[jtwrace]

Anyone notice that it sounds better?  May be impossible but I think it does..

[baldrick]

iTunes sound quality depends on the playback method.  Is it though your Mac's analogue output port?  The optical digital out?  Through Airtunes via Airport Express, through apple TV?  Through Airport Express's digital or analogue ports?  You'll need to be more specific as there are many variables here.
It's quite possible that iTunes 9.1.1 better utilizes your system resources resulting in less dropouts or better data stream integrity, but if other devices are employed they may mask or obscure sound quality gains, or they themselves may be responsible for the sound quality improvement via firmware update or better connection methods.
Even a nearby fluorescent fixture will negatively affect sound quality, probably more so than a software update.

[jtwrace]

iTunes sound quality depends on the playback method.  Is it though your Mac's analogue output port?  The optical digital out?  Through Airtunes via Airport Express, through apple TV?  Through Airport Express's digital or analogue ports?  You'll need to be more specific as there are many variables here.
It's quite possible that iTunes 9.1.1 better utilizes your system resources resulting in less dropouts or better data stream integrity, but if other devices are employed they may mask or obscure sound quality gains, or they themselves may be responsible for the sound quality improvement via firmware update or better connection methods.
Even a nearby fluorescent fixture will negatively affect sound quality, probably more so than a software update.

Mac Mini with SSD OCZ drive (4GB) running SL > Wavelength Crimson (Denominator Module) > Amarra

[baldrick]

iTunes converts Apple lossless files to PCM on the fly.  It's quite possible that there is improved conversion with a new version of the software.
Because the Wavelength Crimson uses directly heated triodes for output tubes and furthermore is tube rectified, it is more likely that the change in sound (for better or worse) is due to the aging process of the tubes, or better operating conditions / mains power quality that particular day.

[ted_b]

Jtwrace,
You mention iTunes sound quality yet list Amarra in your signal path (not your signature, your last post).  So does that mean you think iTunes sounds better while turning off Amarra (i.e why list Amarra)?

[jtwrace]

I think that the updated itunes (9.1.1) sounded better with Amarra then the previous version of itunes with Amarra.  I haven't looked into it more but maybe the new version is more efficient?   

[ted_b]

I think that the updated itunes (9.1.1) sounded better with Amarra then the previous version of itunes with Amarra.  I haven't looked into it more but maybe the new version is more efficient?   

Amarra doesn't use iTunes sound engine, it uses its own (it uses iTunes for GUI and library mgmt only).  So any improvement to iTunes sound would be somewhat irrelevant to Amarra playback.......I think. 

[jtwrace]

Amarra doesn't use iTunes sound engine, it uses its own (it uses iTunes for GUI and library mgmt only).  So any improvement to iTunes sound would be somewhat irrelevant to Amarra playback.......I think. 

Yes, I know but