I did it, and it’s fantastic!
Today I finally took the time to test Audivana software for Mac. From their Website…
http://audirvana.com/ “Audivana is the creator of high‐end audiophile players for the Mac platform, aiming at the best possible sound quality.”
From my initial research — now almost two months ago — my take is this is a software app that’s able to go right to the bits on the hard drive, and do it such that there’s much less Apple OS between the bits on the drive and your DAC. Someone more knowledgeable than I may want to add to this, but that’s my takeaway… and, all I really care about is how it sounds.
The cool thing is you can choose to have iTunes as your interface. So once I went through a couple minute install on my Macbook, I selected my Belina as the output and iTunes as the user interface (alternative being an interface provided by Audivana). That was it, it worked… no muss no fuss.
Currently I’m using their no-cost 15-day trial version. They didn’t even ask for contact info or a credit card. Purchase of the permanent license will set me back $74. After an hour session of before and after, I have no hesitation that this will be the best $74 I’ve ever spent on audio.
My Macbook is a few years old, running 10.6.8 with 4 GB RAM. My OS just squeaks over the bar for Audivana’s stated minimum, and I have double their recommended ram.
Macbook then feeds via USB my newly upgraded Isabellina, now called a Bellina Renaissance Edition with ProDac.
http://redwineaudio.com/components/bellinaAll of my listening was via the NOS DAC.
My Process
Knowing there would be a couple minute break between the before and after, I decided to focus on a single song for my critical listen. I choose “I’ve Got You Under My Skin,” off Diana Krall Live in Paris. This is a song I know and like, plus it has many instruments (including woodwinds) and other subtle textures / soundstage aspects I know by heart. It even has live audience applause at the end of the tune, something I love when testing, to evaluate three things: Detail, attack and room ambience (i.e. feeling the “size” of the room).
Since I only had one shot at this, and didn’t know how subtle the results might be, I actually listened to the tune four times prior to making the switch. With each listen I attempted to relax more, and put myself into the performance, listening for detail, tone, instrument placement, soundstage, etc.
This cut is especially tricky on some systems, because it begins with solo clarinet then flute. All backed by subtle vibes, a little guitar and good old Jeff Hamilton with very subtle brushes work. Back to the woodwinds… on many systems I’ve heard — even back when my own system was a Sig 30 driving Omega Compact Hemps (Omega’s last 8” driver prior to going to Alnico) — these instruments can sound hard, taking on an unnatural edge. Something long gone with the current rig.
After the intro, focus goes to vocals, standing front and center. Whether or not you are a fan of Krall, the vocals on this recording are hard to beat.
The Sound
So after my initial rounds without Audivana, then a quick software download, I’m back to the beginning of I’ve Got You Under My Skin, and all system settings remain untouched.
This was a case where I did not know what to expect. Vinnie gave the software a good plug — raising my expectations. But on the other hand, it’s just moving bits, and I don’t understand how software can change the sound when bits are bits.
So I thought this might be like A/B’ing interconnects or speaker wires. Maybe you hear a difference, but is it better or just different?
No doubt in my mind, the sound is better. And in every parameter I can think of.
After a couple rounds with my test tune, I jumped to another fave on the same album (Case of You), then moved onto a couple live Eagle tunes from Hell Freezes Over, and ended my session with Patricia Barber’s Night Club, a wonderful recording, with an excellent recording of acoustic bass in Autumn Leaves, and great cymbals / percussion and piano on “You Don’t Know Me”.
Having Audivana is like taking one good size step closer to the musicians in the original performance. More “there”. More detail. Even feels like the dynamics were a step up.
Of note, on DK I’ve Got You Under My Skin, there are times when Hamilton uses brushes on cymbals. More tone from the cymbal was apparent with Audivana. Same for listening to the audience as they clap (or cough)… just more real.
Can’t say there was anything like a shift in tone (not that I would have expected that), but there were times when the tone of a given instrument was more distinct, and again more lifelike.
Vocals were great, with an even stronger sense the singer was in my room.
And for the two cuts off Eagles Hell Freezes Over, both have deep bass content (“Hotel California” and “Wasted Time”). Both made me proud of what Louis has been able to do with his 8” Hemp driver in a sealed box via my single Omega Deep Hemp sub. Wow!
So in summary: For a good system and critical listening, is Audivana a good product? No doubt, and IMO an amazing benefit for the cost of casual dinner out.
Is it night and day? No, not that strong. I would say somewhat subtle, but if you know your system well, a very meaningful upgrade.
Highly recommended! Kent
