Thanks for your input. I did get a bit of a chuckle on the “expensive sounding” part. I’m not sure I have ever heard that before as a adjective describing sound. Can gear that is less expensive sound more expensive than gear that is more expensive? 
#FirstWorldProblems.
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To me more expensive means more refined, not as crude.
Hey Ryan,
If you want a night and day difference in sound quality, much more than the Matrix can give you, try a better server. You find some outstanding servers people are using in this forum. I use to use a Mac Mini in the beginning and I still have a Mac Mini, but only now use it for storage and moving files around, and also videos. I recently tried it with music again using JRiver and It really sounded quite bad, not very resolving sound. The Matrix inproved it a bit, but It didn’t sound like that back then, but when you get use the better stuff, you really hear it. I would make that a next step on your journey to audio nirvana. Time to save up again.
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LOLOL
I haven’t tried a mac mini with JRiver before. I’ve been using a mac mini with itunes + bitperfect to play all my DOP files. I think it sounds amazing but if it can sound better I’m game. 
Which server are you using?
I think I mentioned it before, but it is the Aurender N10. It does cost a bit but worth every penny in sound quality. I heard it right away when I first got it. It really made my Mac Mini sounded broken, pretty obvious increase in sound quality. With the Matrix and all the goodies, it out performs the DMP which I considered unbeatable when I first got it.
I didn’t tell it to do anything, this is the default when it sees 32 bit capable devices unless you check a box to limit the max bit depth to 24 bit.
I’m using “Expensive sounding” as a stand in for a cluster of other very subjective descriptors. In this case, the resolution is higher, frequency spectrum is more balanced and linear, tonal colors are more vibrant, the blacks are deeper, high end is simultaneously more smooth and less fatiguing but also has some “zing” and sparkle to it, and the soundstage seems less muffled, more realistic. Comparable with the WireWorld Platinum Eclipse analog interconnects.
Have you try the WireWorld Platinum Eclipse 8’s? As good as the Eclipse 7’s are, the 8’s takes it even further. Beats every cables I tried costing up to $16k. A real giant killer. Got some from Walter at Underwood HiFi for a bargain.
Sorry, I think you did mention the Aurender N10, I got excited about the matrix and was more focused on that.
The Aurender N10 looks great:
Looks like it has two separate power supplies maybe one for the spin-able HDD(deep storage) and then a separate power supply for the SSD buffer. I really think the idea of using SSD for storage is a great idea.
The DMP should have used a SSD for its buffer and my guess is the next version will be SSD.
I was thinking about getting a SSD to play all my DOP files from…with the current price of the Aurender N10 that will definiently need to be something that I get in the future. I want to upgrade my speakers and amp before then.
Do you mind if I ask you what you use for speakers and pre amp + power amp/integrated? Sounds like you have a great hifi kit.
My speakers are more like DIY. I took a pair of Infinity RS 3B’s and gutted it. Only original parts are drivers and cabinets. It does sound better than most speakers I auditioned in showrooms and shows. They are maybe the next upgrade when I find something I like more.
I am using the Esoteric E-02 Phono, C-02 preamp, A-02 power amp, DS Sr… DMP.
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Waymanchen11! Awesome setup! I really like your system!
Someday I’ll be able to afford some kit of your level. Still building my system slowly.
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Yes, I actually have the 8s. I haven’t heard the 7s, but compared to the Audioquest Colorados I had before I was blown away. I really didn’t think an interconnect could have such an impact. They are fantastic.
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A few posts earlier you state that you upsample everything with HQplayer and the sound quality is impressive. When this person mentions he likes the sound he hears when he upsamples you say all that can happen is zeros are added.
When you upsample, it’s impressive.
When ordinary not you folks do it it’s laughable.
Oh but in your situation it’s much different because it’s the software YOU CHOSE.
Don’t you not understand the difference between sample rate and bit depth? Don’t you not understand that changing the bit depth does not change the sampling. Don’t you not understand that upsampling does not change the bit depth?
You are trying to criticize me for something I did not say…
I am a big fan of upsampling. If someone wants to upsample their music before it gets to the DAC, I am all for it. It allows you to experiment with filters and noise shapers. Sure, I think HQPlayer has the best filters and noise shapers. But I am a proponent of trying whatever software you want to use. Roon, Audirvana, JRiver…find the sound you like best.
Upping the bit depth, on the other hand, isn’t going to improve the sound.
I just edited one post and deleted another, both to remove personal attacks.
Folks, please play nice.
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Thanks Elk, I have no problem with deletions and removals. IMHO this has been a wonderful and valuable thread. I hate to see it deteriorate in any fashion.
Chas
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Me, too.
This has been a great thread.
You are funny. You let a real personal attack stand for days yet, my post, which just points out the personal attack, is called a personal attack and is deleted. How about equal treatment? Is that something people can get around here?
I assume this is directed to me, not 1cdfoley.
@aangen’s comment at the end of a substantive post “You are on my list of things I don’t need” was inappropriate, but mild. Neither you nor anyone else fussed.
A couple of days later you penned a post with no content or purpose other than to criticize another forum member. Other members complained.
At this point, it appeared appropriate to simply remove both comments, even though no one ever complained about @aangen’s post.
Please send me a PM if you need to discuss this further.
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