- #Sonarworks reference 3 for all audio on computer manuals
- #Sonarworks reference 3 for all audio on computer pro
I went with Ref 4, and I'm happy I did simply for the plug-in ability with Audirvana. It no longer matters (to me) if there are technical diffs from Ref 4 to True-Fi. I did not tick the box to "Use AudioUnits Effects" in Audirvana - DUH! I went so far as to create an absolutely absurd custom profile, and nothing. I do admit that I was getting miffed that I heard such a difference with True-fi and when I switched over to the app in Audirvana I heard nothing. If anyone cares to shed some light, I'd appreciate it. I plan to continue using it this way unless I find some reason not to. I also love the way it volume matches? when the calibration is turned off. I set it to real time so I can A/B easily. Still don't know if there are any sonic differences (or technical differences) from a listening POV between the plugin when used with Audirvana and the SW app, but the plug-in is great. It seems that the Ref 4 plug-in also only supports sample rates up to 96kHz. (Set the gain on power amp to +12db for usable volume range to compensate). Slide the slider up to the red mark to avoid digital clipping. Select a profile and go to town - turn it on and off. Very intuitive even for a person that has no clue what they're doing. Early impression is that it works as advertised. So far, I think I have some of this reasonably figured out, but I could still use some help to build my general understanding. I made the leap and got the Ref 4 Headphone package. Any other advice in addition to the questions above is greatly appreciated. Overall goal - make HD800S sound better (subjective) / less "cold" while maintaining the incredible soundstage. If I've misstated anything above, please forgive me. Any recommendations for profiles similar to the Mezze's and the A&Ks? If I basically only set the program to defaults and select my calibration curve along with 100% wet, is there anything technically "different" from True-Fi using a specific filter? If so, which filter matches True-Fi? I am really not much of a tweaker, but as long as I can reset everything to defaults and not "break" anything - I'll probably fiddle with it a bit. Ref 4 seems somewhat intuitive, but I am not a creator. Since the plug-in and/or SW are essentially "last" - will using them affect the DAC's ability to be recognized as an MQA renderer and render properly? Are there any sonic advantages (or even technical differences) to simply running the AU plugin with Audirvana vs. Does Ref 4 have any similar limitation for playback sampling rates? If so, what might that be?
Ref 4 comes with both the plug-in and the SW. That seems to rule it out for an ideal solution, correct? I found this quote on the site when describing True-Fi - "The True-Fi application works with all audio sources on your computer. Headphones - HD800S, Mezze 99 Classics, A&K T8IE MKII in-ear The DAC enabling MQA is a renderer (if that matters). Secondary - Downloads (FLAC) with files up to 24/192 and a bit of DSD (64 mostly and some 128) Music sources are primarily Tidal Hi-Fi / Master streaming (MQA in some cases) with MQA enabling some 24/192 tracks and a lot of tracks at 24/96.
Output through USB to various DAC / Amp combos.
#Sonarworks reference 3 for all audio on computer pro
My 1st priority is listening through a MacBook Pro (2012 Mid Year Retina) 2.7 GHz Core i7 Processor w/ 16Gb Ram using Audirvana. I've just recently started to assemble a few headphone rigs for various uses (home, travel / hotel, commuting) through a floor standing speaker set up for many many years. I am absolutely brand new to computer digital audio through headphones as a passionate music lover aka "audiophile" (I don't like that term much with all the connotations / baggage that sometimes come with it) and have listened to CDs / Vinyl etc. I am a headphone only user, but I may have use for speakers (as a listener) in the future, but I'd rank that last on priorities.
#Sonarworks reference 3 for all audio on computer manuals
I've read this thread and other sites from start to finish, and read the manuals and promotional materials on the web site.