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[dglozic]

Hello,

Please help me keep my sanity :-). I have a Windows 7 HTPC. For historic reasons I have ripped a number of my CDs in Apple Lossless format using iTunes with error correction. I am currently using JRMC17.0.99 in WASAPI Event Style to HDMI output of my HTPC that goes into Anthem MRX 700 AVR. The sound is great and I didn't have anything to complain until my dealer told me that most people who really care about ripping use dBpoweramp CD ripper with Accurate Rip to ensure bit-perfect copy, and also use FLAC.

As an experiment I ripped a few CDs using dBpoweramp to FLAC, default compression (level 5). When JRMC17 plays them back, they sound subtly different than ALAC of the same track from the same disc - a bit less transparent and open, a bit more congested in the midrange. For testing purposes, I also ripped ALAC and WAV versions of the same disc. When played through JRMC17 back to back, WAV and ALAC versions sound identical, while FLAC stands out as different.

I tried the tracks in Foobar2000 and all three sound identical. I also tried JRMC17 WASAPI (not event) and they also sound identical.

I checked the configuration and I don't see much to configure for Event Style other than 32bit for 24bit data, and couple more checks. I am confused and question my sanity. Any ideas?

[Matt]

Welcome.

I replied here:
http://www.computeraudiophile.com/content/JRMC17-Wasapi-Event-Style-and-FLAC

If the discussion is Media Center specific, it might be good to keep further replies here.

Thanks.

[dglozic]

Yes, it seems to be Media Center specific. I tried ripping a few tracks into FLAC using Media Center and as expected, they sound the same as those created by dBpoweramp CD ripper.

It seems that there is something special and different going on with the combination of FLAC and WASAPI Event Style, that does not happen with any other files or with WASAPI classic.

[Matt]

The output side in Media Center doesn't know anything about the input side.

In other words, WASAPI - Event Style doesn't do anything different for FLAC than for WAV, ALAC, APE, etc.

That means technically there's no way an audible difference can arise unless the source files are different.

You can test the bits delivered by using Disk Writer.  You might also double-check the volume control to make sure that's not the difference.

[dglozic]

I don't know how JRMC17 works inside, just reporting what I repeatedly heard with this combination. I don't know what exactly happens in the chain.

I was kind of hoping JRMC17 support team can check this, be it payware and all  - I would not bother for a freeware.

[JimH]

People often hear things that aren't there.  As Matt said, it's impossible.

[Matt]

I was kind of hoping JRMC17 support team can check this

We check for bit-perfect output often.  Our reputation depends on this.

If someone were to find an issue in this area, it would be fixed the same day.

There are no known issues.