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Tag Archive for Streamer

Fidelizer – foobar2000 setup assistant 2.0 released with improved DSD support and automate library server scanning

 in News

 

Fidelizer - foobar2000 setup assistant

 

After successful launch of the first release of foobar2000 – setup assistant project that helps resolving pain point in setting up PC as a streamer for so long, version 2.0 with more updates and optimizations is released with the following changes:

 

-Added ASIO+DSD Output 0.3.8 component to support ASIO and DSD playback
-Configured default theme to support music library browsing with album art
-Configured FidelizerServer to detect all music files in computer automatically
-Improved DSD playback with SDM type E modulation and streaming support
-Updated DSD Processor to version 1.3.2
-Updated Super Audio CD Decoder to version 1.5.10

 

If you use legacy device that doesn’t support 24-bit, you can click on File > Preferences > Playback > Output > Devices and change Bits on “Primary Sound Driver” to 16. I considered changing default bits to 16 but that’d ruin most people’s experience with hires DAC in market right now.

You can select native ASIO output by clicking on File > Preferences > Playback > Output menu and select ASIO output device for your DAC. You can use recommended apps in mobile/tablet device to stream Tidal/Qobuz and music files in local network to FidelizerRenderer.

 

Download: Fidelizer – foobar2000 setup assistant 2.0

Recommended apps: BubbleuPNP, (Android), JPLAY (iOS), mConnect Player Lite (Android), mConnect Player Lite (iOS)

Introducing foobar2000 setup assistant, turning your computer into a streamer with a single click

 in News

 

Fidelizer - foobar2000 setup assistant

 

After releasing Fidelizer 8.10 for a while, I noticed something about computer audio setup. It’s not easy to setup computer as a streamer for most people. Even Roon or Audirvana need some configuration to use Tidal / Qobuz and can be quite complicated for end user.

foobar2000 is free to be downloaded and installed to use. But to get streaming working with foobar2000, most people don’t know how to set it up. JRiver is good and affordable solution that supports DLNA/uPNP too. But most people don’t know how to set it up.

Meanwhile in Rasberry Pi and other arm devices have Linux distro pre-configured with streaming feature ready to be used. It’s actually easier for beginner to select firmware image and flash on micro SD card to boot.

 

After realizing this, I checked foobar2000’s license terms again and prepare a separated installer software outside original installer called “foobar2000_setup.exe” This program will perform silent installation of foobar2000 and setup components and configuration after installing.

With foobar2000 version 2.0, WASAPI exclusive audio output is implemented by default so you won’t need 3rd-party components to setup. That way, it’s possible to redistribute unmodified installer and apply configuration file separately with high audio performance optimized.

Since DLNA/uPNP and SACD input components have GPL license, I hope it’s okay to redistribute those files outside foobar2000 installer for community’s benefits. With foobar2000 setup assistant, you can turn PC into an uPNP streamer with a single click.

 

Download: Fidelizer – foobar2000 setup assistant 2.0

Recommended apps: BubbleuPNP, (Android), JPLAY (iOS), mConnect Player Lite (Android), mConnect Player Lite (iOS)

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

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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”.

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. 🙂

Introducing Classic series of Nimitra and Nikola, the most affordable highend audio products

 in News

After successful launch of Nimitra and Nikola Signature lineup, I gained a lot of experience and knowledge about building affordable products with better price performance ratio. After a lot of design and listening tests, Classic series of Nimitra and Nikola is finally ready.

The original Nimitra and Nikola have some limitations on pricing and they reached maturity in Signature series later. Classic series has improvements and corrections on original design for 2 years optimizing to get the most from Signature series.

 

Nimitra Classic - computer audio server

 

Nimitra Classic provides full support of Roon Core and Roon Ready with many other features such as DLNA/uPNP, OpenHome (Linn/Lumin), HQPlayer NAA, Airplay, and Squeezebox ready to be used with same optimizations as Signature version with only hardware changes as below.

-Same software features and optimizations as Signature version
-Cost most effective solution for sound quality / features / services
-Compact 1.5mm aluminum thickness chassis for small space
-Cost effective motherboard design with high precision event timer
-Trusted industrial quality components with high reliability

Since audiophile network switch is becoming standards in 2020, WiFi module will not be installed by default for better sound quality. You can choose to install WiFi module if you want to. I can still setup JPLAY and others as optional requests also.

 

Nikola Classic - linear power supply

 

Nikola Classic shares the same circuit design as original Nikola. It has some parts changed and adjusted to deliver better price performance ratio with high synergy to perform well in any system musically with some changes as below.

-Same circuitry design as original Nikola
-Regulator tuned for high synergy musical performance
-Compact 1.5mm Aluminum chassis for small space
-Audiophile grade capacitors used in some flagship products
-16 AWG teflon insulated copper internal wiring

I managed to find better cost effective parts with some design changes to bring the better performing products at more affordable price. Nikola Classic will be an ideal linear power supply solution for EtherStream and many other products with linear power supply too.

 

The price of Nimitra Classic is $995 USD and price of Nikola Classic is $395 USD. All Nimitra and Nikola products will have free shipping during introductory period until 31st October 2020 with 30-day money back guaranteed.

You can also purchase Nimitra and Nikola Classic series with EtherStream with free shipping and 2 outputs termination at $1785 USD. This combination is even more affordable than Nimitra Signature server and I hope this will help making highend audio more affordable.