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Thread: The ALLO Audio music steamer - Pic heavy review

  1. #1
    Join Date: Sep 2009

    Location: Derbyshire

    Posts: 9,228
    I'm Josie.

    Default The ALLO Audio music steamer - Pic heavy review

    This thread may get long so here is a thread Index:

    To Jump to the start of the ALLO BOSS review click here

    ------------------------

    Hi all.

    A few days ago I received the new ALLO Audio music streamer and amplifier.

    Let's unbox





    As you can see, very nicely boxed.







    I have been using the IQAudio DAC+ for quite some time now and find it really quite amazing. As you know the IQAudio DAC+ uses the Rasperry Pi SBC (Single Board Computer). The new ALLO unit also uses an SBC but in this case it's a different build construction to the RPi.

    The ALLO SBC is called 'Sparky'.





    As you can see, it's quite similar in looks to an RPi board.

    The thing that makes the ALLO audio streamer different to the IQAudio is the re-clocker board called the 'KALI' which irons out any jitter. This is a HAT board of which fits on top of the Sparky SBC.

    You also power through the KALI and not through the SBC.





    Here are some specs:

    • The basic design includes FPGA based FIFO board
    • I2S input: 44.1 KHz, 48 KHz, 88.2 KHz, 96 KHz, 176.4 KHz, 192 KHz - 16bit, 24bit or 32bit
    • I2S output: 44.1 KHz, 48 KHz, 88.2 KHz, 96 KHz, 176.4 KHz, 192 KHz - 16bit, 24bit or 32bit
    • FIFO Memory: 4MB SRAM
    • Can be use with external Crystal Oscillators for MCLK or upgraded to a higher quality, multi-frequency clock that comes with automatic Fs switching and better performance
    • LED indicators (Power, Full, Lock, Empty, Sample Rate, Mclk)
    • DC power supply: (5V/3A) with Filter circuits
    • Multi-frequency output capability to support the full I2S working range from 44.1 KHz to 196 K
    • Automatically switching frequencies according to the input I2S signals
    • Extremely fast and very low propagation delay Flip-Flops are added on I2s signals output from FPGA, for synchronization with MCLK before sending to DAC
    • Ultra-low-noise voltage regulators for optimal audio performance
    • Integrated EEPROM for automatic configuration (with write-protection)



    Then on top of that comes the 'PIANO' and in this case v2.1. The Piano board is the DAC and is where you will find the audio outputs.





    You will probably notice that it has x4 outputs. Two outputs are for stereo out, and the other two outputs are for a sub-woofer stereo out.

    Here are some specs:

    • Dedicated Two no’s of 384 kHz/32bit high-quality DAC PCM5142 for best sound quality
    • Available with different output connectors: 4 x RCA
    • DAC SNR is 112dB
    • DAC THD+N @ - 1dBFS are –93dB
    • Full Scale Output of DAC is 2.1Vrms
    • Dynamic Range of DAC is 112dB
    • Sampling Frequency ranges from 8 kHz to 384 kHz
    • Ultra-low-noise voltage regulators for optimal audio performance
    • Integrated EEPROM for automatic configuration (with write-protection)


    The fun doesn't stop there either... Yup, you have guessed it, there is another board to go.

    The next board that fits on top is of course the amplifier. The amplifier is called 'VOLT'.





    Here are some specs:

    • This class D amplifier goes up to 2 x 50W Max
    • The components used are specifically designed for high end audio devices (Würth Inductor, TI chipset, film capacitors and ± 1% thin film resistors)
    • VOLT AMP boasts 4 output filters, 4 EMI Snubbers, 4 bootstrap capacitors and gain setting components And Additional Provision for stepped attenuator volume control

      Technical Specifications
    • Chipset: TPA3118D2
    • Output: 2 x 50W (Max) into a 4 to 8-Ω BTL Load
    • Class D Operation: 90% POWER EFFICIENCY
    • SNR: 102dB
    • Supply Voltage: UP TO 24V DC
    • Board Size: LWH = 58mm* 86.75mm * 32.06mm
    • Temp Range: -40°C to 85°C Ambient


    ALLO have really gone to town on this design as a system in it's entirety because there is one more board to go. The PSU for the VOLT called the CAPACITANCE MULTILPIER



    Some specs here:

    • Max Vin (30v)
    • Min Vin (6v)
    • Dropout voltage is trim pot selectable from 0-3V (dropout voltage should be always higher than ripple / noise of PSU)
    • Factory default is 0.5V
    • Power dissipation is dropout Voltage x A used = W of heat
    • PSRR of 70db
    • This circuit is very suitable for class A and class D amplifiers or even to feed clean power to your SBCs



    So altogether we have a superb little system here and I have to say it really does sound very nice indeed. The system also comes with two acryllic platforms for assembly too.

    As for ease of assembly it's really very easy and only takes 5 minutes.

    Here are some pics of the assembly process.





    Fully built.





    Showing SD slot on the underside of the Sparky.


    So, lets get on with how this sounds. (No Veils or blankets were used in this review)

    I am reviewing this only two days in to hearing it for the first time using the SPARKY, KALI and Piano 2.1 boards in comparison to the RPI 2 and the IQAudio DAC+. Not a long time in I know but it's long enough to give you something to think about. Also, I am not using the supplied wallwart PSU as I use the SBooster BOBW PSU which is great because it comes with a selection of connectors. So before we start I have to say that at this moment in time there are still some software bugs that need to be ironed out. But this is quite understandable. The hardware however is solid.

    This system uses MAX2PLAY for it's user platform and can be used with Squeezelite, Shareport (Airplay) as it's user interfaces. In this case I'm using Squeezelite as I have a USB drive connected and not a NAS box system.

    The Sound:
    The first thing I noticed was the amount of information coming through. Lots of detail which I have to confess I knew was there but it's never shown itself as clearly before now if you know what I mean. Because of this the stage is wider and deeper with lots of air. You can track instruments much easier.

    The second thing I noticed was the bass. From when my dub track kicked in it made me smile. This is proper bass. Listening to lots of different tracks from different genre's the bass comes through easier with more definition and focus creating a much more realistic mid-range fluidiy.

    From this moment in testing and in comparison to the IQAudio/RPi combo I think the ALLO most certainly comes out the most focused. But... the IQAudio does have a certain something which is more of a relaxed presentation. These are early days and I will be returning to the IQAudio/RPi system at a later date.

    Now let's power up the VOLT!

    The Volt has up to 50wpc output which is really quite enough for most.

    I hooked up my 15" Tannoy Monitor Golds and awaywaywaywego!

    Very impressive... for something that's so small this has to be the best digital amp I've heard. My speakers are not hard to power, far from it. So this may vary with different speakers but I have to say I'm very impressed indeed.

    I'm going to keep this review open so I can keep on updating on how this opens up over the next few months so stay tuned.

    More information can be found here:

    PIANO
    http://www.allo.com/marketing/brochu...1-brochure.pdf

    VOLT
    http://www.allo.com/marketing/brochu...p-brochure.pdf

    KALI
    http://www.allo.com/marketing/brochu...i-brochure.pdf

    CAPACITANCE MULTILPIER
    http://www.allo.com/marketing/brochu...r-brochure.pdf


    Stay tuned! - Thanks for reading

    Jo
    Last edited by The Black Adder; 03-02-2017 at 14:36.
    Ultrafide U500DC power amplifier - Croft Vitale )highly modified) - TRIO L-07D Turntable - Denon DL103C1 - Funk Firm Houdini - Lentek MC head amp - 15" Tannoy Monitor Gold Loudspeakers in Lockwood Major cabinets (From Trident Studios) - Tannoyista SPEC 3 Custom Crossovers - VanDamme Black Speaker Cable


    Tannoyista.com

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  2. #2
    Join Date: Jan 2008

    Location: Wrexham, North Wales, UK

    Posts: 110,012
    I'm AudioAl'sArbiterForPISHANTO.

    Default

    Excellent post, Jo, and great pics! And all interesting stuff

    It's also good to see all the 'bits' that Andre sells fully assembled, explained and illustrated, as part of the problem was that folks didn't really understand what it was he was selling!

    All I'd add is who makes all this stuff, the details of which can be found here: http://theartofsound.net/forum/showt...Audio-Hardware

    I look forward to finding out what your think of the system once you settle in with it more

    Marco.
    Main System

    Turntable: Heavily-modified Technics SL-1210MK5G [Mike New bearing/ETP platter/Paul Hynes SR7 PSU & reg mods]. Funk Firm APM Achromat/Nagaoka GL-601 Crystal Record Weight/Isonoe feet & boots/Ortofon RS-212D/Denon DL-103GL in Denon PCL-300 headshell with Funk Firm Houdini/Kondo SL-115 pure-silver cartridge leads.

    Paul Hynes MC head amp/SR5 PSU. Also modded Lentek head amp/Denon AU-310 SUT.

    Other Cartridges: Nippon Columbia (NOS 1987) Denon DL-103. USA-made Shure SC35C with NOS stylus. Goldring G820 with NOS stylus. Shure M55E with NOS stylus.

    CD Player: Audiocom-modified Sony X-777ES/DAS-R1 DAC.

    Tape Deck: Tandberg TCD 310, fully restored and recalibrated as new, by RDE, plus upgraded with heads from the TCD-420a. Also with matching TM4 Norway microphones.

    Preamps: Heavily-modified Croft Charisma-X. LDR Stereo Coffee. Power Amps: Tube Distinctions Copper Amp fitted with Tungsol KT-150s. Quad 306.

    Cables & Sundries: Mark Grant HDX1 interconnects and digital coaxial cable, plus Mark Grant 6mm UP-LCOFC Van Damme speaker cable. MCRU 'Ultimate' mains leads. Lehmann clone headphone amp with vintage Koss PRO-4AAA headphones.

    Tube Distinctions digital noise filter. VPI HW16.5 record cleaning machine.

    Speakers: Tannoy 15MGs in Lockwood cabinets with modified crossovers. 1967 Celestion Ditton 15.


    Protect your HUMAN RIGHTS and REFUSE ANY *MANDATORY* VACCINE FOR COVID-19!

    Also **SAY NO** to unjust 'vaccine passports' or certificates, which are totally incompatible with a FREE society!!!


  3. #3
    Join Date: Feb 2013

    Location: W Lothian

    Posts: 99,005
    I'm Grant.

    Default

    nicely done Jo. I wanted to run mine with moode, but so far its not working lol. Never mind, Andre is still to get back to me on the is version which is needed. I didnt want to learn a new system as i Wont be so able to hear the differences down to the hardware if I do. I never got the boxes either, and no sd card.
    Regards,
    Grant .... ؠ ......Don't be such a big girl's blouse

    I've said it before and I'll say it again: democracy simply-doesn't-work
    .... ..... ...... ...... ................... ..... ..... ..... ..... .....
    FIIO K7 BT, M11 PLUS, BTR7, KA5 - OPPO BDP-103D - PANASONIC UB450 - PANASONIC 4K ULTRA HD TV - PIXEL 6 - AVANTREE LR BLUETOOTH - 2* X600 SOUNDCORE - HEADPHONES INCLUDE, FIIO, NURAPHONES', FOCAL, OPPO, BOSE, CAMBRIDGE, BOWER & WILKINS, DEVIALET, MARSHALL, SONY, MITCHELL & JOHNSTON - 2*ZBOOK'S- MERCURY BD ROM, ROON, QOBUZ, TIDAL, PLEX, CYBERLINK, JRIVER - MULTI HDD'S -

    Oh my god! There's nothing wrong with the bidet is there?

    “Nothing discloses real character like the use of power. It is easy for the weak to be gentle. Most people can bear adversity. But if you wish to know what a man really is, give him power. This is the supreme test. It is the glory of Lincoln that, having almost absolute power, he never abused it, except on the side of mercy".

    “You see these dictators on their pedestals, surrounded by the bayonets of their soldiers and the truncheons of their police ... yet in their hearts there is unspoken fear. They are afraid of words and thoughts: words spoken abroad, thoughts stirring at home -- all the more powerful because forbidden -- terrify them. A little mouse of thought appears in the room, and even the mightiest potentates are thrown into panic.”

    "You don't have free will. You have the appearance of free will.”

    “There's a war out there, old friend. A world war. And it's not about who's got the most bullets. It's about who controls the information. What we see and hear, how we work, what we think... it's all about the information!”


    ***SMILE, BE HAPPY***

  4. #4
    Join Date: Aug 2016

    Location: France

    Posts: 198
    I'm allo.

    Default

    OMG what an unpacking...
    I did not expect this.
    We are putting in place steady support and there is already a new image to flash!
    Shipping is not an issue as stock is available.
    Marco, with your permission, I would like to offer something special to AOS members.

  5. #5
    Join Date: Jan 2008

    Location: Wrexham, North Wales, UK

    Posts: 110,012
    I'm AudioAl'sArbiterForPISHANTO.

    Default

    Carry right on ahead, Andre

    Marco.
    Main System

    Turntable: Heavily-modified Technics SL-1210MK5G [Mike New bearing/ETP platter/Paul Hynes SR7 PSU & reg mods]. Funk Firm APM Achromat/Nagaoka GL-601 Crystal Record Weight/Isonoe feet & boots/Ortofon RS-212D/Denon DL-103GL in Denon PCL-300 headshell with Funk Firm Houdini/Kondo SL-115 pure-silver cartridge leads.

    Paul Hynes MC head amp/SR5 PSU. Also modded Lentek head amp/Denon AU-310 SUT.

    Other Cartridges: Nippon Columbia (NOS 1987) Denon DL-103. USA-made Shure SC35C with NOS stylus. Goldring G820 with NOS stylus. Shure M55E with NOS stylus.

    CD Player: Audiocom-modified Sony X-777ES/DAS-R1 DAC.

    Tape Deck: Tandberg TCD 310, fully restored and recalibrated as new, by RDE, plus upgraded with heads from the TCD-420a. Also with matching TM4 Norway microphones.

    Preamps: Heavily-modified Croft Charisma-X. LDR Stereo Coffee. Power Amps: Tube Distinctions Copper Amp fitted with Tungsol KT-150s. Quad 306.

    Cables & Sundries: Mark Grant HDX1 interconnects and digital coaxial cable, plus Mark Grant 6mm UP-LCOFC Van Damme speaker cable. MCRU 'Ultimate' mains leads. Lehmann clone headphone amp with vintage Koss PRO-4AAA headphones.

    Tube Distinctions digital noise filter. VPI HW16.5 record cleaning machine.

    Speakers: Tannoy 15MGs in Lockwood cabinets with modified crossovers. 1967 Celestion Ditton 15.


    Protect your HUMAN RIGHTS and REFUSE ANY *MANDATORY* VACCINE FOR COVID-19!

    Also **SAY NO** to unjust 'vaccine passports' or certificates, which are totally incompatible with a FREE society!!!


  6. #6
    Join Date: Sep 2012

    Location: East Anglia UK

    Posts: 1,219
    I'm Marc.

    Default

    How much did you pay for this setup Josie?

  7. #7
    Join Date: Aug 2016

    Location: France

    Posts: 198
    I'm allo.

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Rothchild View Post
    How much did you pay for this setup Josie?
    ironic question coming from a Rothchild ( Rothschild)

    we offer 50% off your purchase to the first 5 AOS members.
    all we ask for is REAL feedback on sound quality.

    list starts now.

  8. #8
    Join Date: Feb 2013

    Location: W Lothian

    Posts: 99,005
    I'm Grant.

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Audiohdwr View Post
    ironic question coming from a Rothchild ( Rothschild)

    we offer 50% off your purchase to the first 5 AOS members.
    all we ask for is REAL feedback on sound quality.

    list starts now.
    Have you any news re mine Andre? i sent an email
    Regards,
    Grant .... ؠ ......Don't be such a big girl's blouse

    I've said it before and I'll say it again: democracy simply-doesn't-work
    .... ..... ...... ...... ................... ..... ..... ..... ..... .....
    FIIO K7 BT, M11 PLUS, BTR7, KA5 - OPPO BDP-103D - PANASONIC UB450 - PANASONIC 4K ULTRA HD TV - PIXEL 6 - AVANTREE LR BLUETOOTH - 2* X600 SOUNDCORE - HEADPHONES INCLUDE, FIIO, NURAPHONES', FOCAL, OPPO, BOSE, CAMBRIDGE, BOWER & WILKINS, DEVIALET, MARSHALL, SONY, MITCHELL & JOHNSTON - 2*ZBOOK'S- MERCURY BD ROM, ROON, QOBUZ, TIDAL, PLEX, CYBERLINK, JRIVER - MULTI HDD'S -

    Oh my god! There's nothing wrong with the bidet is there?

    “Nothing discloses real character like the use of power. It is easy for the weak to be gentle. Most people can bear adversity. But if you wish to know what a man really is, give him power. This is the supreme test. It is the glory of Lincoln that, having almost absolute power, he never abused it, except on the side of mercy".

    “You see these dictators on their pedestals, surrounded by the bayonets of their soldiers and the truncheons of their police ... yet in their hearts there is unspoken fear. They are afraid of words and thoughts: words spoken abroad, thoughts stirring at home -- all the more powerful because forbidden -- terrify them. A little mouse of thought appears in the room, and even the mightiest potentates are thrown into panic.”

    "You don't have free will. You have the appearance of free will.”

    “There's a war out there, old friend. A world war. And it's not about who's got the most bullets. It's about who controls the information. What we see and hear, how we work, what we think... it's all about the information!”


    ***SMILE, BE HAPPY***

  9. #9
    Join Date: Aug 2016

    Location: France

    Posts: 198
    I'm allo.

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by struth View Post
    Have you any news re mine Andre? i sent an email
    i have PM ed you my email.
    can we touch base in the morning and sort you out ?

  10. #10
    Join Date: Apr 2009

    Location: Oakengates, Shropshire

    Posts: 654
    I'm Richard.

    Default

    Fantastic write-up. A lot more coherent and comprehensive than my efforts ;-).

    Glad you're findings echo mine with regards to the sound. The Piano and Kali have breathed a lot of new life into my digital playback.
    Rich

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