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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. 🙂

Added Nimitra2 feedback from James Daras

 in Feedback

 

Nimitra2

 

Here’s a new feedback today from original Nimitra owner who upgraded to Nimitra Signature and then Nimitra2.

Keetakawee,

I’ve spent the last few weeks with Nimitra2 testing lots of music and comparing different sources. I may have told you that in the past I used Nimitra as source but with the ultraRendu connected to the DAC as streamer (I think that’s right – I get confused streamer-renderer-etc). Network is isolated through EtherREGEN (Uptone Audio) and I use all LPS for all digital including the NAS. All PS Audio – DC DAC, PW SACD transport, BHK signature Pre and BHK signature 300 monoblocks. Speakers Harbeth 40.2 anniversary, all Audience Front Row cabling. Roon and JRiver

A while ago I had Conrad Johnson ART Pre (lots of 6922’s) and the original ART monoblocks (lots of KT 150’s) feeding Revel Studios with Muse model 192/10 DAC/transport source combo in a 125 year old house with beautiful old 1-1/4inch pine paneling for walls, high vaulted ceiling and floor that produced virtually flat frequency response across most of the audio spectrum. The soundstage that system/room combo produced was high, wide and deep with pinpoint accuracy of instrument locations, especially voices locked dead center. Music was everywhere and the low end was rock solid. As you might guess I’ve been trying to reproduce that experience after having moved on from the house and the CJ/Muse equipment.

When I first started serious listening to Nimitra2 I left it connected to the uR as I had the original. I had done some comparisons of uR vs USB direct in the past and preferred the uR. I finally decided to try N2 USB direct following our conversation below. I’m pleased to tell you that my soundstage is back. Room acoustics I believe are restricting depth behind listening position but the precision of instrument position, voice, width, forward depth and height are all there again. Surprisingly, the low end is, if memory serves, even more defined and clearly driving the music. Important to me as well are piano notes without ringing and N2 does an excellent job there.

I’ve switched between asio and wasapi with Roon and have a slight preference for Wasapi. I’ve also found – and it’s a surprise to me although it shouldn’t be – that JRiver with direct kernel streaming is clearly superior to Roon but without the convenience and access to Tidal/Qobuz.

We’ve had a fairly long relationship and I’ve been the beneficiary of your progressively better engineering and development across multiple products. I’ve been an avid audiophile for many, many years and believe my ear to be quite well trained. I can’t and frankly won’t repeat all of the cliché accolades one might find in the audio periodicals but I will say it just sounds great. Thank you.

Sincerely,
Jim Daras

It’s been a long journey since the first time Nimitra came out and I’m glad to be able to help original Nimitra owners seeing improvements to latest work at its finest. 🙂

Added Nimitra Classic + Nikola Classic + EtherStream feedback from Michael Neely

 in Feedback

 

Nimitra Classic - computer audio server

 

Here’s another feedback today from a client who ordered the most valuable combo Nimitra + Nikola Classic combo with EtherStream.

I really like all the features of Nimitra. It is a perfect adaptation of a computer just for music and streaming. No other clutter. I am thinking I will explore Roon eventually since it is already supported.

Best regards
Mike

Although Fidelizer is known for developing very affordable highend products, they’re also designed to be very simple to use. I’m happy to hear this trio delivered clutter-free experience. 🙂

Regarding Roon issues with some hardware devices including Nimitra in update 1.8 build 880

 in News

UPDATE: Roon 1.8 build 882 is released now and it’s working fine with Nimitra. Please contact me for updating Roon to latest version and happy listening.

 

Hi. Today Roon launched new update 1.8 build 880 and some Nimitra users has the following issues

  1. Database is corrupted (which it is not but build 880 can’t read database for some reason)
  2. There’s no audio device in Audio section at all

These issues are from changes in build 880 that doesn’t work properly with some hardware and it’s widespread issues through Windows/Mac/Linux platforms. You can check Roon Support section for more details about 1.8 build 880 update issues.

For current workaround I can rollback Roon core to version 1.8 build 831 which is stable with Nimitra. You can download Roon 1.8 build 831 from the following links below to control until they release an update that fixes these issues.

 

Roon 1.8 build 831: PC / Android / iOS (Not available outside App Store)

 

iOS devices can’t install older Roon version so only PC and Android can perform rollback for now. Please contact Fidelizer support for setting up Roon 1.8 build 831 rollback. You may consider using other apps like mConnect / Lumin / Kazoo to control Nimitra also.