Audio Essentials can improve your Mac's sound, but needs some work

#1 Macworld

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Posted 23 July 2012 - 08:31 AM

Post your comments for Audio Essentials can improve your Mac's sound, but needs some work here

#2 HalanR

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Posted 23 July 2012 - 09:45 AM

I've been on the fence about purchasing this. Thanks for your review. I think I'll wait a while and see if there are any improvements.

#3 mrmikefrombuenapark

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Posted 23 July 2012 - 11:46 AM

This system is absolutely incredible. I'm hearing new things in my songs that I've never heard before. Be sure to try the trial version. I love music, mostly R & B, and this enhancement makes listening to my iTunes library a real thrill.

#4 wupher

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Posted 23 July 2012 - 12:19 PM

How is this different from iWOW, the current Mac audio enhancement software from SRS? Is it, as I suspect, mostly just a cosmetic upgrade?

#5 sensel

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Posted 23 July 2012 - 01:21 PM

Just hook up a good stereo receiver or amp (used or new $0-$300±) with some bookshelf speakers from Yamaha, Sony, BA, or another affordable brand (recycle old ones or new $50-$300±). Use a mini jack to RCA adaptor or Toslink (if that is on your model Mac and receiver).
This simple and low cost amplification using *real* but basic home audio gear will blow your mind.
I used a pair of 24 year old BA 40s (free from my own home) and a 10 year old Fisher receiver (also free from retired parents who no longer wanted it).

#6 markwk52

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Posted 23 July 2012 - 01:33 PM

"Audiophiles object to such effects, saying that they artificially detract from what the audio’s original creator—the musician, the movie soundtrack producer—had in mind. But again: I just want things to sound good."
Are you suggesting that musicians, engineers and movie soundtrack producers expend all that effort and money to make their creations sound BAD? Their material gets strained through everything from tinny portables to bass-pounding car-thumpers. Creators WANT to sound good - the first step is a decent system.

#7 imwesley

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Posted 23 July 2012 - 02:35 PM

wupher, on 23 July 2012 - 12:19 PM, said:

How is this different from iWOW, the current Mac audio enhancement software from SRS? Is it, as I suspect, mostly just a cosmetic upgrade?

This is not a cosmetic upgrade to iWow. iWow works with iTunes only while Audio Essentials works with any app that outputs audio.

#8 wupher

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Posted 24 July 2012 - 12:38 PM

imwesley, on 23 July 2012 - 02:35 PM, said:

wupher, on 23 July 2012 - 12:19 PM, said:

How is this different from iWOW, the current Mac audio enhancement software from SRS? Is it, as I suspect, mostly just a cosmetic upgrade?

This is not a cosmetic upgrade to iWow. iWow works with iTunes only while Audio Essentials works with any app that outputs audio.

Other than working with more apps, how is it materially different? What is it doing that is so different from iwow for iTunes?

#9 Riscon

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Posted 12 August 2012 - 04:39 AM

I think this is a great app, however I find it annoying that you cannot have it running in the menubar. It seems you have to keep the app main screen open all the time to use it?

#10 2stepbay

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Posted 18 November 2012 - 09:32 AM

I installed this back in July and had many problems with the sound levels unnaturally fluctuating.

Several months later (now v 1.0.4) gave it another try. UI still windows-like clunky. Menubar control would be much better than the present setup. Also, sound levels, especially outside iTunes, still have a tendency to unnaturally fluctuate. Don't understand why SRS would basically copy a windows version over to the Mac and call it good. That it requires "soundflower" makes the experience all that more lacking. Soundflower latest v is still listed as "beta". Latest "stable" version 1.6.5 ought to be "beta too".

Disappointing. Save your $$$.

#11 2stepbay

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Posted 18 November 2012 - 09:33 AM

Quote

I installed this back in July and had many problems with the sound levels unnaturally fluctuating. Several months later (now v 1.0.4) gave it another try. UI still windows-like clunky. Menubar control would be much better than the present setup. Also, sound levels, especially outside iTunes, still have a tendency to unnaturally fluctuate. Don't understand why SRS would basically copy a windows version over to the Mac and call it good. That it requires "soundflower" makes the experience all that more lacking. Soundflower latest v is still listed as "beta". Latest "stable" version 1.6.5 ought to be "beta too". Disappointing. Save your $$$.

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