AVSub Outputs True Hi-Res!

[vigotone]

I posted this in a topic about iSub, but I feel it deserves it's own thread:

I have never been able to properly get hi-res to stream from my iDevice using any Subsonic client (nor would JRemote for that matter).

I have been in touch with Rich, the developer of AVSub, who has sent me his latest beta, and I am happy to report, the upcoming version of AVSub successfully outputs ALL resolutions to my DAC. Every single bit and sample rate I threw at it was accurately displayed on my Oppo HA-1 DAC, be it 16/44.1, 24/48, 24/88.1, 24/96, even 24/192!!!

This definitely proves that an iDevice can output hi-res via the CCK. I am beyond thrilled. Thanks to Rich for making AVSub, which will be my go-to from now on.

[theorego4]

Great news! Does AVSub have an EQ? Listen a lot via headphones and it's an essential feature ...

[vigotone]

I don't think there is an EQ feature, but if you're listening to hi-res, you'll have to go through a DAC to properly pass the hi-res signal. Perhaps the DAC has EQ/Tone Controls?

[rich600]

EQ in V15

Rich

[theorego4]

Installed AVSub V14 last night. Changed settings to "no limit" Max audio bitrate and enable "24-bit/192 kHz."

However, all my hi-rez files (96k & 88.2k) are being downsampled to 48k. DAC is HRT Microstreamer via the Apple Camera Kit.

When using DSub/Android all files are upsampled to 96k. When using USB Audio Pro/Android, all files show correct native kHz, i.e., 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96.

Please advise - Theo

[manwithaplan]

Vigotone, were you able to have this success with Subsonic 5.2.1 by chance? Or did you have to upgrade to 5.3? I don't want to upgrade to 5.3 at the moment for other reasons, and am hoping 5.2.1 can do the same. Not sure why it would matter.

[vigotone]

Hiya. Sorry for the delay in replying. I use Subsonic 5.3, so I'm not sure if it would work with earlier versions.

[manwithaplan]

It appears that DSD files (.dsf and .dff) stream in perfect native high rez DSD also now! I am using a Beta version of AVSub that Rich provided me for testing this new feature for DSD files, and I'm pleased to report my DSD files on Subsonic 5.2.1 are streaming beautifully to the iPhone. I've got my iPhone connected to an Oppo HA-2 handheld DAC/headphone amp and it plays just fine. The Subsonic server logs properly indicate just native streaming, no transcoding whatsoever, and AVSub notes the signal as well as 24-bit/176.4 kHz and DSD64. Now, because I have the Oppo HA-2 and not the HA-1, I cannot see for 100% assurance that the DAC is actually receiving what the AVSub indicators tell me it is sending. Vigotone, if you've got the HA-1 with the LED display that shows bitdepth/sampling frequency, maybe you could test a DSD file or two to ensure that you see the signal as 24bit/176.4 kHz.

If you need some sample DSD files for testing, Oppo publishes a few on their website, as does the author of DSD Master:

http://dsdmaster.blogspot.com/p/blog-page.html

...you want his versions listed as "Original DSF file", not the PCM versions of course.

[vigotone]

I'm happy to give it a try, but I've never dealt with .ff files. How do I play them and how do I add them to my Subsonic server?

[rich600]

Hi,

login to Subsonic > Settings > General.

Then add "dsf dsd" onto the end of the "Music files" list. SS will now recognize files with these extensions as music files.

Rescan your music library and though should appear in AVSub. Note that I had to restart SubSonic to get it to pick them up.

Enjoy!
Rich

p.s - you both have the same beta version.
p.p.s I tested it with DSD64/128/256 and even DXD and it seemed to work my end.

[vigotone]

The file that downloaded is a dff file, so it will not show up in Subsonic. I tried adding "dff" to Music Files in Settings, but I can't get it to show up. Is there a way to convert it to a dsd or dsf file?

[manwithaplan]

.dff and .dsf are the most common DSD file types...the file is fine...just add .dff to your music files supported list. The DSD formatted files end up as .dsf or .dff (.dsf supports full tagging including embedded artwork). Try it and let us know. Thanks.

[manwithaplan]

Sorry, I just re-read your message and realized you already tried adding dff to your file list for "Music files" - okay, since nobody really uses dff they use dsf, I am PM'ing you a file for you to try.

[vigotone]

Ok, I've run the test file sent to me by manwithaplan. My iPad read DSD/176400Hz/24bit/DSD64. My Oppo HA-1 reads "DSD 2.8224 MHz".

That's good, right?

By the way, this is with "Enable DSD over PCM selected (slider to the right). When it is deselected (slifer to the left), my DAC reads PCM 16/44.1.

Hope this helps!

Lee

[manwithaplan]

Amen Lee!!! We have lift off! That is exactly what you should see on your DAC...beautiful stuff...and yes, you must have DSD over PCM enabled as you did. Thank you for confirming for us. You are now streaming raw native DSD from your iDevice via AVSub to your DAC, and letting the DAC do the DSD to analog conversion...woooooohooooo!

Rich, we can consider DSD support in addition to high rez FLAC support a new fully supported feature. By the way Lee, I see in all your posts that you are using the Camera Connection Kit to output digitally...which iPhone do you have? You do know that Oppo devices, at least the HA-2 that I have, fully support and provide you actually a simple lightning-to-USB cable...in the case of the HA-2, it's just a real short cable (3 inches long) to connect your iPhone/iPod Touch directly to the HA-2 which is the exact same size as the iPhone6 or 6S. They actually then give you 2 strong rubber bands to sandwich together your iPhone and HA-2. Hokey, but it works. And the sound quality is well, insanely great. But you know that already, you have the big brother of the HA-2!

I guess what I'm asking you is why couldn't you just go directly via lightning to USB cable into the HA-1 that you have? You shouldn't need the camera connection kit anymore...unless I'm missing something...please illuminate for the benefit of all...thanks!