Amarra ,can software make a difference?

The issue isn't "bit perfect" - but minimization of Jitter.

Yes I figure if there is a playback software is bit-perfect, the only thing that it could improve upon is either some equalization or something related to reduction of jitter.

But how would a playback reduce jitter? My limited understanding of the job of a playback software is purely to process the original file and output a bit-perfect signal for the soundcard/DAC to process.

I wonder if there is a white paper to explain how it does what it does.

There have been a couple of explanations of how Amarra works, there was something posted on hifi wigwam, I will try and find it.

That's good to know Richard - i've got a 4Gb upgrade coming from the states - my Mac should only take 2 at max but you can get a 4gb upgrade that will allow it to address 3.15.

Value - yes i suppose it is expensive for what is a piece of software (although i'm not paying full price) - given what it does in the context of my system i think its good value as Richard has said to a box upgrade.

James

James - any information on when / if / Snow Leopard will be supported?

quote:

Originally posted by JYOW:
How does it justify what it charges for the software?

Its not that as much as, how can people justify spending $1500 for an iTunes add-on for their home audio.

I have no doubt that it has many cool features perfect for pro/studio use. Also it probably works well with their hardware which no one outside a studio would buy. But it seems that hifi users here are turning all of the studio features off. Hence paying for something they do need and are not using.

Kind of like buying a full blown copy of Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop, solely to import pictures from your camera.

-p

Well I downloaded the demo then found its only for firewire.

I'll wait to pay 15 quid to apple for snow leopard its shaping up well.

'Why Amarra sounds better'
Quote'Amarra sounds better because we have optimized each aspect of the system, from how we do our processing (i.e. math), data handling, scheduling / timing within computer and how devices are accessed. One example is how we try to cache data to avoid disc access and subsequent noise / rf from the disc servo moving. This work has been done over 20 years and addresses all aspects of software, and hardware / systems design. '

Its all well and good but like cables etc there is no real evidence only ones opinion. If it makes a difference great, it it makes it sound better than the original then it seems some eq massaging must be going on surely?

quote:

Originally posted by DHT:
One example is how we try to cache data to avoid disc access and subsequent noise / rf from the disc servo moving.

...how exactly is this new technology? And since when is caching data a good thing?

Re Caching - Caching data is a good strategy - this because it decouples the flow of data from the original source. A standard technique - even used within the Naim DAC and Linn's DS streamers.

Re - "Better than Original" - where is the reference to this quote ???

Re - "Additional unwanted features". Agree - but I could say the same of many hardware products! If it does the job - I'll put up with the features.

Re - Snow Leopard. Agreed. Its a large re-write with focus on efficiency / speed. It may well have an effect on something like audio performance. Hence my wait and see/hear comment.

Cheers

Richard

caching can improve if done for the right reasons and properly or they can degrade the sound. They're isn't a digital source that doesn't rely on buffers in the chain.

Patrick - i'm not sure what you want to get out of this thread - all you seem to want to do is criticise those who like what it does. You've not even tried it yourself !

I tried it, liked what it did and decided to keep it. Got on the early adopters progamme so got a substantial discount. I can afford it so what's the problem ?

I've also had excellent service from Sonic Solutions - an early issue i had was sorted by their engineers logging onto my Mac from the states to sort it out.

James

quote:

Originally posted by james n:
Patrick - i'm not sure what you want to get out of this thread

I am not sure either. Ill bow out. But you know, you are right. I have no problem with you liking it. And I shouldn't care.

Amarra RULES!!! Everyone who uses iTunes should give it a shot.

quote:

Amarra RULES!!! Everyone who uses iTunes should give it a shot.

I'm glad you agree Patrick Now lets get back to the real issue - why hasn't the Naim DAC got any decent interfaces