Few Little New Year's Presents

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VF

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Jan 1, 2011, 8:04:12 AM1/1/11
to SurroundSound
Funnily enough - exactly one year later, similar software updates to
dvda/sacd programs like last Christmas, have arrived. Santa must like
his audio.

The first one is a small update though. Discwelder 2.0.30. It's not
that exciting really, I think it's just minor bug fixes (since my last
release of 2.0.25), but apparently, I was told, 'it fixes the dual
layer problem'......????? - unless 2.0.25 already did
that...LOL...anyway...

link: http://avaxhome.ws/software/Minnetonka_discWelder_Chrome_II_2.0.30.html

More to come, more to come :)...will let you know. already have two
others submitted to avaxhome but the approval rate by mods appears to
be dismal...this one took 24 hours.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

VF

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Jan 1, 2011, 8:14:35 AM1/1/11
to SurroundSound
ah good. second pressie is ready:

An update to the KORG AudioGate Progam. Version 2.1.0.3:
http://avaxhome.ws/software/platform/microsoft_windows/KORG_AudioGate_2.1.0.3.html

Again, not too exciting, the update is only bugfixes as far as we're
concerned, but for mac users the next gift from santa will prove handy
and essential in the, I hope, not-too-distant future.

grill

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Jan 1, 2011, 8:22:26 AM1/1/11
to SurroundSound
Thanky VF. Good start for the new decade :-) Happy New Year!

On jan. 1, 14:14, VF <vf.surro...@gmail.com> wrote:
> ah good. second pressie is ready:
>
> An update to the KORG AudioGate Progam. Version 2.1.0.3:http://avaxhome.ws/software/platform/microsoft_windows/KORG_AudioGate...
>
> Again, not too exciting, the update is only bugfixes as far as we're
> concerned, but for mac users the next gift from santa will prove handy
> and essential in the, I hope, not-too-distant future.
>
> On Jan 1, 1:04 pm, VF <vf.surro...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>
>
> > Funnily enough - exactly one year later, similar software updates to
> > dvda/sacd programs like last Christmas, have arrived. Santa must like
> > his audio.
>
> > The first one is a small update though. Discwelder 2.0.30. It's not
> > that exciting really, I think it's just minor bug fixes (since my last
> > release of 2.0.25), but apparently, I was told, 'it fixes the dual
> > layer problem'......????? - unless 2.0.25 already did
> > that...LOL...anyway...
>
> > link:http://avaxhome.ws/software/Minnetonka_discWelder_Chrome_II_2.0.30.html
>
> > More to come, more to come :)...will let you know. already have two
> > others submitted to avaxhome but the approval rate by mods appears to
> > be dismal...this one took 24 hours.
>
> > HAPPY NEW YEAR!- Idézett szöveg elrejtése -
>
> - Idézett szöveg megjelenítése -

realafrica

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Jan 1, 2011, 6:38:59 PM1/1/11
to SurroundSound
Thanks for the updates.
DiscWelder 2.0.25 already did that, in as much as it does allow
authoring to DVD9 (double layer). I'll update, as bug fixing is a good
reason on it's own. I thought they had stopped developement on this
programme?

Sometimes I have a devil of a job writing some DVD-As to disc though
and I don't mean just from DW Chrome authoring. I think it's a local
problem on my system with a DVD writer that probably should be
replaced.

realafrica

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Jan 1, 2011, 6:42:37 PM1/1/11
to SurroundSound
As one can't edit here..............
Previous post was talking about writing DVD double layer problems. Not
DVD 4.7GB size. That seems OK.

VF

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Jan 1, 2011, 7:30:15 PM1/1/11
to SurroundSound
Here's a third one, and the last one in this batch. (The next
program(s) might not come for several days, or weeks - no idea - let's
hope it's days :)...)...

It's KORG AudioGate 2.1.0.3 MAC OS X.
http://avaxhome.ws/software/platform/apple_mac/KORG_AudioGate_2.1.0.3_MAC_OSX.html

This particular release is significant as it's the first wide sharing
of a program for Mac users, to play back DSD files. (you can get DSD
samples at http://www.2l.no/hires/index.html, or the recent DSD rips
at rutracker, and there is very small number of retail DSD album
releases out there), or you can use it to convert between DSD and PCM
and back, author DSD Disc and of course do whatever else Audiogate can
do.

i know i know....dsd files are not all that common to the every day
surround fan right now...but this is preparation...

you're mac user, right grill?

one comment says it doesn't work on their mac os x but maybe they're
not doing it correctly. works on my macbook air OS X 10.5.6.

realafrica

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Jan 1, 2011, 8:17:15 PM1/1/11
to SurroundSound
Korg say they only support Snow Leopard up to Mac OS X 10.6 version
number, then suggest not upgrading ones O/S if audiogate use is
critical to you, until updates are posted by Korg on their website.
They have also removed support for Mac OS X 10.3 (Panther).


On Jan 2, 12:30 am, VF <vf.surro...@gmail.com> wrote:
> Here's a third one, and the last one in this batch. (The next
> program(s) might not come for several days, or weeks - no idea - let's
> hope it's days :)...)...
>
> It's KORG AudioGate 2.1.0.3 MAC OS X.http://avaxhome.ws/software/platform/apple_mac/KORG_AudioGate_2.1.0.3...
>
> This particular release is significant as it's the first wide sharing
> of a program for Mac users, to play back DSD files. (you can get DSD
> samples athttp://www.2l.no/hires/index.html, or the recent DSD rips
Message has been deleted

VF

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Jan 2, 2011, 11:29:59 AM1/2/11
to SurroundSound
Hmm ok.

Made comment on the page with older version. posted older version in
case it works.

VF

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Jan 3, 2011, 5:03:46 AM1/3/11
to SurroundSound
thanks for your positivity tab :).

not sure about hackintosh. i imagine it would work just fine - all the
big audio apps work on hackintosh so this should too.

Also it has came to my attention that the the Mac version for Weiss
Saracon has been cracked! It's a recent release by the Scene. Saracon
is considered the best quality DSD to PCM conversion solution in the
world. (hardware OR software.)

So this is GREAT news for fans looking to convert DSD files to PCM -
at least those who have access to mac/hackintosh. There's no crack for
the windows version though.

But if you're serous about state of the art DSD to PCM conversion, you
may simply have to get/build yourself a mac - until/unless win version
is cracked.

Saracon also looks like a top PCM sample rate converter too! According
to bob katz: 'world's best audio sample rate converter'....exciting :)

RELEASE TITLE: Weiss.Saracon.v1.61.27.MAC.OSX-UNION
LINK: http://avaxhome.ws/software/platform/apple_mac/Weiss_Saracon_1.61.27_MAC_OSX.html

VF

On Jan 2, 6:43 am, Tab Cursor <tabcur...@gmail.com> wrote:
> Wow!
>
> Thanks, VF... Last year it was Philips Pro Tech... This year KORG...
> Another cool tool in the arsenal. Does it work on a Hackintosh?
>
> Happy New Year...
> > > > > > > - Idézett szöveg megjelenítése -- Hide quoted text -
>
> > - Show quoted text -

Анатолий

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Jan 4, 2011, 10:40:15 AM1/4/11
to surrou...@googlegroups.com
Happy New Year!

Thank you VF so much for the gifts. The Weiss Saracon is worth of buying a Mac to work on! If the Win version is a chance, please let us know when it's ready.

All the best for the New Year!

Cheers,

Anatoli

Mon, 3 Jan 2011 02:03:46 -0800 (PST) О©╫О©╫О©╫О©╫О©╫О©╫ О©╫О©╫ VF <vf.su...@gmail.com>:

> > > > > > > > > HAPPY NEW YEAR!- Id?zett sz?veg elrejt?se -
> >
> > > > > > > > - Id?zett sz?veg megjelen?t?se -- Hide quoted text -


> >
> > > - Show quoted text -
>

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grill

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Jan 4, 2011, 3:15:28 PM1/4/11
to SurroundSound
One more little thought. Neil Wilkes wrote at QQ that from build
2.0.28 DW might screw up the layer break. It's certain (tested and
proven) that 2.0.25 works properly on LB.
http://www.quadraphonicquad.com/forums/showthread.php?10570-How-Do-I-make-a-DVD-A&p=114989#post114989

VF

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Jan 18, 2011, 10:51:59 AM1/18/11
to SurroundSound
gah. i can't help it. some exciting things are happening today. So I'm
spending some time on the SACD/DSD project. Only cos it's happening
fast and it's exciting, as opposed to waiting 3 painful years for
development to happen.

So...Here is Weiss Saracon for Windows - cracked, again, by <not
telling>.

http://avaxhome.ws/software/platform/microsoft_windows/Weiss_Saracon_1.61.27.html

So now the highest quality dsd to pcm conversion in the world is
available for everyone, on windows.

I'm thinking that the sample rate conversion algorithms can be
extracted from it and studied, to then make an optimal open-source dsd
converter in the end, (like...it can be put in foobar)...we'll see.
(not sure about the legality of that though...can you patent/copyright
mere mathematical 'choices' of how to convert an audio format?
certainly hope not...it would be like patenting the pythagorean
equation for working out the length of the hypotenuse, right?
anywayz.....)

and yeah, I'm thinking there will be more software releases to
come...like quality (fast) DST decoders and encoders...then later,
perhaps whole SACD authoring suites...and from alllllllllll this, I
hope, legal, free, software to do the same thing in just as high
quality, will result...this is just beginning. Whatever it takes to
help the SACD format.


On Jan 4, 8:15 pm, grill <gr...@index.hu> wrote:
> One more little thought. Neil Wilkes wrote at QQ that from build
> 2.0.28 DW might screw up the layer break. It's certain (tested and
> proven) that 2.0.25 works properly on LB.http://www.quadraphonicquad.com/forums/showthread.php?10570-How-Do-I-...

grill

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Jan 18, 2011, 11:50:42 AM1/18/11
to SurroundSound
Thanks, as ever.

On jan. 18, 16:51, VF <vf.surro...@gmail.com> wrote:
> gah. i can't help it. some exciting things are happening today. So I'm
> spending some time on the SACD/DSD project. Only cos it's happening
> fast and it's exciting, as opposed to waiting 3 painful years for
> development to happen.
>
> So...Here is Weiss Saracon for Windows - cracked, again, by <not
> telling>.
>
> http://avaxhome.ws/software/platform/microsoft_windows/Weiss_Saracon_...

jolson

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Jan 18, 2011, 3:02:08 PM1/18/11
to SurroundSound
Thanks! :) This would mean that with the method you and your friends
have found + a slightly modified PC DVD drive, this would be the only
thing required for getting VHQ PCM from SACD discs?

On 3 Jan, 11:03, VF <vf.surro...@gmail.com> wrote:
> thanks for your positivity tab :).
>
> not sure about hackintosh. i imagine it would work just fine - all the
> big audio apps work on hackintosh so this should too.
>
> Also it has came to my attention that the the Mac version for Weiss
> Saracon has been cracked! It's a recent release by the Scene. Saracon
> is considered the best quality DSD to PCM conversion solution in the
> world. (hardware OR software.)
>
> So this is GREAT news for fans looking to convert DSD files to PCM -
> at least those who have access to mac/hackintosh. There's no crack for
> the windows version though.
>
> But if you're serous about state of the art DSD to PCM conversion, you
> may simply have to get/build yourself a mac - until/unless win version
> is cracked.
>
> Saracon also looks like a top PCM sample rate converter too! According
> to bob katz: 'world's best audio sample rate converter'....exciting :)
>
> RELEASE TITLE: Weiss.Saracon.v1.61.27.MAC.OSX-UNION
> LINK:http://avaxhome.ws/software/platform/apple_mac/Weiss_Saracon_1.61.27_...

jolson

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Jan 18, 2011, 3:02:30 PM1/18/11
to SurroundSound
Thanks! :) This would mean that with the method you and your friends
have found + a slightly modified PC DVD drive, this would be the only
thing required for getting VHQ PCM from SACD discs?

On 18 Jan, 16:51, VF <vf.surro...@gmail.com> wrote:
> gah. i can't help it. some exciting things are happening today. So I'm
> spending some time on the SACD/DSD project. Only cos it's happening
> fast and it's exciting, as opposed to waiting 3 painful years for
> development to happen.
>
> So...Here is Weiss Saracon for Windows - cracked, again, by <not
> telling>.
>
> http://avaxhome.ws/software/platform/microsoft_windows/Weiss_Saracon_...

VF

unread,
Jan 18, 2011, 4:40:27 PM1/18/11
to SurroundSound
yep some sort of pretty painless and elegant solution will be
available using DVD drives - hopefully merely requiring modified
firmware to recognise that it's an SACD (OR hot swap the disc), then
you simply rip from the disc with what will be a simple program like
DVDAExplorer....imo the best method will be to extract the files with
SACDExplorer to uncompressed DFF, then convert to PCM with Saracon.
There will be many options, probably a FLAC export option in
SACDExplorer too, but I'll leave 'what is best option for converting
DSD to PCM for closest fidelity' to you guys, lol...

n.b. only calling it SACDExplorer for simplicity....i can ask for it
to be called that but can't ask for too much at once :).

VF

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Feb 21, 2011, 6:14:26 PM2/21/11
to SurroundSound
Here is Pyramix Virtual Studio:

http://avaxhome.ws/software/software_type/multimedia/Audio_Editing/Merging_Technologies_Pyramix_Virtual_Studio_7.0.10_SP2_Build_11188.html

The main significance of this program (for us) is that it can create
SACD images. Thus, anyone can now try out the current generation of
'SACD-R' experimenting.

My comment on the avax page has more news, and interesting info, so
check it out. Would be cool if anyone wants to do some general
experimenting with SACD-R now. Otherwise...just stay tuned :) But I
know some russians are eager to do testing so I'm definitely going to
let *them* know :).

All the best
VF

grill

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Feb 22, 2011, 12:58:54 PM2/22/11
to SurroundSound
Thank you VF. You are our Santa Claus, appearing occasionally with
your stuffed bag :-)

On febr. 22, 00:14, VF <vf.surro...@gmail.com> wrote:
> Here is Pyramix Virtual Studio:
>
> http://avaxhome.ws/software/software_type/multimedia/Audio_Editing/Me...

jolson

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Feb 22, 2011, 3:50:11 PM2/22/11
to SurroundSound
Thanks! "As of now, there won't be many SACD players that can play
back this early SACD-R type." - any player you know DO work?

On 22 Feb, 00:14, VF <vf.surro...@gmail.com> wrote:
> Here is Pyramix Virtual Studio:
>
> http://avaxhome.ws/software/software_type/multimedia/Audio_Editing/Me...

laserwolf

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Feb 22, 2011, 6:42:58 PM2/22/11
to SurroundSound
Thanks VF for this. I tested the SACD file with the method described
and found that it works on my Oppo BDP-83 Special Edition. My display
shows SACD Stereo on the Oppo and Sony Receiver shows 88.2kHz sample
frequency. I tested in pure DSD mode and PCM. Now I can finally back
up all of my SACD's. Hopefully the Super Author program will make the
process simple as you stated.

VF

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Feb 22, 2011, 9:46:34 PM2/22/11
to SurroundSound
jolson: "My comment on the avax page has more news, and interesting
info, so check it out"

:P

just saves me having to post the info everywhere...avax comment has
link to a thread on gearslutz showing list of working 'current' SACD-R
players by friend of mine.

laserwolf: r u sure it really works with the Oppo BPP-83? it plays two
tracks of a classical orchestral piece?

if so....cool, and I can get it added to that gearslutz list....but
ofc the goal is to work on EVERY player...and this definitely will
happen.

maybe bdp-83 works since due to same components as those new sony bd/
sacd players....which all play current gen SACD-R.

jolson

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Feb 23, 2011, 6:15:22 AM2/23/11
to SurroundSound
OK, I read your comment with the info there, didn't go to gearslutz
tho... :) will check it out.

Soon people can create copies of SACD's, create (artificial) multi-
channel SACD's from stereo SACD's, copy SACD to DVD-A, copy DVD-A to
SACD, copy watermarked DVD-A's to DVD-A...

BTW, does anyone know if that program to remove watermarks will be
released to us?

laserwolf

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Feb 23, 2011, 12:35:08 PM2/23/11
to surrou...@googlegroups.com
I can confirm that the Oppo BDP-83 Special Edition absolutely works. Pyramix created the DAT using DFF and LBM that was provided. Then I opened the DAT in UltraISO and burned to a DVD-RW which took about 20 minutes. When I load disc into Oppo there are 3 tracks. The first track is 7 seconds, the second track is 22 seconds and the third track is 2:32. Text info says Disc Artist: 2L records, Disc Title: Test SACD image, Track Title: stereo. When I play the tracks the display shows SACD and I can listen to the classical piece. I guess the next step will be a method to get DFF files from SACD discs. 

VF

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Feb 23, 2011, 2:46:21 PM2/23/11
to SurroundSound
thanks laserwolf. very cool.

it's all gradually getting there.

mircea raibulet

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Feb 24, 2011, 1:48:25 AM2/24/11
to surrou...@googlegroups.com
@VF,
Hi,as I understand,the only step unsolved is how to rip [in an elegant mode] the sacd,right?
So...can I create my sacd starting from a hires multich. flac[4 example]?
If yes,how to do it....
M

grill

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Feb 24, 2011, 3:52:11 AM2/24/11
to SurroundSound
@Laserwolf,
Is there any chance to share your SACD-R iso with us? I have a limited
access to 32 bit Windows for making that disc on my own.

laserwolf

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Feb 24, 2011, 12:58:30 PM2/24/11
to surrou...@googlegroups.com
@grill
Sure, I'll put the file in my share on the Hub. Look for SACD-R (Test Image) folder. The file is DVDIMAGE.DAT and can be opened in UltraISO by selecting the All Files option and locating DAT file. After file is opened just burn it using UltraISO. I haven't tried renaming to iso and burning with Image Burn yet.

laserwolf

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Feb 24, 2011, 1:56:06 PM2/24/11
to surrou...@googlegroups.com
Update: I renamed the DAT file to ISO and burned to DVD-RW using ImgBurn. The disc works perfectly and only took about 6 minutes to burn. I did get a couple of questions using ImgBurn. The first question was: The image doesn't appear to be the correct format for burning onto a dvd. Would you like the program to convert to correct format on-the-fly as it is written?  I selected Yes.
The second question was: Your image looks as though it may contain CSS protected data. Burning an image containing CSS protected data will give you a disc that won't be playable on normal dvd players. Would you like to continue anyway? I selected Yes.
I should note that I am using a region free Oppo BDP-83 special edition. 

elshagon

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Feb 24, 2011, 3:59:57 PM2/24/11
to SurroundSound
I'll have to try it on a couple of my players as well, thanks for
sharing.

grill

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Feb 24, 2011, 4:33:38 PM2/24/11
to SurroundSound
Unfortunately neither my Pioneer universal players (656, 600) play
this kind of SACD-R disc.
> > I should note that I am using a region free Oppo BDP-83 special edition.- Idézett szöveg elrejtése -

grill

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Feb 24, 2011, 2:31:47 PM2/24/11
to SurroundSound
Thank you. Meanwhile I could manage to do the disc with Pyramix. Both
the iso image and the DAT file are added to my Test folder on the Hub
(still hashing right now).

nooders2006

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Feb 24, 2011, 10:48:32 PM2/24/11
to SurroundSound
I have tried the image on an Oppo BDP-80 burnt via ImageBurn and it
loads and plays the disc the same as laserwolf states above.

Unfortunately as I'm running Win 7 64-bit I can't run Pyramix

Cheers

Nooders

VF

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Mar 2, 2011, 8:54:46 PM3/2/11
to SurroundSound
Ok, finally finalised the Philips SuperAuthor release. Again, it's the
discWelder of SACD, very nice and easy to use yet powerful.

http://avaxhome.ws/software/software_type/multimedia/Burning_copying/Philips_SuperAuthor_3.0.3.0.html

It only works by importing a single full-album gapless track for each
field (stereo/multi) and you put track marks in SuperAuthor. No idea
what can join DSD files into single ones, but rest assured eventually
there will be some tool that someone will write to join DSD tracks.
you can probably do it in pyramix somehow too. and even other tools I
already released. (?) you'll have to figure it out.

have fun.

And big news. We've had a breakthrough on this whole SACD-R front. One
of my colleagues has successfully modified the firmware for his
Samsung HD745 player to play SACD-R discs, when normally it's a
'normal' non-working one. He concludes that it can thus be done on all
SACD players.

I also know he is the type to help out and help modify other players
too. So, I think that soon some sort of 'SACD-R project' thread will
appear on avsforum/doom9 where a groing list of downloadable modded
firmware for SACD players will be compiled.

But also, I reckon there might appear ways to author/burn SACD images
in a certain way, to still not require SACd player firmware modding.
but this is fabulous for now at least.

To start with making SACD discs, we have SuperAuthor of course, but
obiuosly if it's to really have a lot of sigificance at avsforum/
doom9, a legal and free authoring tool will have to be made. I think
it will, so hang tight.

And yes - the BIGGEST thing we want, ripping our lovely SACD discs in
the first place, IS happening. In fact, I'm so confident that it's all
happening now, that I've decided to stop all my activities and today
is my last day contributing to everything. Been looking forward to it
for ages. it is a huge relief.

I'd now like to leak the installer for 'Sonic Studio nexStage SACD
Creator LE 1.4.1'.

http://rapidshare.com/files/450666717/Sonic_Studio_nexStage_SACD_Creator_LE_1.4.1__installer_only_.7z

This is the uncracked installer. Read the notes inside superauthor
release, you may want it when using SuperAuthor.

All the best.

mircea raibulet

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Mar 3, 2011, 3:19:17 AM3/3/11
to surrou...@googlegroups.com
@VF
THANK YOU!!
My fingers are burning...this reminds me old times...I started experiments on creating SVCDs With multi subs and multi audio tracks[using a little chinese soft named I Author]... :)
Again,NICE!
So,I can start again....
1.Convert unncompressed PCM to DSD using Saracon
2.Compress DSD to save space and prepare for using in SuperAuthor[as DST file}.
3.Burn DAT image ....
Ok...maybe dumb question:can I use multichannel PCM from beginning?
M

pj-mckay

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Mar 4, 2011, 4:33:47 AM3/4/11
to SurroundSound
Wouldn't it be progressive to dispense with optical media for all
apart from distribution though? Dont get me wrong; You guys do a
fantastic job but its way too much hassle for me. All I want is my
media in file format and playable from a media player. Mine is a
PopcornHour C-200 but dont let the name belittle it. It plays my
multichannel media fine, and lets me have ALL my collection in one
browsable location. No more searching for discs etc. And if Linn are
also in the market for networked, streaming music, that tells me its
the future whether via cheapish kit ($400) or esoteric high end
suppliers..

So for me, DVD-A into the drive (or download an iso and mount it via
virtual clone), plop it into foobar, convert mlp to multichannel
flac.... 10 minutes later I've an LP in 24 bit, 96KHz, flac on the
network. I see Apple are releasing more hi res music, and I do hope
it catches on and leads the industry to do more file based
distribution, at a decent price. I'm no itunes user though, but might
have to become one unless the rest of the players see the potential
(and the risk to their own business if they dont follow suit). I
don't even mind some DRM policies limiting it to my use.. so long as
I can get it in the first place.

Everyone: Keep up the good work meantime but lets keep our options
open and start dispesing with optical media as much as we can. At
least I can grab some of the conversions and get access to the music
somehow.

ps My real optical use now is only Blu-Ray movies, some DVD films,
and SACD (one day we might get them decrytped properly and they can
get filed too). Convert CDs to 320k mp3 for the kids zens/ipods, and
use the files on 2Gig SD cards in both cars. Stick the CDs in the
cupboard for backup, and similarly with commonly used DVD films for
the kids. DVD-A never playback, CDs are only used by the wife, in the
kitchen. My vision is for file based music, Hi and Lo resolution, on
the network for everyone in the house.
> > > > > VF- Hide quoted text -

grill

unread,
Mar 4, 2011, 3:24:59 PM3/4/11
to SurroundSound
SACD-R discs would be important for me until DSD bitstreaming is not
yet worked out.
> > - Show quoted text -- Idézett szöveg elrejtése -

Noreltny-gmail

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Mar 4, 2011, 5:57:12 PM3/4/11
to surrou...@googlegroups.com
That's exactly what I'm doing. I have all of my CDs, Blu-ray concerts, and
DVD-As ripped to my unRAID server and available on my home network for
everyone in my house. I also have most of my DVD and Blu-ray movies ripped
to the server for playback with Windows 7 Media Center.

I don't plan to purchase any stand-alone players in the future. I will only
upgrade my HTPCs.

--

Lokkerman

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Mar 6, 2011, 8:19:13 AM3/6/11
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Flac is the way to go but there are a lot of folks out there that have not
got round to media players.

-----Original Message-----
From: surrou...@googlegroups.com [mailto:surrou...@googlegroups.com]
On Behalf Of pj-mckay
Sent: 04 March 2011 09:34
To: SurroundSound
Subject: [SurroundSound] Re: Few Little New Year's Presents

--

laserwolf

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Mar 7, 2011, 6:42:56 PM3/7/11
to SurroundSound
I've been looking to make the switch to a htpc and finally have found
one that I am excited about. Hope to have the below setup in the next
couple of months.

http://www.xtreamer.net/Ultra/

http://www.synology.com/us/products/DS411slim/index.php

Bob Russell

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Mar 8, 2011, 12:44:02 AM3/8/11
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Please keep us informed on your progress. xtremer ultra looks
promising. I am doubtful they can do all they advertise. If they do - wow!

What are you thinking about for an Amp/Reciever/player?

Kevan2

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Mar 8, 2011, 3:08:43 AM3/8/11
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The Xtreamer sounds awesome but for me the deal breaker is a lack of gapless
audio playback for any streamer

Noreltny-gmail

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Mar 8, 2011, 11:06:06 AM3/8/11
to surrou...@googlegroups.com
The Xtreamer is a PC, not just a streamer. You can run a variety of OSes,
like Windows 7 or Ubuntu and use whatever gapless player you want - J.River
Media Center, foobar2000, WinAmp, MediaMonkey, etc., etc., etc.

Bob Russell

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Mar 8, 2011, 5:29:10 PM3/8/11
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I have been a member of this group for about three years now. I have
learned so much from others. So I want to ask a questiion (I am not
trying to be a smart ass)

How could you tell from the specifications that it lacks gapless audio
playback?

I see the Xtreamer ultra as a very nice compact piece of hardware
(computer) with the right stuff in it to support the latest HDMI
standard that should play all of the High definition audio plus the
older DTS, Dolby and prologic II material. It is also relatively
inexpensive.

Also is not gapless audio playback a function of the player? I have
used Shaplayer to play gapless DVD-A for the last several years. Other
players like foobar and VLC may play gapless but I have not taken the
time to evaluate them. Perhaps others here might help you with their
experience with those players.

Mark

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Mar 8, 2011, 9:28:57 PM3/8/11
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You're right - it's the software that allows for gapless playback.


<just to clarify>

The Xtreamer itself is just a ION based PC, like many others available. Gapless playback
via streaming is easily done.

Lets also consider that using an ION based PC as a source will not necessarily require
streaming. 'Streaming' is when the source is remote from from the playback device and
connected via network. Playing straight from something like the Xtreamer via HDMI or SPDIF
is not streaming.

</end clarification>

Kevan2

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Mar 8, 2011, 10:16:44 PM3/8/11
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Sorry my bad - I misunderstood what the device was.
Thanks for setting me right.
Sorry for the confusion
I want one now :)

Bob Russell

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Mar 8, 2011, 10:42:00 PM3/8/11
to surrou...@googlegroups.com
Please still keep us informed of your progress. This seems a logical
next step for me also. Or something like it. I will also be looking
for a new receiver/amplifier/player. Anyone have any ideas? I like to
find bargains and enjoy getting lots of features for the lowest price.
I think the Amp+ needs to have pass thru HDMI so can feed my LCD TV.

Mark

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Mar 8, 2011, 11:14:16 PM3/8/11
to surrou...@googlegroups.com
I'm using a Jetway ION-Top PC for my HTPC. Basically the same an an Xtreamer. It's
connected to a Yamaha RX-V1065 HDMI receiver via HDMI. The Yamaha is used as a pre-amp for
my NAD 6ch power amp.

OS is a minimal Ubuntu Linux with XBMC as the front end for video playback (no desktop
UI). Interface is via a harmony remote (or wireless mouse sometimes). I use MPD (Music
Player Daemon) to play music (flac). This includes DVD-A, CD's and SQ quad vinyl rips.
I usually use my iPad with a MPD client to control music playback.

BD can be played but I haven't bought a BD rom yet.

I'm really happy with it.

RW

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Mar 9, 2011, 9:09:58 AM3/9/11
to SurroundSound
Bob Russell wrote:
>> I will also be looking for a new receiver/amplifier/player. Anyone have any ideas? I like to find bargains and enjoy getting lots of features for the lowest price <<

In that case, you need to investigate the Emotiva.com products. I
have one of their UMC-1 preprocessors and it is a fantatsic piece,
especially considering its price ($699). I have this hooked up to a
Butler TDB-5150 5 channel tube/MOSFET amp driving Gallo Reference
speakers. The sound quality is astounding. Most items exept the
UMC-1 were purchased used off Audiogon.com. And everything has worked
perfectly for years now, Audiogon is a great place to find deals on
great (used) equippment...

-RW- My system is listed below:

Gallo Reference speakers: 3.1, AV, AV Center
Earthquake 10" Sub
UMC-1 Pre-pro
Butler Audio TDB-5150, 5 channel, tube/MOSFET hybrid pwr amp
Oppo BDP-93
Yamaha KX-690 Cassette Deck
B&O BG 9000 Tangential Tracking Turntable
B&O MMC1/MMC2 Carts.
Gram Amp 2 Phono Preamp
Sennheiser HD-580 Headphones
Creek OBH-11 Headphone Amp
AT & T Uverse
Mitsubishi 60" DLP HDTV
Popcorn Hour C-200 NMT

polymorp...@gmail.com

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Sep 27, 2015, 4:59:59 PM9/27/15
to SurroundSound, vf.su...@gmail.com


Howdy all -- just joined. The Avx links hosted on bay are down -- would anyone be able to let me have a copy of the previously uploaded Saracon? I listen to PS3 rips in Foobar as 88.2 PCM, but would like to be able to listen to these 'offline' on my media player setup (without a computer). Archimago's 2015 DSD-PCM round-up suggests that Saracon still has the edge quality-wise, but can anyone using it tell me how customisable it is regarding output, e.g., is DSD to 16/44.1 part of its retinue? I know most would gag at anything less than 24/88.2, but my interest in SACD is in accessing some of the best source material around (frequently a flat-transfer from the Master), and my ABXing of High-Res against Redbook has yet to show a non-source-based difference between 24- and 16-bit on a very revealing system (Wadia and Impulse, Cambridge and Grado), so I'd really like a way to experiment with DSD rip conversions.

cheers!
P

On Saturday, January 1, 2011 at 2:04:12 PM UTC+1, VF wrote:
Funnily enough - exactly one year later, similar software updates to
dvda/sacd programs like last Christmas, have arrived. Santa must like
his audio.

The first one is a small update though. Discwelder 2.0.30. It's not
that exciting really, I think it's just minor bug fixes (since my last
release of 2.0.25), but apparently, I was told, 'it fixes the dual
layer problem'......????? - unless 2.0.25 already did
that...LOL...anyway...

link: http://avaxhome.ws/software/Minnetonka_discWelder_Chrome_II_2.0.30.html

More to come, more to come :)...will let you know. already have two
others submitted to avaxhome but the approval rate by mods appears to
be dismal...this one took 24 hours.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

polymorp...@gmail.com

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Sep 28, 2015, 4:34:57 AM9/28/15
to SurroundSound, vf.su...@gmail.com

No matter -- found it cracked more quickly elsewhere, and without the Trojan in yours

realafrica

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Sep 28, 2015, 6:17:44 PM9/28/15
to SurroundSound, vf.su...@gmail.com
Hmmm, pearls before swine again......
It's not a trojan!
That is just overzealous Antivirus software wrongly reporting it as such. This has been common knowledge since the release of the crack 4 years ago.
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