Apodizing... Your impressions?

Although it’s been around for a few years, there isn’t much discussion on A’gon about apodizing (or apodising, if you prefer). I recently installed an apodizing filter on my Meridian G68. The difference in sound was very surprising… greater perceived resolution, more realistic instrument timbres, better PRaT, more precise imaging, and a “relaxed” quality to the sound. The collective result is that music sounds both more involving and more expressive. I didn’t expect such a dramatic effect from a single filter.

I'm aware of the fact that the sound of a dac is determined by a host of factors other than digital filtering. Hence observations about apodizing are most valid in situations where it is the only variable that changes. That was the case for me. I installed the new filter and shazam! …things were quite different. It was remarkable.

And FWIW, although my device is made by Meridian, I didn’t install Meridian’s apodizing filter. I installed a filter created by a private party. (I have no financial or personal relationship with the filter designer.)

I know that Meridian, Ayre, and PS Audio use different approaches to apodizing. I’d be interested to hear other folks experiences with these dacs/players or any others that use apodizing.

Bryon