[schw06]

I was considering downloading audnirvana plus and am currently using Pure Music on my Mac Mini. Before potentially dealing with hassles of proper setup with new software, I'm curious to see people's opinions of the software compared to Pure Music.
David

[Crimson]

It's somewhat of a subjective matter, coupled with system synergy. As long as your Mini is optimized for playback, there shouldn't be any setup hassles. Download the 15 day free trial and listen for yourself.

[setamp]

In my setup, A+ sounded significantly better and was easier to use. YMMV

[coverto]

I made the move a couple of months ago and haven't looked back. However, I agree this is often system-specific and you should try for yourself - downloading it up and setting it up is no big hassle - takes a couple of minutes.

Pure Music is nice and I prefer it to Amarra, but in my system it gives a sound that, while smooth, is maybe a bit overly smooth and rounded. At the same time, I find that it is also more prone to glare than Audirvana.

I'm guessing this is partly because PM piggybacks on iTunes, a big, noisy software program, while Audirvana has a playlist mode that allows you to operate out of Finder. Of course, these playlists are a lot less convenient than using iTunes, which is something else to consider.

I am also told that PM causes a certain kind of amplitude distortion in the digital signal that skews the ones and zeroes in the opposite direction that Amarra does. The idea is that skewing the signal in one direction gives you the Amarra sound, while going the other gives you the PM sound.

Anyway, I'm guessing this is a simplification of things, but Audirvana, in my system, sounds a bit more transparent and neutral than either of the other two. Check it out and tell us what you hear. 

[wilsynet]

I gave up on Amarra a couple of years ago because it was too glitchy.  All software has bugs, but Amarra was a daily frustration.  I think I'm pretty good at recognizing whether something is early and going to get better or just started out wrong and is likely to stay that way.  Fast forward a couple of years and I see that Amarra has the same complaints from users that it always had.

I had been using PureMusic for the past 6 months and have generally liked it.  But the seemingly universally positive comments about Audirvana and Audirvana Plus suggested I take a look.  I'm glad I did, because I think it's pretty terrific.

The embedded Izotope SRC is highly customizable and hence you can make Audirvana Plus sound more like PureMusic or more like Amarra.  Out of the box, I recall that it sounds like something in between.  Just as importantly, Audirvana Plus is very stable with few meaningful glitches.

[timind]

Do these really "sound" better than itunes? I have my files ripped to AIFF using XLD to get accurate rips and think they sound pretty freakin good through itunes. Would I hear a difference? I know this is something I'll have to try myself but just for the record I have never heard a difference with power cord upgrades or the like.
I hate installing and getting used to new software unless it's super intuitive.

[setamp]

Audirvana Plus uses the itunes interface (if you select that option) so there is no learning curve.  IMHO is sounds significantly better at a very reasonable price.

[wilsynet]

I have also never heard a difference through a power cord, generally think that the sonic qualities of various cables is likely attributed to the power of suggestion, and a lot of so called audio magic is really snake oil.

But sample rate conversion, minimum phase apodizing filters, digital volume control via high quality dithering, etc. all have a basis in sound engineering principals.

[timind]

Think I'll download the trial version of Audirvana, if it can be played through itunes, and see how it works. It can take me two weeks just to figure it out
Worth a try.

[coverto]

Believe me - if you can figure out XLD rips, you can figure this out. XLD is waaayyy more intimidating than any of these programs, all of which give you the option to piggyback on iTunes. You'll be up and running in five minutes. 

[timind]

Believe me - if you can figure out XLD rips, you can figure this out. XLD is waaayyy more intimidating than any of these programs, all of which give you the option to piggyback on iTunes. You'll be up and running in five minutes. 

Good to hear. I just figured I was totally computer illiterate with XLD. Nothing intuitive there, fantastic application once you figure it out. Just don't use it for playback inless you're only listening to one song..

[wgscott]

I've only used the trial version of Pure Music, but have used Audirvana and Audirvana Plus since the beginning, and have helped with beta testing and stuff like that, so have gotten to know the developer.  He and his programs are first-rate.  If you have 10.6.8 still, and the option to use integer playback, that is an added feature (although I think Pure Music now offers that as well).  For me, the seamless integration with iTunes is the best feature, along with the simplicity of the interface.  It also sounds better to me that some of the other options that also do automatic sample frequency matching.

It is worth every penny.

[coverto]

Good to hear. I just figured I was totally computer illiterate with XLD. Nothing intuitive there, fantastic application once you figure it out. Just don't use it for playback inless you're only listening to one song..

Timind - keep me posted. I've decided it's my personal project to get you up and running with this, as it was your recent thread on XLD that finally helped me figure out how to negotiate that damn program... 

[simon wagstaff]

Perhaps not germane to the discussion but I tried the demo versions of audnirvana and pure music and settled on Decibel.

Decibel plays all the different file types including SHN and will use a memory mode to buffer the hard drive. I have never figured out itunes, don't use it, can just drag the files into the playlist on decibel and it sounds good to me.

[brother love]

Perhaps not germane to the discussion but I tried the demo versions of audnirvana and pure music and settled on Decibel.

Decibel plays all the different file types including SHN and will use a memory mode to buffer the hard drive. I have never figured out itunes, don't use it, can just drag the files into the playlist on decibel and it sounds good to me.

I researched players & chose Decibel. I tried Audirvana Plus trial version this past weekend. Both are excellent & very inexpensive for what you get. Decibel is a more stripped down player FWIW.

I keep my Hi-rez files in a separate folder/ sub-folders independent of iTunes (to  help w/ wife synching iPod music).  This eliminates conversion of downloaded hi-res tracks, which is a great bonus too.

[naggots]

I have A+ and Bitperfect 1.01.... both are great, Bitperfect is only $5 tho!

[morganc]

Do these really "sound" better than itunes? I have my files ripped to AIFF using XLD to get accurate rips and think they sound pretty freakin good through itunes. Would I hear a difference? I know this is something I'll have to try myself but just for the record I have never heard a difference with power cord upgrades or the like.
I hate installing and getting used to new software unless it's super intuitive.

Yes they sound noticeably better and so easy to demo and set up.  Audirvana is 5 minutes and no more to set up.   Pure Music might take 10!  Both have excellent demo periods. 

[ZLS]

    I have moved to Audnirvana plus from Pure Music, but I am encountering a problem in loading the license into my Computer. 
    I have the trial version; it works; but when i go to load the license I run into problems. 
    My applications window pops up but  I cannot access Aunnirvana plus. 
    It is very aggrevating to have purchased the license but to lack the ability to register it. 
    I find my computer keeps me very humble, which is a nice way of saying that it makes me feel like a f#@$ing idiot! 
     

[jMelvin]

I downloaded Audirvana Plus just 2 days ago to give it a try and paid for the license today. In my system it is a noticable improvement over Pure Music which I've used for about a year. I wonder, however, if the improvement I hear is simply a preference .. a matter of taste.

[wilsynet]

ZLS:  Not sure what the issue is ... Have you asked Audirvana for some kind of tech support?