Rooting the DPX1 and Viper4Android?
Hi. Some of you have been asking about rooting the DPX1. However, others feel we should keep this thread devoted to the DPX1 as it is. It makes sense because I think the majority look at the DPX1 and say, "If I it ain't broke don't fix it" (aside from sundry minor issues). Then… there are those that say, "If it ain't broke, break it, and see if you can't fix it to be better.” Rooting goes this latter route, and it is definitely–not–for everyone, but if you’re interested read on. If it does start to be a distraction, I’ll move it to a new thread.
Rooting lets you “break” into Android at the "root" firmware level, and tinker with things that neither Android or Onkyo (or your mother) want you to. I think it voids the warranty and there have been a couple cases here of people who have really “broken the OS” (i.e., "bricked" it.) If that happens you can’t just reboot, and you may not be able to get Onkyo's help, because you voided your warranty; it wasn't broke and you broke/bricked it.
So why do it?
I chose the DPX1 over the whole host of DAPs on the market. Cost was not an issue. I chose it because it is currently the highest performing DAP–with an open Android platform. Open Android is a nonnegotiable for me because it means I can use third party players, signal processing apps, and stream Tidal (perhaps with MQA before long). The problem is that the DSP available though Google-Play isn’t great. For example, I like Neutron but its virtualizer is, oddly, meant for speakers. Jet Audio has some usable DSP but it can’t stream Tidal. UAPP can stream Tidal, but it only has an EQ. Tidal-hifi is revolutionary but its app has no DSP at all.
If you don't believe in DSP, there is no reason to root. Rooting will not increase the technical performance of the DPX1 hardware, fix the loose jacks, or make you a better person. For me, I believe that DSP is the future (that, and children). I am aware that the mass of consumer-grade DSP out there promises spectacular sound but only delivers artificial and degraded audio.
Viper4Android
Euphy Wong and Jasper Loo have developed software called Viper4Android, and it is a serious audio DSP "toolkit." It contains a whole array of processors starting with a great FIR (finite impulse response)-based EQ, various surround virtualizers, ways to extend highs and boost bass, a convolver!, etc. If you get carried away, or don't know what you're doing, you can easily wreck the beautiful sound of the Onkyo. Like a toolkit, you will only use a few of these, but the sheer variety ensures you're likely to find the tool you need. I only use the FIR EQ, and field surround. However, my real goal is to get Smyth Realiser presets on to the DPX1 via V4A’s convolver. Amazingly, it's all free, and unless I'm mistaken, it provides the most powerful and highest quality signal processing available on any mobile device bar none.
The thing is, V4A requires rooting to use. But, by the same token, because it operates at the firmware level, you can apply it to Tidal or any other player. Unfortunately, getting it on to the DPX1 is anything but straightforward. It wouldn’t even be possible without the efforts of xVortex. He made the necessary coding adjustments to get the apps working specifically for the DPX1. He knows the technical details involved and was kind enough to share. I’ve provided links to some general articles and xVortex’s modified files (with permission) to get started below. As far as i know, none of the general instructions for installing V4A will work for the DPX1. You need to use xVortex’s files. Let me repeat again: this is–not–for everyone. If you get into trouble, sadly, I can’t help. Not that I don’t want to, but, I'm brand new to Android/Windows, and in the Mac world, they don't even trust us with two mouse buttons.
What I do know is that I’m listening to Tidal(hifi) with V4A thinking, “How did I get here?” I”m getting sound from a little oddly shaped box through tiny IEMs that occasionally fools me into thinking I’m listening to my home headphone system. If I get sober and critical, it’s not really that good (after all, my USB transport alone is worth more than the whole DPX1), but it is better than my desktop system of many years past. Mobile audio is moving forward and, given the limits of miniaturization, I believe it’s going to need DSP. The tech is there, but, right now, it’s not easily accessible. This means weighing the risk for yourself of going off the beaten path. Personally, it was so worth it that I couldn’t keep it to myself. In all practicality, I think the chances of rendering your unit inoperable are slight, but you should be aware of what you’re getting in to. In the end, if your pursuit of audio also makes it impossible for you to leave well enough alone, you may want to explore rooting and V4A.
Rooting:
http://android.wonderhowto.com/how-to/improve-sound-quality-android-5-audio-mods-for-better-sounding-music-videos-0162673/
http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/how-to-root-android/2/#
DRXrWD01AQNeA
http://www.kingroot.net/tutorials
In Android Settings set "developer options" to: "on" and make sure "USB debugging" is enabled.
Custom Recovery:
[Once your device is rooted you need to install xVortex’s TWRP for DPX1. You cannot install a general custom recovery]
http://www.head-fi.org/t/780642/onkyo-dp-x1-dual-sabre-dacs-balanced-sabre-btl-amp-mqa-dsd-256-android-5/9300#post_12657959
[
you may need to install the adb driver]
https://developer.android.com/studio/run/win-usb.html
http://visualgdb.com/KB/usbdebug-manual/
https://developer.android.com/studio/index.html?hl=sk
http://www.phonearena.com/news/How-to-flash-a-custom-recovery-like-CWM-or-TWRP-on-Android_id53914
(for reference, do not follow these instructions)
SELinux and Busybox
Go to the Google-Play store, download and install both SELinux and Busybox. They're free.
Set SELinux to: "permissive.
Viper4Android:
[Once your devices is rooted and you have xVortex’s TWRP installed, use TWRP to install and flash xVortex’s V4A for DPX1]
https://mega.nz/#!1pUBkSxA!G1F2oGx5pcoKj8ROqXVh-luOyRV5KDSlwVzorJuTHB0
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2191223
http://missingtricks.net/viper4android-android-install-guide/
(for reference, do not follow these instructions)
Impulse Responses:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2216193
http://en.miui.com/thread-71540-1-1.html