Windows Setup

Windows Setup :

Introduction

For a Windows computer, there are two distinct aspects to cover. One is to set up the version of Windows you are using for the maximum audio performance, and the other is to choose and configure your music player. We will cover the setup instructions for each of the most popular operating systems and music players separately. Windows Versions

There are currently three commonly used versions of Windows—XP, Vista, and 7. All are capable to excellent audio performance when properly configured. Please refer to the links below for instructions on configuring your version of Windows to get the best performance from your Ayre USB D/A converter.

Earlier versions of Windows use a different driver model and may not work properly with asynchronous USB transfer protocol used by the Ayre USB D/A converters.

Connecting the D/A Converter

Your Ayre USB D/A converter can be configured in one of two ways. There are DIP switches on the rear panel, with one marked "Rsrv A" and "Rsrv B". "Rsrv A" is the default and selects Class One Audio, which is simple to use and will handle all music files up (and including) 96 kHz. Some users may have music files with sample rates beyond 96 kHz. Class Two Audio ("Rsrv B") is required for these and the more complex setup for this mode may be found at Beyond 96 kHz.

For typical use, Class One Audio is recommended ("Rsrv A") and these instructions are for this mode. First, verify that your unit is plugged in to AC power, that the switch on the rear panel is in the "Rsrv A" position, and the USB cable is connected from one of your computer's USB ports to the USB port in the back of the unit. If the you need to switch the switch from "Rsrv B" to "Rsrv A", be certain to unplug the USB cable from either your unit or the computer, wait five seconds, and then plug the cable back in so that it will function properly.

When connecting your Ayre D/A converter to the computer while in Class One Audio mode, you may see a failed driver installation notification.

If you click on that window, you will see that it is for the Ayre DFU.

It is important to note that this is not the USB Audio Device and this failed installation notification may safely be ignored. Instead this notification refers to the Device Firmware Upgrade (DFU). The DFU functions only in Class Two Audio mode and is used to update firmware for the Ayre USB D/A converter if required. Instructions on how to do this will be made available should firmware updates become necessary.

Music Players

There are literally dozens of choices when it comes to music players.

J.River Media Jukebox is an easy reccomendation for most users due to its combination of ease of use, excellent ripping capability, flexible tagging options, and high sound quality. J.River is a ready-to-go, all-in-one solution yet is highly configurable with many features. J.River also supports a wide variety of file formats and has its own online database for tagging music files. For many people J.River is perhaps the best overall choice.

J.River Media Center is a version of their media player that sells for $50 and adds many features. The majority of the new capabilities are aimed at video, but there are also some very nice audio-oriented features added, including the ability to use multiple music libraries, built-in Kernel Streaming support, and a "Theater View" that fills up your display and allows you to use a wireless remote control (only $35 including shipping) from across the room. A free 30-day trial version is available.

Both versions of J.River have an active user forum where your question will be answered quickly, usually by other users, but the developers also frequent these forums.

J.River User Forums

Foobar 2000 is another popular music player with a great deal of flexibility, and in specific cases may offer some advantages over J.River. However,Foobar 2000 is more of a "do-it-yourself" kit than an "all-in-one" program. The basic setup is very easy, but configuring it to fit your needs may prove to be a bit challenging. It does not provide the slick package offered by J.River, but it does have its own "stripped down" appeal for the computer enthusiast, and is capable of excellent audio performance.

J.River uses Apple's QuickTime software to decode the Apple music file formats, AAC (Advanced Audio Coding) and ALAC (Apple Lossless Audio Coding). The combination of the two programs creates a few minor quirks, so if you rely on one of the Apple formats, Foobar 2000 may be a better choice. For nearly everyone else, J.River is recommended.

By now you will probably already know which of these audio players, J.River or Foobar 2000, best suits your needs. If not, please refer to the setup instructions for each of them for further information that will aid you in your decision. Please note that the setup instructions for each music player is slightly different, depending on which operating system you are using.