@yage thanks for the link, I’ll need to carve out some time to focus on it properly
The current process of ripping was just what prompted me to look at the manual and discover new things. Ripping is done at native redbook to FLAC.
I find the three terms upsampling, oversampling, and resampling confusing because while I’m fairly certain they have distinct technical meanings, they are often used interchangeably. If I use one wrong then please correct me. I’m trying to get a better handle of this.
The Aries G1.1 upsamples all files, adding null bits to make bigger words. When sending S/PIDF 16 bit becomes 24 bit. For USB all samples become 32bit. This is independent of source, library files or streaming services, all are upsampled. This would be like adding trailing zeros after a decimal point. The number is unchanged but the available precision is greater for subsequent manipulation, like volume control or DSP.
The oversampling is usually a multiple of the native rate 44.1kHz can become 88.2, 176.4, or even 352.8kHz which is 8x over USB. (Similarly 48kHz can become 96,192, or a max of 384kHz.) At its crudest existing value repetition could be used, but I think the more sophisticated approaches interpolate intermediate values or try to recreate more of the original waveform by complex iterative algorithms. No idea what method the Aries uses or the computing power required. I think some DACs perform a similar manipulation allowing the use of less harsh antialiasing filters that keep artifacts well beyond human hearing
Resampling I think is both simultaneously and not necessarily in multiples and can have more issues. Changing sampling rates by non multiple factors seems like it could be especially problematic. That might be why so many devices have multiple clocks, one for 44.1kHz multiples and one for 48kHz multiples
i haven’t tried the USB with the Soekris The Qutest is supposed to be galvanicly isolated and have a great USB input. It might be the change in streamer or going to USB or a magic cable, but there are a lot of cliched impressions I could share about first trying the Aries Qutest combo after using a Node2i for almost 4 years, 3 of them with the Qutest. Node2i will find use somewhere. Too good not to use, but not worth selling.
Ultimately I want to pick the best set of parameters for me based on theory and verified by listening (even though I’m not sure what to listen for). Hoping that if I understand it better then I’ll be less likely to do something incredibly boneheaded in the future if there are changes in affordable tech