Comparing HiMD upload methods

[dex Otaku]

People have been asking recently whether anyone has actually compared HiMDRenderer's [HiMDR] output with that of Sony's wave converter [sWC] and Total Recorder [TR] to see if they are all identical. The second half of this comparison would be to check if they are all bit-for-bit matches to the original source, to see if any watermarking or other processing is taking place.

There are some slight problems with this:

1) You can't upload and convert [with SWC] something recorded on HiMD from a digital source. Meaning there is no way to make a comparison between all three with something recorded via optical-in. You -can- compare TR's output with HiMDR's, however.

2) You can't upload tracks put on HiMD from ripped OMA-WAV tracks. Period. Meaning the only method to get these off the HiMD is TR, so no comparison is possible.

3) With analogue-source recordings, bit accuracy can be compared by all three methods; however, there is no way of knowing if what SS imports is actually what was on the source, because even the TR method relies on SS's controlling and playing back the disc. We can only assume that if all three matched, SS is not modifying the audio in any way.

lastly, #4) I have no way to test recordings with the optical in, for two reasons: first, because I have nothing with optical out, and second, because I lack an optical cable [and the money to purchase one]. Did you know that Canadian models, by default, do not come with the optical cable? Furthermore, a compatible optical cable is something I would have to order from Minidisc Canada [$15] as the only place I've found them locally is Radio Shack - at $40CAD for the same cable.

Comments.. please..

[aeriyn]

you can regularly find 3 foot S/PDIF optical digital cables on eBay for around two dollars US.

[Latexxx]

I can prepare some digitally recorded samples later today.

[dex Otaku]

I can prepare some digitally recorded samples later today.

Excellent, however, they need to be something that can be trimmed precisely after the fact to match beginnings and ends perfectly to compare. Test tones and the like would be a good choice due to their absolute predictability, not music.

[Latexxx]

Excellent, however, they need to be something that can be trimmed precisely after the fact to match beginnings and ends perfectly to compare. Test tones and the like would be a good choice due to their absolute predictability, not music.

I've considered using some samples from a listening test because anybody can get those samples and repeat the experiment. If you have better samples in mind, I would be more than delighted if you could provide me with a link.