2. pc-audio
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Streaming Audio is Trying My Newbie Patience. Help

PC rookie here, trying to learn.

I purchased Amarra HiFi and cannot get it to work when streaming Internet radio. I also downloaded the trial of Amarra 3.0 which theoretically does play streaming files,, but still no luck. I've also tried a few of the other players, Decibel, JR River, etc and still am baffled.

All players will work with my iTunes playlists. But improving streaming radio is also a priority.

My main computer is a MacPro 3.2 GHz Quad-Core Intel Xenon. 10 gigs RAM. OS 10.8.5.

My laptop is running OS 10.6 , Intel, 2 gigs RAM.

I've uninstalled all programs and reinstalled. I've deleted every plist I can find relative to those programs. I've started and restarted both computers. I am very keen on making this work. :)

Thanks for any suggestions.

Ps
ps
ps OP
747 posts
 
When streaming radio, I cannot toggle Amarra back and forth by clicking on the button so that audio is running through Amarra, not iTunes. The button always remains yellow no matter how many times I click on it. It does not matter in what sequence I launch either app. I have set Amarra preferences to dock with iTunes.

When the source is from iTunes playlist files, I can engage Amarra and the button turns blue.
zd542
5,339 posts
 
I think you may need to buy an add on, or some type of upgrade to use Amarra for streaming.
ps OP
747 posts
 
I'm awaiting a response from an Amarra tech person and will report results. I am quite pleased with the improvement Amarra makes to the files I can play through it, but streaming is a priority, and the main reason I purchased the program.
hgeifman
2,189 posts
 
Ps: I do not understand your situation so I am going to make some guesses and assumptions to help you. I am streaming music from the Internet using the Apple MAC Book Pro Computer, the Ayre QB-9 DSD DAC, the Luxman L-590ax integrated amplifier and the Sonus Faber Olympica II Speakers. I am using Amarra sQ 2.0 and it works fine.

1. Sonic Studio makes two products. Amarra is used with iTunes and Amarra sQ is used for streaming music from the Internet. Amarra sQ is part of the Amarra 3.0 upgrade but is a separate application that is installed as part of the process.

2. Can you start Safari and play music from Pandora (or what ever) and NOT use any Amarra products? I cannot tell from your post above what DAC you are using. If you cannot play music from the Internet, most likely, it means your setup is incorrect. The link below is from Ayre so please ignore the Ayre DAC reference and use your own DAC. This is the required setup required to ensure your MAC computer, DAC and Audio MIDI settings are correct. This should enable you to stream music from Pandora (for example) thru your DAC to your amplifier and speakers (without using Amarra sQ).

http://www.ayre.com/usb-dac-apple.htm

Two excellent links for computer setup are below:

http://www.audioquest.com/pdfs/CA-Setup-Guide.pdf

http://www.ayre.com/usb-dac.htm

3. You should be able to stream music after completing the above instructions. Can you? If you cannot, your settings need to be reviewed. This might take several attempts.

4. The next step is to start Safari and THEN start Amarra sQ. Safari must be started first to correctly establish the link between the two products. Please select a song from Pandora (or another product) and the music should start playing. Please see the Amarra sQ screen and you should see the volume columns moving. When Amarra sQ is being used, the Pandora signal is being processed through Amarra sQ and then out the back door to your DAC.

5. Amarra recommends you set the volume control on the amplifier to the maximum and control the volume using the controls on Amarra sQ. I do NOT feel comfortable doing so I set my amplifier volume where I want it and make minor volume adjustments, if needed, on Amarra sQ.

For example:

Amarra recommend having your device volume set to full and then use the Amarra sQ Gain slider to adjust overall volume.

Amarra sQ initially launches at about -20dB to help protect against any damage, as you will have your device system volume at full.

Adjust the Amarra sQ Gain slider until you are seeing the meters just going into the yellow, or adjust to a volume that is comfortable for your listening pleasure.

I do NOT follow the above advice and ALWAYS control the volume on my amplifier. I do not want to blow out my speakers from a wrong volume setting.

6. Amarra 3.0 is used for playing music from your hard drive. During setup, you set Amarra 3.0 to link to iTunes. You start Amarra 3.0 and it also starts iTunes.

I hope the above helps. .Please let me know.

I like listening to streaming music because it is easy and I love the variety. I can change my mind every two minutes and quickly find different music to listen to. Of course, listening to music stored on my hard drive offers the very best quality.
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