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Roon core version selection is available for Fidelizer Nimitra Computer Audio Server

 in News

Nimitra2

 

After Roon 1.8 update, Fidelizer starts developing unique Roon optimization for Fidelizer Nimitra as Roon core and things have been going well so far. There’s some sound signature changes during Roon 2.0 updates but still sound acceptable for serious listening.

However, Roon 2.0 starts adopting CarPlay support in recent updates and some audiophiles feel they can’t enjoy music from Roon as they used based on feedback received from customers and friends asking me if I notice changes in sound with recent Roon update.

I investigated and tested different 2.0 builds and found that Roon 2.0 build 1182 sounds more preferable as the last build before CarPlay support. I shared my findings in Roon’s community hoping devs can test things out but my feedback wasn’t well received.

 

It looks like Roon 2.0 will focus on adopting more features to provide more accessibility such as Roon ARC and CarPlay and those changes may cause sound signature changes in some systems over time. For audiophiles using Roon solely for serious stereo system, this isn’t good news.

So, I went back to Roon 1.8 Legacy and start fresh since Roon’s database can’t be downgraded from 2.0 to 1.8 release. To my findings, it sounds decent, get the jobs done and I won’t have to worry about new updates causing change in sound signature like Roon 2.0.

 

After testing Roon 1.8 Legacy today, I decided to add Roon core version in Fidelizer Nimitra Computer Audio Server with Roon 1.8 Legacy as default option. You can also upgrade to 2.0 at any time from backup and Roon 2.0 that can’t be downgraded.

If you’re using Fidelizer Nimitra as Roon core running version 2.0 and want to setup Roon 1.8 Legacy version, I can backup your Roon 2.0 repository and start new Roon core 1.8 legacy for you to try and see if you want to keep using Roon 1.8 Legacy version.

I’d like to assure you that Fidelizer Nimitra server is still fully compatible with Roon 2.0. This option is a matter of personal and subjective experience about sound changes in different version updates. As old saying goes “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”.

Fidelizer Nimitra Firmware 5.0 Updater is released with Windows Server 2022 Sound Quality and Roon/JRiver Optimizations

 in News

 

Nimitra Firmware 5.0 Updater

 

After releasing Nimitra2 with improved hardware modification, I’ve been optimizing Nimitra2 to improve sound quality with new standards. With new VRDS ATLAS transport from Esoteric K1X Grandioso, I finally brought Nimitra2 to masterpiece level with firmware 5.0 update.

Version 5.0 will cover changes in various areas to improve sound quality and also reliability with better user experience. This is probably the biggest update since launching Nimitra 6 years ago. Here’s summarize about major updates in version 5.0 update.

 

Added Windows Server 2022 Sound Quality Optimizations

 

Many people said Windows Server sounds a lot better but personally I prefer sound signature from some Windows 10 builds more so I didn’t look into Server builds as much until this year. When I tried Windows Server 2022 this year, I was blown away by Windows Server 2022’s performance.

If we were to compare how Windows sounds as stock environment, Windows Server 2022 is no doubt the best sounding Windows. But I don’t think sound quality from Windows Server 2019 to 2022 will be improved with any major changes on system files so I tried to crack the secrets.

This year I spent a long long time researching on the difference between my favorite Windows 10 builds and Windows Server 2022. I compared all parts of registry and system configuration between these two and finally managed to crack the secret sauce of Windows Server sound.

The main reason why Windows Server sounds better is default configuration for Server version have some parts that favors sound quality better. I traced the changes and applied the applicable differences I found into NimitraOS and viola! NimitraOS sounded very similar to Windows Server 2022.

But it doesn’t end at just that. Some changes from Windows Server configuration are not for better sound quality. There’s difference ups and downs so I tried to implement bits by bits and adjust configuration for optimal sound quality.

After this long process of trial and error with listening test, I finally managed to integrated Windows Server 2022 configuration into NimitraOS with optimal sonic performance. At this point NimitraOS already has better sound quality than Windows Server 2022.

 

Added Roon Sound Quality Optimizations

 

Nimitra Firmware 5.0 Updater - Main

 

Since Roon 1.8 update, I started using Roon more to discover new music with Roon Radio feature. It also sounds better than previous versions so I started taking Roon seriously and tried to find a way to make Roon delivering better sonic performance highend audio system.

After a long research along with Windows Server 2022 sound quality optimizations, I managed to to find a method to deliver highend audio performance with Roon. Roon has 3 main components which are:

RAAT: Managing audio streaming between devices
Core: Managing core features in Roon core
Appliance: Managing essential tasks like database and DSP

Understanding how each component works, I can optimize Roon in Nimitra with two main principles to improve sound quality:

Core Isolation: Nimitra has 4 cores so I can isolate Roon components into different cores. I still need Appliance to have all cores or Roon will be too slow.
Priority Optimizations: By increasing RAAT’s priority which involves handling audio transport directly so Roon can have better audio performance.

After testing out a few combinations, I managed to sort out Roon Optimizations with the following options below:

 

Roon Core Isolation Policy:

Single core (Recommended for low latency audio playback)
Dual cores (Recommended for high buffering audio playback)
No isolation (Disabled)

Roon Playback Optimizations:

Standard optimizations (For all media sources)
Local optimizations (For internal/external storage)
Streaming optimizations (For NAS/streaming services)
MQA optimizations (For MQA Core Decoder)
No optimizations (Disabled)

 

Default configuration will use single core isolation and standard optimizations. Customers can also inform about their system for applying firmware update with optimal configuration for their system to get the best sound quality possible.

 

Added JRiver Sound Quality Optimizations

 

FidelizerRemote

 

After finishing Roon optimizations, I started working on my favorite platform JRiver to get better sound quality too. With custom tuning for lower latency, JRiver can deliver audio performance closer to live performance with zero latency jitter.

 

JRiver Latency Optimizations:

Ultra low latency (100ms)
Low Latency (200ms)
Standard (1000ms)
Reliable (2000ms)
Relaxed (4000ms)
Safe (6000ms)
No latency change

 

Default configuration will use low latency at 200ms which is stable enough for most cases. Technically it could as low as 50ms but such scenario can only be possible with non-highres format in highly controlled environment.

I also added “Enable pure playback (disable plugins in audio chain)” to be used by default since default configuration can use this feature. This will disable audio related plugins from audio chain completely for true pure playback.

JRiver platform also has improved FidelizerRemote web app supporting light/dark theme configuration and have better library browsing and playback control based on Roon UX too. You can access FidelizerRemote through http://nimitra_sn[written serial in sticker/box].local

 

Revised Sound Signature Profile optimizations

 

I used to offer two sound signature profiles but it’s no longer necessary with new finalized configuration based on Windows Server 2022 that can deliver the best of both worlds. In this firmware 5.0 update, Sound Signature Profile is now changed to options based on Fidelizer software as below.

 

Sound Signature Profile:

Natural harmonics with linear sound
Natural harmonics with rich details
Sharp image with linear sound
Sharp image with rich details

 

Default configuration will use “Natural harmonics with linear sound” option based on Esoteric CD transport as reference. They’re tuned slightly different from Fidelizer for optimal sonic performance with NimitraOS platform and hardware.

 

Improved NimitraOS core sound quality optimizations and quality of life improvements

 

Besides Windows Server 2022 / Roon / JRiver optimizations, NimitraOS also has internal optimization improvement too. I added .NET Framework performance optimizations to improve performance and sound quality with Roon. Some internal configuration are optimized for better sound quality and reliability.

I also updated OpenHome/NAA libraries with improved configuration too. If you use OpenHome feture with Linn/Kazoo/Lumin/Sound Stream app, please inform support during update.

 

Changelog

-Added .NET Framework performance optimizations to improve performance with Roon
-Added JRiver’s latency optimizations to improve sound quality on JRiver’s based platform (FidelizerRemote / uPNP / OpenHome / LMS)
-Added JRiver’s pure playback mode disabling plugins in audio chain completely
-Added Roon optimizations features with core isolation and priority optimizations options
-Added Windows Server 2022 sound quality optimization into NimitraOS
-Improved JRiver audio output configuration for better sound quality
-Improved internal optimizations for better performance and reliability
-Improved internal sound quality optimizations in NimitraOS
-Improved reliability of OpenHome streaming in Lumin/Kazoo app
-Improved compatibility with remote support feature
-Increased hardware detection timer to look for changes after 60 seconds
-Updated FidelizerRemote UI to support light/dark theme with revamped UI
-Updated HQPlayer NAA binaries to latest stable version
-Updated OpenHome libraries to latest stable version

 

Nimitra runs on specially tuned NimitraOS platform with special version of Fidelizer. All these optimizations are specially tuned for Nimitra’s hardware and software configuration, separated from Fidelizer software optimizations.

Nimitra/NimitraS customers can send request for firmware update and I’ll update Nimitra firmware through Teamviewer or request download link for applying update manually. This update is highly recommended for all Nimitra users.

Nimitra2 Computer Audio Server review on Positive Feedback by Marshall Nack

 in Review

 

Nimitra2

 

Finally, the first Nimitra2 Computer Audio Server review is published. It was reviewed together with Nikola2 Linear Power Supply and EtherStream Network Switch after reviewing previous products. This review feels like the main dish has finally arrived after serving appetizers.

I was pleased to hear that Mr. Marshall Nack decided to review Nimitra2 server after reviewing EtherStream. It’s an honor for Nimitra2 to be the first streamer being reviewed by seasoned audio reviewer in highend audio system.

Positive Feedback

Believe me, I didn’t hear anything like this when the Mac was in-stream. I was always aware of deficits in tone, timbre, texture, and dynamics. To put things in perspective, if we were to use my much more expensive CH Precision transport as the reference, I’d say the Mac with Fidelizer ancillaries reproduced about 60% of what’s to be had, forcing me to assign it to the low-end class of gear. The Fidelizer Optimized Solution with Nimitra2 server filled out the big picture to raise the percentage to around 85%, and streaming vaulted into issue-free mid-fi. Now I could sit back and be comfortably entertained as Cyrus Chestnut tinkled the ivories.

It’s very hard to pick excerpt from this review when there’re so many good good aspects about Nimitra2 product. Please read his full review and see how he feels about Nimitra2 as a genuine highend audiophile and happy listening. 🙂

Nikola2 Linear Power Supply review on Audio Bacon by Jay Luong

 in Review

 

Nikola2 - Linear Power Supply

 

The first review of Nikola2 Linear Power Supply by Mr. Jay Luong was published in Audio Bacon for a long while. I’ve been very busy and kept forgetting to publish this review but it’s finally up now with very positive results.

I’m glad to see that Mr. Jay appreciates how Nikola2 can bring real sound performance that he can hear from real life instruments. It’s Nikola2 design philosophy to deliver world class tone and timbre as mentioned in his review.

Also, I’m very honored to know that he regards Nikola2 to be the power supply equivalent of my reference USB cable and decided to keep Nikola2 as he mentioned in his review. That’s the best moment for every manufacturer.

Positive Feedback

As far as power supplies still being sold, the Fidelizer Nikola2 power supply has the best tonality and timbre in the entire lineup. It has a fantastic amount of tonal variance, soul, and essence. It’s incredibly tactile, balanced in fullness, and articulates with just enough precision. Because of that, you’re able to hear subtle timbral and cues and resonances that are usually masked by other power supplies. This is consonant with what I hear in real life.

Thank you again for this wonderful review of Nikola2 product. You can read his full review and see how Nikola2 performs compared to other linear power supplies to understand how linear power supply can improve sound quality better.

Introducing Nimitra2 / Nikola2 as second generation of computer audio server and linear power supply

 in News

 

Nimitra2

 

Today is the big day for Fidelizer. After years of preparations and refining products for second generation, Nimitra2 and Nikola2 are finally ready for production which are projects I’ve been working for 2 years already.

There’s so much going on behind the scene since last year. As I also have clients ordering custom $5-7k server project since the first Nimitra. I always thought it’d be great if we can build  a product having performance that resembles custom highend server for half price.

With Classic series, it helped me realizing my dream to make highend audio performance affordable at $995. There’s also very good cost effective Nikola Classic at $395. This will keep Nimitra affordable and I can focus on taking second generation to next level.

I planned to launch them last year but could not make it to production stage due to covid situation which affect many companies worldwide causing long delay. I’ve been selling Nikola Signature with Nikola2 circuit board for over a year now, waiting for Nimitra2’s completion.

Now that I can finalize Nimitra2 design and production line, it’s time to embark a new journey. Nimitra2 will pair up nicely with modern DACs in market with custom made chassis, optimized as a streamer to deliver performance based on CD transport with Esoteric’s drive.

 

Nimitra2’s Features (As upgrade from Signature):

-Custom aluminum chassis design for better resonance/vibration control and heat dissipation
-Motherboard and chassis has vibration absorber/isolator material reducing vibration to motherboard
-MOSFET in motherboard’s power supply circuit is upgraded with high quality one from Japan
-All clock modules in motherboard are now upgraded improving sound quality on USB/Ethernet/HDMI
-Capacitors in motherboard are tuned with better resolution and details extraction

With all new improvements focusing on improving purity of signal and reduce interference, I can hear music flowing with richer ambient and micro detail and feel closer to music with newfound improvements on Nimitra2.

MSRP price of Nimitra2 is $2495 USD. For original Nimitra and Nimitra Signature owner, you can send your original unit to upgrade to Nimitra2 at $1,100 for Nimitra and $600 for Nimitra Signature. This upgrade should be a great value for existing customers to enjoy music better.

 

Nikola2’s Features (As upgrade from Signature):

-Input capacitor is changed to dual capacitor circuit design improving power handling
-Diode is upgraded with higher output current to handle devices like Roon Nucleus+ better
-Capacitors are tuned for better transparency and micro detail without sacrificing musicality

With new changes and improvements on Nikola2, it helps music flowing with Nimitra more coherently with timbre and PRaT done right to make music both enjoyable and believable. This can apply to any device Nikola2 powers also.

MSRP of Nikola2 is $749 USD. Nikola2 has a new circuit design so upgrading with top up price is not possible. Also, most changes are about handling some cases better so Nikola Signature will deliver similar performance with some sound signature changes.

 

Fidelizer will provide free shipping during introductory period for all Nimitra / Nikola purchases in December 2021. I hope this will be a fine Christmas present to audiophiles worldwide and happy listening. 🙂