MediaMonkey: The media player for audiophiles

This article may interest you if you archive large music collection in lossless format and you own a portable music player with limited storage capacity

I was once in the exact situation as above. I keep all my music in FLAC format and used to play these FLAC as is on my mobile phone and MP3 player. Eventually my music collection grew larger than the microSDHC memory card that I can afford. I have 2 choices, each with difficulty of its own.
Option 1: Transcode a separate library of lossy music
- requires manual intervention to recreate another set of identical folder structure and then transcode each album manually (transcoder won't know where to put the files)
- unable to systematically/automatically determine which file requires (re)transcoding and synchronizing
- manual intervention to provision album art to each newly transcoded album

Option 2: Transcode on-the-fly to my mobile device
- most MTP-capable media player has limited format encoding capability
- some media player does not preserve ID3 tag correctly
- most media player will automatically regenerate folder structure based on ID3 tags
- album art may not show correctly due to above reason

I have personally tried every popular media/music player I can think of
Foobar2000
+All-time favourite music player on my desktop
+Supports most, if not all, type of encoding and decoding format
-Unable to automatically generate folder structure, not even based on ID3 tag. Too much manual work
-No MTP support at all

Songbird
+Free, open source, multi-platform
+MTP support
-Despite able to list my portable media device's capability, it's unable to encode anything other than WMAv2, which sucks

Winamp
+MTP support
+Wide choice of encoding format
-Recreates folders based on ID3 tag. Causes a mess for albums with various artists
-No parallel encoding, unable to utilize multi-core processors - Very slow for large encoding

The only music player that works perfect to my needs: MediaMonkey
+MTP support
+Wide choice of encoding format
+On the fly transcoding and device sync
+Parallel encoding
+Fully customizable encoding behaviour. Easily customize MediaMonkey to reproduce exact folder structure with album art
+SQLite album management for huge album collections. Advertised capacity over 100000 songs
+High quality music player for audiophiles. WASAPI capable out of the box
+CD ripping built in

The only BIG cons:
-RM173.89/EUR 42.36 for MediaMonkey Gold Lifetime license. Budget not for the typical home user. Free version loses out these features: http://www.mediamonkey.com/information/gold/

No need for any other music players. I'd call myself a MediaMonkey fan now!

Getting Windows 8 to Run on Netbooks

Hello fellow tech junkies! Time to flex your finger muscles and start installing Windows 8 Developer Preview on your lab rat computer.

Among all the computers I have, it's the HP Mini 210 netbook that I don't mind screwing up and so I installed Windows 8 developer preview using a USB drive with the assistance of Windows 7 USB/DVD download tool. I have tried the 32 bit version as well as the 64 bit version with developer tools. Both booted up using about 500MB of RAM but the 32 bit version definitely has an edge of lower memory consumption. For my 1GB RAM netbook, of course I settled down with the 32 bit version.

Boot up is impressive on Windows 8 Developer Preview. I reckon the feeble Atom netbook only required about 10 seconds to boot. Windows 8 does provide a truly changing user experience. Once booted, the user is presented with an unfamiliar Metro UI instead. Similar to Windows Phone 7, apps are now represented with tiles and these tiles can provide live update as you use the computer.

I did stumble upon the issue where Metro UI apps wouldn't launch at all on my netbook. With some testing, it's concluded that Metro UI will not work on any resolution lower than 768px of height. On most netbooks, the resolution is only 1024x600. Alternatives are:
1. Remote desktop into this netbook using a computer with higher resolution
2. Hook up to an external monitor with higher resolution
3. Downscale!

Downscale simply means to select a higher resolution that your display cannot actually display. The display will look stretched or even fuzzy but among the 3 alternatives listed above, downscaling is probably the most promising yet independent method. No one wants to hook to a LCD all day long :P

To downscale, a quick registry hack is needed. Run "regedit". Find(Ctrl+F) Display1_DownScalingSupported. Change value to 1.

Reboot and right click on desktop to change resolution. Pick a good resolution that has at least 768px of height. Tada! Metro UI now works perfectly on your netbook! Until Microsoft changes their mind to cater Metro UI for 90% of the netbooks, enjoy your downscaled display.

Meego on HP Mini 210

The HP Mini 210 I had from Streamyx Coolunipack has got Windows 7 Started installed on it but I'm looking for something simpler, social, faster.

Meego is a linux-based operating system, jointly developed by Intel and Nokia. Apparently Windows 7 did not have comprehensive support for Atom processor, which I was hoping Meego would extend some battery life. Hence I gave Meego 1.2 a try. :D

To test drive Meego on the netbook is fairly simple. Required materials are just the ~900MB image file which you can choose here. Then follow the simple instructions to copy the image to a USB drive. I shall not repeat the obvious steps since everything is well documented to the point of creating Live USB drive.

Good to note that the USB drive will require fdisk or Windows Disk Management to remove (then add) the partition, when you finished using the drive for installation or Live USB purpose. Formatting from Windows Explorer itself is futile.

I didn't really need Windows 7 on my netbook, so I entirely removed Windows partition to make way for Meego. For those who needs Windows 7 on dual boot, the idea is to shrink the system partition, install Meego and follow some instructions (which you can Google) to include Windows 7 into the bootloader. Meego's installer has capability to modify partitions, such as deleting Windows partition but I stumbled on some bugs when using Custom Partition Layout option. Instead of telling how I can even remove Windows partition from Meego installer, it would be better to prepare an unallocated space beforehand.

For custom partition layout users, you would need:
250MB of /boot logical (primary) partition
An optional swap partition, which Meego recommended 1.7GB for my netbook
A / partition, as large as possible

After getting the partition layout, the entire installation should be trouble-free.

Tada!

What works on my HP Mini 210:
+Graphics
+Webcam
+Bluetooth
+Sound
+Touchpad (without 2 finger scrolling)
+Brightness control
+External display
+USB
+Card reader
+Ethernet

What doesn't:
-Broadcom Wi-Fi

If you happen to own a netbook with Intel wireless, the Wi-Fi would work fine. No worries, Broadcom does have Linux drivers; we just need to install them using Terminal.
1. sudo yum install rpmdevtools
2. sudo yum groupinstall "Development Tools"
3. sudo yum install kernel-netbook-devel
4. wget http://slaine.org/moblin/releases/2.1/ia32/source/wl-kmod-5.60.48.36-1.moblin.src.rpm
5. rpmbuild --rebuild --target=i586 wl-kmod-5.60.48.36-1.moblin.src.rpm
6. sudo rpm -ivh ~/rpmbuild/RPMS/i586/wl-kmod-5.60.48.36-1.meego.i586.rpm
And your Broadcom Wi-Fi is back!

What's great on Meego:
+Fast boot up
+Fast sleep resume
+Youthful interface with social integration
+Lightweight - works perfect on a 1GB memory machine
+supports RPM repositories

What isn't perfect:
-Imperfect social interface. No search for "People" - who the heck still scrolls in long contact lists?. Poor integration with Empathy messenger.
-To get Twitter working in Status integration, small hack is required: http://forum.meego.com/showthread.php?t=3369
-Intermittent connection. Signing into MSN occasionally fail. Social function is moody (unable to connect to Twitter or Facebook occasionally)
-Slow multitasking (Alt+Tab) because of its animations
-Navigating around the menus are inferior compared to Windows 7. Not an issue if you like Windows XP or if you don't use Windows 7 search feature. Lack of shortcuts and gesture which Windows 7 offers
-Installing applications are not user-friendly for the non-Linux users. Needs similar software download center like Ubuntu, or even better, Google Market-like software library
-No official Java plugin support
-No noticeable battery life improvement

The verdict:
Good to try if you want to experience the 'social' operating system which you read your friend's social updates the moment you flip the netbook open. Not for the faint-hearted, not suitable for primary computer use. Adventurous users can download Meego SDK and start developing on their Meego device :D
Meego is fine for my casual netbook usage and I think I'll be keeping it ^^

Android - Hotmail Push Mail

By default / automatic configuration, the built-in Android Email application uses polling option for Hotmail / Windows Live Mail. In the past, I have been using Samsung's Premium Social Hub which acts as a proxy for push mail capability; while many others use alternative email application like K-9 mail.

It was till yesterday when I notice Hotmail / Live Mail have exchange-like server since last year. The steps to configure Hotmail for push mail is manual, but not difficult. The steps are illustrated using Samsung Galaxy S, an Android device but the concept should work fine on iPhone, Nokia or other smartphone devices.

Start Android email application like usual and key in the Hotmail credentials. Instead of clicking Next for automatic configuration, select Manual Set-Up. Among the three options, select Exchange account.

In Exchange Server Settings, use m.hotmail.com as exchange server address and allow SSL. Username and password are just simply your Hotmail login credentials. Once you're done with that, Voila! You're given the option for Automatic (Push)! Continue to click Next to finish your configuration.

The push notification is very responsive. From my rough observation, it takes only 1-2 seconds to notify me on my device after the mail arrives. Kudos Microsoft Live team and Google Android!

chchyong89's Wolfson WM8501 DAC Review

Introduction

The creator seller of PCM2704 DAC, chchyong89 is well known for designing the best bang for the bucks audio amplifiers and DAC. He has recently returned with a bag of goodies, Wolfson WM8501 DAC. This new DAC packs quality components for better audio quality, yet maintaining an astonishing price tag@RM168.

First impression

This Wolfson WM8501 DAC is definitely a looker. The board glossy black and squarish, measuring only about 6.5cm on its sides, occupied with pretty looking components and gold plated RCA+coaxial sockets. With its size, the DAC is possibly portable enough to bring around, effectively an upgrade for a laptop/netbook's inferior onboard sound.

USB is the only available input for the DAC. Since it connects to the computer by USB, no external power source is required. The USB cable supplied is very worthwhile to be praised; shielded, fairly thick and well built. The output is switchable between analog and digital. Digital streams would channel through the coaxial socket if digital output is selected. I suppose this DAC could act as a USB to coaxial converter to feed digital stream to other DAC without USB capability. 3.5mm jack or RCA output is available for user's convenience when analog settings is used.

The DAC outputs line-out level of 1.7V RMS, regardless of 3.5mm or RCA. Software attenuation on Windows taskbar would not affect the volume in anyway. Observing the fact that the DAC is designed to output line-out level, I believe chchyong89 intended to pair this DAC to an amplifier (usually equipped with volume control) before feeding to headphone. Attempting to drive a demanding headphone directly from this DAC could have masked the true potential of the DAC, as it has no amplifying stage built on board.

As a word of advice, if you attempt to connect headphones directly to the DAC, turn off all Windows system sounds, messenger's notifications and turn down the volume of your media player. Admittedly, I was once dumb enough to let my messenger shriek for my attention while I was listening to the DAC directly.

Tests and Methodology

Inherently from the DAC's small size, I had the idea to test the DAC on my HP Mini 210 netbook.

The DAC is plug-and-play. The preinstalled Windows 7 Starter x86 had no issue at all installing the generic drivers. Tested on my desktop, the DAC works perfectly fine on a 64-bit machine as well. ASIO is supported by the use of ASIO4ALL v2. I noticed huge volume gain when ASIO is used on this DAC. (please shine some light on this)

Disclaimer: The following audio impression is subjective to personal preferences and does not represent the actual experience across different individuals.

To avoid colouration to the sound, no amplifiers were used. I have used my faithful Sennheiser HD555 for the test.

Bass

I was expecting a quick roll off over the low frequencies, considering that the DAC had no amplifying stage.  Then I realised, my assumption was utterly unjustified. The low is on the right amount, clean and fast. I think it would only be fair to make strong emphasis on the fast low frequencies. This great characteristic makes the music sound extremely clean (layman: there is only a sound when there should be sound, otherwise, it's silence. no prolonged booms). Some pop songs with complex passages which usually sound messy, turn out to sound right again thus I don't feel fatigue everytime I listen to these pop songs.

With my mediocre ears and headphones, I could clearly catch frequencies as low as 40-50Hz. I am not certain if the absense of headphone/speaker amplifier is limiting its potential but it is nevertheless satisfactory.

Mid (timbre)

Impacts are somewhat strong but not overwhelming; stronger than my X-Fi Titanium at approximately equal level. I could feel some sort of micro-vibrations from my HD555 for certain instruments. Very noticeable on pianos, I can feel the hammer hitting on the strings.

Mid (vocals)

One of the strong aspect of the DAC. Highly detailed vocals. However, unlike typical system where detailed vocals is inherent with prominently strong mids, this DAC isn't. The vocals remain laid-back but just simply detailed.

High

The high is smooth but not prominent. Upon close observation, I could hear the details of cymbals etc. Otherwise, I almost haven't noticed much about the highs. Could be one of the reason this DAC sounds clean to the listener's perception.  Acceptable for music but could be a little too smooth for certain movies.

Soundstage

The soundstage is average; not wide, neither too confined.
Remark: Very subjective to individual and system set up.

Miscellaneous
The DAC is sold as is, naked without an enclosure. Casing up the DAC is highly recommended especially for portable use. Quite disappointing, the PCB has no mounting holes unlike the earlier PCM2704 DAC design.

During quiet listening, I noticed occasional pops on both my HP Mini 210 netbook and desktop. I have as well encountered the DAC stalling completely when a light switch in my kitchen being flicked. Presumably, the DAC have strict requirements from USB power source to perform its best. Further tests necessary to find the root cause of this problem. chchyong89 has been contacted regarding this issue. The DAC is suggested to be tested with battery powered laptop, which I shall try during the CNY holidays.

+Good sound quality
+Inexpensive
+Coaxial output
+Satisfying PCB build quality
+Line-out level output
-No volume attenuation by Windows volume
-Enclosure not included
-Occasional pops (to be investigated)

From consumer's point of view, there are probably no other commercial DAC to compete at its RM168 price tag. The DAC packs interesting features, scoring high SNR specifications, and if its shortcomings(pops) were resolved, I almost felt my desktop's X-Fi Titanium is somewhat redundant. If I had the authority to do so, I would love to give chchyong89's Wolfson WM8501 DAC a seal of "highly recommended".

Project uberCMOY - Headphone Amplifier

Some years ago, I wanted to learn building headphone amplifiers. Troubled by academic schedules and thanks to my procrastination, the project was delayed till my degree's graduation.

Similar to most beginners, this amplifier is based on CMOY's design, with minor upgrades.

Work Log
Inception (idea planting) on early December 2010. Woke up from dreams and decided to build a CMOY.

16/12/2010
Requested free samples of OPA1642, OPA2107, OPA2111, OPA2132, OPA2277.
TLE2426 rail splitter is also available for free from Texas Instruments. An upgrade of CMOY's original design of resistor voltage divider.

26/12/2010
Every requested part arrived my doorstep.

Not all boxes were shown(there were more). Texas Instruments uses many box for just several op-amps.

In-the-box:

Further unboxing:

*Many days in between*
Several versions of breadboard prototype being built. Randomly suffers from hum and hiss. Presumably leads are too long on breadboard. Unity gain versions appears to be more susceptible to noises on breadboard. Ditch breadboard; I'm going to build on stripboard.

29/12/2011
Went to littleghost's personal lab. Built the entire amp in an afternoon.

Internal peek:

Materials: Stripboard, 1000uF Rubycon capacitors, 0.1uF ceramic capacitors, 1uF metal film capacitors, 1%  precision metal film resistors, Singatron panel mounted 3.5mm sockets, toggle switch, LED, Jujubes box

Choice of op-amp: Burr-Brown OPA2132

Viable choices:
OPA1642 - Looks great on datasheet. Low noise, low supply voltage, suggested for blu-ray players as well! Sadly, no PDIP form factor.
OPA2107 - Sounds best among the op-amps I have but requires minimum supply voltage of 9V. Somewhat too demanding for this portable design.
OPA2132 - Sounds okay. 5V supply voltage, great for portable use. Low DC offset. No audible hiss. Chosen for this amplifier.
OPA2111, OPA2277 - Similar to OPA2132 from specifications. Not tested yet.

Schematic:

30/12/2011
Custom build 3.5mm interconnect for amp. Cute blue wires. :P

Results: Gain of 2. Sounds nice. Improved sound quality, especially the mids. (Lets not talk audiophile jargon for now)
Shortcomings: No volume control, no external DC input, no battery charger.
Next amp: Sijosae Class-AB amplifier

-END of log-

White iPhone 4 spotted

-intended to be left blank; nothing to say-
:D