Uniti serve as replacement for iTunes/ Mac mini

FYI I currently use an Anthem surround processor with built-in room correction software (ARC) for my AV setup. This is effective for surround sound but it's relatively unsophisticated, as are most such systems. Over the years I've used several similar RC software solutions but none have been good enough for stereo. However, it became clear to me that room correction was the way forward for progress in achieving  best sound, providing it didn't detract from the essence of what I enjoy in my Hi-Fi reproduction.

From what you've posted it's clear you aren't familiar with the iRC software; I suspect your experiences relate to the basic Amarra Symphony, which IIRC has a built-in equaliser. The iRC is a completely different beast, as you will discover when you try it.

Regarding microphones, the iRC is picky over what you use (the system calibrates the mic as part of its setup procedure). I guess you could try what you've got & see if it works.

I'll give it a go later, our valentines day is postponed until tomorrow when we loose the kids for the evening, yea!

No contest as far as I am concerned, tried Mac MIni/Synology nothing but aggravation even Artwork a pain. Once you've had Naim there's no turning back or any need to,

Well the website is a bit of a mess, there appears to be a download demo button for symphony but once you register its only the standard amarra.

Plus the mic needs to be USB my interest is not that high.

OK got the basic demo one going, had an initial issue that internal clock was set at 96 so everything was playing back at twice the speed, which was freaky!

It sounds great. Not sure what its doing different to bit perfect, that being said I am not really into AB comparisons.

Off the bat it sounds more strident, I am not sure if I could live with that long term, this concerns me, I am of the camp that bits are bits, but have to say I am softening on that view, through bit perfect it sounds different to stock itunes and through amarra it sounds different again.

I note the interface still looks like its from the 90s, but you don't need to look at it with the remote app.

I shall have an extended listen this evening. Its a shame I cannot play with the room correction one, equally there is no way on gods green I am spending 6 hundy on it anyhow, so neither here nor there

The Amarra (or rather, Sonic Studio) website's crap. Difficult to find what you want. So I guess you've downloaded the standard Amarra Gary? It works well (few bugs) but IMO no better soundwise than Audirvana, which is a fair bit cheaper and has more options.

The real gamechanger is the iRC room correction which is a bolt-on and not a Sonic Studio product.

Yea its a bit hit and miss. I am not that fussed with the sound. This goes against everything for me though as it should not sound different but it does! 

This is either a. I am wrong (it often is) or b. there is proper EQ going on.

Where it fell down is gapless playback, i.e. it failed to do it with a small but perceptible pause between tracks. So that would be a deal breaker for me.

I have returned to bit perfect, the differences are not huge, I am not confident I could tell you which was which in a blind test, but in terms of value for money bit perfect wins, its 6 quid

It is fun this audio lark innit?

Yes, I'd agree Bitperfect's pretty damn good and I'm not convinced the more expensive options are much better.

Prefer Audirvana.

Tog