Solved AUDIRVĀNA (and other audio related chitchat)

Edwin · Sep 3, 2024

There is a palpable warmth with Audirvana!

Edwin · Sep 5, 2024

Dru2 · Sep 8, 2024

@Edwin,

Are you previewing Audirvana again, or did you buy this time.

Edwin · Sep 8, 2024

Dru2 said:
Are you previewing Audirvana again, or did you buy this time.

Previewing again.

Dru2 · Sep 8, 2024

Cool.

I've not touched it since my first trial at the beginning of this thread. I thought about giving it another try, even downloaded the app, but I just never went back. That's not to say anything bad about it, I'm just too comfortable with JRiver.

How are you liking it now?

Edwin · Sep 8, 2024

Dru2 said:
How are you liking it now?

The audio is smooth, almost pristine!

I find the UI a bit sluggish.

I don't like that it takes exclusive control over the default output device..., makes it impossible to A/B it against foobar through the same device!

Dru2 · Sep 8, 2024

What do you mean by exclusive control?

Marcus Vinicus · Sep 8, 2024

I got around to comparing Audirvana and JRiver using the computer and audio setup as per post #960 above. I listened using my Sennheiser HD600 audiophile headphones.

I used this recording for the comparison. One version was 24bit 192 and the other was a SACD version in DSD64 format.

The difference in the sound between 192khz and SACD DSD64 was marked with the latter much more detailed (as one would expect).

The differences between Audirvana and JRiver were small with the latter more neutral, Audirvana is a tad warmer.
Re Audirvana vs JRiver overall. Audirvana is much easier to install and configure. JRiver is rather complex to setup but does have much superior tools for managing metadata (tags) for audio files.

One final comment. The sound built into modern motherboards is now much improved but cannot compete with a good DAC/amplifier. Mine is a name brand but not an expensive one.

Dru2 · Sep 8, 2024

Marcus Vinicus said:
Re Audirvana vs JRiver overall. Audirvana is much easier to install and configure. JRiver is rathercomplex to setup but does have much superior tools for managing metadata (tags) for audio files.

How so?

BTW my comparisons here - AUDIRVĀNA (and other audio related chitchat) and here - AUDIRVĀNA (and other audio related chitchat)

Edwin · Sep 8, 2024

Dru2 said:
What do you mean by exclusive control?

You can't engage another audio device while Audirvana is playing.

Marcus Vinicus · Sep 8, 2024

Dru2 said:
How so?

Audio settings, customization of metadata. I've been using JRiver for years so I'm not a novice with this app.

Dru2 · Sep 8, 2024

Edwin said:
You can't engage another audio device while Audirvana is playing.

OK, that's what I thought you meant. You can try un-ticking "Give exclusive mode application priority" and see if that works.

There may also be a similar setting in Audirvana. Maybe. I personally prefer the player to take exclusive control, but that's me.

Dru2 · Sep 8, 2024

Marcus Vinicus said:
Audio settings, customization of metadata. I've been using JRiver for years so I'm not a novice with this app.

Neither am I and I too have been using it for years (since version 21).

Anyway, the default setting are good for 99 percent of users. Other than choosing the sound output driver as ASIO for my DAC, everything else is pretty much default. But then again, I run external DACs.

Was just curious that's all.

Marcus Vinicus · Sep 8, 2024

Dru2 said:
Neither am I and I too have been using it for years (since version 21).

Anyway, the default setting are good for 99 percent of users. Other than choosing the sound output driver as ASIO for my DAC, everything else is pretty much default. But then again, I run external DACs.

Was just curious that's all.

@Dru2
I'm one of the 1%. If I do a reinstall of Windows, I install JRiver and use the backup feature to restore my settings quickly.

Edwin · Sep 8, 2024

Dru2 said:
You can try un-ticking "Give exclusive mode application priority"

Tried both of those..., the result is that Audirvana refuses to work!!!

Edwin · Sep 8, 2024

Actually, it's getting to be a real p-i-t-a!
Unlocking doesn't even work at times...

It won't release the device unless I actually close Audirvana!!!

Dru2 · Sep 8, 2024

Yeah. That sucks

I'm sure you did this, but I'm gonna say it anyway in case ....

Make sure you're choosing the sound device that Audirvana is using for sound when un-ticking the boxes I showed.

Edwin · Sep 8, 2024

Overall:
• The flat audio is superior, depending on the file source and the gear it's going through.
(I do like to EQ some music, though, especially older, vintage tracks)
• I find the UI nice looking but clumsy and sluggish.
• If Audirvana was my Go-to, I'd probably live with the output exclusivity.
• The price is not worth it when foobar and other freebies come so close...

Gear:
PC out > AudioQuest DAC,
to an NAD Monitor Series 1600 Preamp,
to a Mirage SS1000 Powered Sub,
to a pair of Edifier R1700 speakers

My 2 Test Tracks:

Edwin · Sep 8, 2024

So now, I'm gonna enjoy this Stanley Clarke gem from 1975! Hope y'all have a pleasant evening/day!

Dru2 · Sep 9, 2024

Marcus Vinicus said:
@Dru2
I'm one of the 1%. If I do a reinstall of Windows, I install JRiver and use the backup feature to restore my settings quickly.

I do the same and why I backup (in JRiver) on a regular basis. And yes, I do have some customized settings - skin, EQ (when used)

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