Bit perfect test files - where?

Posted by: Paulie on 14 February 2015

Hello. I'm setting up my DAC V1 - hooked up to a Mac Powerbook running iTunes and Bitperfect. Using the Naim online setup guide to configure the DAC. The instructions refer to running the Bitperfect test on the menu using the "Bitperfect test files". For the life of me, I can't find these files anywhere! Can anyone provide a link as to where I download the test files?

 

thank you and kind regards. 

Posted on: 14 February 2015 by dave4jazz
Originally Posted by Paulie:

Hello. I'm setting up my DAC V1 - hooked up to a Mac Powerbook running iTunes and Bitperfect. Using the Naim online setup guide to configure the DAC. The instructions refer to running the Bitperfect test on the menu using the "Bitperfect test files". For the life of me, I can't find these files anywhere! Can anyone provide a link as to where I download the test files?

 

thank you and kind regards. 

Paulie

 

Go to the DAC-V1 product page, scroll down to Manuals & Downloads, Software Downloads / Updates.

 

Dave

Posted on: 14 February 2015 by George J

I have had my V1 for two weeks short of two years.

 

I have not done the bit-perfect test yet, and have no intention of doing so.

 

If it sounds good, just enjoy. On the other hand it is useful to read the instructions in the manual concerning setting the chassis signal switch. I'll leave it to you to read the official words rather than try to explain it ...

 

I imagine that the bit-perfect test is there to diagnose a problem if the sound seems faulty.

 

ATB from George

Posted on: 14 February 2015 by james n

It's a useful test to be able to do George, even if all sounds fine to make sure there is nothing in the chain between music file and (in this case) USB port that's modifying the bitstream - i.e. an unnoticed volume control, sample rate conversion or bit depth change. 

Posted on: 14 February 2015 by George J

I can see no use for the test. It either sounds fine or it does not.

 

If the system claims bit-perfect [whtever that means beside being a nice sounding advertising aspect] then accept it, but don't worry about it.

 

On the other hand the chassis switch is important to get right ...

 

It is funny how people get stuck on the unimportant while ignoring the significant.

 

ATB from George

Posted on: 14 February 2015 by james n

You can have any number of DAC / audio software combinations so it's a useful test of the complete chain and yes it can make a difference. 

 

Agreed the chassis switch can make quite a difference too depending on how the partnering components deal with earthing. 

 

James

 

Posted on: 14 February 2015 by dave4jazz

Naim thought it worth while to include the BitPerfect tests so there's no harm in doing them when setting-up your system as they can highlight issues. Then forget.

 

The Floating/Chassis switch is something else again.

 

Dave

Posted on: 14 February 2015 by George J

Dear James,

 

If you have computer system "A" that claims a bit-perfect output, and a DAC that claims to be also bit-perfect [whatever that means beside being a nice sounding advertising hook] and the two are recommended to go together, whatever difference does the test make? 

 

If it sounds bad then the test may confirm that something is wrong, but if it sounds good, then the test makes no difference.

 

The real test is what your ears tell you.

 

But if you have a computer system "B" and it claims to be bit-perfect and is also a recommended combination with the DAC, what is the difference.

 

It might also be tested as providing bit-perfect with the test, but if it sounds less good, then the test has clearly proved nothing!

 

If bit perfect was really a guarantee of anything then the test would prove that perfection has been achieved and everything sounds the same so long as it is bit-perfect, and all the aural evidence shows that this is not the case.

 

Otherwise the DAC V1 giving a positive bit-perfect result would be the end of developments and there would be no reason for a different DAC because all bit-perfect results would show that perfection has been reached, which is clearly not the case, or else Chord would not be claiming a good deal of the Forum's attention!

 

ATB from George

Posted on: 14 February 2015 by George J
Originally Posted by dave4jazz:

Naim thought it worth while to include the BitPerfect tests so there's no harm in doing them when setting-up your system as they can highlight issues. Then forget.

 

The Floating/Chassis switch is something else again.

 

Dave

At least the chassis switch is crucial to correctly setting up the DAC.

 

The bit-perfect test may be of some use in showing a mistake has been made in the set-up, but if the ears tell you it is good then the bit-perfect test shows nothing of value. I would say that it is a marketing gimmick ...

 

ATB from George

Posted on: 14 February 2015 by james n
Originally Posted by George J:

Dear James,

 

If you have computer system "A" that claims a bit-perfect output, and a DAC that claims to be also bit-perfect [whatever that means beside being a nice sounding advertising hook] and the two are recommended to go together, whatever difference does the test make? 

 

If it sounds bad then the test may confirm that something is wrong, but if it sounds good, then the test makes no difference.

 

The real test is what your ears tell you.

 

But if you have a computer system "B" and it claims to be bit-perfect and is also a recommended combination with the DAC, what is the difference.

 

It might also be tested as providing bit-perfect with the test, but if it sounds less good, then the test has clearly proved nothing!

 

If bit perfect was really a guarantee of anything then the test would prove that perfection has been achieved and everything sounds the same so long as it is bit-perfect, and all the aural evidence shows that this not the case.

 

Otherwise the DAC V1 giving a positive bit-perfect result would be the end of developments and there would be no reason for a different DAC because all bit-perfect results would show that perfection has been reached, which is clearly not the case, or else Chord would not be claiming a good deal of the Forum's attention!

 

ATB from George

Life is too short (and i've better things to do this evening) to explain the usefulness of a bit perfect test to you.

 

I suspect it would be a waste of my time anyway...

Posted on: 14 February 2015 by dave4jazz
Originally Posted by George J:
Originally Posted by dave4jazz:

Naim thought it worth while to include the BitPerfect tests so there's no harm in doing them when setting-up your system as they can highlight issues. Then forget.

 

The Floating/Chassis switch is something else again.

 

Dave

At least the chassis switch is crucial to correctly setting up the DAC.

 

The bit-perfect test may be of some use in showing a mistake has been made in the set-up, but if the ears tell you it is good then the bit-perfect test shows nothing of value. I would say that it is a marketing gimmick ...

 

ATB from George

George

 

I'm with James on this.

 

Dave

Posted on: 14 February 2015 by George J

Dear James and Dave,

 

Probably.

 

I think that it is a neat little marketing gimmick that proves nothing. You either get the system sounding well according to the ears or not. If not firstly examine the playback software, and make sure the settings are correct, and if they are and it still sounds rough, then consider a system change.

 

Let the ears do the work, and make a decision. 

 

The bit perfect test does not apply to the nDAC, and I have yet to see anyone say the V! is better than the untestable nDAC ...

 

However with the V1 getting the chassis switch correctly set according to the instruction manual is not only of value, it is crucial. Once again, I cannot see why neither of you seem to acknowledge the important issue rather than get fussed over an irrelevance at worst, and a confirmation of success at best. If you have success then there is no need for confirmation!

 

ATB from George

Posted on: 14 February 2015 by dave4jazz

George

 

Shouldn't you be getting ready for the Simon Rattle programme on BBC Two later this evening? Or have I opened another can of worms?

 

Dave

Posted on: 14 February 2015 by George J

On Television! I have not had a TV receiver since 2002!

 

I did listen to the Sibelius on Radio Three last week though ...

 

ATB from George