AudioCircle

Industry Circles => Hollis Audio Labs => Topic started by: HAL on 31 Jan 2015, 10:27 pm

Title: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 31 Jan 2015, 10:27 pm
The latest HAL MS-3 Music Server is now available. 

The unit looks identical to the MS-2, but the motherboard has been changed to an Intel Atom N2600 based with no cooling fan for even lower heat dissipation since the original Intel Atom N2800 motherboard is no longer available.  The unit is entirely solid state with the exception of the DVD drive for CD music ripping to the system library. 

The first production MS-3 was with VivaHiFi in Vienna, VA for a period of time recently while their HAL MS-2 Music Server was being upgraded to Windows 8.1 OS.  Feedback was very positive from Scottdazzle on AC. 

Along with this unit a new 6 input, 8 output DSP crossover and HiRez DAC combination called the dspMusik, is also available.  The unit uses 40bit floating point DSP based processing.  Has S/PDIF, USB2 asynchronous and 24bit/192KHz A/D inputs.  The unit has 8 channels of 24bit/192KHz D/A conversion.  All analog inputs and outputs are balanced via TRS connectors.  Both Mogami and Monoprice make TRS to XLR balanced cables to connect the unit to the audio system.

The dspMusik can also be used as a USB Class 2 audio DAC.  I have already done the software load for that and it can act as a stereo DAC with four stereo pairs.  The USB2 input is ASIO compliant and a custom PC USB driver is installed on the MS-3 or any Windows OS. 

The unit is custom programmed by HAL for the customer speaker crossover requirements.  This is to make the unit plug and play for the customers system.

The first demo of the latest version of the DSP crossover was at CES2015 in January.   The latest demo is going on with the VMPS RM50 speakers that were used at one of THE SHOW events for the live vs recorded event by VMPS.  The speakers were developed with the Behringer DCX2496 digital crossover as part of the system.  The dspMusik was custom programmed to replace the DCX2496 with a minimized signal processing path.   

Since there are VMPS owners that have DCX2496 units in their system, this is an alternative to that system.  Other speaker systems are a possible alternatives that use the DCX2496 as their crossover system.  New speaker designs are also in the works using this as the full crossover system using direct powered drivers.

Pricing is:

HAL MS-3 Music Server running Windows 10 Home 64bit OS  $799.00 + s/h
Danville Signal Processing dspMusik DSP crossover custom programmed system with HAL MS-3 $2299.00 + s/h

Please post questions in this thread if you have any.  For reference the HAL MS-2 thread is on this Circle as well.

Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: Phil A on 31 Jan 2015, 10:32 pm
Rich - did you get my PM from the other day?  Interested in the MS-3.  My question was just about the size of the unit and was it identical to the MS-2 (and I guess since I have an MS-2, the server name needs to be something other than HALMusic).  Thanks.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 31 Jan 2015, 10:38 pm
Phil,
Yes the MS-3 is the identical chassis to the MS-2.  Only a few connectors locations have changed on the back.

Let me know whatever name you want and I can do that during the OS load.  I just call them that for lack of input.

I have some parts on order and can get a chassis when you want it.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: Phil A on 31 Jan 2015, 10:45 pm
Phil,
Yes the MS-3 is the identical chassis to the MS-2.  Only a few connectors locations have changed on the back.

Let me know whatever name you want and I can do that during the OS load.  I just call them that for lack of input.

I have some parts on order and can get a chassis when you want it.

Rich - all I need is the model (again) of the wireless keyboard you recommend (so I can order one and have it ready).  'HALMusic2' is fine.  I have an old 42 inch Vizio in the room already with a PC input and I picked up a cheapo Android tablet anyway recently as I needed it to select music attached to the Oppo BDP-93 in the bedroom system which feeds the outdoor speakers.  So just let me know and I can get you a payment and we can start the process.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: Phil A on 31 Jan 2015, 10:48 pm
PS - thanks again for making such reasonably priced easy to use things that don't require proprietary software (not something as stable and easy to use as JRiver or even Foobar if someone doesn't want to pay for JRiver) that constantly has issues.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: Phil A on 31 Jan 2015, 11:05 pm
Just looked at the keyboard on my MS-2 which is this one - http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Wireless-Keyboard-Multi-Touch-Touchpad/dp/B005DKZTMG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1422745378&sr=8-1&keywords=logitech+k400&pebp=1422745371727&peasin=B005DKZTMG

Is this still what you recommend?  It works fine on the MS-2 just asking if in your experience you have found something that you like better.  Thanks.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 1 Feb 2015, 12:03 am
Phil,
Yes, the Logitech K400 is what I use and recommend as in the link.  I find them at Best Buy stores on sale for $25. 

I am just glad that you still enjoy the MS-2.

If you still have my email address, that is the PayPal one to use.  I just have to know your new address for shipping, so you can send that in the email.

Rich

Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 1 Feb 2015, 12:44 am
For people looking for more information on the dspMusik DSP crossover and HiRez DAC system, here is a link to review the system.

http://www.danvillesignal.com/high-performance-audio/dspmusik-2/8 (http://www.danvillesignal.com/high-performance-audio/dspmusik-2/8)
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: pansixt on 1 Feb 2015, 03:05 am
Rich,
Good to hear about the MS-3. I hope to see you sometime soon in this new year. I do miss Southern MD as well and would love to visit. I owe Bunky a trip down there also.

I still keep my eyes and ears open for a used Hi-Face EVO should I ever need an interface to run with my Non-USB DAC. The EVO is still a hard animal to come across used. That combo worked amazingly well with the MS-1 in my system. Though I am not completely ignorant of the advances that have been made in the last month, or year, or two.

Oh Darn. I probably am for the most part. I need to spend more time on research. And less on the other hobbies which offer less return. :duh:

I would miss the lovingly crafted wooden top cover that graced the first model. Although we can all customize our components. As long as we don't impede cooling or other important functions.
Note: My system pics still have the MS-1 featured and it looks as good as it sounded.

Phil A.,

Clearly we miss you and I should plan a trip to FLA (sounds like the late Lou Reed). I still have the Microsoft Wireless Combo
I used with the MS-1 on a shelf here. Good combo. Unless you're like my MAC pal who thinks Bill Gates is the Antichrist. :nono:


James
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 1 Feb 2015, 03:26 am
James,
I have the same feeling about MAC's!   :lol:

Looking forward to another MAAC gathering at some point to see everyone again. 

Alas the MS-1 chassis is no longer available.  At least the MS-3 has no fan for zero mechanical noise when you are not using the DVD drive. 

The dspMusik DAC's are very good.  My initial testing was just as a USB2 asynchronous DAC to make sure it sounded good enough to proceed with the crossover part.  It did a fine job.  Woodsyi and Pez got a chance at RMAF2014 to give it a listen.  Since then power supply improvements have made it sound even better. 

I have been working on a Open Baffle Speaker Project for possible Recording Studio use.  The dspMusik is the heart of the design with powered speakers.  The first design is working.  Planar mid and tweeter with 8" OB servo subs.  Sounds good and measures well.  Still a way to go. 

Maybe a MAAC gathering when I have it working will be possible. 

 
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: Phil A on 1 Feb 2015, 04:32 am
Rich - sent you a PM
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: Phil A on 1 Feb 2015, 04:36 am

Phil A.,

Clearly we miss you and I should plan a trip to FLA (sounds like the late Lou Reed). I still have the Microsoft Wireless Combo
I used with the MS-1 on a shelf here. Good combo. Unless you're like my MAC pal who thinks Bill Gates is the Antichrist. :nono:


James

James, am around most of time.  I will be going to CAF this year.

You guys should just do the next round of PC vs. MAC commericals :green:
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: pansixt on 1 Feb 2015, 05:46 am
You guys should just do the next round of PC vs. MAC commericals :green:

Brilliant: Me on one of my bikes wearing my SOS rags and the other guy/gal in my sisters Subaru! What? :icon_twisted:
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: pansixt on 1 Feb 2015, 06:00 am
OK, I'll stop and play nice before John R has to get involved.

Besides, I wasn't that very awful almost serious I don't think.

Edit: Sorry. Too Many of my favorite Avery Brewing Company's White Rascal IPA's. I'm a trifle Rascally. :duh:
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 1 Feb 2015, 12:06 pm
Glad you guy's are chatting again, missed it.

Ok, the MS-3 parts for PhilA are on order. 

Demo this week of both systems, so will see what happens on the second in home trial. 
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 3 Feb 2015, 04:18 pm
One other piece of the dspMusik digital crossover idea is that since I program the unit, I remove all unneeded signal processing blocks that most of the generic DSP crossover need to allow users to adapt them to their system.  This is already adapted for the user when it is installed.

From my listening trials this increases the sound quality of the system.   
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 4 Feb 2015, 12:22 pm
The dspMusik is also a very good DAC for HiRez file replay up to 24bit/192KHz.   It uses the minimum phase apodising filters in the Wolfson DAC. 

In work at this time is control software to use the Wolfson DAC digital volume controls across all four chips simultaneously for overall volume control.  This would replace the need for a preamp in a very simple setup for digital music, or analog input.   

You can purchase a bundle with the HAL MS-3 and dspMusik for just use as a HiRez DAC for $1999.00.   The software in the dspMusik can then be upgraded at a later time for digital crossover use if needed.  The DSP crossover upgrade will be $400.00 at a later date.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 4 Feb 2015, 12:24 pm
Thursday evening will be setting up a HAL MS-3 and dspMusik for woodsyi's VMPS RM40 speakers for his listening demo. 

Looking forward to his feedback.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 4 Feb 2015, 10:57 pm
Here is a comparison of a 8" full range drive in a open baffle U frame with 3x8" servo woofer being driven by the dspMusik.  The red graph is the unEQ'd speaker.  The green graph is the same speaker running EQ to correct the response plot.  There is no correction added to the dip at 13KHz.

Using two channels of the unit, one with the EQ for the 8" full range and direct couple for the 3x8" servo woofers.

All processing is with the 40bit floating point 192KHz sample rate software.

No linear phase filtering is used in the EQ or DAC outputs. 

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=114316)
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 5 Feb 2015, 04:00 pm
A discussion about room mode EQ.

Adding parametric EQ bands to the dspMusik is very simple to do.  Room measurements are needed for the speaker to add the correct parameters to set them up. Measurements that need to be done with the speakers in position and at the listening area.

One way to do this is using a method described by the Boston Audio Society for making multiple measurements in a 1 foot cube where the listeners head would be located.  Then average all the measurements to get the final EQ data at the listener position.

Since the dspMusik is also acting as the crossover, adding the PEQ to just the bass driver will keep the mid and tweeter path clean of the extra signal processing normally present in other units.  Any difference in processing time delay can be corrected for by adding bulk delay to the faster processing path channels.  No processing, just memory transfers all synchronized to the master low phase noise clock. 

This is one of the ideas for future development using the same dspMusik hardware. 

Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 6 Feb 2015, 05:18 am
The MS-3 and dspMusik are installed in woodsyi's setup and new digital crossover design done after we setup. 

It is replacing a Marchand active analog crossover for his VMPS RM40's for the demo.

Looking forward to his listening impressions once he has more listening time. 

Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 6 Feb 2015, 01:37 pm
Here is what an example of the dspMusik block diagram used to program the system looks like.  Each block has parameter settings to customize it.  It is a fully drag and drop block diagram compiler for the code.  Connect the blocks and then download to the dspMusik.


(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=114394)
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: jtwrace on 6 Feb 2015, 02:10 pm
Nice.  Looks like MatLab! 
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 6 Feb 2015, 02:15 pm
Runs on top of MATLAB as a fully compiled and installable system.   :thumb:

And it sounds really good!

Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 6 Feb 2015, 09:42 pm
Going to install Room EQ Wizard on the next MS-3 chassis that arrives and try the calibrated Dayton Audio UMM-6 with Windows 10.  If that works, an easy way to look at the room response to see how to setup the Parametric EQ's for low frequency room mode correction. 

Should be able to run both programs and transfer data points to the PEQ blocks on the fly.

Have one of the UMM-6 USB mics here to try out with the setup. 
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: rodge827 on 7 Feb 2015, 02:42 am
Rich,

Could you post some pic's of the MS-3?

Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: Phil A on 7 Feb 2015, 03:06 am
Rich noted it looks like the MS-2 (see the initial post) - https://www.facebook.com/HollisAudioLabs/photos_stream?tab=photos_albums
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: Phil A on 7 Feb 2015, 03:13 am
So you can see the relative size a bit better, below from my gallery it (my MS-2 and I should have the MS-3 for my secondary system in 3-4 weeks give or take) is sitting on the right hand shelf next to my Modwright preamp and my center channel is next to it on the middle shelf.  The case is about 8x8 inches and about 2.5 inches high.


(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=103417)
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: rodge827 on 7 Feb 2015, 03:17 am
Phil A,

Thanks for the info...very appreciated.

Chris
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 7 Feb 2015, 04:23 am
Phil,
Thanks for posting the pictures!

Chris,
The MS-3 looks exactly like the MS-2 in Phil's picture and in the link.

Will be on travel starting tomorrow for two weeks.   Replies might take a bit longer during that time, but will get to it as soon as I can.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 7 Feb 2015, 11:45 am
The second HAL MS-3 and dspMusik digital crossover install is completed and running.

This is being used with a pair of GR-Research N2X and DIY subs. Being used with the S/PDIF connection, USB2 and A/D connections to a ProTools PC for mixing and monitoring recordings along with music replay in a home studio. 

The turntable setup is being run through the 24bit/192KHz A/D converter. 

The demo also includes comparison to his existing Music Server as a possible replacement.

The person demoing the unit also does recording and mixing and uses this system as a home studio and for listening purposes. 

Looking forward to dpd's and woodsyi's feedback.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 8 Feb 2015, 11:13 pm
Next trials will be to remote control the dspMusik using Microsoft Remote Desktop on a Surface to control the MS-3 operation. 

The user can already remotely control Foobar2000 using the webpage from a web browser.

Reports from JRiver using their remote control are also good.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 9 Feb 2015, 01:16 pm
Both demo setups for the MS-3 and dspMusik are now using new high performance filter software as compared to the RM50 demo. 


Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 13 Feb 2015, 03:30 am
Sent some updates to woodsyi's dspMusik install.  He did the updates this evening.

Did some parameters changes based on Pez's RM40 crossover. 

Changed out his USB2 cable for a Virtue Audio 1 meter USB2 cable for better high speed communications compared to the generic cable.

Also changed the single ended cables for the woofer channels to balanced.

Looking forward to his observations.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: pansixt on 15 Feb 2015, 01:05 am
Phil,
For Sure, Thanks for the pictures. Especially the new avatar. 8) More color than the last one. Must be the Florida Sun.

Good to see the main system again. How is the sound compared to the old room? It was stellar there.

Quite the slim package is the MS-2 and MS-3 from what I see. Knowing Rich, the sound is divine. I am looking forward to the
comparisons in sound over the three units. And of course it will be great to see you as CAF will be here before we know it.
BTW, we had whiteout conditions earlier this evening and are expecting 60 MPH Gusts :roll:

Hopefully I can finagle an invite to Rim's to hear the new server. Hint. Hint. And he will be kind (and patient) enough to explain
the advancements in the MS-2 and 3.

James

Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 15 Feb 2015, 01:37 am
James,
The MS-3 Music Server is an Intel N2600 based motherboard that has no fan.  Lower power than the MS-2 motherboard.  The chassis, memory and SSD are the same. 

There are two USB2 controllers.  I recommend using the rear ports for the DAC and front ports for the other devices.

One option is to connect the eSATA port used for the DVD drive to an external hard drive for faster disc access like the MS-1.  This is if the unit will not be used for ripping CD's.

Those are the basic differences.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: Phil A on 15 Feb 2015, 04:18 am
Phil,
For Sure, Thanks for the pictures. Especially the new avatar. 8) More color than the last one. Must be the Florida Sun.




James

By the way that is not my real hair color - been painting the kitchen ceiling :lol:

And seriously, the picture was taken in the Post Office :lol: - had to go there to renew my passport which would expire in 4 weeks as I may want to go somewhere outside the US in the next couple of years
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: Phil A on 15 Feb 2015, 04:32 am
Phil,


Good to see the main system again. How is the sound compared to the old room? It was stellar there.

Quite the slim package is the MS-2 and MS-3 from what I see. Knowing Rich, the sound is divine. I am looking forward to the
comparisons in sound over the three units. And of course it will be great to see you as CAF will be here before we know it.
BTW, we had whiteout conditions earlier this evening and are expecting 60 MPH Gusts :roll:

Hopefully I can finagle an invite to Rim's to hear the new server. Hint. Hint. And he will be kind (and patient) enough to explain
the advancements in the MS-2 and 3.

James

James, have not done tweaking yet.  I did not get the system together until the end of August.  I have Sonic Saucers for the spikey feet at the bottom of the speakers that have yet to go on.  Been bugging Meitner for the new firmware so I can crawl back there and disconnect everything except one cable from the USB service port to the MS-2. 

The room sounds really good.  The new rack is about 350 pounds net weight (the old one is in a spare bedroom).  I got the rack from Klaus (Odyssey Audio) around the middle of June and by the time I got it together and figured out what was going to fit the way I wanted it and what was not it was 2+ months (it's a bit harder since it is an integrate HT too).  I have not had the time I would have liked to date as I was messing with the multiple systems and they close to done except for minor stuff.

Rich explained to me the MS-2 and the MS-3 sound identical.  The MS-3 as noted by Rich uses the Intel N2600 motherboard (the MS-2 used the now discontinue Intel 2800).  The MS-3 has no high speed USB ports which won't make a difference to me as I have powered Oyen Digital drives and the MS-2 has an extra USB port.

I just got two 4TB Oyen Digital drives for the main system (one of the 3TB ones was getting nearly full).  So now I have almost 3TB of space available for music in the main system.  I have the old 3TB drives which will be going in the room with the MS-3 (basically a back-up but since I'm anal, I have plain old commom drives with another copy and also if I want to attach them to my router at some point to see how that sounds - have Oppo players as well where I can try stuff like that)
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: Phil A on 15 Feb 2015, 04:41 am
Phil,
For Sure, Thanks for the pictures. Especially the new avatar. 8) More color than the last one. Must be the Florida Sun.

Good to see the main system again. How is the sound compared to the old room? It was stellar there.

Quite the slim package is the MS-2 and MS-3 from what I see. Knowing Rich, the sound is divine. I am looking forward to the
comparisons in sound over the three units. And of course it will be great to see you as CAF will be here before we know it.
BTW, we had whiteout conditions earlier this evening and are expecting 60 MPH Gusts :roll:

Hopefully I can finagle an invite to Rim's to hear the new server. Hint. Hint. And he will be kind (and patient) enough to explain
the advancements in the MS-2 and 3.

James

James - here's the system where the MS-3 will be going;


(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=103419)
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: Phil A on 15 Feb 2015, 04:43 am
Phil,
For Sure, Thanks for the pictures. Especially the new avatar. 8) More color than the last one. Must be the Florida Sun.

Good to see the main system again. How is the sound compared to the old room? It was stellar there.

Quite the slim package is the MS-2 and MS-3 from what I see. Knowing Rich, the sound is divine. I am looking forward to the
comparisons in sound over the three units. And of course it will be great to see you as CAF will be here before we know it.
BTW, we had whiteout conditions earlier this evening and are expecting 60 MPH Gusts :roll:

Hopefully I can finagle an invite to Rim's to hear the new server. Hint. Hint. And he will be kind (and patient) enough to explain
the advancements in the MS-2 and 3.

James

This is the old furniture from the main system.  Probably going to get a wider bridge, swap out the 55 inch TV in there with a 50 inch one in another system so it sits lower (better viewing) and use one of the old bridges as a stand for the center channel.


(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=103420)
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: Tyson on 15 Feb 2015, 04:49 pm
Question - can the dspMusik be built out to do FIR filters and phase correction like a DEQX?  Or is it limited to IIR and simple EQ like the miniDSP and Behringer DCX?
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 15 Feb 2015, 08:42 pm
It does not have FIR filters, only IIR since they are not linear phase. 

I have techniques for both impulse response and phase correction to try.  The code is available for convolutional filtering.  I have methods for measurements that are in work. 

Since REW is available and UMM-6 are inexpensive, room work is happening for woodsyi.

More once I am back from travel.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: Tyson on 17 Feb 2015, 02:09 am
It does not have FIR filters, only IIR since they are not linear phase. 

I have techniques for both impulse response and phase correction to try.  The code is available for convolutional filtering.  I have methods for measurements that are in work. 

Since REW is available and UMM-6 are inexpensive, room work is happening for woodsyi.

More once I am back from travel.

Well, I am already interested in the unit, even as-is with just IIR filtering.  The 24-192 capabilities and better DAC's are a clear improvement over the hardware of the miniDSP 2x10HD I use currently for my bastardized GR Research V2's.  If impulse and phase can be addressed to give perfect response, I would be extremely happy with such a solution.  I was actually looking at the OpenDRC module to snap into my miniDSP as a convolution engine and a program like rePhase or Acourate to do the phase/timing corrections with my 2x10HD unit. 

http://www.minidsp.com/applications/advanced-tools/fir-filter-tools

http://www.minidsp.com/products/opendrc-series/opendrc-di

But if the dspMusik can do it all in one box and at a higher resolution rate, that's pretty much ideal for me. 
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 17 Feb 2015, 02:28 am
Tyson,
This will be an interactive process, since automation would require other software that I use to process the data.

The idea will be users make measurements and send the data to process.  Correction file will be sent back for use with a new block diagram for use. 

I already have a document I wrote to do the measurements. 

More as I get it changed to work with this hardware and the UMM-6 mic.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 22 Feb 2015, 02:23 am
Feedback from both dpd and woodsyi have been very positive on the dspMusik digital crossover.

Will be receiving the next batch of dspMusik units next week.  All are already spoken for!

Also building Phil's MS-3 Music Server to ship Monday.  Will follow that with two more MS-3's when the parts arrive.

Have Room EQ Wizard and the Dayton Audio UMM-6 calibrated USB Omni measurement mic to go to woodsyi's for some room measurements.  Will load REW on his MS-3 and install the calibration file for the UMM-6 to setup the PEQ parameters for room EQ on the dspMusik. 

Will be experimenting with my friends MS-1 running REW and downloading the room corrections to his DCX2496 for trials and then install a dspMusik to replace it with the same PEQ room corrections.  Have a USB to RS232 cable for direct connection from MS-1 to DCX2496 for trials.

This should be fun.  :D
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 23 Feb 2015, 01:54 pm
Setup one friends MS-1 Music Server to control a dspMusik crossover to run his VMPS RM50 biamped speaker setup. Showed him how to build crossover block diagrams by updating his to the new high resolution filters. Should have his dspMusik to install this week.

Also installed a USB to RS232 cable from the MS-1 to his Behringer DCX2496 and have Room EQ Wizard installed on the MS-1 to use with a Dayton Audio UMM-6 calibrated omni directional measurement mic for room measurements. It calculates PEQ filters for room correction to download to the DCX2496 via the RS232 interface for full automation.

Once that is complete the PEQ filter data can be documented with the Behringer DXC2496 software on the MS-1 and printed to use with the dspMusik setup for PEQ filters.

Very simple to setup and operate if you already have a DCX2496 as he does.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 24 Feb 2015, 01:47 am
For folks doing recording of two channel analog sources to digital, have been working with the MS-3 and Audacity with an Echo Audio Echo 2 USB2 ADA.

The setup does 24bit/192KHz recording to the SSD on the MS-3 for multiple hours of space.

Have also used Adobe Audition on the MS-3 with the Echo2 with excellent results.

Will be setting up the turntable and DSA Phono One beta unit for LP transcription with the system to add to the library.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 25 Feb 2015, 02:06 am
Next batches of MS-3's and dspMusik's start arriving tomorrow.

Working with woodsyi to do the room measurements this week to complete the room EQ demo in his setup.  Will have the dspMusik demo unit back after that for the next set of demo's.

Pez and Tyson are next up for dspMusik trials once I have another MS-3 built and setup with the dspMusik.  Balanced TRS to XLR cables are on order for a new set of two input and six output channels. 

Will be setting up the dspMusik with an MS-1 with the VMPS RM50's once the cables arrive for that setup as well.

Will be sending a 1 meter Virtue Audio USB2 cable with each setup as that has been the most reliable cable with the setup.  Ran into issues with some generic USB2 cables not working properly.  Those are on order as well.



Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: Tyson on 25 Feb 2015, 02:58 am
We'll be able to directly compare the dspMusik to a highly modded DCX24-96 in Pez's system and the miniDSP 2x10HD in my system.  Looking forward to it!
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 25 Feb 2015, 03:05 am
Tyson,
Looking forward to both yours and Pez observations.

Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 25 Feb 2015, 06:12 pm
PhilA has his MS-3 Music Server at this time. 

Looking forward to his comments once he has time to get it installed.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 25 Feb 2015, 06:39 pm
The latest batch of dspMusik 6x8 digital crossovers just arrived.

Time to put one back in the system for listening!  :D
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: jkelly on 25 Feb 2015, 08:21 pm
Based on the result of the evaluations - I am interested in the dspMusik for my V2's.

Jeff
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 25 Feb 2015, 08:26 pm
The issue is getting measurements of the V2's to use to build the crossover block diagram.

I have to know that information to build something to use with the dspMusik.  I do not have access to a pair of V2's for doing that.

If they are Danny's V2's, he will have the information. 

I have Danny's Super-V's here and they are very different than the V2's.

Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 25 Feb 2015, 08:32 pm
Just connected up a new dspMusik to the Monolith OB 8" full range with the 3x8" servo subs with HX300 amps and back making music! 

Waiting on TRS to XLR cables to arrive for the other systems.   They should start arriving tomorrow.

 
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: jtwrace on 25 Feb 2015, 08:32 pm
Do you use room measurements or speaker measurements from 1m of each driver or whole speaker?
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 25 Feb 2015, 08:37 pm
For doing the crossover it is a combination of 1 meter far field for the coaxial and near field for the woofers.  Same technique that MLSSA uses for their combined measurements like you see in Stereophile that John Atkinson does. 

The difference is, I need the individual drivers to see how to build the crossover. 

One thing I am trying is using REW and a Dayton Audio UMM-6 mic to do the measurements.  Easy to install and run on a MS-3 and mic runs about $85 from Parts Express.

Taking a setup like that to woodsyi's on Friday to try room measurements, since we already have his crossover done.

Also going to add his back subwoofers to the last two channels on the dspMusik for swarm style use.  Bringing another set of TRS to XLR cables to connect his rear amps.  First setup to use all 8 output channels from the dspMusik.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: lowtech on 25 Feb 2015, 08:40 pm
This (http://www.waf-audio.com/products.php?pos=1&lang=en) looks nice.  It's even got a user base with happy customers (always a good sign).
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 25 Feb 2015, 08:51 pm
Actually this DSP board has many installed users from it's original use as a subwoofer crossover.

It has been modified since for full range use. 

My understanding is that it was the crossover used at Sea Cliff in Harry Pearson's sub setup.   

 
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: Tyson on 25 Feb 2015, 10:20 pm
I run a bastardized version of the V2's, but I actually have the V1 tweeters with the milled-out rear cup so they are open front and rear, like the rest of the speaker.  I'm not sure if my settings transfer over to the standard V2's, though....
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: *Scotty* on 25 Feb 2015, 10:25 pm
This is slick Rich, woodsyi has enough subs so that you can place at least two at the rear of the room by the bed and cancel out the bass wave from the front before it even hits the rear wall and causes a problem with bass standing waves.
I am hoping he will host a BBQ this year after you have optimized his system.
Scotty
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 25 Feb 2015, 10:30 pm
*Scotty*,
It will be interesting to hear what happens with woodsyi's setup on Friday.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 25 Feb 2015, 10:32 pm
I run a bastardized version of the V2's, but I actually have the V1 tweeters with the milled-out rear cup so they are open front and rear, like the rest of the speaker.  I'm not sure if my settings transfer over to the standard V2's, though....

Tyson,
Do you have driver level measurements for your moded V2's?  If so, that would be a good starting point.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: *Scotty* on 25 Feb 2015, 11:04 pm
If standing waves are currently a problem, when you cancel out the wave from the front before it the rear wall and hopefully reduce their magnitude, there should be a corresponding improvement in the three dimensionality/ immersive surround quality of the recreated acoustic space. It should be dramatic, if the rear subs are turned off, the sound stage should collapse towards the front of the room.
 Also the RT60 numbers should look a lot better below the frequency point where the rear woofers delayed opposite phase output affects the room settling time in the schroeder frequency region. Theoretically one could possibly remove or relocate some of the room treatments dedicated to affecting the bass frequency range.
Scotty
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 26 Feb 2015, 01:26 pm
Got the Monolith 8" full range with 3x8" servo woofers with the Rythmik HX300 amps running yesterday with the dspMusik 6x8 as the digital crossover.

Used lots of techniques to flatten the response.

The OB next to them are the prototypes of the powered desktop speaker using the BG NEO3/NEO10 combination.   Both sound very good, but very different.   Once I have the 3x8" servo H-Frames from Ruben built, will get those setup as well.

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=115649)
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 27 Feb 2015, 02:09 am
Have Room EQ Wizard running on an MS-3 working with the dspMusik and a Dayton Audio UMM-6 calibrated mic for room measurements from the listening position.  The dspMusik is running as both the crossover and measurement output.

After the measurements REW can generate data for Parametric EQ on the bass driver channels. 
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: Phil A on 27 Feb 2015, 04:16 am
Rich - have not got to play with mine yet (all hooked up and I made a power cord for it the other day and hopefull will turn it on tomorrow and get to it over the weekend) but is this the mic? - http://www.parts-express.com/dayton-audio-umm-6-usb-measurement-microphone--390-808

It says it's on sale for $75.90
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 27 Feb 2015, 04:20 am
Phil,
Yes, that is the one I am using.

Once you have it, go to www.DaytonAudio.com to download the calibration file with the serial number.   After you plug it in and it loads the USB driver, start REW.  REW will ask for the mic calibration file once it sees the UMM-6 is installed.   

The instructions to run REW are online to view.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: Phil A on 27 Feb 2015, 04:29 am
Rich - thanks - I'll see where I get up to in the next couple of days.  I have my one third octave RTA.  I also have looked at this in the past - http://www.minidsp.com/images/documents/Product%20Brief%20-%20Umik.pdf   but never got around to try it.  I've also thought about something that works with an iPad or iPhone (don't cringe Rich) but I have the Studio Six App and have played with it with a test disc I burnt and of course the mic for making phone calls is definitely not of the quality of something for acoustical measurements.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 27 Feb 2015, 04:35 am
The UMIK-1 is similar to the Dayton UMM-6.  Both about the same price.

I picked the UMM-6 since REW is setup to work with it directly.  Probably others will work as well.

This has a 1/4" mic capsule in a narrow tube compared to the UMIK-1.  Has similarities in design to the Earthworks M30 series measurement mics. 
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 27 Feb 2015, 12:56 pm
The pack-up for going to woodsyi's this evening is complete.

Just downloaded the HDTT 24bit/192KHz Falla HiRez files to a USB flash drive to have for checkout.

Finished building up an MS-2 with Windows 10 to run the dspMusik for demo's.  This setup is heading to GR-Research for Danny to checkout.  Have a few different block diagrams for him to try with various ideas.

Would be fun to hear how the dspMusik DAC section sounds with the LS-X speakers at his place running from both a PC and MAC. 






Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 27 Feb 2015, 08:16 pm
On the way now to woodsyi's for the last part of dspMusik setup.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 27 Feb 2015, 10:21 pm
I am at woodsyi's place on the MS-3 getting ready to make room measurements with his system.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 28 Feb 2015, 05:46 am
Just got home from woodsyi's.  Good to see him and Scottdazzel today for a MS-3 and dspMusik setup session. 

Replaced the original demo unit with one of the latest batch of units.

Listened to the setup before removing the original dspMusik and great sound quality from the digital side with HiRez PCM and DSD files. 

Replaced the dspMusik and added the rear sub channels with single ended connections.  This had all 8 output channels running, two for VMPS RM40 mid-tweeter channels, two for RM40 woofer channels, two for VMPS sub front channels and two for the rear channel subs.  Rear channel subs are at the sides of the seating area in his setup.

We listened to the full sub setup and then made a REW measurement.  Noticed that the area around the 80Hz crossover point had two nulls and high loss to the UMM-6 mic location.  Turned off the subs and filled in one of the nulls, but still one remained at 80Hz.   Since the rear sub channels are closer than the front subs to the seating area, need to work on time delay for the rears to integrate correctly.  Until then the subs are off for a future measurement session with a longer USB cable from the MS-3 to the UMM-6 mic. 

woodsyi is putting some hours on the new unit to see if there is any change in sound quality.  The original unit had many weeks of time on, where this one was new from the packing.   I am going to compare my demo unit here to a new unit to see if there are any sound quality differences. 

Next, will be installing a dspMusik with the VMPS RM50's with the MS-1 installed next and then a system goes to Pez and Tyson, once I have another MS-3 built. 
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: Scottdazzle on 28 Feb 2015, 08:28 pm
Here's a shot of Rich and Rim fishing cables for the MS-3 and dspMusik session.

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=115778)
 Rich
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 1 Mar 2015, 12:02 am
Scott,
Great picture!

At Avoosl's place now.  Just installed the dspMusik in his setup with his MS-1 for the VMPS RM50's.  Figured out that the latest version of the firmware uses the wrong DAC filter and know how to fix woodsyi's setup.   Will talk to him soon.

The VMPS RM50's with the dspMusik sound excellent running the filters that Bryan recommended for the DCX2496.  This just sounds a lot better.

System #3 is sounding excellent as well.



Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: Phil A on 1 Mar 2015, 06:11 am
My MS-3 is up and running in the secondary system.  Next up is to get the App for my cheapo tablet (I bought it anyway for the Oppo Media App) - http://www.samsclub.com/sams/7-85-android-tablet-ips-intel-1-2ghz/prod15270051.ip
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 1 Mar 2015, 11:46 am
Phil,
Glad you are up and running!   :D

Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 1 Mar 2015, 05:18 pm
Have dspMusik block diagrams ready for Pez's and Tyson's speakers on USB flash drives in the pack-up.  Waiting on a few more cables to arrive.

Waiting on the MS-3 chassis to arrive to build up the machines.  Looks like Thursday is the arrival day.

Planning on shipping Friday or Saturday depending on MS-3 build and Microsoft update speed. 

Another order for a dspMusik is pending.  Hope to hear something next week.   
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: Phil A on 1 Mar 2015, 09:50 pm
Got the Gizmo App up and running on my cheapo Android Tablet.  Only used it a few minutes but so far I do like JRemote on the iPad mini I have in the main system better but it's hard to argue with free and it allows you to choose music in the same manner as JRemote.  Below is a shot of my Tablet and leaning against the monitor.  It is a small bedroom system but sounds quite good and it's nice to have an easy to use product like the MS-3 running established software for music files vs. something proprietary where one sees posts all over the web about daily difficulties with the software.  Thanks, Rich


(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=115922)
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 1 Mar 2015, 09:58 pm
Phil,
Glad you are enjoying it.  You are most welcome!
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 2 Mar 2015, 11:57 am
Have now tried the new filter selection software and the minimum phase apodising filter selection is my favorite for sound quality.

Have updated 3 systems so far with woodsyi to go to use that filter.  From now on that filter will be the default selection for all the dspMusik units going out.

Very easy to change if the user wants to try the other filter selections.

The MS-2 running Windows Technical Preview just updated itself to the Pro version as one of the updates.  This should be interesting.  Everything is still running correctly.  This one will go out for demo as soon as the next batch of dspMusik's arrive.

Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: stu on 3 Mar 2015, 01:46 am
Hi Rich,
Just curious if it is possible to upgrade my MS-1 with the MS-3 mother board. It probably is not possible, but I do like the idea of not needing a fan. Does the MS-3 sound as good as the 1, and does windows 8 have any advantages in sound quality over 7 ? My MS-4 still sounds great, and looks good too.
Thanks
Mark
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: stu on 3 Mar 2015, 01:47 am
Change MS-4 in previous post to 1. :lol:
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 3 Mar 2015, 01:55 am
Mark,
The chassis for the MS-1 and MS-3 are very different.  That is why the MS-3 can be fanless.

Windows 8.1 sounds better to me than Windows 7.  Windows 10 will be out this year and from the demo version it sounds like Windows 8.1.  There will also be a free upgrade from Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 to Windows 10 good for 1 year after release.   It maybe a good idea to upgrade the MS-1 to Win10 since it will be free.  I have not tried it, as I have no MS-1 chassis here to experiment with.  Win10 is working very well on the MS-2 and MS-3 chassis at this time.

There was a series of articles in The Absolute Sound that compared OSX and Windows 7 for sound quality on MAC hardware.  I will let everyone read it to see which they preferred.  :) 
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: stu on 3 Mar 2015, 03:07 am
Thanks for the reply Rich. I will keep an I out for the windows 10 update. Btw, how is Chris Cahill doing? I have not heard anything from him in ages.
Mark.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 3 Mar 2015, 03:09 am
Mark,
Last time I talked to Chris he was insane busy. 

Will hopefully talk to him this weekend and see how he is doing.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 3 Mar 2015, 03:14 am
Just got off the phone with woodsyi. 

He did the dspMusik filter update and is listening to the results on his VMPS RM40's.

Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: Phil A on 3 Mar 2015, 03:49 am
Mark,
The chassis for the MS-1 and MS-3 are very different.  That is why the MS-3 can be fanless.

Windows 8.1 sounds better to me than Windows 7.  Windows 10 will be out this year and from the demo version it sounds like Windows 8.1.  There will also be a free upgrade from Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 to Windows 10 good for 1 year after release.   It maybe a good idea to upgrade the MS-1 to Win10 since it will be free.  I have not tried it, as I have no MS-1 chassis here to experiment with.  Win10 is working very well on the MS-2 and MS-3 chassis at this time.

There was a series of articles in The Absolute Sound that compared OSX and Windows 7 for sound quality on MAC hardware.  I will let everyone read it to see which they preferred.  :)

That's good to hear about the free upgrade as I have an MS-2, MS-3 and my main PC is Windows 7 Professional.  I'm fairly careful with PCs.  I got rid of a Windows 98 Machine about 18 months back that still worked for the most part and still have an XP machine (and if the OS was still supported it would be connected to the internet as it has 3G of RAM and still works great).  And I also have an old Mac G5 Tower that I bought used.  I have the XP and Mac in the bedroom and use the Mac to surf the web.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 3 Mar 2015, 03:56 am
Since I installed Windows Technical Preview it has done multiple large updates.

Right now Windows Technical Preview Pro just installed yesterday on two MS-2 machines.  Lots of additional features.  One of interest is the Remote Desktop.

When I tried Windows 7 Pro on the MS-1 with 4GB of memory and SSD boot drive, it basically killed the machine.   The two MS-2's running WTP Pro are running just fine.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 3 Mar 2015, 12:36 pm
Contacted the Danville Signal Processing folks yesterday and they are sending the latest 1.0.0.6 firmware to me to update the dspMusik demo unit.  This way everyone hears the same thing as the production units.  Only difference is the demo unit does not have the connector for the S/PDIF input like the production chassis. 

The chassis for building two MS-3's arrive Friday.  Will get them setup and will send one out with the dspMusik to Pez and Tyson. 

The MS-3 will also have Room EQ Wizard installed and a Dayton Audio UMM-6 calibrated USB mic to do room measurements at the listening position. It has a small mic stand in the case to sit it on a flat surface.  A mic stand with a boom is a good thing to have access to in some cases. 
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: woodsyi on 3 Mar 2015, 03:42 pm
Just got off the phone with woodsyi. 

He did the dspMusik filter update and is listening to the results on his VMPS RM40's.

Did not have a chance to fire up the amps.  Had to go back up and do more algebra -- big unit test tomorrow (today).  Will listen tonight.

Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 3 Mar 2015, 04:29 pm
Hope her test goes well!   :D

Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 3 Mar 2015, 08:24 pm
The dspMusik demo unit is now updated with firmware version 1.0.0.6 like all the production units.  Now I will hear exactly what anyone else will with a unit.

The filter update works correctly, so looking forward to latest listening trials.

Best,
Rich
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: stu on 4 Mar 2015, 01:15 am
Since I installed Windows Technical Preview it has done multiple large updates.

Right now Windows Technical Preview Pro just installed yesterday on two MS-2 machines.  Lots of additional features.  One of interest is the Remote Desktop.

When I tried Windows 7 Pro on the MS-1 with 4GB of memory and SSD boot drive, it basically killed the machine.   The two MS-2's running WTP Pro are running just fine.

Rich, are you saying that my MS-1 may not work well if I upgraded to 8.1 or the new 10 when it is available? That would be a bummer.
And if you do talk to Chris this weekend, tell him I said hello.
Mark
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 4 Mar 2015, 01:41 am
Mark,
I do not install the Windows Pro version on anything, this was something Microsoft did as part of the Windows 10 demo version. 

I have not tried Windows 8.1 Home or Windows 10 on the MS-1, so I do not know.   It is a simple experiment, but I do not have any MS-1's here to check.  I have a blank SSD drive to install to load a fresh copy of Win10.  It can be done without modifying the existing SSD boot drive for Wndows 7.

If you would like me to check your MS-1, I can with Windows 10 until April 15. 

Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 4 Mar 2015, 09:11 pm
MS-3 for Pez and Tyson is being loaded with software now.  Once it is completed, will pack it up with the dspMusik and ship it to them.

Hope to have everything ready to ship on Friday. 

Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 4 Mar 2015, 11:20 pm
Here is a link to the original Audio Engineering Society Convention paper on the Wolfson Micro WM8741 family of DAC's and the filters used.

http://www.cirrus.com/en/pubs/whitePaper/WP_Ultra_High_Performance_DAC.pdf (http://www.cirrus.com/en/pubs/whitePaper/WP_Ultra_High_Performance_DAC.pdf)
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: stu on 5 Mar 2015, 02:35 am
Rich,
Thanks for the offer. My MS-1 is still sounding great, so I am not going to do anything to it for now. But if you do find out that the MS-1 does work with win10, and sounds at least as good as it does with 7, let us MS-1 owners know so we can update when it becomes available.
Thanks Rich,
Mark
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 5 Mar 2015, 03:24 am
Mark,
Will do.

The MS-3 for Pez and Tyson is doing a 24 hour burn-in to check all the new parts.  Once completed tomorrow, will be packed and the system with the dspMusik will go out Friday.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 5 Mar 2015, 11:23 am
I think the MS-3 and dspMusik ate woodsyi!  It's been very quiet.  Hopefully that means lots of listening! :D
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 5 Mar 2015, 12:13 pm
Building a MS-3 for LarryB today.  He has an MS-1 and wants to demo the MS-3 with Windows 8.1 OS. 

A dspMusik will be setup to run his Sanders Electrostatic speakers to compare to his DCX2496.  The block diagram is ready and waiting on more dspMusik's to arrive.

Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 6 Mar 2015, 12:06 am
Looks like I am headed to Texas to try out the dspMusik at GR-Research. 

Will be shipping out that demo system to get Danny started with it as a DAC. 

Looks like he has a speaker project to try it out with.   This should be interesting!   :thumb:

The system for Pez and Tyson is packed and will go out when I can.  In the middle of 6-8 inches of rain/sleet/hail/snow here.   :(  Might get dug out by Saturday.

Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 6 Mar 2015, 01:52 pm
Another MS-3 loaded with software and doing run-in for 24 hours since yesterday. 

Parts for one more MS-3 in shipment. 

Will be 3-4 weeks for the next batch of dspMusik units to arrive.  They are awaiting some long lead time items to arrive. 

Today is packing day for two systems!

Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: woodsyi on 6 Mar 2015, 05:07 pm
I think the MS-3 and dspMusik ate woodsyi!  It's been very quiet.  Hopefully that means lots of listening! :D

I am quiet because I am listening seriously -- between snow shoveling sessions.  Changing back the filter from brickwall to linear phase is a must for me.  I couldn't stand some voices with the brickwall.  I am still fiddling with the level matching and need to phase in the rear subs before I can completely say I am sold without reservation.  Since I have been listening to MS-3/dspMusik for a few weeks now, I am going to plug back in the analog crossover this weekend and compare.  I have a feeling I am not going to like the bass response on the analog x-over but I want to compare the treble/mid tonality.  I have been hearing a lot more bass resolution with symphonies. 

I will let you know.

P.S.  If it wasn't good enough, I wouldn't even be listening right now.  If I only had digital frontend, I would be all over it already.  I am getting better digital out of dspMusik than my current DAC that costs 10x more.  I have to be convinced that vinyl doesn't suffer. 
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 6 Mar 2015, 05:18 pm
woodsyi,
Understand.  Glad it is holding up for digital under comparison listening sessions. 

Will be interesting to hear about the analog trials.

Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: Tyson on 6 Mar 2015, 07:36 pm
Well, some of us don't have a vinyl front end, just a digital one.  Sounds like its going to be a great solution for people like me.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 6 Mar 2015, 07:45 pm
Tyson,
I have both analog and digital sources and happy with the dspMusik for both. 

Will ship the setup to Pez first since he is now ready and will hand off to you next. 

Out tomorrow.



 
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 6 Mar 2015, 08:54 pm
The system for Pez and Tyson went out today.  Pez should have it by Tuesday if things go well. 

The other system went out to GR-Research.  Should be with Danny by Tuesday as well.

Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 7 Mar 2015, 12:57 am
At Avoosl's for a listening session with the VMPS RM50's.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 7 Mar 2015, 12:09 pm
Had a fine listening session at Avoosl's last evening with the HAL MS-1 and dspMusik crossover running the VMPS RM50 speakers. 

Ran his Oppo BDP-105 as the source into his preamp into the dspMusik and did a great job with that source.

He is now the first official owner of the dspMusik system.  Soon to be followed by dpd as the second owner of a dspMusik.

Today is working on finishing the desktop speaker system 3x8" servo woofer system OB H-Frames.  Wiring them up to the Rythmik HX300 servo amps once I have wire and more Speakon connectors. 

 
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 7 Mar 2015, 05:43 pm
Here is the link to the thread where Avoosl discusses his VMPS RM50 observations with the dspMusik installed as the digital crossover:

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=132219.msg1410136#new (http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=132219.msg1410136#new)
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 7 Mar 2015, 09:07 pm
For Pez and Tyson, please try to do two weeks for the demo each after the system arrives at Pez's place. 

The next stop after that for the system is Michigan.

Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: Hugh on 7 Mar 2015, 11:18 pm
R,

Any plan to bring it to the show?

H
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 7 Mar 2015, 11:37 pm
Hugh,
The system in Colorado starting next week will be shipped next to Sandbagger in MI.  He will demo it and hopefully bring it to Axpona in Chicago in April.  It will be with me for the show for anyone that wants to hear it. 

If you want to demo it, that can be arranged.

Rich
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: Hugh on 8 Mar 2015, 12:43 am
Rich,

I was thinking more toward THE Show Newport in May.

Hugh
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 8 Mar 2015, 12:52 am
Hugh,

Will keep you posted as time gets closer.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 9 Mar 2015, 11:47 am
The demo HAL MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik crossover and HiRez DAC system will be delivered to Pez today.

Sent him startup instructions, so we will see how it goes once he has time to get it installed and running.



Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 9 Mar 2015, 04:25 pm
Built up an external USB2/eSATA drive chassis with a 500GB SSD for trials.  The 1TB drives are coming down in price.

No moving parts and no noise in the system and now reliability many times what a hard drive can offer.

Now to load up the music library.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 10 Mar 2015, 12:11 pm
Pez received the MS-3 and dspMusik yesterday.  We will be talking as soon as he has time for setup.

Will be at woodsyi's on Wednesday evening for room correction trials with the dspMusik trying out SWARM techniques.  From what I read, this will require time delays and shelving filters to account for the sub positions and room gain in any room.  These can be added to the block diagram easily on the sub channels for listening trials. 

Will use REW with the UMM-6 mic with a max length USB2 cable to make before and after measurements.  The dspMusik will act as the signal source for the measurements with the MS-3 running REW.

Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 11 Mar 2015, 05:47 pm
On the way to woodsyi's for the last part of the MS-3 and dspMusik system.  Will try setting up the front and rear subs.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: *Scotty* on 11 Mar 2015, 06:44 pm
Rich, has he moved them to the rear of the listening room, or are they still at the side of the room?
Scotty
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: woodsyi on 11 Mar 2015, 07:04 pm
Rich, has he moved them to the rear of the listening room, or are they still at the side of the room?
Scotty

Rich is probably on the road to my house.  They are still on the side.  There isn't much room to juggle there.  We will play with delay and woofer direction if necessary to do the best. 

Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 11 Mar 2015, 07:34 pm
Just pulled into woodsyi' parking lot.  Hanging out till 4PM.  Nice day out!
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 12 Mar 2015, 02:04 am
Just got home after the latest session at woodsyi's with the MS-3 and dspMusik.  We reconfigured it as the total bass management system for his main RM40 woofers, front subs and rear subs.  Added digital crossovers for the three pairs of woofers and delay for the rear subs.   No more drop in response.  Still need to send him a UMM-6 calibrated mic for more REW measurements.

He is now the third owner of a dspMusik.  He has a CAPS2 Music Server, so will get the MS-3 back after he is happy with the final setup and burn the firmware. 

Now to see how Pez is doing with his demo setup.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 12 Mar 2015, 03:12 am
Pez had his basics training in running the MS-3 and dspMusik. 

Once he gets it integrated into his setup, will be helping as needed.

Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 12 Mar 2015, 10:33 am
For woodsyi's setup last night did some updates to his CAPS2 Music Server Foobar2000 install.  He wanted to get it running with his EMM Labs DAC2X.  Installed the correct components and fixed the settings to work with his DAC2X and DSD files. 

Also put Foobar2000 into memory playback mode so that the entire music file is loaded into memory before playback.  No more dropouts like he was having.  He is doing some long term testing with big music files to see if the updates work and the dropouts are gone all the time. 

 
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 12 Mar 2015, 12:40 pm
Here is the latest link to the dspMusik 2x8 system from the manufacturer:

http://www.danvillesignal.com/high-performance-audio/dspmusik-2-8-multichannel-dac (http://www.danvillesignal.com/high-performance-audio/dspmusik-2-8-multichannel-dac)

I have to program the unit to do what the customer wants the unit to do.  It does not come stock with any program running from them.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: woodsyi on 12 Mar 2015, 03:35 pm
Rich has been a trooper driving 2 hours each way 3 times in a few weeks to set up the dspMusic in my room.   After I heard his prototype at RMAF last year, I put myself in for testing his dspMusik.  We set up first where I replaced the Marchand analog crossover with his dspMusic.  The digital direct was a revelation in what digital processing can do in it's domain.  Taking the analog preamp and analog signal processing out of the loop, everything was processed in the digital domain before the excellent DACs outputted analog signal to the amps.  I could have lived with it just fine if I didn't have a stable of turntables and 5k plus records.  Some of my beloved opera and classical music do not exist in the digital domain.  When the analog front end is introduced via the phonostage and preamp into dspMusik through it's ADC loop I lost some clarity and the tonal liquidity that makes vinyl so magical.  It wasn't much of a drop off, but the veiling was there and my Koetsu wasn't delivering it's mid-range magic (bloom).  I put the analog x-over back in and the seduction came back to female vocals but clearly there was a drop off in the bass precision. 

The compromise Rich and I arrived at is to retain the mid/high to analog processing and use the dspMusik to processing just the bass (from 280Hz down).  I have 4 10" woofers on the VMPS RM40s, 2 12" and 2 15" ona pair of VMPS Larger Subwoofers, and 2 18" woofers on a pair of sealed box subwoofers custom made by Kevin Haskins from erstwhile DIY Cable.  I wonder what happened to him.  All dedicated to producing music 280 Hz down driven by 5 amps -- a pair of Acoustic Reality 1001s, a Crown K2 and 2 Dayton SA1000s.  My room has been extensively treated for bass damping.  We are matching the low-pass on the RM40 woofers with the Marchand high-pass of the ribbons at 280Hz using Linkwitz-Riley 4th order filter.  Once a first order high-pass chip arrives from Marchand,  we can match the low pass on dspMusik to try that set up.  The 10" woofers are high-passed at 80Hz and the subs take over from there with low-pass set up at 80Hz.  We put in a volume control on the eAR 1001s as I don't have any volume control on those amps.  K2 and SA1000s have volume control.  SA 1000s also have phase control.  The "rear" subs are actually beside the listening position and there is no room to place them further back.  Rich measured the distance from the front subwoofers to the listening position and put in a delay so that the "rear" subs could act as if they were further back in the room.  The phase was reversed using the control on at the amp. 

With everything put together, we fired up the amps and listened.  We had to adjust the eAR amps up.  You could tell the lower mid-range lacked punch.  Once we adjusted it by ear, we were good to go.  Since we are not using digital direct through dspMusic, we had had to get my digital front end (PC audio with EMM DAC2x) integrated.  We couldn't get a EMM driver to install on MS-3.  So we went back to my music PC which uses the SOtM USB card that is powered by it's own battery PS.  I use J-River and I have always had some drop out issue with big files with play from memory setting.  So I wanted to try foobar and see if it did better.  I used to run foobar with my Empirical Audio stuff but I had a tough time setting up the whole thing to run DSD or even PCM.  Learning curve was too high for me and I did have J-River that was working, albeit with a little hiccups.  Rich took over and breezed through the set up to play PCM.  He had to look up and download a few things and toggle some switches and he had the DSD direct running all within 30 minutes total.  Then we heard a dropout.  I had told him that I wanted seamless play between tracks as a lot of the classical music is continuous and track dividing is really arbitrary.  That seems to be the issue as buffer setting need to be low to play seamless and the DFF files are big.  So we set the buffer way up and no dropout occurred.  It was just one track but I am optimistic that I have finally "licked" the problem.  BTW, the track (a DFF file of Organ playing Bach's Toccata and Fugue in D minor, BWV 565) never sounded better.  I could discern the primary notes in the second octave and even the B0 at 30Hz was clear.  I can't wait to completely dial in the FR and listen to some deep bass.

After Rich left, I played Norah Jones' Blue Note issue Come Away with Me on vinyl and then on DFF playing DSD direct.  The vinyl has got its grooves back.  I am happy. 

Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 12 Mar 2015, 08:16 pm
woodsyi,
Thanks for the words of encouragement!

Glad that the hybrid system is working for all sources with great sound quality.  The system flexibility is high and it takes time to find the correct setup to do everything.  The Bach Tocatta and Fugue in Dm really did sound very good before I left! 

It will be interesting to hear what happens with Pez's setup now that he has the dspMusik to run 3 way with his RM40's. 

The rear subs are running with 10.6mSec of delay for the 12' offset. 

Danny also now has a MS-2 and dspMusik setup for trials.  That will be interesting as well.

Have fun listening!   :D
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 13 Mar 2015, 11:18 am
Two more new MS-3's are complete.  One is for LarryB when the dspMusik arrives for his system.

The other should be my replacement for the demo units out.  If someone really wants one, that can be arranged. Usually it is 2 weeks from ordering to shipping.  This one can go out the next day. 

PM me for details.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 13 Mar 2015, 01:52 pm
One option that is now available is having an internal 1TB SSD drive for boot and music storage.  This can be added to MS-3's as well as an upgrade.  They are 7+ times more reliable than a standard hard drive and silent.

The cost for an MS-3 configured originally with a 1TB SSD is $1299.00, the upgrade for an existing MS-2 or MS-3 is $500 + shipping.

This still gives the internal DVD option for ripping CD's to the music library.

This should be an option for medium size CD and HiRez music collections. 

I still recommend an external hard drive to backup the files.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: Scottdazzle on 13 Mar 2015, 02:44 pm
I can't wait to hear Woodsyi's new setup!
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 13 Mar 2015, 03:13 pm
Looking forward to your comments.

Hopefully Pez will have time with the system with his RM40's this weekend.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 14 Mar 2015, 07:38 pm
Building up my dspMusik system to try with the full desktop OB speaker setup. 

The OB H-Frames glue has dried and time to move them downstairs to the Lab to install the 8" servo drivers and HX300 amps.

Waiting to hear from Pez and Danny on their trials with the dspMusik setups.

So far dpd, Avoosl and woodsyi are very happy with the first three installed dspMusik systems. 

Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 15 Mar 2015, 05:38 pm
Pez is up and running with his speakers. 

Looking forward to his impressions with the triamped RM40's.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: jtwrace on 15 Mar 2015, 07:03 pm
Pez is up and running with his speakers. 

Looking forward to his impressions with the triamped RM40's.
:hyper:
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 15 Mar 2015, 07:29 pm
Just heard from dpd that he has his LP system running with the dspMusik and enjoying it with his system.

Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 15 Mar 2015, 08:50 pm
My dspMusik setup is up and running as well, so time for more prototype speaker listening!  :)
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 16 Mar 2015, 03:43 pm
Just talked to Danny and he has the MS-3 and dspMusik box open.  I gave him some setup instructions.

Gary is feeling better today, so he is going to get him to setup the MS-3 and dspMusik for some listening trials as a DAC with Danny's system.  Then they can both give it a listen. 

Good news is Gary is feeling better and getting around!

Getting the wiring system for the 3x8" servo subs built.   
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 16 Mar 2015, 04:27 pm
Finally getting to install the dspMusik board into a smoked plexiglass chassis I had built many years ago. 

This one will be called the Hollis Audio Labs Monolith DSP Crossover once it is completed.  Will have linear power supplies and XLR connections for I/O.  This is a one of a kind as the upgrades are just for demos. 

Still needs some buffing, but it is nice and glossy!  :)


(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=116900)
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 16 Mar 2015, 07:22 pm
Danny and Gary are now listening to the MS-2 and dspMusik on Danny's system.

Will be interesting to get their feedback. 

Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 17 Mar 2015, 10:41 am
Have the Monolith DSP Crossover with the linear power supplies running.   

This might be a possible upgrade path for the dspMusik owners after refinement as it can be used with the original system after switching supply removal.

More listening trials coming up.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 17 Mar 2015, 01:26 pm
woodsyi has the Dayton Audio UMM-6 USB calibrated mic and will be giving room measurements with the MS-3 and dspMusik a try once he has time. 
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: dpd on 17 Mar 2015, 11:59 pm
The second HAL MS-3 and dspMusik digital crossover install is completed and running.

This is being used with a pair of GR-Research N2X and DIY subs. Being used with the S/PDIF connection, USB2 and A/D connections to a ProTools PC for mixing and monitoring recordings along with music replay in a home studio. 

The turntable setup is being run through the 24bit/192KHz A/D converter. 

The demo also includes comparison to his existing Music Server as a possible replacement.

The person demoing the unit also does recording and mixing and uses this system as a home studio and for listening purposes. 

Looking forward to dpd's and woodsyi's feedback.

Sorry I'm late to the party.  Other than HAL and Tom_S, I don't think anyone here knows me...  so I figure I better post some details about my system.  Here's a current pic:

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=116990)

Digital System:
CD player via SPDIF to dspMusik
Homebrew music server via SPDIF to dspMusik
Avid ProTools 10 / Mbox via SPDIF to dspMusik
MS-3 demo via USB to dspMusik

Analog System
VPI HW-19 MkII/ET II via AR SP-9 MkII via unbalanced to dspMusik

Speakers
N2X's driven by dual mono nCore 400's fed balanced from dspMusik
KEF B139 Transmission Line subs driven by generic Crown amp fed balanced from dspMusik

Room Treatments
Auralex SpaceCouplers mounted at 1st reflection points on sidewalls
Auralex SpaceCouplers backed by 1 inch fiberglass at 1st reflection point on ceiling (protects a diffracting ceiling beam)
Auralex SpaceArrys on wall behind speakers (long story, they should be on the opposite wall)
GIK bass traps in all 4 corners
Auralex LENRDs on floor in all 4 corners

I'll post comments separately
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 18 Mar 2015, 12:09 am
dpd,
Good to see you! 

Looking forward to your comments.

Best,
Rich
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: dpd on 18 Mar 2015, 12:37 am
Onto the (very long) comments:

I replaced a fully-modified Behringer DCS2496 (every mod available) with the dspMusik.  I've had the DCX in my system for about a year and was pretty happy with it:  fully configurable both as a crossover and to enable some room correction.  The settings: a 4th order LR at 86 Hz with a PEQ in the subs to fix a narrow band resonance and a PEQ in the mains to fix a broadband mid-bass/lower-mid resonance.  Those modes were based on very simple averaged noise measurements I made with an NTI Acoustilizer meter.

Before I put the subs back in the system, I drove my digital sources through a Benchmark DAC-1.  A reasonably-priced, awesome sounding device, in my opinion.  If I only had a multiple-channel version of one of those to put behind a purely digital in/digital out crossover, that would be it.  (Actually, it was at a dinner with Rich when I told him this, he looked up, gave me one of those 'Rich looks' and told me 'already got it, just wait a bit'  The wait has been worth it, big time!)

Rich cloned my DCX settings exactly, but cut out all of the unused Behringer processing blocks.  I got both units installed and loaded up the dspMusik.  Rich talked me through everything.  No problems, easy...   :thumb:

Since nearly all my listening comes from SPDIF sources, I started there.  No USB or analog connected.  1st time I ran up the volume I noticed a very significant amount of hiss from my music server (not there with the DCX).  So, I tried the CD and ProTools and the hiss was either gone or dramatically reduced.  I have pretty long SPDIF cables (all Apogee Wyde-Eye) so Rich and I guessed it could be cable length.  I bypassed my SPDIF selector switch and that seemed to help.

(My music server runs JRiver MC20 and all my FLAC files are 44.1/16)   I just started out with a playlist I use when I make system changes.  What I heard in a nutshell:  an improved ability to follow reverb tails, great control over dynamics, complex waveforms don't seem to bother this, great headroom.  The bass seems better but I thought it was too low overall.

And that's when I made my 1st mistake:  I decided to adjust the bass volume in real time using AudioWeaver.  I didn't realize the adjustment range on these controls defaulted to +/-100 dB!  I tried to type in a 1 dB increase but I didn't get that quite right and increased the volume by some number that probably can't be typed without the use of logarithms.  To make matters worse, I was tweaking the Left Main, not the Left Sub.  That's when I thought I destroyed one N2X.  After I calmed down, I went back and adjusted all volume sliders for a -10 to 0 dB range.  whew....

Moral of the story - if you want to tweak things, DON'T DO IT IN REAL TIME WITH LIVE SIGNALS.

I also listened to some of my (amateur) recordings: solo classical piano, straight jazz, fusion, simple acoustic stuff, Motown/R&B.  Everything just sounded better as noted above.

So, I'm pretty much happy, no?  And then Rich unleashes the Apodizing DAC filters on me... OMG!!!

A new dsp load and the sonics are just more of what I heard to start.  Reverb tails/delays - one of the hallmarks of the nCore's - I'm now able to actually detect the onset of a delay and hear the repeats in the recordings.  They tails just extended even more - you can follow them well after the next transient comes in.  Bass - solidified on the extreme low end.  It's the same sense as when you move a low frequency corner down another octave.  Impressive!  Percussion:  the edges are just so well etched in time it's uncanny.  Imaging is still there.

Sunday was on to the analog input.  I don't sense the A/D getting in the way, at all.  Been cycling through a lot of different recordings and I don't sense any significant loss but I haven't yet played the SP-9 output directly into the nCores (I'd lose the bass that way).

An astute reviewer would swap back and forth.  Unfortunately (fortunately?) I see no reason to go back.  I'm sold - the dspMusik is hands-down the better device.  there are user-interface things that need to be addressed, but the sonics so far out-weigh the convenience of the alternative, it's not that big of an issue.

Conclusion - the dspMusik is a major league audio device that still has room to grow.   Likely not much sonically, but certainly from an end-user perspective.  Given that I have the same amount of $$$ invested in this as I have in the fully-modded DCX, that's a clear win in the value camp.

Sorry for the long-winded post....
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: dpd on 18 Mar 2015, 12:40 am
dpd,
Good to see you! 

Looking forward to your comments.

Best,
Rich

Forgot one thing - Thanks, Rich for the opportunity to be a guinea pig!
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 18 Mar 2015, 01:18 am
dpd,
You are most welcome!  You are on the permanent guinea pig list! :)

Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 24 Mar 2015, 12:09 pm
Feedback from Pez has arrived.  Very good observations.

The system is with Tyson now.  Looking forward to his trials.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 24 Mar 2015, 07:55 pm
Just received an iFi iUSB Power today to try with the MS-3 Music Server for the dspMusik.

May be useful for other DAC's as well.  Will see what happens in the listening trials.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 27 Mar 2015, 04:17 pm
Tyson has the MS-3 and dspMusik system setup and running with his modified GR-Research V2 speaker system.

Looking forward to his comments.

Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: PLMONROE on 27 Mar 2015, 05:01 pm
Rick, will we be able to see any of your products at Newport in May?

Of the three dozen or so VMPS RM-V60's out there,I have what is arguably one of only one or two of the signature editions Brian produced. I I am intrigued with your dspMusik as a possible replacement for the Behringer.

Please email me details on it and your server.
pmonroe1@cox.net
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 27 Mar 2015, 09:13 pm
Email sent. 
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 29 Mar 2015, 10:26 am
The MS-3 and dspMusik in CO will make another CO stop before MI.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: jtwrace on 29 Mar 2015, 04:10 pm
Just received an iFi iUSB Power today to try with the MS-3 Music Server for the dspMusik.

May be useful for other DAC's as well.  Will see what happens in the listening trials.
You might want to look into the upcoming UpTone Regen designed by John Swenson.  Bit more expensive but I think it's going to be killer. 
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 29 Mar 2015, 05:27 pm
Will take a look at it soon.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 30 Mar 2015, 09:24 pm
Jason,
Very interesting.  Will have to try comparing it to the iFi IUSB power to see if there is any gain in performance.  The iFi unit arrived and getting ready for some listening.

A new MS-3 is ready to ship tomorrow to it's new owner Ernie. 

The modular line array speaker driver test samples arrive today or tomorrow.  These are all planar magnetic drivers for the OB line array to go with the scalable servo sub array Ruben has built flat packs for and shipped.  The Class AB amp test modules are built to use with each driver.  They are being tested with the OB desktop speaker system.  Using a few different amp modules to see which has the sound qualities I like with the drivers.

Leaving next Tuesday for Texas to try some of these ideas at GR-Research with the MS-2 and dspMusik already in place.

Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 31 Mar 2015, 05:22 pm
Materials loaded for the OB line array baffle to be built and finished by a local woodworker. 

The MS-3 shipped to it's new owner.  Should be there this week.

Waiting to hear about the two modular 6x12" flat packs shipping info from Ruben.

Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 1 Apr 2015, 01:06 am
Had a long conversation with the woodworker and he is building the OB line array prototypes.  These will be modular as well as the servo woofer arrays.  Now the waiting begins.

The MS-3 and dspMusik system in CO is waiting for pickup for the demo.

Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: Outofthewoods on 1 Apr 2015, 03:05 am
Waiting to hear about the two modular 6x12" flat packs shipping info from Ruben.

Oops!  :duh:

They'll be arriving Thursday. The last 2 digits are different for each box. 780418155134, 45, 56, 67, 78.

Best,

Ruben

Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: Outofthewoods on 1 Apr 2015, 03:20 am
Took one last pic before I broke 'em down for shipping.

Ruben

(http://i1187.photobucket.com/albums/z387/Outofthewoods/b1dd8acc-fb85-4b3c-b83e-b4b184504250_zpsbo3ywt0q.jpg) (http://s1187.photobucket.com/user/Outofthewoods/media/b1dd8acc-fb85-4b3c-b83e-b4b184504250_zpsbo3ywt0q.jpg.html)

Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 1 Apr 2015, 08:59 am
Ruben,
Thank you very much for all the work on these!  They look great!  :thumb:

The ideas are taking shape nicely!
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 2 Apr 2015, 01:55 am
The demo MS-3 and dspMusik system are at the third stop in Colorado.  This will be used with a pair of Sanders 10D electrostatics for comparison against the Behringer DCX2496.

First order for an MS-3 with an internal 1TB SSD from music library use.  Just need the SSD that is now on order.  This should be interesting.

Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: jtwrace on 2 Apr 2015, 02:09 am
Took one last pic before I broke 'em down for shipping.

Ruben

What are these?
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 2 Apr 2015, 02:12 am
Modular 6x12" servo sub arrays in H-Frame style OB.  They are stacked 1x12"s to make them easy to move and then bolt together.

Each column uses a Rythmik HX800 amp for the 6 drivers.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 2 Apr 2015, 02:23 am
To be complete, it is 1/3 of the Modular Open Baffle Line array concept in work.

The other 2/3 is a 7' Open Baffle line array with planar magnetic drives for midrange and tweeter.   Dipole radiation pattern.

Have sample planar drivers here to test.  There maybe other drivers to test along the way before the decision is made.

Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 2 Apr 2015, 06:31 pm
The two 6x12" servo sub flat pack kits arrived from Ruben today.

Excellent packaging as usual!

Now to start the unpacking, gluing and clamping process. 

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=118173)
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 3 Apr 2015, 12:04 am
The demo MS-3 and dspMusik are now being setup with a pair of Sanders 10D electrostatic speaker in CO for trials.   

A MAC will be used as the USB digital source and the A/D's for analog sources.  Taking the place of a Behringer DCX2496 from what I understand is the standard unit used with the speakers.

Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 3 Apr 2015, 12:19 am
The system is up and running with the dspMusik via A/D with analog sources.

Hope they get a chance to try the USB2 input as well.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 3 Apr 2015, 02:10 am
Taking a slight right hand turn, have two different amp modules in work for trials with the OB line array drivers.

Both are ChipAmp style units with the correct power for each driver.  They are being modified to use balanced inputs instead of single ended.  This is to allow an amp per speaker driver.

Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 3 Apr 2015, 06:33 pm
Parts are on order for a new design for a HiRez A/D converter idea to interface to the dspMusik system.

There will be no linear phase filtering for this A/D converter that will run at 768KHz sample rate. 
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 3 Apr 2015, 08:37 pm
First MS-3 Music Server with internal 1TB SSD is built and software is loading. 
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 4 Apr 2015, 12:57 pm
The MS-3 with the 1TB SATAIII SSD is loaded with software and completing the Microsoft updates.  Last will be installing the dspMusik USB driver.

Will do a 24 hour run to make sure everything is working correctly, then will box it up for shipping.

Loading up my external 500GB eSATA/USB2 SSD with music for the trip to Texas.  Lots of demo HiRez files to check the big line arrays with the dspMusik crossover! :)
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 5 Apr 2015, 06:07 pm
The MS-3 with the 1TB SSD has loaded all the MS updates and ready for boxing.  Last step before shipping next week.

Have the music library loaded on my 500GB SSD for the trip to Texas.  Leaving Tuesday morning.  Lunch in Dallas with some friends that are AC folks then off the Danny's.

Last minute packing Monday of some parts to go with me and test at Danny's. 

Happy Easter everyone!
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 5 Apr 2015, 06:20 pm
Report from CO that the setup running the Sanders 10D speakers is doing well.  Just went over the user settings for bass channel levels so that different amps with different gains can be used.

Using REW with the UMM-6 mic is a very good option for this type of measurement.  Run REW with a 300Hz bandwidth measurement and you can see the woofer to panel integration levels.

Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 6 Apr 2015, 11:09 am
All packed for the trip to Texas to visit GR-Research and do some HAL audio mad scientist experiments!  :)

Gonna hear the prototype OB line arrays with OB servo subs and try different crossovers.   

This is going to be a very interesting week!
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 7 Apr 2015, 11:08 am
Shipped the MS-3 with the 1TB SSD to it's new owner yesterday.

Another owner of a new MS-3 reported great sounding results with his Yulong DA8 DAC.

The demo MS-3 and dspMusik system with the Sanders 10D speakers has been adjusted for bass levels and now integrated for the remainder of the listening trials.  Off next week to MI for the next stop.

Off to Texas!  :)
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 8 Apr 2015, 04:04 am
Made it to GR-Research today and dropped off many things for testing.  Will be back tomorrow.

Danny was wiring the last OB line array and should be ready for crossover experiments tomorrow.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: S Clark on 8 Apr 2015, 12:15 pm
On my way to GR.  Hope to listen in as the testing is underway.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 8 Apr 2015, 12:53 pm
Yep.  This is going to be a crazy day!  Will see you at Danny's
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 8 Apr 2015, 11:00 pm
The open baffle line array project for GR-Research listening session is going very well indeed.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 9 Apr 2015, 04:23 am
Day one testing and listening done with Danny's passive crossover.

Tomorrow will get the dspMusik connected for digital crossover trials.

It was good to see S Clark at Danny's for the day.  Lots of fun!
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: S Clark on 9 Apr 2015, 01:03 pm
Wow, what a day.  I've heard some pretty amazing stuff at the various RMAFs that I've gone to, but nothing like what I heard at Danny's yesterday.  I'll wait to be specific until I know when and what Danny, Rich, and Gary want to release for public consumption, but it's simple to say that this was THE best audio experience I've ever heard.   :o
I know that that kind of hyperbole gets bandied about too often, but this system just truly was absolutely amazing.  Throughout the day, I kept listening for passages where my LS9's would have kept up.  I think there were a couple of times when I thought my system was about as good on a particular passage.  Just for a minute. Maybe not that long.
Most of all, it was also wonderful to see Gary up and active. 
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 9 Apr 2015, 10:51 pm
The audio equipment for today's dspMusik crossover trials with the new open baffle planar line arrays.

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=118760)
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 10 Apr 2015, 01:04 am
I am one happy camper after today's crossover design and listening session at GR-Research!  :D

Now time to pack up and get ready to head home tomorrow.   :cry:

Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: jtwrace on 10 Apr 2015, 01:22 am
Now time to pack up and get ready to head home tomorrow.   :cry:


You're "retired"!   ;) :P
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: S Clark on 10 Apr 2015, 01:27 am
I am one happy camper after today's crossover design and listening session at GR-Research!  :D

Now time to pack up and get ready to head home tomorrow.   :cry:


I take it that the dsp-Music worked well, and was able to recreate the magic that was in the room yesterday (except that mystery motorboat noise that came and went at its own caprice).  My experience is that each change usually has its steps forwards, and its steps backwards.  What were the positives that you heard?
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: Phil A on 10 Apr 2015, 01:33 am

You're "retired"!   ;) :P

Let's not pick on us poor old retired guys.  Beware as we are perfectly capable of gumming someone to death :green:
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: jtwrace on 10 Apr 2015, 01:40 am
Let's not pick on us poor old retired guys.  Beware as we are perfectly capable of gumming someone to death :green:
Oh I'm not picking on him but merely saying that if he wants to stay, stay.  No need to be sad about going back home...he's retired.   :D
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 10 Apr 2015, 02:04 am
Only sad I am not taking the OBLS home!  :o
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: S Clark on 10 Apr 2015, 02:20 am
Only sad I am not taking the OBLS home!  :o
Believe me, I know.  I've been listening to my LS9's today... and they just don't measure up.   :bawl:
Wow.  They really don't compare. 
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: Tyson on 10 Apr 2015, 03:46 am
OB Line Sources (when done well) spank pretty much everything else out there.  ESPECIALLY if ribbons and/or planars are involved :) 

Anyone have an idea of how these mystery line sources compare to the Mockingbird line sources?  Cause the Mockingbirds I heard 2 years ago are straight up the best speakers I've ever heard. 
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 10 Apr 2015, 04:11 am
Tyson,
The OBLS were in use today with the dspMusik like your demos using Danny's MAC mini so he could use his demo tracks. 

My listening impressions are that these are the successors to the LS-X speakers that are in the back of his listening room.  These are better in many areas, and improved in some areas with the dspMusik since I could electronically time along the servo woofer array to the main baffle for improved integration in sound quality.

I would suggest that anyone interested in a demo contact GR-Research soon before they go to the owner with the passive crossovers.  I have removed the MS-2 and dspMusik from the system to go to the next person in line for a demo. 

Danny does have pictures from today for a thread on the OBLS and his observations.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 10 Apr 2015, 05:49 pm
Danny and Scott doing the lonewolf42 pose with the OBLS speakers.

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=118805)

What a great week this has been!
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 11 Apr 2015, 11:11 am
Time to build a MS-3 to go to the InDIYana event on 17 April with dpd. 

The chassis was running Windows Technical Preview Pro, but will be installing Windows 8.1 today on another mSATA drive for the system.

The MS-3 with the 1TB SSD arrived at the customers place when I was on travel.  Looking forward to hear the comments.



Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: Big Red Machine on 11 Apr 2015, 11:19 am
Like the HAL logo, looks good.  My lowly old MS2 is still cranking away and doing its thing (staying out of the way)!
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 11 Apr 2015, 11:40 am
BRM,
That is excellent news! 

We used my MS-2 at Danny's this week with the dspMusik for the OBLS crossover listening.  Still sounds great to me.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: TomS on 11 Apr 2015, 03:35 pm
Time to build a MS-3 to go to the InDIYana event on 17 April with dpd. 

The chassis was running Windows Technical Preview Pro, but will be installing Windows 8.1 today on another mSATA drive for the system.

The MS-3 with the 1TB SSD arrived at the customers place when I was on travel.  Looking forward to hear the comments.
Rich, Are you coming to InDIYana yourself?
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 11 Apr 2015, 05:36 pm
TomS,
No, but dpd will have an MS-3 and dspMusik for demo's.

Just got back from Texas and getting ready for Axpona.  Will not make it to the event.

Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: TomS on 11 Apr 2015, 06:15 pm
TomS,
No, but dpd will have an MS-3 and dspMusik for demo's.

Just got back from Texas and getting ready for Axpona.  Will not make it to the event.
Oh ok, I'll see you at Axpona then!
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 11 Apr 2015, 06:17 pm
Sounds good!  See you then!
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: jtwrace on 11 Apr 2015, 06:18 pm
Oh ok, I'll see you at Axpona then!
Wish I was going.   :(
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 11 Apr 2015, 06:25 pm
jtwrace,
If you are going to RMAF, I plan to be there as well. 

Was talking to Danny and he is still thinking about RMAF this year.  Have an idea, but have to see how things progress before I say anything.

Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: jtwrace on 11 Apr 2015, 07:21 pm
jtwrace,
If you are going to RMAF, I plan to be there as well. 

Was talking to Danny and he is still thinking about RMAF this year.  Have an idea, but have to see how things progress before I say anything.
Cool.  I'm planning on it but we shall see.  Should be good for my 11th though. 


I'll be interested in learning about your idea should it come to fruition. 
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: Tubeburner on 11 Apr 2015, 08:37 pm
I purchased the HAL MS-3 a couple weeks ago. I was up and running last weekend. Amazing little music server that is dead quiet, easy to use and set up in about one hour. The whole experience has been enjoyable. I am running this headless from my laptop. Highly recommended from my point of view.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: PLMONROE on 12 Apr 2015, 02:20 am
MS-3 with 1Tb SSD arrived Wednesday. Initial impression of playing  both Tidal and downloaded Hi-Rez files through Auralac Ares to  Nuforce DAC to Wavac 805's to VMPS RM-V60's  ------ UNBELIEVABLE!!!!!  Thanks, Rich!
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 12 Apr 2015, 02:56 am
Tubeburner and PLMONROE,

Glad the MS-3 is working out well in both your audio systems with your DAC's. 

May it bring you many years of listening pleasure in your systems!
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 13 Apr 2015, 11:31 am
The HAL MS-3 going to InDIYana show this week is complete and getting boxed to ship out. 
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 13 Apr 2015, 08:04 pm
Getting ready to test two of the ChipAmp style Class AB amps with the planar drivers to see what I can get out of them. 

Will start with the desktop OB speaker and get the two 3x12" modular OB servo subs built.  Will be using the dspMusik digital crossover for direct drive to all the amp modules directly to the drivers. 
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 13 Apr 2015, 11:51 pm
The two dspMusik demo systems made it to their next demo locations today. 

Looking forward to more comments.

The MS-3 is on the way to the InDIYana DIY event this week.

Building servo sub modules to get ready for some testing.   :thumb:

Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: jtwrace on 13 Apr 2015, 11:53 pm
This is the HALBlog!   :lol:


Just glad you leave certain activities out.   :D
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: Phil A on 13 Apr 2015, 11:55 pm
This is the HALBlog!   :lol:


Just glad you leave certain activities out.   :D

+1 :green: :green: :green:  - I actually have a picture of him somewhere before his recent fame. :lol:
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 14 Apr 2015, 12:00 am
Well, I have been busy!   :D

Sub modules taking shape.

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=119001)
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 14 Apr 2015, 04:57 pm
Nhan has the MS-2 and dspMusik setup running as a DAC in his system for listening. 

Sandbagger will be getting the MS-3 and dspMusik setup this week. 

The final driver samples arrive this week for testing with the modular line array concept.  Should have the 12" OB servo sub cabinets ready by the time they arrive.  Building a simple baffle for this one to compare to the desktop OB array with the BG NEO3/NEO10 drivers.

H-Frame Servo Sub comparison shot.

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=119036)


Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 15 Apr 2015, 10:10 am
Today is the MS Windows Technical Preview expiration date.  Just had to roll back from the Pro version to the Standard. 

Hopefully the full launch will be this summer and can do the free upgrades from Windows 7 and Windows 8.1. 

I will get a copy of Windows 8.1 Pro 64bit for trials since it has Remote Desktop and that worked on the MS-3 platform.

Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 16 Apr 2015, 12:07 pm
The MS-3 Music Server for the InDIYana event this weekend arrived at dpd's.  He will be checking it out today with his dspMusik.  Sent business cards and info sheet for folks interested.

The MS-3 and dspMusik should be at it's next demo today.  Looking forward to the observations with sandbagger's setup.

Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 17 Apr 2015, 08:36 pm
The latest driver samples arrived today.  Will be putting together a simple baffle to test and then send them off to Danny for a good going over.   :D

The MS-3 and dspMusik are waiting for the next demo to begin.


Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 18 Apr 2015, 01:29 pm
A few more oak pieces to cut and can start building the test baffle.

Starting the packing process for Axpona next week.  The MS-3 and dspMusik made it to it's next demo and then comes to Chicago.   Have one request for a demo, so we shall see what happens.

The MS-2 and dspMusik in TX are doing well with a pair of LS-6 speakers.  Looking forward to more listening observations once the demo is complete.  Then it comes back to the Lab.

I have an LS-9 crossover to measure from Danny for doing a dspMusik version.  Will look at the LS-6 as well once I get the LS-9 version completed.  This would allow biamping the two speakers after the internal crossover is removed and extra connectors attached to the driver leads, like the Electra Tube Connectors. 

Hope to see folks in Chicago coming up!



Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 20 Apr 2015, 09:02 pm
All the sub modules have been moved to the audio room. 

Talked to Danny and will use the production HX300 amps with the two 3x12" servo sub arrays until I get the rest of the 12" drivers and the HX800 amps.  These have the shelving filters, so should be fine. 

Will finish the 6-12" driver install and wiring tomorrow and setup using the dspMusik crossover to the NEO3/NEO10 OB desktop speakers.

Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 20 Apr 2015, 09:28 pm
MS-3 and dspMusik in MI are up and running.

Waiting on feedback as a HiRez music playback system.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 21 Apr 2015, 08:11 pm
Feedback from MI is "Well it doesn't suck!"  :thumb:

Packing for Axpona is completed.  The MS-3 and dspMusik will be arriving in Chicago on Thursday.  Bringing a full balanced cable set to try if anyone is interested.  It already has RCA outputs if needed. 

Will be trying out Windows 8.1 Pro 64 bit on that MS-3, since it is my development machine.  Will be interesting to try running the system from the Surface via Remote Desktop. 
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 22 Apr 2015, 11:49 am
Nice introduction article from Steven Stone on crossovers:

http://audiophilereview.com/reference-speakers/crossovers-are-evil.html (http://audiophilereview.com/reference-speakers/crossovers-are-evil.html)
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 22 Apr 2015, 11:18 pm
At woodsyi's doing software install on his CAPS2 Music Server to run the dspMusik.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: Bear on 23 Apr 2015, 01:00 am
Modular 6x12" servo sub arrays in H-Frame style OB.  They are stacked 1x12"s to make them easy to move and then bolt together.

Each column uses a Rythmik HX800 amp for the 6 drivers.

Ok, where can I get a pair and how much?
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: ZAKski288 on 23 Apr 2015, 01:35 am
Ok, where can I get a pair and how much?
Check with Ruben at Outofthewoods and Danny at GR Research great Guys

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=130747.0
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 23 Apr 2015, 02:16 am
Ruben for the H Frames and GR-Research for the 12"drivers and servo amps.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: sandbagger on 23 Apr 2015, 03:39 am
" It doesnt suck" is a bit of an understatement.

I wished I didnt have to pack it all up and take it to Chicago for Axpona but I do.

As a DAC it was very very clean. with all the HiRez and DSD files I had time to play I was hearing things I had never caught before.

 Wished I had time to play with the Xover part of it as the ML or LS6's would have been a lot of fun.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 23 Apr 2015, 11:19 am
sandbagger,
Glad the setup worked well for you. 

See you in Chicago!
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: Bear on 23 Apr 2015, 03:07 pm
Ok, where can I get a pair and how much?

I thought the HX800 was for use in sealed configuration, obviously it can be used in OB as well?
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 23 Apr 2015, 03:14 pm
That was recommended for the OB large setup.

Made it to Chicago.  Will have the MS-3 and dspMusik today for checkout.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: TomS on 23 Apr 2015, 03:16 pm
That was recommended for the OB large setup.

Made it to Chicago.  Will have the MS-3 and dspMusik today for checkout.
Are you exhibiting? I'll be there Friday afternoon if all goes well.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 23 Apr 2015, 03:41 pm
No, but you never know after hours.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: Phil A on 23 Apr 2015, 03:53 pm
No, but you never know after hours.

More info than we needed :lol:
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 23 Apr 2015, 04:12 pm
Not that kind of exhibiting!
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: TomS on 23 Apr 2015, 05:53 pm
Not that kind of exhibiting!
Yikes!
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 23 Apr 2015, 08:16 pm
Reading the evils of crossover thread is interesting.

With help, I put together a Dayton Audio 8" full range driver in a U frame, with 3x8" servo subs.  Listening to the system without any correction for the full range driver was pretty bad.  Using the MS-3 and dspMusik crossover, I did simple corrections to flatten the response of the full range, and measure to integrate it with the servo subs. 

If anyone tells me it sounds better before the crossover, I would show the them difference.  Not even close, and sounds much better corrected.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 24 Apr 2015, 01:50 am
The MS-3 and dspMusik made it to Chicago. 

Fun starts tomorrow morning at the show.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 24 Apr 2015, 02:51 pm
First day of Axpona. Already seeing old friends and catching up.

Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: rollo on 24 Apr 2015, 02:52 pm
  Best of luck HAL but with your product it will sell itself.


charles
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 25 Apr 2015, 12:04 am
Thanks Charles!

Having fun!
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 25 Apr 2015, 01:04 am
Updated Windows 8.1 to 8.1 Pro to use Remote Desktop on the MS-3. 

Will be experimenting with the Surface for full remote control.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: *Scotty* on 25 Apr 2015, 04:17 am
Rich with whom are exhibiting and in what room.
Scotty
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 25 Apr 2015, 05:13 am
Scotty,
I am not exhibiting.  Just demoing after hours for folks interested.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 25 Apr 2015, 04:57 pm
Getting to see a lot of friends this weekend.  Discussing lots of audio subjects and attending the seminars.

Posted some pictures in the Axpona thread for some of the larger speakers.  Will try to get into the Wilson demo with the new speakers this afternoon.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 27 Apr 2015, 01:17 am
Had a great time at Axpona over the last 3 days.  Getting packed and ready for the trip home.

Will be trying one of the Meridian Explorer 2 MQA DAC's with the MS-3 Music Server.  Will use the iFi iUSB Power devices to start for low noise power.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 28 Apr 2015, 09:17 pm
Made it home from Chicago!

Both dspMusik demo systems have arrived back from travels.  One unit is slated for trials with a pair of Sanders 10C electrostatic hybrid speakers once the owner is ready.  The demo with the Sanders 10D speakers went very well.

Upgraded the MS-3 to Windows 8.1 Pro and doing the latest MS updates now.  Once completed, will be trying Remote Desktop with the MS Surface.  Will verify that both Foorbar2000 and Audio Weaver can be run remotely and allow the user to place the setup close to the music system for use. 

There is now an experiment into a new A/D conversion system to use with analog equipment.  Parts were shipped today to begin the prototyping.  This will be a long term design and test, so no fixed time for when it will begin.  Two different methods will be tried for the A/D conversion and the better sounding system will be put into development. 

The fun continues! 

Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 30 Apr 2015, 09:59 am
Two of the demo systems have returned and the last MS-3 demo unit is on the way back.

The Meridian Explorer 2 MQA DAC will be here today.  Have the iFi iUSB Power setup to use with it for clean power from the MS-3 running Windows 8.1 Pro. 

From the description, it uses an Apodising filter system running in DSP as part of the processing.  This comes from the same research that was used to design the Wolfson Micro WM8741/WM8742 series DAC's.  The WM8742 DAC's are used in the dspMusik 6x8 crossover.   They do not discuss the filtering used. The WM8741 series offers user selectable filters.  All the dspMusik crossover demo's have been with the Minimum Phase Apodising filters after that was added to the Audio Weaver development system.

 
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 30 Apr 2015, 07:30 pm
The Meridian Explorer 2 DAC arrived and the USB driver is loaded. 

Using it with Etymotic Research ER-4S in-ear phones for trials.  Levels are low, even with the volume at max.  Will need to try this with my Audio Alchemy HPA-1.0 for more gain.  Works with Foobar2000 1.3.8. 

Loaded up the Pono Player software and that works.

Looking for some MQA FLAC recordings of interest to try. 
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 2 May 2015, 01:51 am
The Meridian Explorer2 MQA DAC volume control is buried in the control panel once you find the second page.  Volume level is fine now after boosting is 26dB.

The top three LED's give you sample rate feedback.  The color tells you if it is a standard, MQA or MQA Studio quality file. 

Trying it without the iFi iUSB Power.  Will add the iUSB Power after listening trials.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 3 May 2015, 03:20 pm
Very happy with the Meridian Explorer2 MQA DAC running with Foobar2000 for music playback.  HiRez sounds very good indeed. 

For someone looking for a good starting Music Server and DAC, the MS-3 setup with the Meridian Explorer2 is a great intro system for HiRez digital music playback.  The line level output from the DAC is the industry standard 2VAC, so should work well in most systems.

Looking forward to trying some MQA FLAC files for replay once they are available. 
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: Phil A on 5 May 2015, 12:49 am

Trying it without the iFi iUSB Power.  Will add the iUSB Power after listening trials.

Rich - when you get to it let us know about the above.  Thanks
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 5 May 2015, 12:55 am
Phil,
Will do. 
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 5 May 2015, 02:04 am
Have the Remote Desktop connection running between the MS Surface and MS-3. 

Still getting use to the new commands needed to control all the functions, but nice to be able to run everything remotely.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 6 May 2015, 06:09 pm
Have test data back from Danny on the planar magnetic drivers for the line array idea.  Have sent them to the companies to see if they can build modified versions of the drivers to use in this application. 

Building ChipAmp boards to test out with the drivers.  Have both the LM1875 and LM3875 versions to try for sound quality to power each driver directly.  Have them built with differential inputs and the next set will use so very good resistors for the feedback networks. 

Wiring up the servo sub modules to use with the OB desktop speaker idea for trials.  Will be trying 2x12" servo subs as a stand for the OB planar magnetic two way speaker.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 12 May 2015, 03:51 pm
The modified planar magnetic panel drivers are in work.  They are trying to match the parameters I am interested in and waiting on the results.  If they can match the target response, sensitivity and matching, will get 20 samples to build the line array.

Waiting on latest word on the open baffle build from the wood worker.  Spacing for the planar midrange in work is setup for this pair.

Will be back to the sub build next week after some travel.  The clamps fit and need to start wiring the connectors to the 1x12" modules.  Will setup two 2x12" modules to go with the NEO3/NEO10 OB speaker as a test with the dspMusik doing the crossover and time alignment. 

Going to work with REW to see if it can do the time offset measurements needed with the log sweep.  If not, will use CLIO. 

Waiting on word for a demo with a pair of Sanders 10C speakers.  Will be interesting to hear the results as compared to the Sanders 10D demo.

Also waiting to hear word of a demo with a pair of VMPS RM-V60 speakers that had it's original DCX2496 die with the settings. 

Anyone interested in trying an MS-3 and dspMusik setup, the demo unit is available.  Please PM me for details.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 17 May 2015, 05:19 pm
The latest info has Windows 10 coming out late July.  Will be testing both the standard and Pro versions on the MS-3 to verify correct operation like the trial versions.

Asked GR-Research to ship two more 12" servo drivers when he has time.  That will get the OB NEO3/NEO10 setup competed.  Then time for some tweaking and listening.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 20 May 2015, 07:54 pm
The dspMusik 6x8 can now be offered as a stand alone digital crossover that loads the custom code on power-up.  Will take USB input from either a PC running the USB ASIO driver for the system, or from a MAC using it's ASIO driver.  The stereo analog, S/PDIF and USB input connections will be available to the used.

If you are purchasing an MS-3 to use with a dspMusik, I will preinstall the development system to use for parameter changes if that is wanted, or just setup the dspMusik to be stand alone depending on the customers request.


Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 21 May 2015, 09:32 am
Another pair of 12" servo subs is on order from Danny.  Will be finishing up this setup once they arrive. 

Will be using the Rythmik HX300 servo amps with the subs in the 1x12" modules.  They have the balanced inputs to use with the digital crossover to run these as fully active three way speakers.  Using ChipAmps modified for balanced inputs for the BG NEO3 and NEO10 drivers.

To compensate for the distance offset between the NEO OB and servo subs, will be using pure time delay on the planar array for time alignment. 

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=121468)
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 27 May 2015, 01:42 am
Woofers arrived for the upper 12" servo modules.  New crossover design ready for testing once the servo's are wired and running with the HX300 amps.

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=121764)
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 30 May 2015, 09:18 pm
The latest batch of dspMusik digital crossovers has arrived.  There are stock units available.

The HAL MS-3 and dspMusik demo system is available for trials with speakers using existing digital crossovers like the Behringer DCX2496, miniDSP and others.  I can program the dspMusik to emulate them for improved sound quality.

I have worked with both VMPS, GR-Research and Sanders speaker owners for digital crossovers with reported improved sound quality.

Please let me know if you have any questions about either product.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: jtwrace on 30 May 2015, 09:58 pm
The latest batch of dspMusik digital crossovers has arrived.  There are stock units available.
What's the pricing on this if only 4 channels are needed?  Also, is there phase inversion available on each channel? 
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 30 May 2015, 10:02 pm
Jason,
There is no separate dspMusik 4 channel version.  You program the number of channels needed for the crossover and possibly subs.  Price is $1500 for the dspMusik. 

Every channel can have polarity inversion if needed.  The outputs are balanced, so that is one way, or adding processing for inversion is available.

Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 30 May 2015, 11:54 pm
Latest setup for using the HAL MS-3 and dspMusik with a three way OB system for listening. 

BG NEO3 tweeter, NEO10 midrange and two GR-Research 12" OB servo subs in 1x12" modular H-Frames with Rythmik HX300 servo amps.

Using ChipAmp kits to drive each planar driver.

Will be trying REW and a UMM-6 measurement mic to make the time delay measurements between the OB planar system and modular servo subs.   

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=121982)
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 1 Jun 2015, 02:43 pm
Finishing the wiring of the 2x12" servo subs to the HX300 amps. 

My dspMusik crossover is in the plexiglass chassis to allow experimentation with new add-ons.  Have a microcontroller project to access the DSP and DAC functions.  This is to big to fit in the original dspMusik chassis, so working with the parts.

The microcontroller will have an LCD display, IR sensor, rotary encoder and switch for volume control and mute.  Have the microcontroller board working and doing the software to allow the controls.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 1 Jun 2015, 09:57 pm
Just finished programming the dspMusik for the VMPS RM50 speakers for standalone use.  Playing music as I type. 

This was the final test of the process to make the digital crossover available without the computer.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 3 Jun 2015, 01:48 am
Pictures of the dspMusik digital crossover:

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=122186)

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=122187)
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 10 Jun 2015, 08:00 pm
Reloading an MS-2 Music Server for a friend.  Hope it brings some music back into his life.

Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 10 Jun 2015, 09:25 pm
Received the Uptone Audio USB Regen today and will set it up with the MS-3 and dspMusik for some listening sessions. 

The USB Regen will be interesting in comparison to the iFi USB Power unit.

Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 15 Jun 2015, 12:08 am
The Uptone Audio USB Regen amber version connecting the HAL MS-3 and dspMusik.

The USB Regen has been on for two days.  Will be checking it out soon.

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=122815)
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 19 Jun 2015, 04:57 pm
Will be reworking a CAPS2 Music Server that is having some OS issues for woodsyi. 

This one will be controlling the dspMusik crossover in his setup once completed. 
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: stu on 20 Jun 2015, 12:47 pm
Hey Rich! Glad to see you back after your "ordeal". Hope you are feeling better now. I just got notification from MS that windows 10 will be here soon, and that I should reserve an upgrade. I would like to do that but do not want to do it if it will not work well on the MS-1, or not sound as good as windows 7 sounds. I doubt if I could go back to 7 again if 10 does not perform as well. What are your thoughts?

 Also, I wanted to pass along my experience with a free upgrade from Fidelizer. It is a program that reconfigures the computer so that more of the processor is more dedicated to music reproduction. I was not really expecting much since I do not have much else on the MS-1 to use up processing power, but I was really surprised. From the very first notes I heard a definite improvement in sound quality. And the changes Fidelizer makes to your computer are not permanent. Each time you shut down the computer and reboot, it goes back to normal. You have to tell Fidelizer to reconfigure again. Definitely worth a try.

Take care Rich
Mark
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 20 Jun 2015, 02:01 pm
Mark,
Doing much better!

I do not have an MS-1 anymore to test as my last one went to a band for recordings, but Windows 10 preview has worked well on both the MS-2 and MS-3 chassis with Atom processors.  I know that Chris has two MS-1's and is thinking about the same thing.  You two should collaborate on it.  The free upgrade is good for 1 year after release hopefully in July.

The good thing is that I can always use the original Windows 7 install CD and driver CD to rebuild the SSD for you.  I really like the sound quality of Windows 8.1 and Windows 10 on the newer machines. 

Glad you are enjoying Fidelizer.  I know a lot of people are using it on their Music Servers.  One day will give it a good trial.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: stu on 21 Jun 2015, 01:37 pm
Thanks Rich, and  glad you are doing better. Based on your experience with windows  8 and the new 10, I will probably just go ahead and do the upgrade. Glad MS is allowing for free upgrades now! Hope Fidelizer works with 10 too. Once I get it done, I will let you know how it works.
Mark
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 21 Jun 2015, 01:46 pm
Mark,
Sounds good.  Looking forward to your insights with the MS-1 and Win10.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 22 Jun 2015, 01:52 pm
Official release date for Windows 10 is July 29, 2015.

Will be building an MS-3 with the latest Windows 10 Insider Preview today.  This should include the new Edge web browser.  Once the full release has happened, will switch to that one for further testing.

Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 22 Jun 2015, 10:49 pm
The Windows 10 Pro OS install went well and all the programs are working normally.  Will be putting time on the system to check.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 30 Jun 2015, 08:05 pm
Rebuilding woodsyi's CAPS2 style Music Server as it was having problems with new program installs.  Files started disappearing, usually an indicator of drive problems.

New SSD drive installed and Windows 7 Ultimate OS and upgrades are being installed.

Will be installing the software to control his dspMusik digital crossover and the normal MS-3 software load so he can use his own DAC as well.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 1 Jul 2015, 10:44 pm
woodsyi's CAPS2 PC is now loaded as an MS-3 Music Server for running a dspMusik crossover and measuring with REW.

The 24 hour run-in check was fine and ready to pack up and take to him to swap for my MS-3. 

Have decided to try a two way OB line source using 10 planar magnetic midranges and the 6x12" servo array's per side.  Estimates for the drivers are in and putting together the funds to purchase. 

Since this is a single driver style OB line array speaker, going to try using impulse response correction techniques to flatten the planar response and then crossing over to the servo subs.  Each planar driver will have it's own amp in the line array to give full driver damping and give higher sensitivity. 

Looking forward to giving this a try. 
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 16 Jul 2015, 08:26 pm
Will be setting up woodsyi's CAPS2 PC this evening with the dspMusik. 

Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 17 Jul 2015, 12:35 pm
woodsyi's rebuilt CAPS2 machine is setup with the dspMusik and the DAC2X in his system.  All making music again.

Did room measurements with REW to make changes to the subwoofer crossover points to smooth out the in room response at the listening location. 







Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: woodsyi on 17 Jul 2015, 01:28 pm
Yep,  I listened to a bunch of stuff to see how the new setting does and it was 1 AM before I knew it.  It's good with a variety of music.  I think I can finally put the DSP box in it's rightful place and do some tidying up with cables and what not.  Now I can get on with setting up  a new TT in place.  The Oracle TT and SS Strain Gauge are going in for update/repair.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 17 Jul 2015, 02:57 pm
Good to hear!   :thumb:

Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 29 Jul 2015, 08:02 pm
Rebuilt my prototype MS-2 machine with Windows 7 and starting the process of upgrading it to Windows 10 64bit OS at this time.

Built a DVD install disc with the Microsoft tools for Windows 10. 

Will see how it goes.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 29 Jul 2015, 10:53 pm
The Windows 7 to Windows 10 upgrade has problems running the previously installed programs.  Will be trying the Windows 8.1 to Windows 10 upgrade next.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: Phil A on 29 Jul 2015, 11:21 pm
The Windows 7 to Windows 10 upgrade has problems running the previously installed programs.  Will be trying the Windows 8.1 to Windows 10 upgrade next.
Rich - thanks, following the thread waiting for the findings
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: JDUBS on 30 Jul 2015, 02:22 am
The Windows 7 to Windows 10 upgrade has problems running the previously installed programs.  Will be trying the Windows 8.1 to Windows 10 upgrade next.

Why not just do a clean install??

-Jim
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 30 Jul 2015, 03:07 am
I am looking at this for customers that have MS-1's with Windows 7 OS installed and all the Music Server software working.  From what I see, the upgrade did not work with the previously installed programs.  Since I installed all the software and settings, it would mean a return of the unit for OS upgrade and all the software.

Trying Windows 8.1 to Windows 10 upgrade now keeping all the original programs and settings.  Will look at the install tomorrow to see how it went.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 30 Jul 2015, 02:30 pm
The Windows 8.1 to Windows 10 upgrade using a DVD made from the Windows10 ISO file and verified, worked correctly.  All the MS-3 installed programs are working.

I have not done an exhaustive test of the MS-3 system due to time, but so far things are working.  It does appear to run a bit slower than Windows 8.1, but you get the new UI.

Now for the bad news.  If something goes wrong with the Windows 10 64bit upgrade, and the MS-2 or MS-3 needs to be rebuilt, the customer will have to pay for the service and shipping both ways.  The good news is that with both the Windows Technical Preview upgrade and Windows 10 upgrade versions, they both worked correctly after the process on the MS-3 hardware.  I do not have an MS-2 chassis here to test Windows 10 upgrade, but the WTP upgrade did work correctly when I did.

Windows 7 is a totally different story.  The Windows 10 upgrade keeping the original programs did not work.  Will need a total OS rebuild for MS-1's that want to try Windows 10.  The customer would have to pay for the upgrade service and shipping both ways.

Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: stu on 31 Jul 2015, 01:42 am
Rich, are you saying that the upgrade from 7 to 10 caused the programs to not work correctly, or did they just not load at all. either way, that is not good. why would they do an upgrade if it was not ready.
thanks,
mark
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 31 Jul 2015, 02:22 am
Mark,
I tried the Windows 10 upgrade version that kept all the original programs and files from Windows 7 and for the MS-2 prototype did not go well at all.  It did work correctly for a Windows 8.1 upgrade.  Everything ran as installed under Windows 8.1 in 10. 

I just tried an upgrade that started without keeping any programs and files from Windows 7 and it worked correctly so far.  Reinstalling the programs and files now.  They also have a version that just keeps the user files and not programs.  That would most likely work, but all the programs would need to be reinstalled and setup.

If I could predict anything that Microsoft will do, I might make some money in the stock market!

Best I have come up with in having the full version of Windows 10 for one day.

Rich



Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: stu on 1 Aug 2015, 02:40 am
thanks Rich. reloading all programs on a desktop would be a pain, but on my MS-1 it would not be a big deal. Mainly just EAC and Foobar, with maybe two others. Let us know what you think about the sound quality o 10 compared to 7 and 8.
Mark
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 1 Aug 2015, 02:54 am
Mark,
Windows 8.1 and Windows 10 sound better to me than Windows 7.  The audio path was changed after Windows 7. 

No way to test the MS-1 here with Windows 10 as I do not have one anymore.  As long as you have all the discs I sent with the unit, should be good to go.

Backup the full Download sub directory and you should have all the programs to reinstall after the upgrade. 

Rich

Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 8 Aug 2015, 12:56 pm
Hollis Audio Labs will be showing the MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik HiRez digital crossover and DAC at Capital Audio Fest 28-30 August in room 404 with GT Audio Works. 

The system will be used as a digital music playback setup with the system. 

Hope you get a chance to listen to the setup at the show.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: KLH007 on 8 Aug 2015, 09:10 pm
I'm looking forward to seeing the MS-3 in action in the GT Audio Works room.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 9 Aug 2015, 04:19 am
Will be bringing a Windows 10 version MS-3 to CAF for folks to see and hear. 

Hope to see you at the show.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 21 Aug 2015, 09:41 pm
New literature and price sheets are available for the HAL MS-3 and dspMusik systems.  These will be at CAF in the GT Audio Works room 404 with the system.

Hope to see folks at the room next weekend!
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: Phil A on 22 Aug 2015, 01:07 am
Will be bringing a Windows 10 version MS-3 to CAF for folks to see and hear. 

Hope to see you at the show.

Rich - looking forward to that and to ask questions and catch up.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 27 Aug 2015, 06:40 pm
Made it to the CAF2015 hotel. 

Will be setting up the HAL MS-3 and dspMusik once I get access to the room.

Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: Hugh on 27 Aug 2015, 06:58 pm
Good luck R.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 27 Aug 2015, 07:06 pm
Thanks Hugh!   :D

Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 28 Aug 2015, 02:43 am
The HAL MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik DSP crossover/DAC are setup for digital playback and making music in the GT AudioWorks room 404.   

Hope to see folks at the show for some music listening.





Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 28 Aug 2015, 01:49 pm
Day 1 begins at CAF2015.  GT Audioworks room making music.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 29 Aug 2015, 12:41 am
GT Audioworks room pictures:

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=126978)

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=126977)


Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: Phil A on 1 Sep 2015, 01:08 pm
Rich - good seeing you (and Greg)  Here are some more pics:


(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=126993)

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=126994)

Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: Phil A on 1 Sep 2015, 01:10 pm
And more:

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=126967)

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=126968)

Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 1 Sep 2015, 01:16 pm
Phil,
Glad to see you again at the show as well and had some time to sit and listen.  Always good when you bring music to play! 

Thanks for the pictures.  The room setup Greg and his wife did was very nice. 

Rich
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: Phil A on 1 Sep 2015, 01:26 pm
In case anyone was wondering the HAL DAC/DSP, which sounded excellent, is the very small box with the blue LED on the floor near the right channel monoblock.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: rollo on 1 Sep 2015, 02:23 pm
IMO the music server to buy, period.

charles
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: Phil A on 1 Sep 2015, 02:33 pm
IMO the music server to buy, period.

charles

That's why I have MS-2 in one system and the MS-3 in another.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 1 Sep 2015, 02:44 pm
Phil and Charles,
Glad you enjoyed it.  Thanks for the kind words! 
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: woodsyi on 1 Sep 2015, 02:52 pm
(http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll73/woodsyi/DSC00863.jpg)
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: rollo on 1 Sep 2015, 02:56 pm
Phil and Charles,
Glad you enjoyed it.  Thanks for the kind words!


  Truth is more like it  :thumb:


charles
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: rollo on 1 Sep 2015, 02:57 pm
(http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll73/woodsyi/DSC00863.jpg)

   Hey we resemble that photo thanks Woodsyi.


rollo
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: woodsyi on 1 Sep 2015, 03:01 pm
Oh, that was your room.  :duh:

Rich can still enjoy the picture. 8)
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: Phil A on 1 Sep 2015, 03:22 pm
That camera lens is pointing to a specific spot.  Was that the sweet spot in the room. :green:
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: GT Audio Works on 1 Sep 2015, 03:45 pm
Rich,

 It was really great to have you and HAL in the GT/Paradox  room.
HIGH REZ RULES !!
I think we need to put a sign on the door next time.
"Please don't have a drink in your hand during playback of high rez orchestral climaxes. We are not responsible for dry cleaning bills"  :lol:

Greg
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 1 Sep 2015, 04:01 pm
Greg,
Thanks again for the opportunity to demo the HAL setup with you! 

I love the idea of the sign! 

Hope Pete has recovered!    :D
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: woodsyi on 1 Sep 2015, 04:40 pm
Very clean and fast planar.  Did all the things ribbons do well.  I know ribbons.  I didn't get a chance to really listen for the crossover region.  This kind of show is not the best to really get into listening seriously.  I would love to listen to them for a few weeks.

(http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll73/woodsyi/DSC00859.jpg)
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: Phil A on 1 Sep 2015, 04:57 pm
I agree that it is tough to get anything but a general idea from the show about audio components and speakers.  I believe the woofers in the GT speakers just roll off with no crossover but perhaps Greg can clarify.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: GT Audio Works on 1 Sep 2015, 04:59 pm
Very clean and fast planar.  Did all the things ribbons do well.  I know ribbons.  I didn't get a chance to really listen for the crossover region.  This kind of show is not the best to really get into listening seriously.  I would love to listen to them for a few weeks.

(http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll73/woodsyi/DSC00859.jpg)
Great picture...Thanks.
My wife's little phone camera didn't do very well.
Greg
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: GT Audio Works on 1 Sep 2015, 05:11 pm
I agree that it is tough to get anything but a general idea from the show about audio components and speakers.  I believe the woofers in the GT speakers just roll off with no crossover but perhaps Greg can clarify.
The planar panel operates full range and has no xover...it naturally rolls off on both ends.
The woofers use an internal amp with an adjustable electronic xover 18db/oct.  that was set around 100hz.
The ribbon tweeter uses a single cap for a 6db/oct rolloff below 3k

Rich's HAL unit has an available xover to integrate additional subs in time and phase to clean up room nodes.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 1 Sep 2015, 05:52 pm
The dspMusik was just used as a HiRez DAC with the MS-3 in the setup. 

Best reference I heard all weekend was to call the dspMusik, "The Swiss Army Knife DAC".   :thumb:
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: Phil A on 1 Sep 2015, 07:27 pm
The dspMusik was just used as a HiRez DAC with the MS-3 in the setup. 

Best reference I heard all weekend was to call the dspMusik, "The Swiss Army Knife DAC".   :thumb:

Need to give one of these away (of course with the company logo) with a DAC purchase - http://www.swissknifeshop.com/corporate-sales-bak
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 2 Sep 2015, 02:51 am
Just read the best of show thread at Home Theater Shack by Todd Anderson:

http://www.hometheatershack.com/forums/home-theater-audio-video-news/130625-2015-capital-audiofest-best-show.html (http://www.hometheatershack.com/forums/home-theater-audio-video-news/130625-2015-capital-audiofest-best-show.html)

The GT Audioworks room with Paradox Electronics, HAL MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik DAC made the list for CAF2015!   :D
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: Phil A on 2 Sep 2015, 03:13 am
Just read the best of show thread at Home Theater Shack by Todd Anderson:

http://www.hometheatershack.com/forums/home-theater-audio-video-news/130625-2015-capital-audiofest-best-show.html (http://www.hometheatershack.com/forums/home-theater-audio-video-news/130625-2015-capital-audiofest-best-show.html)

The GT Audioworks room with Paradox Electronics, HAL MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik DAC made the list for CAF2015!   :D

Congrats!!
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 2 Sep 2015, 03:43 am
Thanks Phil!
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: Phil A on 2 Sep 2015, 04:09 am
Thanks Phil!

You're welcome - it is deserved and I guess the size of one's DAC does not matter :green:
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 3 Sep 2015, 02:46 am
Just wanted to add that the HAL MS-3 Music Server at CAF2015 was running the upgrade version of Windows 10.  I really like the UI more than Windows 8.1.

Thanks to Jonathon Janusz for the GT Audioworks room write-up in the CAF2015 review thread.  It was great getting his feedback from playing his demo tracks on the MS-3 and dspMusik!
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 8 Sep 2015, 02:34 pm
The write-up from Enjoy The Music for CAF2015.

Thanks to Kemper Holt for the great review of the GT Audioworks room setup!

http://www.enjoythemusic.com/Capital_Audiofest_2015/Part1a.htm (http://www.enjoythemusic.com/Capital_Audiofest_2015/Part1a.htm)
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: GT Audio Works on 8 Sep 2015, 05:36 pm
Thanks Kemper...nice seeing you at CAF again.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 11 Sep 2015, 09:05 pm
Here is the AV Showrooms website CAF2015 report.

GT Audioworks, Paradox Pulse and Hollis Audio Labs room received the Gold Show Award!

http://www.avshowrooms.com/Capital_Audiofest_2015.html (http://www.avshowrooms.com/Capital_Audiofest_2015.html)

Video report of the room as well:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F06GTlH2YWQ&feature=youtu.be&t=727 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F06GTlH2YWQ&feature=youtu.be&t=727)
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: KLH007 on 30 Sep 2015, 05:25 pm
Rich, The room with your MS-3 and DAC, along with Greg's GTA 2.5 speakers has a video review by Peter Breuninger of AV Showrooms;   http://www.avshowrooms.com/Cap_Fest_2015_Vids_2.html         At 5:46 and 7:25 Peter makes some awesome comments on the system (best under $25K system), congratulations Rich and Greg!
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: Phil A on 30 Sep 2015, 05:39 pm
Congrats!
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 30 Sep 2015, 09:59 pm
Thanks guys!   :D
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: richidoo on 30 Sep 2015, 11:07 pm
Wow Rich, even on my laptop speakers the system sounds excellent.  That is the dspMusik DACs playing right?
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: Phil A on 1 Oct 2015, 12:03 am
Wow Rich, even on my laptop speakers the system sounds excellent.  That is the dspMusik DACs playing right?

Yes - the DAC was in the room at the Capital Audiofest
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: richidoo on 1 Oct 2015, 12:06 am
Thanks Phil
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: Phil A on 1 Oct 2015, 12:20 am
It's the little black box with the blue LED right below the right channel monoblock


(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=126993)
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 1 Oct 2015, 12:40 am
Guy's,
During the video, the MS-3 and dspMusik were not being used since he had a demo CD.  That was the moded JVC player.  That setup did sound very good.

After the video, I played the HiRez recordings with the MS-3/dspMusik and that did not make the video.

Everyone that heard both the moded JVC player and the MS-3/dspMusik setup thought it sounded even better!

Just trying to make sure things are given the correct due from the video. 

Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: richidoo on 1 Oct 2015, 12:50 am
Just trying to make sure things are given the correct due from the video.
Thanks
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: GT Audio Works on 1 Oct 2015, 01:09 am
Guy's,
During the video, the MS-3 and dspMusik were not being used since he had a demo CD.  That was the moded JVC player.  That setup did sound very good.

After the video, I played the HiRez recordings with the MS-3/dspMusik and that did not make the video.

Everyone that heard both the moded JVC player and the MS-3/dspMusik setup thought it sounded even better!

Just trying to make sure things are given the correct due from the video.
The song playing when the video opens is from The CD Strike a deep cord, its Dr John and Odetta doing Buddy can you spare a dime.
The other instrumental tracks were from the Audiophile CD "Chasing the Dragon" available from elusive disc.
Peter Brueninger from AV showrooms brought it for the video.

Unfortunately Rich's great server and dac did not make the video.
The CD player used in the video is an old tank, a JVC 1050 heavily modded by Terence Robinson of Paradox Pulse.
My personal unit.
Its ancient but sounds great even today, but time marches on and Rich's server/dac brought it up notch for less money and ease of use that cant be beat.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: Phil A on 1 Oct 2015, 02:15 pm
Thanks for the clarification guys - was hard to tell from the video what was playing - much easier in person
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: KLH007 on 1 Oct 2015, 03:17 pm
Thanks for the clarification guys - was hard to tell from the video what was playing - much easier in person

Phil, What clinched my decision to order a pair of GTA 2.5s were the RR HRX cuts Rich played using his MS-3 and the dspMusik DAC, absolutely stunning! The DAC was used only as a DAC (no DSP), and although I couldn't do an A/B with the Paradox modded JVC, I thought music played from the server was excellent. Once I get my GTA 2.5s, I'll have a DAC shootout with NuPrime DAC-10, dspMusik, and AQUA LaVoce. After I recover from the speaker purchase, the MS-3 will be next.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: Phil A on 1 Oct 2015, 03:28 pm
Phil, What clinched my decision to order a pair of GTA 2.5s were the RR HRX cuts Rich played using his MS-3 and the dspMusik DAC, absolutely stunning! The DAC was used only as a DAC (no DSP), and although I couldn't do an A/B with the Paradox modded JVC, I thought music played from the server was excellent. Once I get my GTA 2.5s, I'll have a DAC shootout with NuPrime DAC-10, dspMusik, and AQUA LaVoce. After I recover from the speaker purchase, the MS-3 will be next.

Kemp - you'll love the MS-3.  I have the MS-2 (identical sound slightly faster processor - the mother board was discontued by Intel, although I sent Rich a PM about a generic replacement) and the MS-3 (the music servers are in separate systems) and I find it is a great simple and user friendly interface with something like JRiver.  To the main system, following Rich's posts elsewhere, I bought an iFi USB Power Supply between the music server and DAC which was a really nice improvement.  The power supply is not workable in the secondary system (with the  MS-3) as the USB chip in the DAC carries the power.  Sometime over the next few months I'll get around to doing Windows 10.  I find with great source material, it really makes the system shine.  I just got Stxy's 'Paradise Theater' on an SHM SACD from Japan today and will burn and extract the DSD file before the weekend is up.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 18 Oct 2015, 08:29 pm
Just got off the phone with one of my dspMusik customers that was originally running a heavily modified Behringer DCX2496 with his setup.   He is still very happy with the dspMusik in the system being used for both music playback and recording mixing with ProTools in his setup for the monitoring system. 

He built an FM radio station in Indiana and wired it with 1 mile of balanced cables for the control room, booths and recording rooms.  This is typical of most studios for recording the music and monitor playback for them that we listen to in our systems.   He is doing the same at home with the dspMusik for balanced output, but single ended input from his analog gear.   

We discussed reworking his monitor speakers to run them biamp from the dspMusik with another pair of NCore amps like the ones he is using now.  The speakers are GR-Research N2X with separate TL subs.  We also discussed possible OB H-Frame subs to replace the TL subs he has used for years.   Since I have a pair of N2X, making the measurements needed will be easy to do. 

The dspMusik can be run either balanced or unbalanced with adaptors from the TRS connectors to existing cables.  It has worked very well for the systems running them today.  Have used the dspMusik with Mogami, Monoprice and Hosa balanced TRS to XLR cables with excellent results including my system with the Mogami cables.  Also have used it with TRS to dual RCA adaptors with many RCA cables with great results. 

Have also made custom TRS to mini-XLR cables to use with the Rythmik HX300 amps for the 3x8" OB servo subs.  Many options for connections to systems exist.   
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 24 Oct 2015, 03:06 pm
Repaired one of the Dodd Audio battery powered HiRez DAC's for it's owner. 

Back making music in his system!  :D

 
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: KLH007 on 24 Oct 2015, 05:46 pm
Repaired one of the Dodd Audio battery powered HiRez DAC's for it's owner. 

Back making music in his system!  :D

Rich, Nice job.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 3 Dec 2015, 02:09 am
After a lot of travel, updated the MS-2 Music Server with Windows 10 and listening tests are going well with the dspMusik as the DAC, iFi iCan and HiFiMan HE500 phones.  Have already run Windows 10 on MS-3's with fine results.


After reading the Meridian MQA info that I can find, there are interesting parallels in how the dspMusik works and their processing.

Working with Danville Signal on the next generation AD for the dspMusik.  The prototype in work is a 32bit/768KHz ADC with minimum phase filtering to complement the minimum phase DACs.  There maybe another surprise to go with this, but that has to wait for how things work.

Hope everyone has a Happy Holiday Season!
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 4 Dec 2015, 02:36 am
The three way open baffle speaker is up and running.

The setup is the GR-Research BG NEO3PDR tweeter, BG NEO10 midrange and 2x12" H-Frame servo subs running with a Rythmik HX300 servo amp.  More tweaking to do, but these sound very good! 

Too bad Christy Digital cannot produce the NEO drivers any longer as these are really great sounding speakers.

I will never go back to passive crossovers again after working with the dspMusik digital crossover and amps directly driving the speakers! 

Will make some measurements after getting all the levels fully adjusted.  Using Room EQ Wizard with the Dayton Audio UMM-6 calibrated mic from the MS-3 directly through the dspMusik to the speakers.

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=132947)
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: Phil A on 4 Dec 2015, 02:39 am

Too bad Christy Digital cannot produce the NEO drivers any longer as these are really great sounding speakers.



I agree Rich - I traded my MoFi bookshelves locally I had in the guest/bonus room for a pair of N3 floorstanders about a month and a half back.  They sound really good.

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=132205)


Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 9 Dec 2015, 04:30 am
Looks like ACHiPo has a used MS-3 and getting JRiver setup on it.

Working on getting the OB H-Frame 2x12in servo subs integrated with the Rythmik A370PEQ amps from the Super-V's with the NEO3/NEO10 OB speakers.  Got everything rewired and running, so measurements will be happening soon.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: ACHiPo on 9 Dec 2015, 01:42 pm
Looks like ACHiPo has a used MS-3 and getting JRiver setup on it.

Yep  :thumb:

The PCM files sound fantastic!  Unfortunately I still haven't figured out how to play the iso and dsd files without buffering issues.  The JRiver forum thinks it's a computer/processor issue.  They have a benchmark called JMARK that tests different aspects of a media computer.  The HAL MC-3 scored ~500, which is on the low side, but my desktop machine scored ~1500, and it has the same buffering issues.  I'm going try out Foobar.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 9 Dec 2015, 01:51 pm
Foobar2000 will play DSD64 DFF files via the correct plug-ins with DSD DAC's.  You may need to unpack the ISO files to DFF format to use them.

That MS-3 may have the native DSD components loaded, but if not the Foobar2000 components needed are on the Hydrogen Audio Forum.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: Phil A on 9 Dec 2015, 08:51 pm
I have no idea what the JRMark tests but I ran my computer, my MS-3 and my MS-2 and got the following results:

PC,   2,134
MS-2,  512
MS-3,  525

The other thread indicated you are using (unless I misunderstood something which is possible ) the USB input of the Oppo BDP-105 DAC.  Per the manual (which I posted in the other thread):
"The BDP-105 supports up to 2ch/192kHz PCM signal through its USB audio input, and up to
2ch/96kHz PCM, Dolby Digital, DTS and AAC signal through its Optical and Coaxial audio inputs."

So the BDP 105 can't handle DSD via its USB DAC input.  JRiver allows one to convert DSD to PCM.  One must go to 'Tools,' 'Options,' 'Audio' and then 'DSP and Output Format' and adjust the sample rate for in excess of 192kHz to 176kHz and it will play the DSD as PCM.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 9 Dec 2015, 11:26 pm
ACHiPo,
After Phil's post, I checked the Oppo BDP-105 page and here is the link about DSD playback.

https://www.oppodigital.com/hra/dsd-by-davidelias.aspx (https://www.oppodigital.com/hra/dsd-by-davidelias.aspx)

They discuss that the way to playback DSD is via USB file input via a hard drive or thumb drive.  That also requires a later version of firmware to operate.  The audio output specs for USB input only state they support up to 24bit/192KHz PCM.

Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: Phil A on 9 Dec 2015, 11:56 pm
That's what I was trying to say in the other thread. I play DSD flles (both 2 channel and multichannel ) via a hard drive attached to one of my Oppo 103Ds.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 13 Dec 2015, 05:00 pm
The open baffle planar/servo sub speakers have a dspMusik digital crossover design running and sounding very good! 

Will get a set of speaker measurements from CLIO and post them. 
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 14 Jan 2016, 08:37 pm
Happy New Year!

Been on travel a lot, so just getting back to the speaker project.

Ordered the Rythmik Audio HX800 amps for the two 6x12 servo subs from GR-Research.  Hope they will be on the way soon.

Just finished two DC coupled balanced input moded ChipAmp's for use in the OB planar part of the speakers.  Will be testing the amp modules soon with other speakers before building the second pair. 

Will get to the measurements after all the mods.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: KLH007 on 15 Jan 2016, 05:05 am
Rich, sounds like a great project, I'd love to hear the finished system. I have a pair of GTA 2.5s being made, Bubinga. Happy 2016!
Best,
     Kemp
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 16 Jan 2016, 02:10 am
Hi Kemper,
Good to hear that Greg is building your GTA 2.5's.  Bubinga should look really good on the planars.  Will keep you posted on the speaker development.

The first pair of balanced input ChipAmps is making music with a pair of Lineaum LX-4 speakers.  They are a more challenging impedance load than the BG planars and are stable.  Next to build the second pair of amps and put some hours on them all to check stability before connecting them to the BG drivers.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 16 Jan 2016, 10:50 pm
The first pair of ChipAmp's with balanced DC coupled inputs are running.   

Working on the second pair as parts arrive next week.

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=135248)
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: KLH007 on 17 Jan 2016, 04:35 am
Rich, I see your friends at Danville Signal are working with some Aussies supplying DSP/active xover for their "One Audio" complete system.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 17 Jan 2016, 01:17 pm
They work with a lot of companies for DSP crossovers but mostly internal units.

The dspMusik is one of the few units they do as a full product and it took me a long time to convince them to do it that way.   :D
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 21 Jan 2016, 01:22 am
The HX800XLR3 servo amps are up and running with the 2x12's. 

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=135567)
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 21 Jan 2016, 09:36 pm
Moded ChipAmps for trials.  Will be driving the planars directly in the tri-amp dspMusik configuration.

Both the LM1875 and LM3875 versions with balanced input mod.

Needs the speaker protection circuit that is arriving next week for transient protection at start-up and shut-down.

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=135599)
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 22 Jan 2016, 07:04 pm
Second pair of ChipAmps is completed.

Next step is testing DC offset and for any problems.

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=135668)
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 23 Jan 2016, 02:28 am
Both pairs of ChipAmps completed and working. 

Time for some listening.

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=135717)
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 4 Feb 2016, 08:53 pm
Latest setup with the dspMusik and OB planar-servo sub arrays.  New ChipAmps driving the BG NEO3PDR and NEO10 planars.

The two 4x12 H-Frame servo sub arrays are fully integrated with time delay for the mains for matching. 

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=136556)
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: aldcoll on 4 Feb 2016, 09:21 pm
Both pairs of ChipAmps completed and working. 

Time for some listening.

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=135717)
Finally  a good use for old pizza boxes  :thumb:
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 4 Feb 2016, 11:10 pm
Hmmm...  Musical Pizza Boxes! 

LOL!
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: stu on 14 Feb 2016, 08:17 pm
Hi Rich! I just want to pass on some info that might be of interest for anyone else with an MS-1. I decided to upgrade my MS-1 from windows 7 to windows 10, and see what happens. well, it took a few hours to download and install, but when it was all done, everything worked perfectly! All apps and files were there, and all worked fine. Even Fidelizer worked as advertised. I have 10 on two other computers, so I am use to using it. I think the sound quality is at least as good as before, and maybe a tad better, but I need to listen some more to know for sure. Anyway, the upgrade worked and I am glad I made the change.
 
Take cae,  hope all is well,
Mark
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 14 Feb 2016, 08:20 pm
Mark,
Glad to hear the Win10 upgrade on the MS-1 went well.  I really do like the sound quality of Windows 10 over Windows 7 on the MS-2 and MS-3.

All good here, hope you are doing well!

Best,
Rich
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 22 Feb 2016, 02:12 am
Visited woodsyi today to return his CAPS2 Music Server setup with Windows 10 installed.  Have Foobar2000 running his DAC2X for DSD playback and sounded very good with his setup.   The Foobar2000 setup is playing *.dff and ISO DSD files. 

The dspMusik is running all the low frequency drivers and it integrates well.

He is doing some interesting music player comparisons and will be interested in his results.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 28 Feb 2016, 01:44 pm
First test of the paralleled, DC coupled, balanced input ChipAmp modules for driving planars worked well without any change in DC offset. 

Have 12 ChipAmp modules built and tested.  Still 4 more to go to have 16 for 8 per side.  I really like the way they sound with the NEO3/NEO10 combo.

One MS-3 coming back for checkout and a possible update to Windows 10. 

Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 1 Mar 2016, 10:22 pm
For all MS-1, MS-2 and MS-3 owners!  Do not install any other antivirus or malware software on the machines.  They already have MS Defender and MS Malware Removal Tool software running depending on Windows OS version installed.

If you install McAfee, Norton AV or any other software of that type onto the machines and it starts acting strangely, it is that software and should be removed.  If it kills the machine, I will charge for tech support and shipping.  Past versions of McAfee have even made it change audio buffers in playback and created glitch playback.

Will be rebuilding an MS-3 shortly with Norton installed. 

 
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: ACHiPo on 2 Mar 2016, 06:36 am
+1 (don't ask me how I know) :roll:
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: Phil A on 2 Mar 2016, 03:37 pm
+1 (don't ask me how I know) :roll:

 :lol: :lol: :lol: - My MS-2 had AVG installed when I got it.  Before I upgraded the units (MS-2 and MS-3) to Windows 10, I uninstalled AVG on it.  Other than to download a DAC driver, an update to Room EQ Wizard (which I have to figure out how to start to use one of these days - been using my RTA) or a JRiver license attached to an email, I don't really go on any other sites.  I figured it would be one less program to deal with Windows 10 issues or re-installation.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: S Clark on 2 Mar 2016, 04:38 pm

If you install McAfee, Norton AV or any other software of that type onto the machines and it starts acting strangely, it is that software and should be removed.  If it kills the machine, I will charge for tech support and shipping.  Past versions of McAfee have even made it change audio buffers in playback and created glitch playback.

Will be rebuilding an MS-3 shortly with Norton installed.   

 :o That's good to know.  I have simply stayed away from the broader internet with my early MS-1, just to avoid the crap that is waiting to attach itself. 
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 2 Mar 2016, 05:57 pm
Since ACHiPo bought his used, I want him to hear it as a fresh install.  Tech support is just shipping this time.  :D

Windows 8.1 OS is installed and now loading the software and updates.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: ACHiPo on 3 Mar 2016, 12:23 am
Since ACHiPo bought his used, I want him to hear it as a fresh install.  Tech support is just shipping this time.  :D

Windows 8.1 OS is installed and now loading the software and updates.
Rich,
Have I told you lately you are a mensch?  I LOVE you man!
AC
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: Phil A on 3 Mar 2016, 01:03 am
Rich,
Have I told you lately you are a mensch?  I LOVE you man!
AC

Rich is a great guy.  He even put these mugshots (who else would do that) on his facebook page:


(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=138337)
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 6 Mar 2016, 02:22 am
Had a fine time at the mini-CAF at Gary's today.

007KLH has an MS-3 Music Server to demo with his USB DAC.  Looking forward to his observations.

Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: KLH007 on 6 Mar 2016, 03:52 am
Thanks Rich, I'll be calling to get things started off correctly.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: oneartist on 9 Mar 2016, 06:19 pm
The HX800XLR3 servo amps are up and running with the 2x12's. 

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=135567)

Hi Rich,

1. Are you using SW-12-16FR drivers with the  HX800XLR3 amp. I'm planning to build either the H-Frame or the W-Frame. I was going to use the A370 amp but since there are two drivers I can see your reaasoning.

2. When I was emailing Danny, I mentioned that I would be using a DEQX Express II processer with the speakers. He suggested that I sell the DEQX and contract you regarding your MS-3 system. I also do digital audio recording and I've built a few computers so a computer system appeals to me. I would like to learn more about how you do dsp room processing.

Charles
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 9 Mar 2016, 07:17 pm
Hi Charles,
For the 2x12 open baffle servo subs, the Rythmik A370PEQ is more than adequate to drive the SW-12-16FR servo subs.  I am using the HX800XLR3 with the large 6x12 open baffle servo sub array I am building.  You might ask Danny if the SW-12-8FR's would be a better match to the A370PEQ than the -16FR's in the 2x12's.  If you were going to more 12" drivers the HX800 might be a better way.  Each HX800 amp module is driving 3 - 12" servos in my setup.

The dspMusik is a 6 input (USB2, S/PDIF and A/D), 8 output DSP and HiRez DAC system.  It works as both a digital crossover and PEQ system for the setup.  I use Room EQ Wizard to make measurements with the MS-3 and dspMusik and then setup PEQ's in the woofer or sub processing.  Time delay can also be added if needed. The user can make measurements and I can setup the PEQ's and send the block diagram for AudioWeaver to run.  I use a Dayton Audio UMM-6 calibrated mic for the measurements with REW, as they are $85 and have calibration files compatible with REW. 

There are other ways, but I have to see the processing power available in the MS-3 and dspMusik will handle it on a case by case basis.

A friend that records and does his mastering is using the dspMusik in his Home Studio with a pair of GR-Research N2X and TL subs with his Protools system with very good results.

Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: TomS on 9 Mar 2016, 08:01 pm
Hi Charles,
For the 2x12 open baffle servo subs, the Rythmik A370PEQ is more than adequate to drive the SW-12-16FR servo subs.  I am using the HX800XLR3 with the large 6x12 open baffle servo sub array I am building.  You might ask Danny if the SW-12-8FR's would be a better match to the A370PEQ than the -16FR's in the 2x12's.  If you were going to more 12" drivers the HX800 might be a better way.  Each HX800 amp module is driving 3 - 12" servos in my setup.

The dspMusik is a 6 input (USB2, S/PDIF and A/D), 8 output DSP and HiRez DAC system.  It works as both a digital crossover and PEQ system for the setup.  I use Room EQ Wizard to make measurements with the MS-3 and dspMusik and then setup PEQ's in the woofer or sub processing.  Time delay can also be added if needed. The user can make measurements and I can setup the PEQ's and send the block diagram for AudioWeaver to run.  I use a Dayton Audio UMM-6 calibrated mic for the measurements with REW, as they are $85 and have calibration files compatible with REW. 

There are other ways, but I have to see the processing power available in the MS-3 and dspMusik will handle it on a case by case basis.

A friend that records and does his mastering is using the dspMusik in his Home Studio with a pair of GR-Research N2X and TL subs with his Protools system with very good results.
So it's a little confusing on the Rythmik site on the HX800. It says "800W RMS (400W RMS x 2)". The 370PEQ will drive 3 -16FR's adequately, though it is a single channel amp. Is each HX800 2 separate outputs, with each channel driving three -16FR's, thus 2 HX800 amps driving all 12 of yours via 4 channels  :scratch:
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 9 Mar 2016, 08:07 pm
Tom,
The HX800's have two separate sets of outputs and servo channels.  I am driving 3x12 servo subs per side with each channel for the total of 6x12.  Two full amps needed for the two arrays.

Does that make sense?
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: TomS on 9 Mar 2016, 08:20 pm
Tom,
The HX800's have two separate sets of outputs and servo channels.  I am driving 3x12 servo subs per side with each channel for the total of 6x12.  Two full amps needed for the two arrays.

Does that make sense?
Yup, very nice  :thumb:
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: TomS on 9 Mar 2016, 08:25 pm
Oops, one more question. So does Brian install the OB shelf circuits in the HX800 standard or do you provide that in the dspMusic itself? Other than maybe the potential issue of wire connection length, one HX800 amp would be fine for two x3 separated arrays, rather than using two 370's.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 9 Mar 2016, 08:40 pm
Tom,
I bought my Rythmik HX800 servo amps through Danny, the shelving circuit was installed in the amps when he ordered them from Brian. 

The HX800 is mono input, so if you sum the Left+ Right channels in the dspMusik and send them to one output channel, it will work for mono subs as long as the wiring is short.  Two A370PEQ's are better if you need 3x12 arrays widely separated.  You want to keep the servo loop wiring as short as possible.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: oneartist on 9 Mar 2016, 09:45 pm
Hi Charles,

1. You might ask Danny if the SW-12-8FR's would be a better match to the A370PEQ than the -16FR's in the 2x12's. 

Brian says the GR SW12-08FR matched better for the HX300 amp. He said the A370 may over drive the 08FR. He said a better match for the A370 amp is the GR- SW12-16FR driver. Also, Danny is out of stock for the SW12-16FR. This all leaves me a little confused.

2.  I use a Dayton Audio UMM-6 calibrated mic for the measurements with REW, as they are $85 and have calibration files compatible with REW. 

I have a Earthworks M30 mic that is calibrated for DEQX



3.A friend that records and does his mastering is using the dspMusik in his Home Studio with a pair of GR-Research N2X and TL subs with his Protools system with very good results.

I have Samplitude Pro X software and RME hardware and a bunch of recording equipment. My RME Babyface has USB connections. And my DEQX Express II has an added USB audio card.

4. I'm thinking of building a beefed up W-Frame with 1-1/2" side walls for a lower profile.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 9 Mar 2016, 10:32 pm
Charles,
Brian is the expert in that area with Danny.  Danny might have a schedule for the new SW-12-16FR's if you contact him.  They are popular for the OB subs.

Have the HX300 servo amps here work with the 3x8" sub drivers in the H-Frame and U-Frame.  They are smaller size amps than the A370PEQ.  They also have mini-XLR balanced inputs that I like.     

The Earthworks M30 mic will need a XLR phantom powered mic preamp and USB A/D to input to the MS-3 to run with REW.   I have one here for my old DEQX 2.6P.  I have a calibrated UMM-6 mic that I can lend for use with REW if needed with the MS-3 and dspMusik purchase.

The beefed up 2x12 W-frames should be cool.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: oneartist on 10 Mar 2016, 01:07 am
I have one here for my old DEQX 2.6P.  I have a calibrated UMM-6 mic that I can lend for use with REW if needed with the MS-3 and dspMusik purchase.

Since you own DEQX do you think I will miss the speaker correction that DEQX is famous for?

What is the cost of your MS-3 and dspMusik system.

[/quote
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 10 Mar 2016, 02:35 am
I do not miss the speaker correction of the DEQX as the DAC portion of that unit did not sound very good to me.  The dspMusik 2x8 has HiRez DAC's running at 24bit/192KHz with the Analog Devices ADSRC running for all digital inputs.  The ADC for analog inputs is also very good running at 24bit/192KHz. 

The question is how well things like Diraq Live will run on the MS-3 to do similar things to the DEQX.  That is something I am looking at now.

The MS-3 and dspMusik 2x8 combo is $2299.00 + shipping in the US.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: oneartist on 10 Mar 2016, 03:52 am
Thanks for all the info. I've got too many things going on for a newly retired person. Besides all the audio stuff, my wife is tapping into my first career skills as a building contractor. I'm in the middle of her kitchen remodel. I finished redoing our master closet and several other tile projects. I like to collect ideas over a period of time for something like choosing subs. Eventually the right decision comes to the surface. Thanks for all your help. DEQX never was able to do anything about all the speakers in a theater system so I'm not that sorry to see it go.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: stu on 11 Mar 2016, 03:03 am
Hi Rich. I sure would like to hear what those 6x12's would sound like connected to my LS-9'S! Why don't you bring them down to Atlanta and we can hook them up. Would be fun. Let me know when you will be here.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 11 Mar 2016, 03:23 am
Mark,
Just need a small moving truck and lots of folks to do it.  Maybe some day.

Chris has the idea that he needs his MS-1 running a dspMusik 2x8 digital crossover for his LS-9's.  That should get interesting.

Rich
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: THROWBACK on 11 Mar 2016, 03:57 am
Six 12" servos with LS-9s. That's what I have and I love the combo. I believe I am source limited now, and I have stopped looking for improvements. Well, almost. I still look for tweaks. My last one was the Herbie's Audio Lab turntable mat. I am amazed at how much that opened things up.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: S Clark on 11 Mar 2016, 04:08 am
Six 12" servos with LS-9s. That's what I have and I love the combo. I believe I am source limited now, and I have stopped looking for improvements. Well, almost. I still look for tweaks. My last one was the Herbie's Audio Lab turntable mat. I am amazed at how much that opened things up.
Are the LS9 woofers running full lower register, or did you modify the crossover to have them cut off before getting in the lowest range?
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: THROWBACK on 11 Mar 2016, 01:42 pm
I'm running the LS9's full range.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: KLH007 on 11 Mar 2016, 02:44 pm
CC, I'll be getting a chance to hear a 2x6 12" OB setup at Rich Hollis' (HAL) place later in the spring. I'm planning on RMAF this October, I'll see and meet you there.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: oneartist on 11 Mar 2016, 05:33 pm

The MS-3 and dspMusik 2x8 combo is $2299.00 + shipping in the US.

Do you have any pics? It's nice to see things along with specs. I've been planning to build a new audio computer recently and I've been noticing how the micro processors and flash drives are quickly developing.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 11 Mar 2016, 07:09 pm
Here are front and back pictures of the MS-3 chassis.  Size is 9" x 9" x 2.75" not including the WiFi antenna.

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=138858)

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=138859)
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: jtwrace on 11 Mar 2016, 07:18 pm
Is the dspMusik built into the MS-3 or a standalone? 
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 11 Mar 2016, 07:22 pm
The dspMusik is stand alone. 

It requires a PC to load the DSP program, so why it is bundled with the MS-3 Music Server.

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=138860)

Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: jtwrace on 11 Mar 2016, 07:35 pm
Ah, OK.  Makes more sense now.  What's the back side of the dsp look like?  So the PC has to be running that loads the program...it will not run as a 100% standalone unit? 
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 11 Mar 2016, 09:34 pm
The dspMusik can be used in two modes.

1) With the PC to load code and change it on the fly.

2) Burn the flash memory so that it is stand alone.  No more modifications.  Just then needs a PC USB ASIO driver or ASIO connection over USB for MAC.

The rear of the dspMusik.  Ten TRS connectors for D/A and A/D connections, USB and S/PDIF inputs.

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=138869)
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 15 Mar 2016, 11:43 pm
Now that the 6x12 H-Frame servo sub arrays are working, time for some line array ideas to work with the dspMusik digital crossover.

Servo subs with the BG planars:

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=139194)

FPS planar line array starting build.  Each driver will have it's own balanced input amp module to drive it.

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=139197)
 
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 16 Mar 2016, 12:13 pm
ACHiPo and orientalexpress have their MS-3 Music Servers running Windows 8.1 and Windows 10. 

Hope they will post some observations when they have some time.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: ACHiPo on 16 Mar 2016, 12:51 pm
ACHiPo and orientalexpress have their MS-3 Music Servers running Windows 8.1 and Windows 10. 

Hope they will post some observations when they have some time.
What plays through the MS-3 sounds great (I'm on Win8.1), and it's running much faster since Rich worked his magic.  Unfortunately I'm still having network issues that limit the accessibility of the the content (I can "see" the MS-3 on my network, but haven't had the time to figure out how to get the HAL onto my Homegroup).  One curious thing is that even though my DAC (Gustard X20U) handles native DSD, when I feed it an ISO file from the MS-3 it displays PCM, which suggests I still don't have Foobar2000 output set up right.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 16 Mar 2016, 01:13 pm
orientalexpress has the same DAC.  He had to download a different USB driver than I found to use it with DSD.

You might talk to him for some ideas.

The Homegroup is probably not setup at this point.  It is in Control Panel -> Network and Internet -> Homegroup.  Check your Homegroup password on your other machine and use the same one for the MS-3. 

Also make sure Foobar2000 has the IPv4 xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx address in the HTTP control setting for remote webpage control.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: orientalexpress on 16 Mar 2016, 01:20 pm
ACHiPo and orientalexpress have their MS-3 Music Servers running Windows 8.1 and Windows 10. 

Hope they will post some observations when they have some time.
i love the sound of MS3,It's play ISO files and DSD on the fly.But ,i couldn't get The Ipad monkeymote to controll the MS3,i try disable firewall,i try to put in ISP manually.tonight my IT friend going to give it try to get this remote to work.but i love the MS3 sound  :thumb: :thumb: :thumb:

lap
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 16 Mar 2016, 01:27 pm
Lap,
Glad you like the MS-3 sound quality!

Hope your IT friends gets your remote working.

Best,
Rich
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: ACHiPo on 17 Mar 2016, 03:57 am
orientalexpress has the same DAC.  He had to download a different USB driver than I found to use it with DSD.

You might talk to him for some ideas.

The Homegroup is probably not setup at this point.  It is in Control Panel -> Network and Internet -> Homegroup.  Check your Homegroup password on your other machine and use the same one for the MS-3. 

Also make sure Foobar2000 has the IPv4 xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx address in the HTTP control setting for remote webpage control.
Rich,
Thanks for the tips.  Progress is slow cuz I hate computer stuff.  I'm groovin' on the MS3 and Gustard combination, just wish the whole network thing was more intuitive.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 17 Mar 2016, 12:10 pm
ACHiPo,
Glad to hear the MS-3 is sounding good with the Gustard DAC. 

Hope the networking issue is simple.  Keep me posted on what you find.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: ACHiPo on 17 Mar 2016, 01:14 pm
ACHiPo,
Glad to hear the MS-3 is sounding good with the Gustard DAC. 

Hope the networking issue is simple.  Keep me posted on what you find.
Rich,
Thanks.  I'll keep you posted.  At this point I'm happy with being able to get albums transferred between the 2 5TB HDDs on the MS3 and my Aurender, but ultimately want to free up the Aurender so I can sell it to fund other stuff.

AC
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: orientalexpress on 17 Mar 2016, 02:35 pm
i finally have monkey mote to work with MS3,first I have to download the plugin to MS3 and Make sure the MS3 is on the same network wirless,make sure the network port forwarding accepting the Port # of the remote and manual put in the ip# on the remote and Viola the remote look exactly on the MS3 screen :thumb:
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 17 Mar 2016, 03:17 pm
Lap,
Great to hear it is working with your remote. 

Good info for anyone else giving it a try.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 17 Mar 2016, 04:50 pm
Love it, iDevices running a PC Music server for great sound!   :thumb:

Next up, lots of ChipAmps are built for the line array ideas. 
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 18 Mar 2016, 10:50 pm
Running the trial version of Dirac Live for stereo on the MS-3 with the dspMusik running the crossover and very good results so far.

Will be testing it until the trial version runs out to see how it does.

Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: oneartist on 19 Mar 2016, 12:24 am
Great news. I'm cheering from California.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: KLH007 on 19 Mar 2016, 12:36 am
I'm also curious about Dirac Live/MS-3 combo, is it an improvement in speaker/room interaction? I'm sure Rich will let us know his reactions.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 19 Mar 2016, 03:27 am
When running Dirac Live, the large level change makes it hard to compare the original and flattened curves. 

The target response curve that they are shooting for is rolled off across the frequency range for the on axis response that it measures.  It sounds to rolled off to me.  It can be modified by the user, so possibly flattening out the target response curve will improve the response for me.

Problem is can it be done before the 14 day trial time is up.  After that it is $440 for the license.  We shall see.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: oneartist on 19 Mar 2016, 08:36 am
Hi Rich,

I looked a few links that may be helpful.

uhttp://www.whatsbestforum.com/showthread.php?15454-Dirac-live-vs-Acourate-vs-Audiolense/page6

http://www.alanjordan.org/DRCDesigner/DrcDesignerHelp.html

http://www.aes.org/e-lib/browse.cfm?elib=17839

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2zEKoJAKFbMp
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 19 Mar 2016, 12:20 pm
Interesting links.  Thanks for posting them.

The impulse response inversion technique has been done a few times.  Comparing the old Perpetual Technologies SOCS method of just correcting the speaker and the Dirac Live room and speaker is interesting, the SOCS method corrected to a flat response for the speaker and the Dirac Live corrects to a sloping response for the speaker-room system.  The latter is supposed to be the preferred in-room frequency response after room interactions.  Of the two, I prefer the old SOCS method so far. 

One thing about the Dirac Live method is that it does three measurements, left, right and both channels for the correction process.  The mic can only be pointing in one direction for all measurements.  If it would let you move the mic between measurements, you could try both correction methods and see which is preferred. 

The good news is that Dirac Live uses the Dayton Audio UMM-6 USB calibrated mic I already have.  Did not need to get another one, even though they recommend the UMIK-1 USB calibrated mic.  One thing I found is not to use a USB2 hub with the mic.  Had data stop a few times during the measurement process.

Will be interesting reading Floyd Toole's paper.  Don Keele's CBT paper is interesting as well for line array acoustics.

https://www.jblpro.com/ProductAttachments/CBT_Tech_Note_Vol1No35_091007.pdf

More experiments to come.

Edit:
See that the DRC Designer is a free one that works with Foobar2000 with the convolver component.  Will take a look at the process.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: oneartist on 19 Mar 2016, 04:01 pm
I was reading a little of DRC Designer but I didn't want to present an overload. Retirement is interesting. The things we were interested in while we were working were never fully developed due to time restraints. Retirement is rich in time and provides opportunities to dig a little deeper into things we were always interested in. A time to get it right - to do a copacetic job. I hope your digging turns up some gems.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 19 Mar 2016, 05:54 pm
Yes, retired June 2013 and never looked back.  Now time for some cool audio projects.

Here is another room/speaker correction package as well:

http://mathaudio.com/

Works with Foobar2000 as well.

Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: oneartist on 19 Mar 2016, 08:56 pm
If you read through the user comments at mathaudio, there is some very expensive gear and the comments are all very good. This may be a winner.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 19 Mar 2016, 09:23 pm
Have one more MS-3 hardware set here to build before I have to buy more and that takes a few weeks. 

Next customer will get short wait time for a system.   :D



Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 21 Mar 2016, 04:00 pm
The demo MS-3 and dspMusik system are on the way for trials with LS-9 speakers.  The customer has MS-1 Music Server's in his setup running Windows 7 so he will get to compare it to Windows 10 running on the MS-3 and dspMusik as a DAC to start. 

All the modified ChipAmp modules for the open baffle line array idea using the FPS drivers are completed. 

Now waiting on a friend to help me with the woodworking to make the baffles.  Then just have to mount them and wire them to the amps. 

Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 22 Mar 2016, 11:53 pm
First part of the open baffle line array for the FPS planar drivers is done. 

Now to add horizontal stringers and the side wings. 

Eight modified ChipAmp's ready to try with the MS-3 and dspMusik.

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=139684)
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: KLH007 on 23 Mar 2016, 01:44 am
Rich, How many planar drivers, and how many inches long will the line source be? Will the wings be curved?
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 23 Mar 2016, 03:04 am
The line array will have 10 FPS drivers per side when completed.  The line of drivers is 62.5" long with the baffle at 72" long.

The wing will be flat and at a 100 degree angle from the front baffle.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: KLH007 on 23 Mar 2016, 01:26 pm
I'm really looking forward to hearing these speakers this Spring/Summer.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 23 Mar 2016, 01:30 pm
Fun part is that the open baffle NEO3/NEO10 speaker sounds really good as well with the dspMusik and MS-3 system.  Will have both in my room for listening.

Hope to have the last part of the wood cutting done Friday, then start the glue-up and wiring.  Measurements after that to do the digital crossover and ready to play. 
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 24 Mar 2016, 07:37 pm
Lots of soldering and wiring to get the ChipAmp modules for the line array's built and working.  Fourteen channels built and most tested.

Cutting the final wood stringers to finish the baffles Friday.

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=139803)

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=139804)
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 25 Mar 2016, 06:08 pm
Oak stringers cut and ready to glue to the baffle to mount the FPS planar drivers.

Next drill the holes to mount the drivers, add the wings and wire up the drivers.

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=139869)
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 25 Mar 2016, 08:29 pm
KLH007 now has his demo MS-3 playing music with his USB DAC. 

Looking forward to his observations.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: KLH007 on 25 Mar 2016, 09:11 pm
Rich, I am loving the convenience, selection, and sound! The MS-3 will have me listening to more music for sure.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 25 Mar 2016, 09:24 pm
Glad to hear it!

I really try to make it simple to get to playing music!

Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 29 Mar 2016, 11:14 am
Have 20 of the modified ChipAmps built and tested for the open baffle line array.   

Will be gluing the baffle stringers and mounting the FPS drivers next. 

Have the parameters for the beamforming idea for the dspMusik digital crossover programmed and ready.

First step is 4 drivers per side and see what results I can obtain.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 30 Mar 2016, 01:35 pm
Have an Audiomatica CLIO 8 system ready to make measurements on the LS-9 crossovers at Forest Dwellers to make the dspMusik digital crossover design from the original.  The PC laptop is running the CLIO 8 software and the system is calibrated. 

The process is simple if the passive crossover is external to the speaker.  That is in process for his pair of LS-9's.

Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: oneartist on 30 Mar 2016, 05:04 pm
Have 20 of the modified ChipAmps built and tested for the open baffle line array.   

Will be gluing the baffle stringers and mounting the FPS drivers next. 

Have the parameters for the beamforming idea for the dspMusik digital crossover programmed and ready.

First step is 4 drivers per side and see what results I can obtain.
I

I will be interested to see how you mount all the ChipAmps and drivers. Have you made any progress on the dirac live type room control software?

Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 30 Mar 2016, 06:10 pm
The amps will probably go in a chassis external to the speaker, or possibly use as the base.

The Dirac Live software has expired, so no more experiments.   Will be trying Math Audio and DRC instead.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 31 Mar 2016, 01:07 am
Have a prototype of the dspMusik digital crossover for the Magnepan MG3.6 speakers running.  Had an enquiry about it, so did one from the manual's specifications. 

The MG3.6 is a three way planar, but only requires a two way crossover for the way it is actively biamped.

Many years ago had the passive external crossover for biamping my MGIIB's with a pair of Hafler DH220 and later ADCOM GFA-555 amps.  With a little EQ from my Hafler DH160 EQ, sounded pretty good to me.  Can do that so much better now with the dspMusik.

Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 31 Mar 2016, 02:39 pm
For folks wondering about the dspMusik HiRez DAC sound quality, if you ever heard the Dodd USB DAC that Gary built at RMAF or other place, this is a very similar design.  I helped Gary with the digital part of the design and he did the analog section.   

Danville Signal had the same DAC ideas and implemented something very close in the dspMusik for all 8 output channels.

Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 2 Apr 2016, 08:40 pm
Stopped by klh007's today to get his remote capability for Foobar2000 working.  Also lent him a UMM-6 calibrated MIC so he can use Room EQ Wizard for measurements.  He was up and running when I left.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: KLH007 on 2 Apr 2016, 09:15 pm
Thanks Rich for getting me setup to control Foobar with my laptop, it sure is nice having easy access to my music. Now I'm searching for a NAS drive with ethernet connectivity to add storage.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 2 Apr 2016, 11:03 pm
Glad to help!

Just make sure the NAS has Gigabit Ethernet capability.  That is the speed of the MS-3 Ethernet connection and as fast as it will go. 
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 3 Apr 2016, 07:34 pm
The glue for baffle #1 stringers is drying. After about 30 minutes will start baffle #2 stringers glue work.

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=140376)
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 4 Apr 2016, 01:25 am
Front baffles completed and glue drying overnight.

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=140415)
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 4 Apr 2016, 02:13 am
Finally figure I better give this open baffle line array a name.

Lets call it the Pulsing Quasar by HAL. 
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 4 Apr 2016, 09:38 am
Test fitting the FPS planar drivers after the glue dried overnight.  A bit of sanding and then time to drill a lot of holes to mount the drivers.

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=140442)
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 4 Apr 2016, 10:47 am
Interesting article from the latest Parts Express Sound Solutions magazine.  Don Keele has an article on the CBT array's and shows models of the pressure response of various speaker styles above a ground plane.  Shows some pretty good reasons you want to use beamforming for line arrays.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 4 Apr 2016, 01:47 pm
Since we need speaker cable to wire up the line array, here is 500' of DIY 14awg stranded speaker cable.

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=140452)
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 4 Apr 2016, 03:32 pm
Side wing attachment beginning.

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=140457)
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 5 Apr 2016, 04:58 pm
The THHN 14awg stranded wire will not lay flat for cables.  Have Belden 1309A on order to replace it.

More FPS drivers will be here tomorrow to install and wire-up once the Belden cable arrives.

Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: *Scotty* on 5 Apr 2016, 05:37 pm
Rich you might like 12ga. instead of 14ga. due to it's superior bass and focus in the sound-stage.
Scotty
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 5 Apr 2016, 05:42 pm
*Scotty*,
The planars only go down to 125Hz, so not much in the way of bass response. 

The servo subs are wired with the THHN 14awg stranded and have plenty of bass response!  :)
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 10 Apr 2016, 02:30 pm
Any of the MS-3 owners that want to post their listening impressions, please post them in this thread. 

Always fun for me to read about impressions and possible ideas for improvements.  I will put the other discussions about the speakers in the new thread instead.

Here is the thread where the DIY open baffle speakers are now posting:

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=142150.0 (http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=142150.0)
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 12 Apr 2016, 07:50 pm
On the MS-3 side, tried it with the Meridian Explorer2 MQA enabled DAC using Foobar2000 as a player.

I recommend downloading the free MQA encoded files from 2L and giving them a listen.  The recordings that they have remastered with MQA sound very good to me. 

The download costs are about the same as other HiRez websites, so I did buy some of the full recordings with very good results, even without the decoder.

Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: *Scotty* on 12 Apr 2016, 09:44 pm
While I have a MS-2 PC Music server, Rich has said that it is substantially the same as the MS-3. Both servers have the same design goals. The MS-2 is responsible for my digital playback having the same type of 3 dimensional sound-staging and holographic imaging that I have with spinning vinyl. Playback of music files using my Toshiba I7 quad-core laptop results in a much flatter sound stage, basically concentrated on the front wall of the listening room. The laptop also imparts a hardness in the midrange that is hard to live with.
 I imagine changing over to a MS-3 from a laptop should yield similar gains in sound quality and Rich's product support is outstanding.
Scotty
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 13 Apr 2016, 12:57 am
Scotty,
Thanks for the listening impressions write-up!

You are correct in that the MS-2 and MS-3 sound identical to me.  Sadly the MS-2 motherboard was no longer available.

Glad it has worked out in your system and makes music!
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 13 Apr 2016, 08:51 pm
Since folks are asking about room correction software, will be giving Math Audio a try.  It is free for Foobar2000 users.

http://mathaudio.com (http://mathaudio.com)

Just downloaded the file and will be installing it as part of the Pulsing Quasar speaker project.

Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: oneartist on 13 Apr 2016, 09:20 pm
Thanks. I'll be looking forward to your findings. I'm impressed that you can multitask with a new speaker kit and room processing all at the same time.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 14 Apr 2016, 12:56 am
For the LS-9 crossover measurements, here is the Dayton Audio ADA100 stereo power amp that will driver the passive crossover with Pocket CLIO as the measurement system. 

The unit has 60wpc and 5-way binding posts to make it easy to connect to raw wiring of an external passive crossover for measurements. 

As noted by others, it is important to have the speaker driver load on the passive crossover to get the correct frequency response plot to emulate digitally.

Will setup the measurement suite with a passive crossover to demonstrate the technique.

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=141116)
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 15 Apr 2016, 10:03 am
The Pocket CLIO measurement system is working and made it's first passive crossover measurement.  Wrote an instruction guide to go with it, so the user can get the measurements needed to create a digital crossover from the original passive crossover in the speaker.

Will be packing the system up and shipping it to the LS-9 owner to do the measurements on his speakers.

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=141240)
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: Hugh on 15 Apr 2016, 04:28 pm
Rich,

Would you like to join us at THE Show Newport?

Hugh
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 15 Apr 2016, 04:30 pm
Hugh,
The wife has booked me for something else at the same time.

Thanks for the offer!
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: Hugh on 15 Apr 2016, 04:33 pm
Ah,

Next time then. :)

Hugh,
The wife has booked me for something else at the same time.

Thanks for the offer!
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 27 Apr 2016, 11:05 am
For PC based Music Servers, the MS-3 is a totally fanless and no moving parts solution to noise in the listening room.  The only time a mechanical system is running is when the DVD player is in operation for ripping discs.  Other than that it is totally solid state.

Another thing the PC platform also gives is the capability to add software like room and speaker correction and different music players that typically the streamer systems do not.  The system can also add capability over time as new audio ideas surface.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 1 May 2016, 10:59 am
For anyone wanting a larger library storage option, the MS-3 can be built with either a 1TB or 2TB internal SSD drive.  The prices are now very reasonable for both.

The MS-3 with a 1TB SSD is $1299.00, with a 2TB SSD is $2000.00 plus shipping.  The first 1TB unit was shipped last year with very good feedback from the owner. 

This makes a totally silent Music Server that can be in the system with a short USB cables to drive the external DAC into the audio system. 

A remote NAS can be connected by either Ethernet or WiFi to the system for larger storage needs.

The new MS-3 setups of Foobar2000 will be adding the Math Audio Room EQ capability.  This way customers can try it in their own systems and see the capability and sound quality. 
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 6 May 2016, 11:47 am
For anyone wanting an excellent sounding small setup, the $299 Meridian Audio Explorer2 USB DAC and the MS-3 with the latest MQA decoding firmware sounds excellent.  It has both headphone and line level outputs.  Used it with my iFi iCan headphone amp and HiFiMan HE500's with excellent sounding results.  This DAC uses my preferred minimum phase filtering instead of linear phase filters. 

Have listened to many of the 2L MQA sample tracks and they sound excellent over the system.  This will also let you decode MQA from TIDAL streaming audio on the HiFi channel. 

After discussions with Math Audio, Room EQ will now be a standard component added to Foobar2000 for room and speaker correction.  Anyone with a MS-1, MS-2 or MS-3, I highly recommend giving this a try.  It needs a calibrated mic with calibration file, so there are a few options.  The easiest to me is the Dayton Audio UMM-6 USB mic since it is plug and play with Windows 7, 8.1 or 10.  Cost is under $90 from Parts Express. 

Here is the link for anyone interested in giving it a try.

http://mathaudio.com/room-eq.htm (http://mathaudio.com/room-eq.htm)
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 6 May 2016, 12:09 pm
For those with a headphone setup, MathAudio also makes Headphone EQ. 

This allows compensation like Room EQ for headphones.  It is also a component for Foobar2000.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 9 May 2016, 12:44 pm
First new HAL MS-3 with the latest version of Foobar2000 and MathAudio Room EQ is complete.  Only thing needed is a calibrated microphone setup.  I recommend the Dayton Audio UMM-6 calibrated USB mic for the system.  Once you have the mic you go to the Dayton Audio website and download the calibration file for your serial number.  The instructions for installing the calibration file are on the MathAudio website and are very simple to follow.

Looking forward to feedback on this one when it is purchased.  The stock HAL MS-3 is still $799.00 + shipping.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: Odal3 on 9 May 2016, 03:45 pm
Fyi: There are some places offering 3rd party professionally calibrated files. I got my umik-1 from cross spectrum labs. For the in the room measurements I do, the slightly better accuracy (if any) probably doesn't matter much but it didn't cost much more. They sell the dayton mics as well. I read somewhere where Herb compared both of the mics and stated that the noise floor of the Umik was slightly better but can't find those posts. Anyways, both the Umik and the umm-6 are of excellent values imho.

http://cross-spectrum.com

Here's an old blog post comparing the factory calibration with the one by cross spectrum. http://seriousaudioblog.blogspot.com/2012/04/should-you-get-your-measurement.html?m=1
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 9 May 2016, 04:19 pm
Thanks for the feedback.  Would be interesting to compare the original and new calibration files. 
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 26 May 2016, 07:29 pm
Just setup a new MS-3 Music Server for a friend to demo. 

Will be interested in the feedback on the Windows 10 OS in a setup that normally runs an MS-1 with Windows 7 OS.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 31 May 2016, 02:57 am
The MS-3 demo went well and answering questions about operation at this point. 

Sent an updated LS-9 crossover file to the demo for trials.  Updated the maximum volume level to 100 percent.  Comments so far on just the crossover have been very positive. 

The next step is to run MathAudio Room EQ for speaker and room correction.  Sent simplified instructions to follow that worked well for a stereo seat measurement.

Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 31 May 2016, 11:08 am
The updated LS-9 dspMusik crossover is up and running.  He is taking lots of notes on the sound to post once completed.  No woofer EQ like the original at this point, until measurements are made. 

Next step will be doing the measurements for MathAudio Room EQ and listen again with the correction running for changes.  It was not subtle here when I tried it, and did very well with the FPS drivers.

My last instock HAL MS-3 and dspMusik setup are now spoken for.  All new purchases will have at least a 2 week lead time for MS-3's and TBD for dspMusik's. 
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 31 May 2016, 11:22 pm
The next batch of dspMusik units should be available at the end of July.  Will keep everyone posted as I know more.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 7 Jun 2016, 11:45 pm
Picked up the HAL MS-3 Music Server today to get ready for CAF2016 in Rockville, MD 8-10 July, 2016.  Updates and MathAudio Room EQ installed to try in the room.

Hope to see folks there to demo the HAL MS-3 and dspMusik with the GT Audioworks planar/ribbon hybrid speakers.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 21 Jun 2016, 02:42 am
Replacing the first DVD drive in a MS-2 or MS-3 to die in use out of warranty.   The user chose to do the replacement, so the replacement will be directly shipped to him.

The HAL MS-3 for CAF2016 is ready. 
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 4 Jul 2016, 01:05 am
The MS-3 Music Server replacement DVD drive arrived and the system is back to ripping discs again. 

Hope everyone has a great 4th of July weekend!
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 5 Jul 2016, 11:56 am
Just did a fun calculation about passive crossover costs.  Since folks seem to think Duelund make the best sounding passive components, did a cost estimate for a two way passive crossover based on the LS-9 design.

With all Duelund Cast copper caps, inductors and graphite resistors the total for a two channel crossover was $83,178.00.

Since the HAL MS-3 and dspMusik system costs $2299.00 + shipping, you save enough to by a Corvette, and will compete directly in sound quality with it.  Glad I moved into the 21st century for digital crossover designs. 
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 6 Jul 2016, 11:23 am
The Windows 10 free upgrade offer is good until 29 July, so 23 days to go.  I would suggest making the decision early as download and install times are now about 4-6 hours. 

The MS-1 through MS-3 will all run Windows 10 64bit OS with no issues.  The MS-1 upgrade can be a little longer since it is Windows 7, where the MS-2 or MS-3 are Windows 8.1.  Have done two MS-1's now with very good results.  All the MS-2's and MS-3's here have been upgraded to Windows 10.  I just like the UI more than Windows 8.1.

The benefit for the MS-1's is that Windows 10 sounds better than Windows 7, so it is also a sound quality increase as well.

Anyone on the fence about this should make your final decision soon.  The upgrade price that I have heard after 29 July is $99.00 per machine. 

I still offer tech support on all the MS-1 through MS-3 that I have built.  I can help if needed, just let me know.  Will be doing that after return from CAF for one customer that is dropping it off at the show for the upgrade.

Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 6 Jul 2016, 10:44 pm
Just received an order for an MS-3 with a 1TB SSD to have the library internal to the system.  Will be building it after the 1TB SSD arrives for the customer.

The wait now for MS-3's will be 2 weeks from order.  All new system parts have to be ordered and with build takes that time.

Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 11 Jul 2016, 09:59 pm
Built martinr's MS-3 with the 1TB SSD and it is running.  Will be loading Windows 10, updates and the other software over the next two days.

 
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: martinr on 12 Jul 2016, 12:09 am
Built martinr's MS-3 with the 1TB SSD and it is running.  Will be loading Windows 10, updates and the other software over the next two days.

Thanks Rich, you are working quickly after CAF...I appreciate it!

- Martin
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 13 Jul 2016, 02:55 am
The MS-3 has all the software and Gustard X20u USB driver loaded and doing it's final 24 hour run check before packing to ship to Martin.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 13 Jul 2016, 05:02 pm
Forest Dwellers MS-1 has been updated to Windows 10 and Audio Weaver is installed to run his dspMusik for his LS-9's.  Boxed up and ready to ship.

martinr's MS-3 with the 1TB SSD running Windows 10 is finished and boxed up ready to ship.  USPS run after they reopen after lunch.  It is a small office!

Next, updating an MS-2 with Windows 10. 

Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 16 Jul 2016, 12:28 am
martinr has his MS-3 Music Server and looking for feedback after he gets a chance to set it up.

Forest Dweller should have his MS-1 running Windows 10, Audio Weaver and MathAudio Room EQ once he can pick it up.

The demo MS-3 will be coming back after his comparison to his MS-1 machine.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 1 Aug 2016, 05:17 pm
The next update to Windows 10 OS starts tomorrow.

If you have things loaded on your MS-1, MS-2 or MS-3, today is a great day to do a backup!  You never know when there is a big push of software to everyone and there is no way to stop the process, it is part of how Win10 is designed.

Hope everyone is ready as it is time again to delve into the future.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: *Scotty* on 1 Aug 2016, 05:43 pm
This will be fun. Let's hope they don't greatly increase the operating system's footprint and resource requirements over its current configuration.
Scotty
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: martinr on 1 Aug 2016, 11:20 pm
martinr has his MS-3 Music Server and looking for feedback after he gets a chance to set it up.

Forest Dweller should have his MS-1 running Windows 10, Audio Weaver and MathAudio Room EQ once he can pick it up.

The demo MS-3 will be coming back after his comparison to his MS-1 machine.

So far I have burned approximately 80 Redbook (and 1 HDCD) discs to the server.  The server has worked flawlessly.  I have over 200 hours of playing time on it so I feel it is well broken in....if any of you have considered taking the leap from a disc spinner to digital music I highly recommend Rich's server.  Although I still have a way to go to complete the transfer (rip) of my 600 redbook CDs to the server, making this transition to a music server with the MS-3 has been relatively simple.  In my case Rich loaded the Gustard X20 Dac software for me and loaded foobar, exact audio copy and the sound processing program (which I have not yet used).  So the dac was configured and ready to start ripping discs to without any manipulation on my part.  Getting the Gustard dac to read DSD 128 from foobar took me a couple of tries at the foobar settings but rich had installed the foo-asio plug in, I just had to set up foobar correctly for use with my Dac and driver.  Basically this has been a very smooth transition from redbook to digital.  My system has never sounded better.  I feel I have a high end digital sound stage when playing old or new music.  I haven't compared the sound of the MS-3 to other servers so I can't compare but I can tell you for the money I spent on the server with a 1TB hard drive fully configured to support my Dac I don't think I could have gotten a better deal anywhere.  (And I haven't used the sound correction software yet,....am waiting for the microphone via Amazon).  So thank you Rich for assembling a fine product and helping digital novices like me get into high-res digital.  This has been a huge leap in sound quality for me.  The detail I get from this front end is at times jaw dropping.  On a final note, Rich has responded immediately whenever I have a question.  If you are considering purchasing a server, keep the MS-3 on your list to try.

 :thumb:
- Martin
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 2 Aug 2016, 01:19 am
martinr,
Glad you are enjoying the MS-3 with the Gustard X20u DAC.  Your comments are very much my observation and that of all the other MS-1 thru MS-3 owners I have talked to.  I never met a CD player or CD Transport and DAC that sounded this good. 

Thanks!
Rich
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 3 Aug 2016, 01:36 am
Interestingly, I tried to force the Windows 10 Anniversary update on my MS-2 and it would not go to the site to do the download via update manager.

Will be watching for when it actually does the Anniversary update.

Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: Phil A on 3 Aug 2016, 04:10 am
I just added some files to my MS-2 and MS-3 and also did some file re-tagging on the MS-2.  Neither machine prompted me for updates.  On other updates, they did not seem to happen (did not pay tons of attention) on the same day for whatever reason.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: martinr on 7 Aug 2016, 02:00 am
I forgot to mention...how much fun I am having converting all of my redbook CD's to high res DSD 128!...I love this server!  I have it attached to my home group so I can read and write files from all three computers in my house....just great!   :D
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 9 Aug 2016, 03:36 pm
martinr,
I am glad that the MS-3 is working out for the music library! 

Just did my MS-3 demo system with Windows 10 Anniversary update.  Will see how all the software works after the change.  So far only a few UI changes in look and no problems with the update process. 

Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 8 Oct 2016, 03:06 pm
For anyone wanting just to play a music CD in Foobar2000, just go to File -> Open audio CD and there is a window that allows you to play the CD directly from the drive. 

This allows the internal DVD drive in the MS-3 to be used directly when folks just want to play single tracks or the entire CD.  The track list will come up and the user can play any or all of them from the display. 

This was used for CD playback at CAF2016 for folks bringing demo discs.  Foobar2000 buffers the track before playback.

Folks bringing USB drives, just had to plug them in to access the music files.

 
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 6 Apr 2017, 01:34 am
Building an HAL MS-3 Music Server for satfrat.

System built and software install started.  Will be watching for the latest Windows 10 update April 11 to make sure it is stable with the system before shipping.   
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: S Clark on 6 Apr 2017, 02:31 am
Building an HAL MS-3 Music Server for satfrat.

System built and software install started.  Will be watching for the latest Windows 10 update April 11 to make sure it is stable with the system before shipping.
Robin and I have been talking for a good while about the HAL Magical Music Machines.  He's going to be very happy with his purchase.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 6 Apr 2017, 02:36 am
Scott,
Thanks for the good word as always.  Much appreciated!

Best,
Rich
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 10 Apr 2017, 08:39 pm
The HAL MS-3 for satfrat is on the way.  Looking forward to his listening observations.

Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 12 Apr 2017, 10:13 pm
satfrat received his HAL MS-3 Music Server today.

Will be looking forward to his feedback once he has it integrated into his system.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 24 Apr 2017, 01:40 am
satfrat has his MS-3 up and running with his hard drive library and DAC.  He is a happy customer from his comments.

Always good to hear from a customer happy with the system!
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 17 Jun 2018, 02:09 am
Posting some pictures and specs of the HAL MS-3 Music Server chassis.

(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=181526)

(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=181527)

Intel Atom N2600 dual core processor with Intel graphics and chipset
Use of mSATA 60GB SSD drive
8GB of DDR3 memory
Internal DVD drive for ripping CD's to an external user drive
Internal 802.11N WiFi
Gigabit Ethernet connection
HDMI and SVGA video connections
5-USB2 connectors
Foobar2000 preloaded
Exact Audio Copy preloaded
Fanless system
All aluminum chassis with black brushed anodized finish
Windows 10 OS


Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 23 Aug 2018, 07:15 pm
Nick just picked up his new HAL MS-3 Music Server moded with an eSATA port in the rear to use with external drives.  This replaces the internal DVD drive connection. 

Last MS-3 chassis I had in stock. 

Looking forward to his comments.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 16 Jan 2019, 08:38 pm
Just shipped back Phil A's MS-3 after it had stopped working.  Just had to reseat the mSATA drive and it is back up and running.

Did the latest Windows 10 1803 OS update and good to go back making music.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: Phil A on 16 Jan 2019, 08:53 pm
Just shipped back Phil A's MS-3 after it had stopped working.  Just had to reseat the mSATA drive and it is back up and running.

Did the latest Windows 10 1803 OS update and good to go back making music.

Thanks so much Rich for your wonderful support.
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 23 Jan 2019, 04:19 pm
Phil A's MS-3 is back and running at his place making music.   :D
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 20 Jan 2020, 01:41 am
Got an MS-3 back that was not powering up for a customer.  After testing, the mSATA 60GB SSD drive was bad and preventing power up. 

Put in a new 120GB mSATA SSD and reloaded the OS and programs.  Everything now working correctly.  Will be heading back to its owner this week.

Keeping the music going!
Title: Re: HAL's MS-3 Music Server and dspMusik 6x8 DSP crossover and HiRez DAC's
Post by: HAL on 24 Jan 2020, 04:16 am
The HAL MS-3 is back with its owner and making music again.   

Keep the music flowing!