FLAC/iHP-120/RockBox Question...

[gmbennett]

Hope I've got the right forum for this question.

Since joining this site, I've felt compelled to acquire an SR-71, a Headroom MicroDac, Sennheiser 650's, ipod Turbodock, RnB cable, etc. (all great, but curse you all the same, Head-Fi! I know, I know, sorry about my wallet...).

I recently picked up a used iRiver iHP-120 on ebay with the intention of playing FLAC files -> MicroDac -> SR71 -> headphones (Senn 650s or 100s for portable use). RockBox installation went smoothly, and high bit-rate MP3's sound great, but the player won't seem to recognize/play the FLAC files I uploaded.

I ripped the FLAC files using the latest (Windows) version of Roxio Easy Media Creator - I know it's probably heresy around here to use Roxio instead of EAC, but I already had it, and it would've been too easy...

Do I need to enable a preference on Rockbox to play FLAC files, or do you think it's the encoding?

Thanks for your help....

 

[bmclaurin]

I'm almost in the same boat as you from an equipment progression standpoint. I also recently picked up an iRiver H120 from eBay (factory refurbished). I wonder if we got in on the same deal. Anyway, I don't recall having to enable any special features in Rockbox to make it play FLAC files. It seems to handle them natively just fine. FWIW, I am using EAC w/ the FLAC command line encoder. Good luck.

 

[gmbennett]

Thanks, I'll try the EAC route. I bought my H120 from an individual - looks well-used, but not refurb'ed. So far, to be honest, I can't hear a significant difference in sound quality between my ipod's line-out and the H120's optical out, but I'm looking forward to experimenting with RockBox and lossless formats.

 

[bmclaurin]

Quote:

Originally Posted by gmbennett So far, to be honest, I can't hear a significant difference in sound quality between my ipod's line-out and the H120's optical out...

That's a bit surprising to me. Prior to getting the H120, I used my iPod's line out almost exclusively, which admittedly sounds pretty decent actually. But I find the difference between that configuration and running my H120 optically through the Micro DAC to be significant, although it is admittedly subtle. Do you have the Desktop or Micro module in your Micro DAC? I went for the Desktop module because there is reportedly a significant difference in SQ between the two, at the unfortunate and considerable expense of battery life. That thing literally eats 9V Duracells. To be honest, though, it's totally worth it for me. I'm in awe of the SQ that a rig of this diminutive size is capable of producing.

 

[gmbennett]

Like you, I have the Desktop module. I picked up a nifty little LowePro Rezo camera bag that fits the MicroStack + H120 nicely. My plan is to snag a 9V charger and about 8 rechargeable batteries so I can rotate fresh batteries, but so far I've only used the MicroStack with the wall-warts. I picked up the MicroAmp and an SR-71 around the same time thinking I'd get rid of the amp I preferred the least, but I'm having a hard time making that decision!

I've been using my 5G 60GB ipod with its line-out and high quality MP3s either at highest rate VBR or 320mps, and it sounds very nice into either the MicroAmp or SR-71.

I tried the EAC + FLAC route on the H120 tonight and it worked without any problems. No idea why the Roxio front end didn't work...

With the FLAC -> HP120 optical out -> MicroDAC -> amp, I think there's a discernable difference between the ipod and H120, but the ipod's not far behind. Both systems are very pleasant. Now I just have to figure out playlists on RockBox....