'Analog Dinosaur' succumbs to the joys of FBA : enter Raspberry Pi 2/IQ-Audio DAC+!!

[Darren66]

The IQ Audio DAC seems to be a bit special in the way it handles its output to the amplifier. But it and other Pi based DACs just plug into the integrated amplifier or pre or passive pre, just like any source would. I'm currently using a Sabre based board into an integrated amplifier with no issues.

Thanks Rupert that's good to know. May have to treat my self.

[struth]

They seem to be selling like hot cakes......hope Marco bought shares in the company

[NRG]

My Pi starter kit arrived in da'hoose this afternoon. Just downloading the Volumio image now. The IQaudio DAC+ is out of stock until after April the 20th according to Gordon so I'll be using USB to start with until stock is available and may also connect up to my DIY TDA1541a NOS DAC using I2S….

I've been studying the PSU feeds on the Pi and think it would be quite easy to get a good linear supply built for the Pi and one for the DAC. This would improve the USB power supply for USB DACs, I don't think it is going to be necessary to go bonkers on the PSU especially given the price and that there are some very good performing off-the shelf regulators available these days...

It will be interesting to compare to my modded SB…great fun project!

[Tim]

The second area where benefits are likely being gained, is that the Rpi is a simple piece of computer hardware, with fewer things going on to get in the way of running audio. One of the things that builders of PC based FBA systems do, is strip out all the unnecessary parts of the system, removing things that get in the way or are a drain on resources and not needed for running audio files, removing both hardware and software routines. No need to do that on the Rpi its allready stripped down to the basics.

Most definitely, speaking as someone who has done just this with a number of players over the last 4 years, the more plain vanilla you can make your playback system (both hardware and software), the greater the return regarding SQ. At least that has been my experience. Building a good Windows system, although not that difficult if you have some hardware and software knowledge, was never as simple as using a Raspberry Pi and Volumio software.

All I ever strived to achieve was producing a simple, low power server with no moving parts, clean power and just sufficient processes running in the software to play music and nothing else and be controlled remotely from either another computer on the same network, or a tablet/mobile device. The Pi and Volumio software does just this without the need to do anything else and at very little cost. I have no need to try/build one myself right now (heard them and they are as good as Marco is claiming) as I have a Windows/JRiver system that achieves the same result, but a Pi is certainly a very simple, elegant solution, that ticks all the boxes that most FBA system builders have strived to achieve over the years, without any of the head scratching and at a fraction of the cost.

Now has never been a better time to jump on the bus and having a Pi need not replace anything else in your system, it enhances it and gives you access to far more music and for most people I suspect it will outshine whatever CD player they currently own. The convenience is an added bonus but I made my decision to switch over, when I realised I could surpass the sound quality of any CD player I was trialling at the time for the same or less financial outlay. I also found listening to music for very long sessions fatiguing with a CDP, not so now with FBA.

[Darren]

Boy oh boy this new Raspberry Pi set up is exciting. I cant wait for Gazjam's take on it when he builds my unit.

[Bourneendboy]

This all looks very interesting, looking to go this route once the IQAUDIO DAC+ comes back into stock.

Regarding accessing music files, can these just be put onto a USB stick or USB hard drive?

Cheers,

Bill.

[NRG]

Either AFAIK.

I'm up and running, like the airplay feature and inbuilt Spotify of Volumio. Running USB into a variety of DACs in the office at the moment, won't be able to get a really good listen until later in the week. Just glad its working!

[Marco]

Nice one, Neal. How are you getting on now things have had a chance to bed in?

Marco.

[Marco]

Hi Bill,

This all looks very interesting, looking to go this route once the IQAUDIO DAC+ comes back into stock.

Regarding accessing music files, can these just be put onto a USB stick or USB hard drive?

As far as I know, yes. I first heard the Pi/IQ-Audio DAC with a USB drive, and it worked very well and sounded superb

Marco.

[WAD62]

Anyone had any success getting WiFi connectivity with the Pi 2?

I'm using the Pi2, Squeezeplug/Max2play NOOB distro, IQaudio Pi-DAC+...and this wiFi dongle...

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Edimax-EW-78...=cm_cr_pr_pb_t

...via LAN LMS sees the player, however wifi connectivity to my SKY sagem router is unworkable...