Fidelizer

[Covenant]

I know this has been mentioned before but I dont think there is a thread.:mental:
I have installed Fidelizer on the most basic setting and am moderately impressed.
Anyone used the more advanced settings?

[Stratmangler]

http://www.windowsxlive.net/fidelizer/
You really should try google ;)

[Ali Tait]

I use it on the "Audiophile" setting and yes, I think it's an improvement too, and best of all it's free.

[UV101]

Looks like the windows equivalent to soundcheck's SB Touch software.

I wonder how much difference it would make on powerful system?

[Tim]

I wonder how much difference it would make on powerful system?
All depends on what you mean by that ;)

What Fidelizer does is shut down all non essential processes and services that are not required for audio playback. On a general purpose computer it is very useful and can improve it considerably, the bonus being once you reboot, your system is back where it was.

However, on a dedicated custom built music server which has been configured purely for audio playback, its benefits are less prominent and dare I say it , redundant. But it is very good for most people and its free :)

[Ali Tait]

Aye, the difference is slight on the TFS.

[Covenant]

http://www.windowsxlive.net/fidelizer/
You really should try google ;)

Yes but I want proper AOS audiophile type responses Chris, not random comments from nerds! :lol:

[Covenant]

What Fidelizer does is shut down all non essential processes and services that are not required for audio playback. On a general purpose computer it is very useful and can improve it considerably, the bonus being once you reboot, your system is back where it was.

What you need to acces it every time you boot up? Thats a pain.

[John]

Sounds similar to Jplay but not as expensive I must give it a go

[Tim]

JPlay is a superior product John and what JPlay does makes Fidelizer redundant anyway, as the playback kernel is loaded into CPU cache and the audio files into RAM, any perceived benefits by using Fidelizer have been bypassed by the way JPlay operates. Fidelizer is best when used in conjunction with an 'normal' computer and programs like JRiver and foobar2000, then it comes into its own.

As a free product its excellent, especially if you don't know how or don't want to mess with Windows too much ;)

[John]

Cheers no need to give it a try then

[Tim]

Cheers no need to give it a try then
Ah now there's the rub John, I wish I was like that as I always have to try things out for myself, I could be talking out my arse :lol:

[Stratmangler]

Yes but I want proper AOS audiophile type nerd responses Chris, not random comments from non AOS nerds! :lol:

Fair comment :)

[Stratmangler]

The problem with things like Fidelizer is that you have to restart the computer in order to turn it off, which gets a bit tedious to say the least.

I have just run a few tests running Foobar via my HiFace2 (Wasapi selected) on my laptop with Fidelizer both on and off, and I can't hear any differences between Fidelized and non Fidelized playback.
Now I know that playback is improved by using Wasapi drivers, so maybe Fidelizer does something similar to Wasapi.
I wouldn't worry too much about Fidelizer :)

[Gazjam]

Looks like the windows equivalent to soundcheck's SB Touch software.

I wonder how much difference it would make on powerful system?


I use it and wouldn't run an audio computer without it.

It does the business with a "powerfull" computer here (4.5Ghz Intel 3750k, 16mb) but as Tim says, its more about trimming back Windows bloat than your system specs.

One thing it does thats vital, is it reduce system latency...
With Windows 8 it HALFs it...

high latency can introduce snap crackle and pop to your digital files so as low as possible is a GOOD THING.

[Covenant]

I think your right there Gaz, I was getting a feint popping noise before installing Fidelizer. I had put it down to the cheap Sabre dac I have been playing with. Not noticed the popping since installing Fidelizer.
What setting do you use?

[Stratmangler]

I think your right there Gaz, I was getting a feint popping noise before installing Fidelizer. I had put it down to the cheap Sabre dac I have been playing with. Not noticed the popping since installing Fidelizer.
What setting do you use?

What's the machine you're playing with?
And what media player are you using?

[Covenant]

Hi Chris,
Straight from an HP Compaq DC5100 Pentium 4 (2.80) into this expensive bit of exotic hardware:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/140847495065?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649
Generally listen to Spotify, Deezer and Grooveshark. The popping seems to happen sometimes if I am using the computer while music is on.

[Gazjam]

Running tweaked Jriver 18 with Fidelizer at "Audiophile" setting.
Would go to "extreme" setting but I pull my music files off the network and Extreme switches off networking.

guys, if your running Jrive'r for Gods sake don't run Jplay!
No harm to those that love it but Fideliser is all you need.

Cant comment on other media players but know a thing or two about Jriver.
Fidelizer is all you need.

[Stratmangler]

Generally listen to Spotify, Deezer and Grooveshark. The popping seems to happen sometimes if I am using the computer while music is on.

That's a sure sign that you've got too much background crap running on the computer.
CCleaner has a nice facility that enables you stop needless programs initialising on startup.

[Covenant]

Cheers Chris,
I will give it a go. My computer is about 7 years old and has had a busy life. It will probably get retired and replaced soon.

[The Grand Wazoo]

I had my doubts but now I can confirm that the Fidel-izer works a treat - I tried it the other day. Here's a recent photo....

























...
http://www.crazyforcostumes.com/ProdImages/fidel-castro-costume-131094.jpg

[Gazjam]

Calling scenanigans on your Castro antics...

that green jumpsuit has NOT been rolled from the thighs of Cuban virgins...

[The Grand Wazoo]

Ha!!

[nat8808]

One thing it does thats vital, is it reduce system latency...
With Windows 8 it HALFs it...

Is that because Windows 8 latency is higher than the others or Fidelizer works better with it?

This all reminds me of all the system optimisation that needed doing for setting up a good Digital Audio Workstation, but back then you had to make changes during the install of Windows 2000 and in the Bios. Then there was the optimisation of hard drives and the formatting options too, something that Glyph then provided ready done for a high price.