and colleagues,

Edit:
Under the titled theme, I so far placed series of my posts as follows;
- VB-AUDIO MATRIX Version 1.0.2.5 released: #1,016
- Possible strict synchronization of multiple independent DAC units within Windows 11 PC using VB-AUDIO MATRIX Version 1.0.2.5: -2-: #1,017
- Possible strict synchronization of multiple independent DAC units within Windows 11 PC using VB-AUDIO MATRIX Version 1.0.2.5: -3-: #1,018
- Possible strict synchronization of multiple independent DAC units within Windows 11 PC using VB-AUDIO MATRIX Version 1.0.2.5: -4-: #1,019
- Possible strict synchronization of multiple independent DAC units within Windows 11 PC using VB-AUDIO MATRIX Version 1.0.2.5: -5-: Drift of synchronization is well suppressed/eliminated, but inconsistent kick-off/start-up timings are still there... #1,020
- Possible strict synchronization of multiple independent DAC units within Windows 11 PC using VB-AUDIO MATRIX Version 1.0.2.5: -6-: Objective confirmation of trigger (kick-off/start-up) timing lags and excellent role of MATRIX 1.0.2.5 as digital distributor/selector feeding into multiple independent USB-DAC units: #1,021
Edit on December 19, 2025; please also refer to,
- Updated VB-AUDIO MATRIX (1.0.2.5) in my main multichannel multi-SP-driver multi-amplifier fully active audio rig; together with updated JRiver MC35 (35.0.29) and updated DSP “EKIO” (1.0.8.2): #1,022


One of the stuffs at VB-AUDIO quickly and kindly responded to my inquiry on “trigger timing lags” among the independent USB-DAC units through ASIO and/or WDM (WASAPI) drivers as follows, which is not exact copy-paste of their response, but including my understandings and personal notes;

The ”Strict” synchronization feature of VB-MATRIX 1.0.2.5 is not intending your point of trigger synchronization of multiple USB-DAC units; VB-MATRIX strictly simultaneously sends the music (sound) track into connected multiple DAC units, but the exact trigger timing of each DAC would be dependent on its own ASIO or WDM (WASAPI) drivers as well as Windows audio playback priorities which are out of control by VB-MATRIX, as you have suggested.

Consequently, just as you find in your posts #783 and #804, there would be always some trigger timing lags between the USB-DAC units unless otherwise they have some “sync trigger” mechanism with each other through their ASIO driver just like you have already described in your post #842 for RME Fireface UFX III.

In VB-MATRIX side, however, you may optimize/minimize the “trigger timing lags” by settings VAIO sync option to “STRICT” and change Matrix Latency Performance Mode to “Optimal”.

Yes, above responses well agree with my expectation and thoughts.

Consequently, my present “conclusions” are as follows;

1. Even with VB-MATRIX 1.0.2.5, we cannot exactly/strictly synchronize the “triggers” of multiple independent USB-DAC units; the trigger timing lags depend on each ASIO and/or WDM (WASAPI) driver as well as Windows audio playback priority orders.

2. We can optimize/minimize the trigger timing lags by VB-MATRIX’s sync option “STRICT” and latency performance “Optimal”.

3. Nevertheless, VB-MATRIX 1.0.2.5 works very nicely, having its beautiful and excellent GUI controls, as digital audio distributor/selector for multiple independent USB DAC units with minimal (within 25 msec, I found/measured) trigger time lags. This would be quite nice for example in ABX type comparison between multiple USB-DACs (plus combinations of amplifiers and SP systems), by on-the-fly switch/selection among the DACs with “no interruption” of sound playing. This can be also done using AIO4ALL, but very much nicer (better), convenient, stable and robust using VB MATRIX 1.0.2.5.

4. If we digitally insert DSP software such as “EKIO” between VASIO (virtual ASIO) and USB-DAC units in VB-MATRIX routing grid, we can further enhance the nice features of ABX-type distribution/selection.


In this post, I like to share with all of you my objective confirmation of the (minimal) trigger time lags of multiple independent USB-DAC units; the method and results are essentially identical to those I found and shared in my post # #783 where I was using old-fashioned ASIO4ALL.

First, according to the VB-AUDIO stuff’s suggestions, I configured VB-MATRIX 1.0.2.5 as follows with five (5) independent stereo USB-DAC units (rather outdated ones I found in my upstairs office), those are;
KORG DS-DAC-10 (KORG ASIO driver) (I have three units)
OPPO SONICA DAC (OPPO ASIO driver)
RATOC DAC RAL-24192UT1 (WDM-WASAPI driver)
REALTEK High Definition DAC (on PC’s motherboard) (WDM-WASAPI driver)
ONKYO DAC-1000 (WDM-WASAPI driver) (ref. my posts here, here and here)
(I dare did not disconnect my OKTO DAC8PRO from my main system, ref. #931, I did not bring it into my present confirmation experiment.)
In present experiment, all of the four (4) USB-DAC units were connected to blue USB 3.0 ports on the rather outdated PC motherboard (actually ASUS X99E-WS with Intel Xeon ES-2630 v3 CPU, 8-core 16-thread, memory 64 GB, GeForce GTX 970 GPU, 512GB OS+applications SSD, 2x 6TB 1x 2TB SATA data HDDs; Windows 11 Pro 25H2 now build 26200.7171, ref. this my hosting thread, and post #28 thereof).

In my digital music player JRiver MC34, I configured as shown below;

As for the reasons/rationales for my usual on-the-fly conversion of all the music/sound tracks into 88.2 kHz format, you would please refer to my post here #532.

I prepared, again, the test music track of about 20 min full orchestra music (actually twice of Schubert “Rosamunde” Overture, ref. #588 and #783) having sharp 10 kHz 1.8 msec timing markers at top, middle and end of the track.

JRiver MC34 played this track into VB-MATRIX’s virtual ASIO audio device VASIO-64A, and VB-MATRIX simply “distribute” simultaneously the digital signal into the five (5) independent USB-DAC units. All the analog stereo sound from the DAC units (in almost same gains) were fed into analog 10-channel audio mixer EDIROL M-10E (ref. #783), and the all-mixed stereo DAC output was fed into an audio interface AUDIO-TECHNICA US-1x2HR for digital recording (88.2 kHz, 32-bit) in second independent Windows 11 Pro PC.

The recorded all-mixed track was again analyzed using ADOBE Audition 3.0.1 for the objective observation of trigger time lags among the five DAC units;

As I (you) can easily observe, actually there are trigger timing lags among the USB-DAC units, even though within about 20 msec time span in my present experimental setup; the PC-onboard REALTEK High Definition DAC was firstly triggered which is reasonably understood.

Please note, that the “trigger timing lags” were strictly kept throughout the whole music track (should be so, always); this means that once triggered, there should be no “drift of clock-synchronization” in all of the DAC units. Of course, such “trigger lags” may vary depending on various settings on each PC.

Now we can understand, therefore, VB-MATRIX 1.0.2.5 cannot exactly/strictly synchronize the triggers for multiple independent USB-DAC units, and hence such application in a multichannel audio system should not be recommended and should be avoided.

Regardless of such minimal “trigger timing lags”, however, with the easy “Mute” setting on each cell of VB-MATRIX Routing Grid, above multiple stereo USB-DAC utilization is very much useful as digital distributor/selector (with minimal almost inaudible time lags), for example in ABX comparative listening tests through multiple stereo USB-DAC units (plus amplifiers and SP system, or just using stereo headphone connected to suitable audio mixer); we can change/select any DAC on-the-fly with no interruption of music/sound playback very smoothly.

Of course, we can easily digitally insert DSP software such as “EKIO” between VASIO (virtual ASIO) and USB-DAC units in VB-MATRIX routing grid for more flexible control for ABX-type comparison by using flexible “Mute” and/or ”Solo” buttons as well as 0.1 dB granularity gain-controls in "EKIO" which can be adjusted by mouse wheel up/down, like in these two diagrams;

In this case, of course in EKIO’s setting window, I configure the sampling rate in 88200, and the ASIO Settings Driver as VB-Matrix VASIO-64A.


I hope and believe all the above in this rather lengthy post would be clear and in-detail enough for your easy understandings...

 

[dualazmak]

Updated VB-AUDIO MATRIX (1.0.2.5) in my main multichannel multi-SP-driver multi-amplifier fully active audio rig; together with updated JRiver MC35 (35.0.29) and updated DSP “EKIO” (1.0.8.2)


Hello ASR Friends and colleagues,

Since I believe I have done my preliminary tests and evaluations (ref. #1,016 through #1,021) on VB-AUDIO MATRIX 1.0.2.5, I updated the VB-MATRIX (as system wide ASIO/VASIO/VAIO routing center) to ver.1.0.2.5 in my main multichannel audio setup at our listening/living room.

This time, JRiver MC was also updated to ver. 35 (35.0.29 64-bit as of today) and DSP "EKIO" also has been updated to ver. 1.0.8.2 (ref. #1,014 and #1,015).

This post is intended sharing only the latest configurations of these three updated software tools; I implemented no other change/modification in physical audio gears and in the total signal path all of which I have shared in my posts #931, #976 and #1,009.


First, in my updated default audio (and video) player JRiver MC35 (35.0.29 64-bit), no change in audio output device settings; JRiver MC35 sends stereo audio signal in on-the-fly-converted 88.2 kHz PCM format into the virtual ASIO audio device VB-Matrix VASIO-64A (ASIO); as for my "rationales" for on-the-fly conversion of all the music tracks into 88.2 kHz PCM, you would please refer to #532.

In the main panel of VB MATRIX 1.0.2.5, VB-MATRIX’s internal CLOCK is selected as sync “Master” for 88.2 kHz configuration, and two physical USB-ASIO DACs are activated; KORG DS-DAC-10 (stereo) for ASIO64A, OKTO DAC8PRO (via DIYINHK ASIO Driver, 8-channel) for ASIO64B, as shown below.

The ”System settings” and the “Matrix Routing Grid” are configured in VB-MATRIX 1.0.2.5 as shown below in Fig.03; please note that in updated VB-MATRIX 1.0.2.5, we can (and I need-to) select “Optimal” for Latency Performance Mode, and “STRICT” for VAIOs Synchronization.

And, this Fig.04 shows the details of the MATRIX Routing Grid configuration in my present setup. I hope and believe it would be self-explanatory for your easy understandings; DSP “EKIO” receives digital stereo input (88.2 kHz sampling rate) fed from virtual audio device VASIO64A, applies XO, EQ, Group-Delay, Relative-Gain, etc. to feed XO-ed channels, stereo two (L&R) whole-through signal into KORG DS-DAC-10 (as ASIO64A), XO-ed four stereo total eight (8, L&R) channels into OKTO DAC8PRO (ASIO64B), for DAC processing.

As you can see, MATRIX VAIO4 (VBMatrix In 4) stereo is selected as Windows default audio output device so that DSP “EKIO” can simultaneously (or selectively) receive Windows default sound from any of other audio-output software for the same DSP processing. Using this routing configuration, DSP “EKIO” can work as system-wide DSP center. Of course, we can easily “Mute” such Windows default sound and/or chimes (possible intrusions during intensive music listening sessions using JRiver MC via VASIO) by setting “M: mute” in the two -20 dB cells in above Grid Matrix (I usually do so for my daily music listening enjoyments).

This Fig. 05 shows Windows audio output device settings where VBMatrix In 4 (VAIO) is selected as default audio output device in 88.2 kHz 24-bit format.

I have no change/modification in updated DSP “EKIO” (ver. 1.0.8.2) configurations; I do hope the following three figures, Fig.06, Fig.07, Fig.08, are in-detail enough for your easy understandings.

Usually, I spread and layout VB-MATRIX routing grid, VB-MATRIX main panel, DSP “EKIO” I/O panel and JRiver MC35 player on the PC monitor so that almost all of the moving/dancing peak-level meters can be observed on-the-fly, while listening to music tracks.

Of course, I have no change at all in Fq-SPL response of room air sound measured at my listening position.

Let me advice all of you again; you would please refer to my posts #931, #976 and #1,009 for other unchanged details of my present setup and room acoustic environments.


Now, I can well expect your simple question of “Well-done, OK, so, after these updates, do you subjectively hear any improvement (or not) in total sound quality, in before-and-after comparison??”.

Yesterday and today, we (my wife and me) enjoyed rather intensive listening session on the above updated system settings using our very familiar and beloved two (2) European jazz trio CD albums of amazingly excellent recording quality; we did/could not, and had no intention-to, perform, however, any ABX-type blind comparison before-and-after since all of the three software tools have been updated this time.

We also carefully listened to all the tracks of my “Audio Reference/Sampler Playlist” consists of 60 tracks of various genres of music.

We two unanimously agreed that we can hear very slight/subtle improvements in cleanliness, clearness and stable 3D-perspectives (stereo image) as well as slightly better “disappearance of SPs”, etc. I do not know, however, whether such our slightly favorable subjective feeling would be attributable to one of or combination(s) of;
1. just placebo effects given by the “updates”,
2. slightly better VASIO/ASIO clock synchronization possibly given by VB-MATRIX 1.0.2.5 compared to old version,
3. JRiver MC35’s minor/secret improvements in sound processing (much less possibility),
4. considerably better dry weather and lower temperature for audio listening here in Chiba Prefecture, Japan,
5. very-slight change in furniture alignments (now we have fully decorated 1.8 m tall Christmas Tree near the door to corridor),
6. etc.
or not.

In any way, we will (we shall) continue our amazing music listening enjoyments with thus updated multichannel multi-SP-driver multi-amplifier full-active stereo audio setup in our room acoustic environments.

 

[Waveform Fidelity]

The latest system setup of my DSP-based multichannel multi-SP-driver multi-amplifier fully active audio rig, including updated startup/ignition sequences and shutdown sequences: as of June 26, 2024

Abbreviations in this post;
- L&R sub-woofers (SWs),
- L&R woofers (WOs),
- L&R Beryllium-midrange-squawkers (SQs MDs),
(I know nowadays very few people use the word "squawkers", but please let me continue using "SQs" for midrange "MD" drivers.)
- L&R Beryllium-tweeters (TWs),
- L&R metal-horn-super-tweeters (STs),
Each of these is driven directly (with no LCR-network nor attenuator) by dedicated HiFi amplifier; SW has powerful built-in amplifier, and I use four stereo HiFi integrated amplifiers for others.

Edit on January 28, 2025:
Also please visit my post #976 on my project thread.
- Safe accurate robust 22 Ohm(Ω) 30 W non-inductive non-polar wirewound power-type metal-clad resistor (FHN50-22OHMF, PCN Corporation, made in Japan) for renewal/replacement of so-far-used rather fragile(?) ones: #976

Edit on June 20, 2025
Also please visit my post #1,009.
- The latest Fq-SPL (re-confirmation) of multiple amplifiers SP high-level output signals and that of room air sound at listening position: all measured by “FFT averaging of recorded cumulative DSP-processed flat white noise” (as of June 8, 2025): #1,009

Edit on December 18, 2025: You would please also refer to;
- Updated VB-AUDIO MATRIX (1.0.2.5) in my main multichannel multi-SP-driver multi-amplifier fully active audio rig; together with updated JRiver MC35 (35.0.29) and updated DSP “EKIO” (1.0.8.2): #1,022


Hello ASR friends,

I shared the total system configuration/setup last time in my post #774 on August 6 in 2023 just after the introduction of BEHRINGER DS2800 XLR Distributor/Splitter for tweeters and super-tweeters in my audio rig.

After that post, i.e. during past almost one-year period, I introduced/implemented several hardware and software changes/improvements in my audio rig, including the 3D reflective dispersion of super-tweeter sound, VB-AUDIO MATRIX as system-wide routing center (complete replacement for ASIO4ALL), slight modification in DSP "EKIO" configuration (as system-wide one-stop DSP center), complete renewal of SP cabling boards, etc.

I assume, therefore, now it is good and suitable timing to share this rather intensive update post of "the latest system setup as of June 26, 2024" with all of you, not only for your reference and interest but also for my own detailed memorandum on present system setup.

In this post, I continue following my style of “one diagram/photo would worth more than 1,000 words”.

As usual, let me start with the total physical system diagram as of June 26 2024:
View attachment 379421

If you would like to see inside and outside photos of the four integrated amplifiers, i.e. ACCUPHASE E-460, YAMAHA A-S3000, SONY TA-A1ES and YAMAHA A-S301, please visit my post #38 on a remote thread.

The signal configuration for the DIY-built 12-VU-Meter Array (ref. #535) remained unchanged:
View attachment 379422
I shared video clips of "dancing" 12-VU-Meter Array in my posts #750, #751, #752 and #753. Edit: Also in my post #974 and #975.

As for the revival of vinyl LP player (TT) DENON DP-57L in my DSP-based digital multichannel audio rig for on-the-fly listening to vinyl LP, please refer to my post #688 and #697.

The latest total signal path with JRiver MC32 as master volume controller:
View attachment 379423

I had slight modifications in DSP EKIO’s EQ and gain settings for which I will touch on later in this post.

My DAC8PRO's firmware is ver.1.32, and the DIYINHK ASIO USB driver is ver.4.59.0 provided by OKTO when I got DAC8PRO in May 2020; still working perfectly fine on Windows 11 Pro.

Please refer to posts #248 and #251 for the fine tuning parallel 22 Ohm resistors in SQ (MD), TW, ST speaker-high-level signals.
Edit on January 2, 2025:
Also please visit my specific post #976 on my project thread.
- Safe accurate robust 22 Ohm(Ω) 30 W non-inductive non-polar wirewound power-type metal-clad resistor (FHN50-22OHMF, PCN Corporation, made in Japan) for renewal/replacement of so-far-used rather fragile(?) ones: #976

You would please refer to my posts #245 and #901 for protection capacitors in SQ (MD), TW, ST speaker-high-level circuits, and also refer to post #402 and #485 for the 1.5+1.5=3 microF high-pass (low-cut) capacitors in SP high-level signal for ST.

The details of incorporation of BEHRINGER DS2800, HiFi-grade active XLR balanced line-level signal splitter/distributor (ref. #769):
View attachment 379424
Note: You would please be reminded that Even Greg Timbers uses "reasonable and budget" small integrated amplifier Pioneer Elite A-20 (low THD, high S/N, RCA unbalanced input, 30W+30W [20Hz-20kHz, THD0.05%, 8 ohms]) for ultra-high Fq compression drivers (super tweeters) in his extraordinary expensive multichannel stereo system with JBL EVEREST DD67000 which he himself designed and developed: please refer to my post here #435.

In DS2800, I leveled-up the gain +3 dB going into YAMAHA A-S301(dedicatedly driving STs) to compensate slight gain loss (at my listening position) due to the 3D reflective dispersion (will touch soon in this post) of ST super-tweeter sound, so that I have no change in default volume position of A-S301 driving STs.

Here in this post, please let me emphasize again about the pros and merits of relative gain (i.e. tone) control not only in digital domain but also in analog domain using pre-amplifiers or integrated-amplifiers (in my setup). I recently wrote again in my post #56 on a remote thread like these;
Yes, as for safe and flexible tone controls (or I can say "relative gain controls among the multiple SP drivers"), my stance (policy) at least, is that we are encouraged to utilize the "best combination" of "DSP configuration in digital domain" and "analog domain tone controls using HiFi-grade preamplifiers and/or integrated amplifiers".

We need to note (and to respect for) that analog domain tone controls (relative gain controls among the multiple SP drivers) give no effect nor influence at all on the upstream DSP configuration (XO/EQ/Gain/Phase/Polarity/Group-Delay). I believe that this is a great merit of flexible tone controls in analog domain. We know well, on the other hand, in case if we would like to do the "tone/gain controls" only within DSP configurations, such DSP gain controls always affect more-or-less on "XO" "EQ" "phase" and "delay" of the DSP settings which will leads you to possible endless DSP tuning spirals every time; within DSP configurations, XO EQ Gain Phase and Delay are always not independent with each other, but they are always interdependent/on-interaction.

Just for your possible reference, my DSP-based multichannel multi-SP-driver multi-amplifier active system has flexible and safe analog level on-the-fly relative gain controls (in addition to upstream on-the-fly DSP gain controls) for L&R subwoofers, woofers, midrange-squawkers, tweeters, and super-tweeters, all independently and remotely. My post here shows you a typical example case for such safe and flexible on-the-fly analog-level tone controls. This my post (as well as this post) would be also of your interest.

Of course, I know well that I (we) can also perform such relative gain control using DAC8PRO’s 8-channel output gain controllers. I do not like, however, to change the DAC8PRO’s output levels frequently on-the-fly (while listening to music) due to safety and inconvenience concerns; I like to keep DAC8PRO’s analog out gain level always at constant -4 dB which should remain to be usually “untouchable” in my case.

One of the very unique aspects/features of my multichannel audio rig is that I fully utilize four HiFi-grade “integrated amplifiers” plus L&R active subwoofers, each of them have its own gain (volume) controller for safe and flexible relative gain (tone) control in analog domain even on-the-fly i.e. while listening to music.

In this perspective, my posts #438 and #643 should also give you better understandings. Furthermore, my posts #317(remote thread), #313(remote thread) would be also of your reference and interest.


In November 2023, I intensively tested and decided to utilize VB-AUDIO MATRIX as system-wide ASIO/VASIO/VAIO routing center which has fully replaced ASIO4ALL I have been using until then.
Edit on December 18, 2025: You would please also refer to;
- Updated VB-AUDIO MATRIX (1.0.2.5) in my main multichannel multi-SP-driver multi-amplifier fully active audio rig; together with updated JRiver MC35 (35.0.29) and updated DSP “EKIO” (1.0.8.2): #1,022

After the introduction of VB-AUDIO MATRIX, it also provides Virtual Audio I/O device, VAIO, in Windows 11 Pro audio configuration where I can select VAIO4 as Windows’ default sound play device so that all the sound signals can be handled/processed with VB-MATRIX and DSP “EKIO”:
View attachment 379425

In this update post, I believe that I should share the details of VB-AUDIO MATRIX behaving as system-wide ASIO/VASIO/VAIO routing center; I hope the following four diagrams would be self-explanatory for your easy understandings:
View attachment 379426

View attachment 379427

View attachment 379428

VB MATRIX and DSP EKIO are also fully active even for live (on-the-fly) vinyl LP listening:
View attachment 379429
Edit on December 18, 2025: You would please also refer to;
- Updated VB-AUDIO MATRIX (1.0.2.5) in my main multichannel multi-SP-driver multi-amplifier fully active audio rig; together with updated JRiver MC35 (35.0.29) and updated DSP “EKIO” (1.0.8.2): #1,022

Next, let’s move on to the latest DSP “EKIO” configuration after the introduction of VB MATRIX; hereinafter in this thread post, 88.2 kHz 24bit configuration in VB MATRIX, DSP “EKIO” and JRiver MC32 will be shared.

Spoiler: ”Summary of rationales for real-time conversion of all music tracks into 88.2 kHz or 96 kHz PCM format for DSP processing”

- Summary of rationales for "on-the-fly (real-time)" conversion of all music tracks (including 1 bit DSD tracks) into 88.2 kHz or 96 kHz PCM format for DSP (XO/EQ) processing: #532

For I/O to/from EKIO, now I can select VB MATRIX’s VASIO-64A I/O channels:
View attachment 379430

The latest details of I/O panels in EKIO;
View attachment 379431
As for the 0.1 msec precision "group delay settings" or "time alignment" over all the SP drivers, please refer to posts #493, #494, #504, #507, as well as these two posts under the spoiler cover:

Spoiler: ”Pros of complete time alignments among all the SP drivers”

- Perfect (0.1 msec precision) time alignment of all the SP drivers greatly contributes to amazing disappearance of SPs, tightness and cleanliness of the sound, and superior 3D sound stage: #520
- Not only the precision (0.1 msec level) time alignment over all the SP drivers but also SP facing directions and sound-deadening space behind the SPs plus behind our listening position would be critically important for effective (perfect?) disappearance of speakers: #687

And the details of EKIO's XO/EQ configuration:
View attachment 379944

Now I added very mild +3 dB Q=1 at 84 Hz Bell EQ for woofers which gives slightly better sound in SW (sub-woofers) to WO (woofers) transition/overlap Fq range, even though the gain and relative-gain of SW and WO can be further flexibly controlled in analog domain.

In the EKIO’s output panel, now I set +8 dB for KORG DS-DAC-10 monitoring the whole-sum signal gain into physical VU-Meter 01 and 02 through headphone out under the volume control dial of DS-DAC-10 for flexible VU swing gain adjustment.

I also set +9 dB for SWs in EKIO’s output panel; please note that my L&R heavy-large SW YST-SW1000 has its own volume control can be increased/reduced by remote controller from my listening position.

Spoiler: ”e.g. Details and performances of heavy-large subwoofers YAMAHA YST-SW1000”

- Reproduction and listening/hearing/feeling sensations to 16 Hz (organ) sound with my DSP-based multichannel multi-SP-driver multi-amplifier fully active stereo audio system having big-heavy active L&R sub-woofers: #782
- A nice smooth-jazz album for bass (low Fq) and higher Fq tonality check and tuning: #63(remote thread)

As for the -48 dB/Oct low-pass (high-cut) filters at 25 kHz for SQ(MD), TW, ST drivers…

Spoiler: ”Near-ultrasound to ultrasound ultra-high frequency (UHF) noises in improperly engineered/QC-ed HiRes music tracks”

- "Near ultrasound - ultrasound" ultra-high frequency (UHF) noises in improperly engineered/processed HiRes music tracks, and EKIO's XO-EQ configuration to cut-off such noises: #362-#386, #518, #532

I usually use JRiver MC32 (as of July 1 2024 ver.32.0.55, 64-bit) as my default music (and AV) player with on-the-fly conversion of all the audio signals into 88.2 kHz (or 96 kHz) 24-bit PCM format, and JRiver’s audio output device is “VB-AUDIO VASIO-64A (ASIO)”;
View attachment 379433

Even though I have above mentioned several changes/modifications, the best tuned room air SLP curve (in my standard/default setting) measured at my listening position remained unchanged while all the L&R SP drivers sing together;
View attachment 379434

As for the cross-calibration profile of my specially selected measurement microphone BEHRINGER ECM8000, you would please refer to my post #831.

Of course, I also measured/checked Fq responses of audio signals at various “stages” in digital domain, analog domain, and real room air sound at my listening position.

Spoiler: ” Fq responses of audio signals at various “stages” in digital domain, analog domain, and real room air sound at my listening position”

Please refer to this summary post and the linked posts thereof;
- Frequency (Fq) responses in the completed system measured by using “cumulative white noise averaging method” under the present standard crossover configurations and relative gains_Part-6_Summary, discussions, and a little step forward: #404, #405-#409

The below Fig.15 shows the standard/default software layout on audio dedicated 27” PC monitor screen for daily music listening sessions. In this layout, I can see/monitor all the peak bar meters of JRiver MC, VB-AUDIO MATRIX main panel, VB MATRIX Routing Grid, and DSP EKIO. Furthermore, as also shown in Fig.15, the DIY-built 12-VU-Meter Array monitors gain of the whole sum line-level signal, line-level input into L&R active sub-woofers (SWs), and each of the amplifiers’ SP high-level output signals driving woofers (WOs), midrange-squawkers (MDs/SQs), tweeters (TWs) and super-tweeters (STs).
View attachment 381969

For occasional further intensive measurements (using cross-calibrated BEHRINGER ECM8000 microphone, ref. #831) and fine-tuning sessions, I bring my Xeon CPU (ES-2630 v3) PC-workstation from upstairs office into the opened sound deadening space (room) behind my listening position (ref. #687) together with two of 27” EIZO EV2750 monitor (2560 x 1440 pixel) giving 5120 x 1440 pixel desktop area; on the wide-large desktop area, I can spread with no overlap all of the relevant software tools/utilities like DSP EKIO, VB-Audio MATRIX (Main Panel and Routing Grid), JRiver MC32, MusicScope 2.1.0, Adobe Audition 3.0.1, many ASIO control panels, etc.


Let’s move on to the latest setup of SP system.
View attachment 379436

The major and only modification during past one year is/was the reverse wide-3D reflective dispersion of sound from STs (metal horn super-tweeters) by using random-surface hard-heavy-thick crystal-cutglass bowl which gives better stable and robust "sound image" as well as wider/larger "sweet spot/sphere" around the listening position, even if we considerably move 3D around the center of my usual listening position.

Spoiler: ”Reflective wide-3D dispersion of super-tweeter sound using random-surface hard-heavy material”

- A new series of audio experiments on reflective wide-3D dispersion of super-tweeter sound using random-surface hard-heavy material:
___Part-1_ Background, experimental settings, initial preliminary listening tests: #912
___Part-2_ Comparison of catalogue specifications of metal horn super-tweeter (ST) FOSTEX T925A and YAMAHA Beryllium dome tweeter (TW) JA-0513; start of intensive listening sessions with wide-3D reflective dispersion of ST sound: #921
___Part-3_ Listening evaluation of sound stage (sound image) using excellent-recording-quality lute duet tracks: #926
___Part-3.1_ Listening evaluation of sound stage (sound image) using excellent-recording-quality jazz trio album: #927
___Part-4_Provisional conclusion to use Case-2 reverse reflective dispersion setting in default daily music listening: #929

View attachment 379437

View attachment 379438

The details of ST FOSTEX T925A metal horn super-tweeter and the sound reflector, i.e. heavy-hard-thick Bohemian crystal cutglass bowl with random outer surface;
View attachment 379439

The dimension/distance of listening triangle;
View attachment 379440

You would please note that I have nice open space (actually our dining room) behind/between the L&R SP system (no sound reflex port in rear of the SP system), and I also have preferrable sound deadening space (actually Japanese style tatami floor room) behind my listening position.

Spoiler: ”Importance of precision time alignment and sound deadening spaces between SP system and behind listening position”

- Not only the precision (0.1 msec level) time alignment over all the SP drivers but also SP facing directions and sound-deadening space behind the SPs plus behind our listening position would be critically important for effective (perfect?) disappearance of speakers: #687

As I shared in my post #311 and #111 (remote thread), the ceiling of our living/listening room is covered by microporous diatom panels carefully selected with proper sound absorption performance, and on the floor we have carpet reducing/minimizing sound reflection and resonance/standing-wave.

Please refer to post #84 and #497 for the cabinet and drivers of YAMAHA NS-1000 (not NS-1000M). Also in posts #497 and #782, you can find spec info on SW YST-SW1000. Please refer to #485 for overhaul maintenance of ST T925A.

As for the unique positioning of ST T925A (beneath the WO), please refer to my post #27.

Again, as for the 0.1 msec precision perfect time alignment between all of the SP drivers, please refer to my posts #493, #494, #504, #507 and #520.

You would please find transient characteristics objective measurement data of 30 cm WO JA-3058 and SW YST-SW1000 in posts #495, #503 and #507.

We can easily move/rotate, thanks to the DIY-ed big rubber casters with stoppers, the PANASONIC 55” 4K OLED TV TH-55HZ1800 in our dining room so that it faces to the listening room between the L&R SP system; it can serve as second full-color PC monitor of audio (audio-visual) dedicated PC of 4K (3840x2160 pixel) resolution, refresh rate 60 Hz, by using single slim 10-m-long optical HDMI cable.
View attachment 379441
You would please refer to my post here #509 (remote thread) regarding a kind of “reverse thinking” utilization of 4K OLED TV connected to PC in DSP-based multichannel audio rig for viewing and listening TV program and other video (YouTube, etc.), DVD movie, blue-ray-Disc movie, and so on.

Up on the very rigid and heavy almost antique cupboard cabinet in my left-hand side when I sit on listening sofa, you can find these audio gears;
View attachment 379442

I assume you need gear identifications like in this photo;
View attachment 379443
Again, if you would like to see inside and outside photos of the four integrated amplifiers, i.e. ACCUPHASE E-460, YAMAHA A-S3000, SONY TA-A1ES and YAMAHA A-S301, please visit my post #38 on a remote thread.

Dimension shown together with ruler;
View attachment 379444

As I recently wrote again here #89 (remote thread), I do not use audio rack (regardless of luxury expensive one or not) at all, but I do “the way” shown above.

The large heavy and physically slightly warm (around my body temp) ACCUPHASE E-460 (24.4 kg, directly driving midrange SP drivers) and DENON DCD-3500RG (22.0 kg, seldom powered-on nowadays) serve as very stable and rigid base for my TT (turn table) DENON DP-57L in 1,430 mm above the floor for occasional (once in two months, or less) vinyl LP ceremonies (ref. my post #758); the position/height of the TT is very nice to "see and check" the stylus of the MC cartridge going down automatically to the surface of LP (I am 173 cm tall). YAMAHA A-S3000 (24.6 kg) is also large and heavy.

Several of my ASR friends repeatedly requested the backside wiring view, and this is “it” as of January 1 in 2024;
View attachment 379445

After that, I recently renewed all the Y/R-lugs (crimp Y/R-terminals) of the SP cables together with heat-shrink insulator covers (ref. #895);
View attachment 379446

Consequently, here is the latest view of SP binding posts of the four amplifiers;
View attachment 379447

I also recently fully renewed (ref. #906) the L&R SP cabling board having the protection capacitors, HP (low-cut) capacitors for STs, tuning 22 Ohm resistors, and 100W 8 Ohe dummy SP resistors. This diagram Fig.28 shows that “SP cabling board portion” in the total signal path already shared in above Fig.03;
View attachment 379448

The fully renewed SP cabling boards placed behind the L&R SP system are shown in this Fig.29;
View attachment 379449

And the angle view/shot of the new SP cabling board;
View attachment 379450
Edit on January 2, 2025:
Also please visit my specific post #976 on my project thread.
- Safe accurate robust 22 Ohm(Ω) 30 W non-inductive non-polar wirewound power-type metal-clad resistor (FHN50-22OHMF, PCN Corporation, made in Japan) for renewal/replacement of so-far-used rather fragile(?) ones: #976

I carefully measured/checked these protection capacitors are transparent (inaudible) as shared in my posts #402 and #485, and #1,009. For the “needs” of these protection capacitors, please refer to my post #901.

As for the reason and rationales of 22 Ohm parallel resisters for SQ (MD), TW and ST, you would please refer to my posts #248, #251, #99(remote thread), #100(remote thread), #101(remote thread).

Several of ASR friends also repeatedly requested wiring view in backside of SP system;
View attachment 379451

I still keep the currently-not-in-use "LCR passive network in outer-box " (ref. #5) for easy and smooth role back of the whole audio system into my reference single-amplifier (ACCUPHASE E-460) passive configuration together with the connection changes on the "SP cabling boards".

I once have tested “Multi-Terminal Electromagnetic Relay” and “Multi-Terminal Snap-Toggle Switch” for this purpose (i.e. switching the wires between passive and active SP modes), but I found they gave some “uncleanliness and/or distortions” to the total sound. Consequently, I believe that the “physical screw-up cabling connections” like in these SP cabling boards should be the best way to go with. I carefully and completely eliminated, therefore, any magnetic susceptible (magnetizable) metal, such as screws, Y-lugs, metal plate on terminal straps, etc. in SP high-level signal wiring; please refer to my post #4, #250 and posts #013(remote thread), #023(remote thread) and here #9(remote thread).

You would please be reminded "the typical issue case" in this regard (even with no relation at all to my project thread) happened with first version of BUCKEYE 3 Channel Purifi Amplifier in which measurable (and I think audible) distortion was caused by iron (steel) plates at the SP binding posts, then BUCKEYE quickly and nicely replaced the parts with brass plates by a kind of recall announcement; please refer to the specific thread on that amplifier, amirm’s first review pointing the issue, as well as his second preferrable review on the fixed/revised amplifier.

Furthermore, in my post #9 on a remote thread "Ferromagnetic materials in audio connectors", I also wrote as follows;
If you take a look inside some rather high-end HiFi amplifiers, you'll see that the SP output wiring (and power wiring?) uses non-magnetic terminals and screws made of brass (no iron at all) or pure copper. However, this is also a common-sense measure to prevent sound quality deterioration in HiFi amplifiers. I remember it being pointed out and explained in interviews with a Yamaha amplifier designer and a Rotel engineer. It is frustrating when working with magnetized screwdrivers (screwdrivers) because you can't catch the screws, though. Yamaha's and Rotel's amplifier designers had a hard time persuading the assembly workers at the amplifier factories, but in the end, they convinced them to use non-magnetic terminals and screws, giving priority to sound quality; I've also heard that the screwdriver, which uses a chuck to fix screws and bolts to the tip, was devised so that it could be used in factories. In my DIY audio setup, I have the same thing; I strictly/completely eliminate/avoid any magnetizable metal/screw in my SP cabling/connecting.


Oh, I have not yet shared in this post the signal path for live (on-the-fly) listening to vinyl LP by JRiver MC’s “Open - Live” listening to the specific ASIO input from audio-interface TASCAM US-1x2HR; here the master volume role of JRiver MC is still alive, and of course DSP EKIO serves as system-wide one-stop DSP center;
View attachment 379452

Please note that I (we) can connect not only LP player but also any of (old?) "analog line level output only" audio devices to US-1x2HR for on-the-fly listening with my multichannel multi-amplifier setup (and for digital recording, if needed). As for digital recording, I can use any of recording software which can digitally hear the US-HR ASIO Line-in, such as Audacity and Adobe Audition.

I continue using two of rather outdated “completely silent” dedicated PC in my audio(-visual) rig; Fig.33 shows the latest info on the two PCs which are just backup PC with each other; I can change/switch the PC within less than 5 min, the sound quality, of course, is excellent and identical in both of the two PCs having exactly the same OS and software configurations.
View attachment 379453
Edit on Nov. 25, 2024:
The version of Windows OS in the two PCs is Windows 11 Pro (x64) 24H2; please refer to my post here for the Windows update from 21H2 to 24H2 in these rather outdated PCs.

Edit on Sept.19, 2025:
The OS (Windows 11 Pro) SSD is now (as of September 2025) 512 GB in both PCs. The Windows 11 Pro 24H2 was recently upgraded to 25H2 even in these outdated unsupported PCs; for the details, please visit my posts #1, #27 and #29 on my dedicated thread for such Windows upgrade to 25H2.


Nowadays, I comfortably use two of COOIDEA USB2.0 Volume/Track-Jump Controller connected to the PC using two of slim 12m-long USB 2.0 repeater-extension-cable coming through under the floor carpet.
View attachment 379454
As shown in the above Fig.34, one controller is on the listening low table, and another one on my ergometer workout bicycle usually set just behind the listening sofa so that both me struggling on the ergometer bike and my wife relaxing on the listening sofa (true for vice versa) can control the master volume and/or jump back/forward the album tracks, of course regardless of the mouse cursor position on the monitor screen. (I usually do not like Bluetooth and other wireless connection of USB devices, except for keyboard and mouse.)


The latest "startup/ignition sequences" and "shutdown sequences" as of June 26, 2024
Having the latest system configuration as of June 26 in 2024 shared above, I also would like to update my post #776 dated August 7 2023 on “Startup/Ignition Sequences” and “Shutdown Sequencies”.

A few of my dear ASR friends have contacted me asking about standard startup/ignition sequences and shutdown sequences in the multichannel multi-amplifier system together with JRiver MC (or Roon) and software crossover EKIO running on Windows 11 PC.

They were a little bit concerned about the maximum protection of speaker drivers from possible unexpected accidental pop damage, and I fully understand their worries even though I have the protection capacitors for midrange Beryllium-dome-squawkers (MDs), Beryllium-dome-tweeters (TWs) and metal-horn-super-tweeters (STs).

Although I daily perform these very familiar (to me) sequences almost unconsciously, I believe it would be worthwhile sharing the sequences with all of you visiting this thread.

Standard "Startup/Ignition Sequences":
01. Wake-up the AC Circuit Breaker (100V/15A if it has been shut-down)
02. Power-on the root switch of 24-port AC power strip (series of four 6-port strips)
______This automatically wakes up DIY-12-VU-Meter-Array, KORG DS-CAC-10, BEHRINGER DS2800
03. Power-on YAMAHA A-S3000 after making sure the volume is at -infinity dB (no sound)
04. Power-on ACCUPHASE E-460 after making sure the volume is at -infinity dB (no sound)
05. Power-on SONY TA-A1ES after making sure the volume is at -infinity dB (no sound)
06. Power-on YAMAHA A-S301 after making sure the volume is at -infinity dB (no sound)
07. Power-on L&R sub-woofers YAMAHA YST-SW1000 by remote controller (preset volume 13:00 O'clock, 1 p.m.)
08. Power-on OKTO DAC8PRO; make sure the volume (master gain) is less than -75 dB
09. Power-on Windows 11 Pro PC
10. Check & confirm wake-up and running of VB-AUDIO MATRIX at taskbar
11. Check & confirm wake-up and ready of DIYINHK ASIO at taskbar
12. Check & confirm all the Window's sound I/O (KERNEL, WASAPI, WMD, Mic, etc.) are muted-off
13. Launch DSP EKIO having default preset configuration
14. Launch JRiver MC (or Roon); make sure the master volume is at about 5 % (-77.5 dB)
15. Properly layout VB-AUDIO MATRIX, its Routing Grid view, JRiver MC32 and EKIO’s I/O Panel on PC monitor screen so that all the peak bar-meters can be seen/monitored (as shown in Fig.15)
16. Start playing JRiver e.g. the 6th track of my music sampler/reference playlist (piano solo)
17. Slightly volume-up JRiver to around 10 % (-55.0 dB); check the JRiver's small VU-EQ meter is properly dancing
18. Start “playing” EKIO
19. Check and confirm that all the EKIO's I/O VU meter bars and all the VB-AUDIO MATRIX Routing Grid VU meter bars are properly moving in exceptionally low gain
20. Volume-up A-S3000 to 11:55 o'clock (-18 dB)
21. Volume-up E-460 to -19.0 dB
22. Volume-up TA-A1ES to -17.0 dB
23. Volume-up A-S301 to 09:45 o'clock (ca. -19 dB)
24. Volume-up DAC8PRO to -4 dB; check to properly hear the sound in small volume
25. Carefully and slowly volume-up JRiver MC (as master volume) to usual listening volume using mouse wheel or COOIDEA USB volume controller

Standard "Shutdown Sequences":
01. Stop playing JRiver MC
02. Volume-down the "Master Volume" of JRiver MC to less than 5% (-77.5 dB)
03. Stop playing DSP EKIO
04. Volume-down OKTO DAC8PRO to -99 dB
05. Volume-down YAMAHA A-S301 to -infinity dB (no sound)
06. Volume-down SONY TA-A1ES to -infinity dB (no sound)
07. Volume-down ACCUPHASE E-460 to -infinity dB (no sound)
08. Volume-down YAMAHA A-S3000 to -infinity dB (no sound)
09. Power-off A-S301
10. Power-off TA-A1ES
11. Power-off E-460
12. Power-off A-S3000
13. Power-off L and R active sub-woofers YAMAHA YST-SW1000 by remote controller
14. Exit/Shutdown JRiver MC
15. Exit/Shutdown EKIO
16. Shutdown VB-AUDIO MATRIX
17. Shutdown Windows 11 Pro PC
18. Soft-shutdown (Mute-off) OKTO DAC8PRO by remote controller
19. Switch-off the root switch of 24-port AC power strip (series of four 6-port strips)
______This automatically shutdowns DIY-12-VU-Meter-Array, KORG DS-CAC-10, BEHRINGER DS2800
20. Down the AC Circuit Breaker (100V/15 A, if needed for prolonged shutdown; longer than a week or so)

Although these sequences may look somewhat complicated at your first glance, I usually complete the startup/ignition sequences in less than 3 minutes, and I complete the shutdown sequences in less than 1 minute. I believe you can agree with me that triggered simultaneous startup/power-on with pre-fixed audible gain/volume levels should be definitely avoided at least in my multichannel multi-amplifier audio setup.


Appendices
For your convenience, you would please find Hyperlink Index for this lengthy project thread in my post #444 and the same on independent thread here.

I assume the posts under these spoiler covers would be also of your reference and interest:

Spoiler: ”My policy and practice: organization of digital music library”

You would please refer to my post #4 on a remote thread.

Spoiler: "My backup policy and practice on digital music library"

You would please refer to my post #21 on a remote thread.
I wrote there;
It is really heart-a-pain hearing about your experience of flooding. I too am living in the land of typhoon, earthquake and tsunami; I keep multiple backups, therefore, of my entire digital library in several HDDs and NAS at my home and also in remote at my daughter's home and son's (300 km and 100 km away!). Of course, I periodically update the remote backups at least once in 6 months.
Fortunately my current iron-frame house is on a little hill with solid ground, but no way to avoid possible mega earthquake (once in 600 years?) which might happen any place in Japan...

Your visits and participations on these independent threads hosted by myself will be also highly welcome;
- An Attempt Sharing Reference Quality Music Playlist: at least a portion and/or whole track being analyzed by 3D color spectrum of Adobe Audition
- https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...by-3d-color-spectrum-of-adobe-audition.47103/

- Music for Testing Treble (High Frequency) Sound
- https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...or-testing-treble-high-frequency-sound.50690/

- Apparent power consumption of whole audio system during daily audio listening sessions: how SDGs-friendly is it? (not the idle power, please.)
- https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...iendly-is-it-not-the-idle-power-please.51987/

- Lute Music and Other Early Music: Stunning Recordings We Love
- https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...arly-music-stunning-recordings-we-love.21247/

Edit and Addition on August 19, 2024:
- Let's share diagrams (and photos) of our total physical audio system and the whole signal path, with a few words and/or links
- https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/lets-share-diagrams-and-photos-of-our-total-physical-audio-system-and-the-whole-signal-path-with-a-few-words-and-or-links.56410/

What a truly amazing setup - very impressive. I like the glass geometric diffuser. Did you make the loudspeakers? (Sorry if I missed that detail)

 

[dualazmak]

What a truly amazing setup - very impressive. I like the glass geometric diffuser.

Hello @Waveform Fidelity,
Welcome to this project thread.

Did you make the loudspeakers? (Sorry if I missed that detail)

No, I did not.
Throughout this project, I have been sticking to the cabinet and drivers of YAMAHA NS-1000 (not NS-1000M) having its "world heritage" JA-0801 vapor-deposited Beryllium dome midrange driver; I fully eliminated/bypassed its passive crossover network (renovated passive network in outer box is still preserved, ref. #5, for possible occasional role-back to passive single-amplifier configuration).

Please refer to post #84 and #497 for the cabinet and drivers of YAMAHA NS-1000 (not NS-1000M).
Also, in posts #497 and #782, you can find spec info on my L&R subwoofer YAMAHA YST-SW1000.
Please refer to #485 for spec and overhaul maintenance of super-tweeter FOSTEX T925A.

In my post #964, you can find very brief description of "historic sequences" of this long-journey project in 7 sentences with ca. 350 words.
Furthermore, please find rather detailed background and preceding history towards this project in these posts: #030, #128, #178, #015(remote thread).

Please find here #444 (and the same here) the hyperlink index for this lengthy project thread.