I have emailed Phil and will post his reply when I rec it.
Al
Elk said Does anyone have an explanation for what Windows Server 2012 does differently than Windows to sound better?There are long threads in the computer audiophile forum and whatever forum goes along with JPLAY that suggest answers... it has been a while since I read them, but I believe the answer lies in the number of services/processes that are running in the background, less with Windows Server.
Interestingly, the designer was working on a Windows 7 or 8 solution, but abandoned this in favor of Windows Server after some experimentation.
In my opinion, Windows Server 2012 alone compared to Windows 7 running Fidelizer is only a slight improvement. The use of Audiophile Optimizer with Win Server increases this gap to a more significant one.
As a side note, I just added a linear power supply (HD Plex) and was really not prepared for the degree of improvement. For the $380, including their DC to ATX adapter, it’s one of the more significant upgrades I’ve experienced in a good while… mainly related to reduction in noise.
Ryan
Hi AL
Well that’s very easy to answer. Win 7 or Win 8 (and all other client
targeted OS’es) are just
fat and fully stuffed with things we don’t need nor want for our task, audio
reproduction. A
Server OS without features or roles installed is so much lighter and smaller
than a client OS,
that’s why it sounds better out of the box. The second reason for using a
Server grade OS is
the possibility to strip away the GUi, and end up in minimal-server or core
mode. you can’t
do that with a Client OS.
Want it a bit more detailed? ->
http://www.highend-audiopc.com/optimizer.html
Kind regards,
AudioPhil
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-----Ursprüngliche Nachricht-----
Von: Baldino [mailto:BALDINO472003@msn.com]
Gesendet: Sonntag, 14. September 2014 16:53
An: Highend AudioPC
Betreff: Reason why SER 2012 sounds better than win7 or 8
Some one asked me thus question and I would like you to answer .
This is without AO of course as some claim SER 2012 alone is an improvement
and they wish to know why ?
Al
Sent from my iPad
Beyond his answer I can add putting a linaer psu or battery with internal ATX power regulator makes a improvement over any CPU as well. It lowers the noise threshold or increases the low level details. But running everything increases all and a soun stage I never heard before
al
While I’m not sold on the AO software (except that going into Core mode so easily is awesome) really making an improvement, I agree wholeheartedly that the Linear PSU made a big difference on my system. If I could get the one I have consistently, I’d probably mod them and sell them to help fund my music habit. 
This is the ATX switching supply that I used to build mine:
www.seasonicusa.com/Platinum_Series_FL2.htm
It is not linear but I thought that it would fit my requirements, being fanless and having a power factor close to 1. Better switching supplies like this one will be out there as time goes on and they are often a lot cheaper than their linear counterparts.
As to the different audio performance of Win 7/8 vs Windows Server I agree that it is the ability to trim system services and processes. I have my Win 8 down to the least number of each that can operate the computer with networking available but I cannot disengage the GUI. I still run fidelizer but it takes only several seconds to do it’s thing now (I am curious as to what it does at this point). I have also turned off many of the available USB and peripheral ports in BIOS. Two things I would like to try are underclocking (a gamer somewhere just crapped himself) and Server 2012. I think that I will try to underclock first. It’s cheaper.
Anyone know if AO will work with Win 8?
http://www.hd-plex.com/HDPLEX-Fanless-Linear-Power-Supply-for-PC-Audio-and-CE-device.html
This website has just 400 for linaer psu and ATX power mid with all wires just a simple device.
Ragarding a non linaer psu there is no to little improvement from just fanless. I have two fanless they work but do not give what batteries or linaer do.
I do agree you can get close with doing a PC and shutting down services but for me it’s much simpler to use AO. It’s tricky until you understand it. Also AO has many features to turn off systems you cannot do in win 7 or 8
also during AO. There is list of filters and sound changes.
the first and second set listed as 1 through 4 and A through D. 4 d is best for me. But thuis changes in different CPU s. The there are plenty who love it and some who say nay
but some who have there own caps in win8 and trimmed themselves who say as there may be equal it or a tad better it’s pretty cool to just select things and try it.
I would in order of importNce
battery linaer psu with ATX power modual
next SER and AO
last seperate psu for IOS and music drives.
all of the above is worth it to me.
Min I5 3.5 or above to I7
SSD drives
USB audio card
al
Cool. Fanless was just for my benefit in case I wanted to move the PC to the listening room. Hard to know what is coming out of many power supplies as linear does not equal quality. At least the SeaSonic published numbers. In the end I couldn’t tell you how much effect it had on the sound by its self since I just threw it all together and fired it up. I can say that it was lots better than my old
486 PC!
Al di you notice that there is a new version coming with significant enhancements.
…something big going to come 
Cheers
Version 1.30, Major Upgrade (as of beta15)
AudiophileOptimizer 1.30:
- AO now offers Express, Advanced & Ultimate mode
- AO shows recommendations for HPET, SEHOP, WASAPI/MMCSS, USB, SPPSVC, etc.
- AO can generate a Settings Log File (start AO using parameter -l)
- AO can start directly in ultimate mode (start AO using parameter -u)
- Several improvements, further harmonizing and a few bug fixes
- Disable Internet Explorer Enhanced Security for Admins & Users via AO
(no more need to do this manually during windows setup) - Disable SmartScreen Filter via AO
(no more need to do this manually during windows setup) - Disable Software Protection Service via AO (available only for retail &
MSDN versions of Server 2012/R2, but not for evaluation & trial) - Disable/enable Structured Exception Handling Overwrite Protection (SEHOP)
- Disable SCSI-MiniPort Drivers via AO (additional 30 drivers disabled)
- Disable USB 3 Link Power Management via AO
- Disable Drivers & Services now disables even more drivers/services
- Disable Network related services also disables more drivers/services
- AO doesn’t exit into black screen anymore in core mode (now command prompt)
- AO can show usage type menu on demand (start AO using parameter -ut)
- Activation-Keys use new algorithm, old Keys won’t work on 1.30 and up
- Five Activation-Keys for AO 1.30 and up included
ServiceTool 1.50:
- ServiceTool now offers a “Driver Helper” (Replacement for install.cmd)
- ServiceTool’s Driver Helper can also enable/disable Test Signing
- ServiceTool now offers Component Store Corruption Repair
- Support for JRiver Media Center 20 (shell replacement via ServiceTool)
- Short names for AudiophileOptimizer and ServiceTool (ao.cmd and st.cmd)
(Start AO/ST from any path by typing “ao” or “st” and enter) - Short names for JPLAYSettings (js.cmd)
(Start JPLAYSettings from any path by typing “js” and enter) - Short names pass arguments (examples: “st -r”, “ao -l”, etc)
Setup 1.30:
- Setup applies Highend-AudioPC Wallpaper for 2012 or 2012 R2 (only once)
- Setup now also has OS-Checker (this will prevent wasted Activation-Keys)
- Setup now also has Downgrade-Protection like AO
- Setup creates a shortcut for IE on Desktop
- Setup deletes outdated PDF guides in AO directory
- Setup creates path variable for JPLAY (only if JPLAY is installed)
- Big update of the PDF guide
magicknow
I have it installed in one of my caps. Works great. Easy install upgrade. I prefure the 1/A settings on both the 1.26 and the new 1.30. It was just 20 usd to upgrade and you get 5 new keys.
It give the DS a much increased low end. It was the first thing I noticed. Very together it’s not that without its bad it’s more about when you hear it with it
you do not want to stop using it that way
Thanks for adding about it.
Al
Great are you a beta tester? Is that how you got it? Phil said it will be avaiable in about 2 weeks.
I thing the AO is a fabulous product and people not using it are really missing out
email him. It’s an improvement not major but it’s there. I am bald your on board it really is special. Did you buy ak are psu as yet. It too is worth the money. I posted a set up for about 400 complete with all wiring and ATX dc to DC power supply board.
Email him imam sure he will help you. It’s only 20 usd after buying the 1.26.
Let ne know if you need any info.
Money of the units I built is on its way to NYC audio show.
Al
alrainbow said email him. It's an improvement not major but it's there. I am bald your on board it really is special. Did you buy ak are psu as yet. It too is worth the money. I posted a set up for about 400 complete with all wiring and ATX dc to DC power supply board.Email him imam sure he will help you. It’s only 20 usd after buying the 1.26.
Let ne know if you need any info.
Money of the units I built is on its way to NYC audio show.
Al
Is this what I need to order?
HDPLEX Fanless Linear Power Supply with 19VDC and 12VDC Output
HDPLEX 250W Hi-Fi DC-ATX Power Supply (16V-24V Wide Range Voltage Input)
I have a Tower PC with a standard ATX ASUS P6X58D-E mother board with a i7 970 8GB RAM
The Kill a watt meter reads 125W of power at the AC outlet
Let me know
Also Does the ATX Power Supply mount in the Tower in place of the standard PC Power Supply?
Yes the items you picked out are the ones you need. It comes with a large assortment of cables. Nothing else to buy.
It comes set at 220 volt so you need to slide the SW to 110
the atx power Modual replaces the PC psu. I removed mine. Use a double face to hold the modual in place. I used a Velcro type tape so I can reive the board if I wanted to easily.
He ahipped my two units ASAP and it was delivered to queens ny in three days and this was reg shipment. Also I had one ahipped overnight for 20 usd more.
When you Rec post a pic of the cables you use. Also if need be i post mine. There is a few slots to use and one is not used.
Goid luck and I am glad you like it.
Al
Cool, sounds like I’m going to have to get this upgrade tonight and add it to the mix. I’m also building a second Server 2012/AO machine for a friend to try out and see if he likes it. I could use a refresh of 5 new keys.
Hahahaha. I hear that. I only had one key left. He keys it to a combo of main board and chip. So if you change either one its a new key. Good luck.
Glad it works for you.
Mill jeepmyou Guys posted about the Nyc show
a few people I know will test it and listen with and without.
Al
alrainbow said Yes the items you picked out are the ones you need. It comes with a large assortment of cables. Nothing else to buy.It comes set at 220 volt so you need to slide the SW to 110
the atx power Modual replaces the PC psu. I removed mine. Use a double face to hold the modual in place. I used a Velcro type tape so I can reive the board if I wanted to easily.
He ahipped my two units ASAP and it was delivered to queens ny in three days and this was reg shipment. Also I had one ahipped overnight for 20 usd more.
When you Rec post a pic of the cables you use. Also if need be i post mine. There is a few slots to use and one is not used.
Goid luck and I am glad you like it.
Al
I did the update to 1.30 b19 and in my system the improvment is not sutlle. The bass is definitley more wholesome and powerfull (very positive) and overall another layer of clarity has emerged in the fine detials. Again I am hearing new things in recordings.
I ordered the HD supply yesterday and it is being delivered today. These guys are on the mark. One benifit to living in the LA area with the local warehouse.
What firmware are you using in DS DAC? It’s good to read about others hearing the improvements as I do. So either it’s real or we are both crazy lmao. The linear psu and atx board is also not suttle a well worth while investmemt.
Al
I also just posted my view on the new firmware at a quick glance .
al
@magicknow:
I think you mentioned your system was drawing 125 watts from the wall… the HD Plex linear supply is rated to supply 100 W. Yes, the DC-ATX board can take up to 250 W, but the external box is only feeding it 100. I am sure there is a margin here, but you may be pushing its limits at a system power of 125 W.
Let us know how it goes.
Seasonic is among the best power supply manufacturers, and I have used them exclusively in PC builds for years. I had been using a current model “gold” ATX supply of theirs until it was soundly beaten by the HD Plex. Merely food for thought
Ryan