[rat666]

Hi,

today i did a quick listening seesion with the new audio Patch. i heard only 2 CH Flacs with 44.1 khz.

Setup:
PC1: Openelec Alpha10 from Nov 4., AMD x4 620, Geforce 520, 4 GB Ram, hooked up via HDMI out
PC2: Kubuntu 13.10 with XBMC from FernetMenta Branch Nov5., AMD x4 620, Geforce 280, 8 GB Ram, hooked up via onboard Toslink

Both PCs are connected to the DAC, Audio Settings are equal (Best mach, Replay gain off, Avoid Clipping off)

DAC: Rotel RSP 1069 (Av Pre used as DAC)
Pre: Audio Research LS 16 MK II (Processor Inputs)
Amps: Mark Levinson 332
Speakers: Infinity Epsilon

Musik: Flac from Dire Straits, Brothers in Arms (HDCD Rip) 44,1khz, 2 Ch

Both PCs had a bitperfect output (HDCD in Rotel Display shown all the time). Foobar looses the HDCD Flag (Maybe Windows is the Problem not Foobar - i don't know, never tested XBMC on my Windows PC).

The two PCs sound different (my subjective Impression), but i think it can also be the OS or the digital Connection.

PC1 has a louder output (i think that the Rotel is louder via HDMI then via Toslink). Sound was more centered and Music plays more in the foreground (Mark was in front of the instruments and in the middle of the stage)

PC2 has a smoother sound (Volume adjusted at the Rotel to have nearly the same Level), soundstage is wider but Mark sings more in the Background. Sound was a little reserved.

Conclusion:

There is a difference, but its a only little difference. Boith PCs pruduce a very good an right sounding output (wich is also bitperfect in my eyes).
i prefer the sound from PC1, but this is only my subjective Impression.

i hope i can do some more tests on sunday (multichannel, hires, etc) on a Aqvox Dac (only 2 Ch) wich has a higher Quality than the Rotel

hope that helpes

Cheers