View Full Version : 'Analog Dinosaur' succumbs to the joys of FBA : enter Raspberry Pi 2/IQ-Audio DAC+!!
Pages :
1
2
3
4
5
6
[
7]
8
Starterman
07-07-2015, 20:37
OK I've pressed the "buy" button. Went for the IQ Dac and will use my own linear 5V supply.
Ordered here:
http://www.modmypi.com/
They seem to have all the necessary bits.
I'll be out with my dinosaur blunderbuss if it's crap :-)
cyclopse
09-07-2015, 09:12
Here are some pictures of my new Paul Hynes linear supply:-
http://i1250.photobucket.com/albums/hh538/cyclopse14/image.jpg1_2.jpg
http://i1250.photobucket.com/albums/hh538/cyclopse14/image.jpg2.jpg
http://i1250.photobucket.com/albums/hh538/cyclopse14/image.jpg3.jpg
Fits nicely on top the Nordost Thor.
Nice one, Stephen. Makes quite a difference, doesn't it? :)
Btw, have you been in touch recently with Paul? He seems to have 'gone off grid' a bit... Could be on holiday! :cool:
Marco.
Starterman
10-07-2015, 16:45
Not sure about the Touch but both the SB2 & 3 SPDIF is crippled by the use of an inline SMD inductor used to reduced RFI, it screws up the impedance badly. Bypassing it or replacing it with a wire link makes a noticeable improvement.
That works!!!!!!
SB3 digital o/p goes from zero to hero just by removing L8 and replacing it with a wire link. What on earth were the designers thinking about when they included it - obviously not SQ!
BTW, on some other forums they claim bits are bits and all (competent) digital sources sound the same (the SB3 being bit perfect). Well, if they cannot hear the difference between an SB3 with and without L8 they must be absolutely barking deaf!
PS RPi + IQ DAC arrived today.
Cool👍. Will be interesting to read what you think of the IQAudio DAC
Starterman
11-07-2015, 08:42
After a bit of cocking about with software (initially loaded Volumio, but found I needed IQ's Volumio) it is now working on Webradio.
Not sure why IQ's version is about 3X the size - seems to be about 6GB unpacked. what the hell is al that code doing in a supposed stripped back system???
I now have to work out how to get it to find my music, which is on my desktop PC. Then I can have a proper listen. That will have to wait 'cos the MTB needs some exercise first.
(initially loaded Volumio, but found I needed IQ's Volumio)
Not really - I run the basic Volumio OS from their own website rather than the bloated IQAudio version - simply choose the IQAudio DAC as your 12s device in the 'System' menu.
I had nowt but bother loading and running the IQAudio version
After a bit of cocking about with software (initially loaded Volumio, but found I needed IQ's Volumio) it is now working on Webradio.
Not sure why IQ's version is about 3X the size - seems to be about 6GB unpacked. what the hell is al that code doing in a supposed stripped back system???
.
They are images of the sd cards so most of it will probably be empty space on the IQ image. Can't remember about volumio but standard rune audio has the i2s drivers, you just need to uncomment a line in a file to enable it. It's also easy to resize a partition if you write a 2GB image to a 8GB card etc, but for most 2GB will be fine unless you need to install extra packages, but the IQ image might be an issue if you have a small SD card ie less an 8GB, and some sd cards of the same size can have size discrepancies and refuse to write.
Think I prefer the Pi 2 feeding my jkdac32 to be honest. Sounds like it needs a good power supply behind it to get it upto scratch.
Starterman
11-07-2015, 13:29
Finally got it working with a USB stick. Not really what I wanted but at least I can listen to my own music now. Sounds decent so far.
Volumio is pissing me off though - it plays my playlist in random order and there seems to be no menu to change this. Surely this can't be right??
There seems to be no "pause" button either :(
Just figured the last one out (illogical Mr Spock):
https://github.com/volumio/Volumio-WebUI/issues/11
you can directly connect an hdd to it but it needs to be a powered one or through a powered hub unless your psu is rated up at 2 amps. mine isnt(using a linear one). so use a powered hdd. seems fine and after updating everything is in order. I can also send music down to its hdd from my pc running win 8.1 so i can rip new stuff on pc and just send it over network. pleased that this option works so well. so far been unable to get my vista pc to comply though
Moode is better than Volumio imho now at v2.0. See tcmods.org
Volumio is pissing me off though - it plays my playlist in random order and there seems to be no menu to change this. Surely this can't be right??
Pissed me off too - got exactly the same issue with Moode (the one time I got that one to actually load)
The various OS systems are the worst thing about the whole Pi shebang - none of them really work right or are what I would call 'user-friendly' and really mar what would otherwise be a great audio system
- still, at least they're free :lol:
Volumio is pissing me off though - it plays my playlist in random order and there seems to be no menu to change this. Surely this can't be right??
There is a "random" icon/button on the playback screen under the timer (the second from the left). Accidentally pressed?
Starterman
12-07-2015, 19:08
Thanks drpeter, yes I eventually found that.
I've got the linear supply up and running now. Sound is pretty good, not sure it's quite enough to extinctify the dinosaurs though.
One strange thing, my laptop will not go into sleep mode since I ran Volumio on it. Don't you just have to love comfrigginputers?
Starterman
13-07-2015, 13:10
Moode is better than Volumio imho now at v2.0. See tcmods.org
I am now running Moody (sorry, Moode). Too much info on the screen for iPhone control but fine on the lappy (which has cured itself of insomnia now!?).
Seems to sound much more analogue on Moode than on IQ's Volumio. Can this be right or am I deluding myself????
Stratmangler
13-07-2015, 13:42
Can this be right or am I deluding myself????
Dunno about that, but don't forget that you could also set the Pi up to operate as a Squeezebox client using Squeezelite or PiCorePlayer.
It's another option to play with, and in an ecosystem you're already familiar with.
cyclopse
13-07-2015, 21:41
Nice one, Stephen. Makes quite a difference, doesn't it? :)
Btw, have you been in touch recently with Paul? He seems to have 'gone off grid' a bit... Could be on holiday! :cool:
Marco.
Hi Marco,
I will respond once I have completed my listening tests. I just waited for the email from PH to say my project was completed so cannot comment on his availability at the moment.
Regards
Stephen
No worries, Stephen. I look forward to your findings... I've since found out that Paul is on holiday :)
Marco.
I have took the plunge and ordered a Pi2b and Hifiberry digi out board, going to hook it up to my Chevron Sabre dac.
It will be interesting to see how it compares to my usual streaming sources ie MBP and Sonos Connect.
I forgot to order a psu though:doh: are there any cheapish linear ones available don't want to spend to much on it yet or should i just get the usual switching one?
Andrew, Until you have got the thing up and running, I'd just use a cheap power supply.
An Android phone USB one works well. If you can then get it working, and like the sound, then you can invest in a linear PSU. I got one of the popular Chinese linear PSU's off of ebay, and modified the lead to fit the Pi.
Cheers Graeme I have an Android charger.
You could try a battery, Andy. There are quite a few good ones around, which will outperform the stock SMPS unit. Hope you're enjoying your RPi :)
Marco.
Got this one (http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00MTX9GD8?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00) recently. It seems to work fine. I was using an Aqvox linear psu before on last unit, but decided to try one of these.
I tried a battery for a couple of weeks but found the sound a bit too bright and lacking in bass. I am now back to using my maplin power supply and sbooster and I am far happier with the sound, for now. The problem with this dac/pi combination is there are so many settings for dsp and upstampling you can try.
Gordon@IQ
18-08-2015, 14:20
All, we will be receiving another batch of Pi-DAC+ in the next few days. These will be placed on the www.iqaudio.com web site along with cases etc.
For loyal customers, we're also offering a 10% discount on IQaudio products - use coupon Summer2015 at checkout.
Gordon
The problem with this dac/pi combination is there are so many settings for dsp and upstampling you can try.
Not sure that configuration flexibility is a problem as such...however after running with 24/192 SoX upsampling, at the highest settings for a couple of weeks, returning to 'bit perfect' (16/44.1) has reminded me not to dabble with up-sampling, there is more bite and attack with up-sampling turned off...KISS (note to self) :)
Interesting alternative case for a IQaudIO DAC pi.
http://thepihut.com/products/pibow-audio-raspberry-pi-2-case-for-iqaudio-hats
http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0176/3274/products/101722_large.jpg?v=1439892049
Interesting alternative case for a IQaudIO DAC pi.
http://thepihut.com/products/pibow-audio-raspberry-pi-2-case-for-iqaudio-hats
http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0176/3274/products/101722_large.jpg?v=1439892049
Looks good quality Rob. am awaiting a sabre version...it may be a long wait though
Starterman
18-08-2015, 21:55
I tried a battery for a couple of weeks but found the sound a bit too bright and lacking in bass. I am now back to using my maplin power supply and sbooster and I am far happier with the sound, for now. The problem with this dac/pi combination is there are so many settings for dsp and upstampling you can try.
As I mentioned on another forum...
Assuming the battery uses Li-Ion cells (3.6V nominal) they will include a switching regulator inside the battery pack to get the 5V o/p for the USB. For this reason I would stick with a linear supply.
OTOH the DAC chip uses a charge pump to general its negative rail, so it's hard to get away from switchers of some sort!
BTW I am very impressed with the SQ of the PI2/IQDAC+ combo. Better than Benchmark DAC2 HDR, Aurallick Vega, MDAC and a couple of other pricey DACs I had at home. All the expensive DACs I tried used ESS9018 - this makes me wonder about the 9023.
Would someone be able to summarise the findings, conclusions or even the current consensus thinking on this thread? I'd like to take a step into this but haven't got the will or patience to trawl the 1,500 posts.
Many thanks in anticipation.
John
Would someone be able to summarise the findings, conclusions or even the current consensus thinking on this thread? I'd like to take a step into this but haven't got the will or patience to trawl the 1,500 posts.
Many thanks in anticipation.
John
You will likely get another 1500 replies John:D How do you intend using it?
brainz2000
19-08-2015, 20:15
Grant - happy to summarise
You can make some great sounds using a Pi and a DAC.
Hope this helps
Tim
You will likely get another 1500 replies John:D How do you intend using it?
Hi Grant
I just want to try a Pi and DAC to add to my Squeezebox set-up, that's about it really! How do they fit together, what software (& how do you load the software?)?
Cheers
John
Not tried a squeeebox John but sure there are folk here who do. I have a hdd connected to it via usb and the pi connected to router via a ethernet. dac out to main system. all controlled by either a pc or tablet where you do all the set up, or on moode you do. on volumio some things have to be altered via a keyboard and a tv via hdmi. Moode is more stable in my opinion and sounds better too. settings will vary depending on the software used and the dac used. I have the latest pi2b 900 and the atest top I-Sabre dac. It was a breeze to set up.
Hi Grant
I just want to try a Pi and DAC to add to my Squeezebox set-up, that's about it really! How do they fit together, what software (& how do you load the software?)?
Cheers
John
Hi John, I've been using an pi 2/B with an IQaudio 12S DAC in my SB network (kitchen system) for about 2 months now, I'm running piCorePlayer which is the best option if you only want an SB player...as the software has such a small footprint it runs from RAM, therefore no chance of corrupting the sd card, even in a power cut.
Oh and you can use any old micro SD card, I'm using an old 4gb type 2 that came free with a phone 4 years ago... :)
http://www.iqaudio.co.uk/
http://www.iqaudio.com/downloads/IQaudIO.pdf
For the hardware, and...
https://sites.google.com/site/picoreplayer/home
...for the software, NB use Triode's version of Squeezelite
Neat, robust, and the SQ is significantly better than the SBTouch/HiFimeDIY U2 combo it replaced...
It integrates seamlessly with LMS, and I've had it synced with my Touch/MDAC combo (living room) without any issues for the whole period
FYI I'm about to experiment with this pi DAC alternative...
http://www.audiophonics.fr/en/kits-modules-diy-dac/audiophonics-i-sabre-dac-es9023-v2-tcxo-raspberry-pi-20-a-b-i2s-p-10176.html
...again I'll be using piCorePlayer, only problem is that there is no proper case just yet, it's still in development :)
That's Will that's what I wanted a tested route. I will report back.
Cheers
John
That's Will that's what I wanted a tested route. I will report back.
Cheers
John
Hi John, one further tip, I'm using piCorePlayer version 1.19 for Pi2, I tried 1.19i and reported the below issue...
"Have reverted back to 1.19, as others have mentioned 'Tweak' page not found using 1.19i Pi2...which is essential for the IQaudio pi-DAC+ ALSA settings...
Having said that 1.19 is excellent ;-)"
...I've not tried k or l (not sure what happened to j), as the base 1.19 works perfectly with the IQaudio DAC
Everything else is well documented in the IQaudio .pdf, including building the case etc.
I think your only issue will be IQaudio's stock levels...;)
badsoden
21-08-2015, 12:08
Hi John, one further tip, I'm using piCorePlayer version 1.19 for Pi2, I tried 1.19i and reported the below issue...
"Have reverted back to 1.19, as others have mentioned 'Tweak' page not found using 1.19i Pi2...which is essential for the IQaudio pi-DAC+ ALSA settings...
Having said that 1.19 is excellent ;-)"
...I've not tried k or l (not sure what happened to j), as the base 1.19 works perfectly with the IQaudio DAC
Everything else is well documented in the IQaudio .pdf, including building the case etc.
I think your only issue will be IQaudio's stock levels...;)
I use 1.9l and it works perfectly for me. There is a major update soon to be released as well.
I use 1.9l and it works perfectly for me. There is a major update soon to be released as well.
good to know...`:cool:
surv1v0r
21-08-2015, 14:26
To save my wading through more than 1,500 posts, can anyone tell me whether it is possible to connect the digital output of a BluRay player to the Raspberry Pi and if so point me in the direction of any relevant posts please?
Thanks.
Stratmangler
21-08-2015, 14:31
To save my wading through more than 1,500 posts, can anyone tell me whether it is possible to connect the digital output of a BluRay player to the Raspberry Pi and if so point me in the direction of any relevant posts please?
Thanks.
I would think it highly unlikely that a RasPi would accept a digital input from anything.
http://www.element14.com/community/docs/DOC-55903/l/element14-presents-wolfson-audio-card-for-raspberry-pi
surv1v0r
21-08-2015, 22:50
http://www.element14.com/community/docs/DOC-55903/l/element14-presents-wolfson-audio-card-for-raspberry-piInteresting, thanks.
Starterman
26-08-2015, 13:21
Well I suppose it had to happen, it is computer audio after all....
After a month of flawless use my RPi2 and IQDAC+ decided not to boot up.
I have now refreshed the micro SD card umpteen times, tried V2.1 of Moode several times. Sometimes it sort-of works, usually just the "this page cannot be loaded" taunt.
Of course the sodding thing let me down when I had visitors and we wanted some tunes.
FBA, more like FBFBA!!!!
Rant not over!
Well I suppose it had to happen, it is computer audio after all....
After a month of flawless use my RPi2 and IQDAC+ decided not to boot up.
I have now refreshed the micro SD card umpteen times, tried V2.1 of Moode several times. Sometimes it sort-of works, usually just the "this page cannot be loaded" taunt.
Of course the sodding thing let me down when I had visitors and we wanted some tunes.
FBA, more like FBFBA!!!!
Rant not over!
You tried volumio....or another card?
Like Grant said, try volumio and/or another card. How are you connected wifi or cable? Could be a ip address issue if connected via wifi, mine changes all the time plus some times I need to reboot my modem/router for the network to see my pi.
Starterman
26-08-2015, 15:06
Seems to be working after about 10 attempts.
Must admit I would like to disable the Ethernet connection, but the instructions here are beyond me:
http://moodeaudio.org/docs/tcmods-readme.txt
How on earth is normal person supposed to know what to do with instructions like this:
4. DISABLE ETH0 INTERFACE FOR FASTER BOOT
- WARNING: this is for an already operational WIFI setup!
a) /var/www/tcmods/r21/cmds/utility.sh edit-eth0
b) # out the eth0 lines
c) reboot
I could provide the following instructions on how to get to my local pub:
a) Turn right, then right again
b) Go through the front door
c) Order a pint at the bar
Would that help anyone find the pub???????
Rant still probably not over!
It is unfortunate that the Pi has been spoken about like a CD Player on AoS. Buy it take it the box, plug it in to mains and amp input and away you go. It is very much not a plug and play solution and for those who do not follow the computer part it is probably best if one of two routes were taken 1) just leave it for others to mess with 2) get a local expert who will visit and fix whatever goes wrong for you.
Having messed with computers for 20 years I still find myself puzzled by the things so heaven help anyone who doesn't really want to know or have any aptitude.
Seems to be working after about 10 attempts.
Must admit I would like to disable the Ethernet connection, but the instructions here are beyond me:
http://moodeaudio.org/docs/tcmods-readme.txt
How on earth is normal person supposed to know what to do with instructions like this:
4. DISABLE ETH0 INTERFACE FOR FASTER BOOT
- WARNING: this is for an already operational WIFI setup!
a) /var/www/tcmods/r21/cmds/utility.sh edit-eth0
b) # out the eth0 lines
c) reboot
I could provide the following instructions on how to get to my local pub:
a) Turn right, then right again
b) Go through the front door
c) Order a pint at the bar
Would that help anyone find the pub???????
Rant still probably not over!
Not the clearest of instructions, to the pub that is.
My translation:
(a) You need to edit a file called " /var/www/tcmods/r21/cmds/utility.sh"
(b) you need to comment out the lines that refer to the wired ethernet connection - eth0 - by adding a # symbol to the begining of each relevant line.
(c) save the changes to the file and reboot.
Hmm, not a lot better because (1) how do you access and edit that file, and (2) how do know which lines to comment out?
Mr.Moode has clearly not considered the non-techy person here.
What I think this means is both the wired and any wireless connection are active on Moode, which might slow your boot time. So what? How often do you re-boot your RPi and how much longer are we talking about? If there's clear evidence that disabling the Ethernet connection is beneficial for other reason then I might do it. But then you won't have any easy fall back if the wireless connection drops. OK, just plug in your ethernet connection and re-boot you'd say, but it will it be recognised if you changed that file? If not, how do you get any kind of network connection back?
It is unfortunate that the Pi has been spoken about like a CD Player on AoS. Buy it take it the box, plug it in to mains and amp input and away you go. It is very much not a plug and play solution and for those who do not follow the computer part it is probably best if one of two routes were taken 1) just leave it for others to mess with 2) get a local expert who will visit and fix whatever goes wrong for you.
Having messed with computers for 20 years I still find myself puzzled by the things so heaven help anyone who doesn't really want to know or have any aptitude.
True, after all the PI is just another computer and like them all there can come a time when you need to tinker under the hood and/or grapple with techno babble in order to get it to do what you want. Having said that, the likes of Volumio, Moode, Rune and picoplayer have made it abut as plug n play as possible and in the case of the PI there is a wealth of knowledge you can tap into. No it's not a CD player, but then according to testimony when combined with the likes of an Iqaudio DAC it can sound better than many a spinner. It's your choice it you want to take the plunge.
Like Grant said, try volumio and/or another card. How are you connected wifi or cable? Could be a ip address issue if connected via wifi, mine changes all the time plus some times I need to reboot my modem/router for the network to see my pi.
You'd find is easier if you assigned a fixed Ip address to your PI. Check your router docs to see how to do this when using DHCP. It's often called "address reservation". The exact steps will depend on the make/model of your router. This is an example that applies to netgear only, but will give you an idea of what to look for:
http://kb.netgear.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/25722/~/how-do-i-reserve-an-ip-address-on-my-netgear-router%3F
Starterman
26-08-2015, 16:20
Yes I think I will just have to leave the ethernet instruction in place and put up with the occasional delay (it take 90 secs to boot).
Anyway my rant is being replaced by delirious audiophile babbling... I've just tried bypassing the preamp part of my active crossover. There's a very appreciable increase in all the good things and no downsides.
I reckon it would be even better if I could do the crossover in the Pi. Anyone know how to bolt 2 PiDAC+s to a Pi and do all the jiggery pokery in Linux?
I am sure pursuing that would be the route to a mental breakdown, but....
You'd find is easier if you assigned a fixed Ip address to your PI. Check your router docs to see how to do this when using DHCP. It's often called "address reservation". The exact steps will depend on the make/model of your router. This is an example that applies to netgear only, but will give you an idea of what to look for:
http://kb.netgear.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/25722/~/how-do-i-reserve-an-ip-address-on-my-netgear-router%3F
Thanks for the tip, I have been meaning to look into this for a while :)
Unfortunately it appears my old Belkin modem/router does not support this option.
Yes I think I will just have to leave the ethernet instruction in place and put up with the occasional delay (it take 90 secs to boot).
Anyway my rant is being replaced by delirious audiophile babbling... I've just tried bypassing the preamp part of my active crossover. There's a very appreciable increase in all the good things and no downsides.
I reckon it would be even better if I could do the crossover in the Pi. Anyone know how to bolt 2 PiDAC+s to a Pi and do all the jiggery pokery in Linux?
I am sure pursuing that would be the route to a mental breakdown, but....
Now that really is serious babble, and I haven't a clue. The DIY audio forum might be a place to search for info.
Thanks for the tip, I have been meaning to look into this for a while :)
Unfortunately it appears my old Belkin modem/router does not support this option.
That's a pity, unless it's hidden under some more obscure name. Being nosy, what's the model & and hardware version number? The alternative is to assign a static ip to the RPI via the web interface you're using if that's possible, otherwise it would mean tinkering under the hood.
It is unfortunate that the Pi has been spoken about like a CD Player on AoS.
.. and quite ironic really given that the Pi was developed specifically to provide an affordable way for novices (particularly children) to get involved with coding at a basic level. I have to admit that I originally fell into the trap of just seeing it as a easy-play jukebox and got quite frustrated when I discovered that I might actually have to open Terminal on my mac and do stuff - even though that 'stuff' was merely pasting in code given to me in forum posts ...
That's a pity, unless it's hidden under some more obscure name. Being nosy, what's the model & and hardware version number? The alternative is to assign a static ip to the RPI via the web interface you're using if that's possible, otherwise it would mean tinkering under the hood.
Belkin F5D8636-4 v2 (01)
Firmware Version 2.00.18 (Sep 8 2009 18:34:03)
I have a Netgear modem/router that has the option, but the download speed is half that of the Belkin so I don't use it.
I use an app on my ipad to get the ip address for my PI, so it's not that much of a problem. But it's a pain when I need to go upstairs to reboot the modem.
Belkin F5D8636-4 v2 (01)
Firmware Version 2.00.18 (Sep 8 2009 18:34:03)
I have a Netgear modem/router that has the option, but the download speed is half that of the Belkin so I don't use it.
I use an app on my ipad to get the ip address for my PI, so it's not that much of a problem. But it's a pain when I need to go upstairs to reboot the modem.
Assuming I've looked at the right manual ( http://www.manualslib.com/manual/367793/Belkin-F5d8633-4.html?page=2#manual ) then you are right, there's no address reservation under DHCP on that Belkin model. The router's web-based user interface does allow to get the RPi ip address using the "client list", and you should be able to restart it too - see page 64 - without going upstairs.
If you ever decide to configure the RPi to use a fixed (static) ip address don't forget to pick a value which is outside the range of the router's DHCP IP pool. ( see pages 43 & 44)
Assuming I've looked at the right manual ( http://www.manualslib.com/manual/367793/Belkin-F5d8633-4.html?page=2#manual ) then you are right, there's no address reservation under DHCP on that Belkin model. The router's web-based user interface does allow to get the RPi ip address using the "client list", and you should be able to restart it too - see page 64 - without going upstairs.
If you ever decide to configure the RPi to use a fixed (static) ip address don't forget to pick a value which is outside the range of the router's DHCP IP pool. ( see pages 43 & 44)
Thanks for the info Chris, never throught about using the web interface to restart the modem from down stairs, will give it ago. :)
Yes I can do it from upstairs as m pc is up and mode etc is down. saves a lot of stairlift wear:lol:
Rothchild
27-08-2015, 06:23
I do assign a fixed ip for ease of use, but if you can't can you not just find the pi on your network using its hostname?
I can get to my subsonic server with http://dietpi:4040 (cos isubsonic is running on port 4040) and I can remote in to the pi using ssh root@dietpi (instead of ssh root@192.168.1.xx)
If you're a windows user and you're dabling in pi you'd be well advised to snag a copy of putty: http://www.chiark.greenend.org.uk/~sgtatham/putty/download.html and learn how to use it to connect to your pi with ssh (think of it as an alternative web interface ;-))
Stratmangler
27-08-2015, 08:22
Thanks for the tip, I have been meaning to look into this for a while :)
Unfortunately it appears my old Belkin modem/router does not support this option.
The setup manual is available online.
There's reference in it to DHCP Client List - that looks like a reasonable place to start.
The setup manual is available online.
There's reference in it to DHCP Client List - that looks like a reasonable place to start.
Thanks for info, from the manual "The DHCP server can be turned OFF if necessary; however, in order to do so you must manually set a static IP address for each computer on your network."
Unfortunately I don't think you can set a static ip address in moode, certainly not in the Network setup page.
Stratmangler
27-08-2015, 12:59
Thanks for info, from the manual "The DHCP server can be turned OFF if necessary; however, in order to do so you must manually set a static IP address for each computer on your network."
Unfortunately I don't think you can set a static ip address in moode, certainly not in the Network setup page.
Every router I've logged into for administration access can have DHCP serving turned on or off.
It's something many IT companies do because they have the capability of running the DHCP off the main server.
That, however, is nothing to do with the DHCP Client List.
Clients on the network are the devices that run on it, so it's your laptop/tablet/printer/etc ......
Thanks for info, from the manual "The DHCP server can be turned OFF if necessary; however, in order to do so you must manually set a static IP address for each computer on your network."
Unfortunately I don't think you can set a static ip address in moode, certainly not in the Network setup page.
So a static ip for a wireless connection needs manual configuration on the RPi, which you may not want to attempt.
For clarification the the manual statement you quote is simply pointing out with no DHCP running on your router (or elsewhere on your network) ALL devices need manual config of a static ip. It does NOT mean you cannot use a combination of devices assigned ip addresses by DHCP and those you give a fixed ip address to. See my earlier comment re: IP pool range of the router DHCP.
The setup manual is available online.
There's reference in it to DHCP Client List - that looks like a reasonable place to start.
The DHCP client list is simply a list of the ip addresses currently assigned to devices on your network which are identified by their MAC address in the list. Knowing the MAC address of your devices would be useful if you wished to apply "address reservation" but, as already discussed in #1557, this BELKIN router does not have that facility. So "the client list" is of no help.
Thanks guys, my network is a mixture of fixed and DHCP assigned ip addresses.
Thanks guys, my network is a mixture of fixed and DHCP assigned ip addresses. On another note any one have any idea why my netgear modem/router downloads at half the speed of my belkin modem/router on the same connection?
Getting off topic here - possibly start a separate thread.
Getting off topic here - possibly start a separate thread.
Deleted the question.
Got me a linear power supply for my Pi now.
I had a 15v MCRU/LDA power supply which was spare and MCRU agreed to convert it 5v for free which was really good of them :)
I also made myself a custom case for it that matches the case of the power supply - why? - cause I thought it would look cool :)
I bought the case and a bunch of Neutrik connectors and cut out a few holes to fit them. Very pleased with how is looks :)
Here are some pics:
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/03/c4d212bbebfb2244b1c8afab65a6f8d9.jpg
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/03/bafa763f2aa8fd4dc0426c95e578c463.jpg
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/03/8eb91b0a00a8e2558b3dacec481244d2.jpg
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/03/430a241ec7646570bcb20d8f78ee4eb9.jpg
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/03/876c5ea5f32c3166bff3bc1d98e2aad8.jpg
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/03/e1f67cc3d089a09a7cc93502e585ae93.jpg
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/03/ed0c2bc43dc5e6e6b5b2df3a10e76098.jpg
The only connectors on the back apart from power are USB and Ethernet.
The USB is connected to my iFi iUSB, iFi Gemini cable and iFi iDAC2 which sounds fantastic :)
I use Volumio as a DNLA renderer only and use my Synology NAS and the DS Audio app (which is excellent) to send music to Volumio.
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/03/fe21f7a9e472cfa26edcd653114c55af.jpg
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/03/4f82e4f0005aa2d55c4904911bce89d9.jpg
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/03/3e4640ac735086519b19679cb7fe77af.jpg
Bourneendboy
03-09-2015, 17:36
Got me a linear power supply for my Pi now.
I had a 15v MCRU/LDA power supply which was spare and MCRU agreed to convert it 5v for free which was really good of them :)
I also made myself a custom case for it that matches the case of the power supply - why? - cause I thought it would look cool :)
I bought the case and a bunch of Neutrik connectors and cut out a few holes to fit them. Very pleased with how is looks :)
Here are some pics:
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/03/c4d212bbebfb2244b1c8afab65a6f8d9.jpg
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/03/bafa763f2aa8fd4dc0426c95e578c463.jpg
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/03/8eb91b0a00a8e2558b3dacec481244d2.jpg
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/03/430a241ec7646570bcb20d8f78ee4eb9.jpg
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/03/876c5ea5f32c3166bff3bc1d98e2aad8.jpg
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/03/e1f67cc3d089a09a7cc93502e585ae93.jpg
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/03/ed0c2bc43dc5e6e6b5b2df3a10e76098.jpg
Looks great!
can I ask where you got the 90 degree micro USB to 2.1mm DC adapter from?
I got it from Amazon I do believe. I bought 2 so have 1 spare if you need one. PM me your address and I will send it to you.
Guy
Bourneendboy
03-09-2015, 18:02
Cheers Guy, PM sent.
Got me a linear power supply for my Pi now.
I had a 15v MCRU/LDA power supply which was spare and MCRU agreed to convert it 5v for free which was really good of them :)
I also made myself a custom case for it that matches the case of the power supply - why? - cause I thought it would look cool :)
I bought the case and a bunch of Neutrik connectors and cut out a few holes to fit them. Very pleased with how is looks :)
Here are some pics:
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/03/c4d212bbebfb2244b1c8afab65a6f8d9.jpg
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/03/bafa763f2aa8fd4dc0426c95e578c463.jpg
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/03/8eb91b0a00a8e2558b3dacec481244d2.jpg
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/03/430a241ec7646570bcb20d8f78ee4eb9.jpg
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/03/876c5ea5f32c3166bff3bc1d98e2aad8.jpg
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/03/e1f67cc3d089a09a7cc93502e585ae93.jpg
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/03/ed0c2bc43dc5e6e6b5b2df3a10e76098.jpg
Hi Guy,
Love that! Maybe I'm missing it, but what's inside the smallest box? The biggest box houses the RRi, right? And the next biggest one is the PSU? So what's inside the little box? :)
Where did you get the cases from?
Marco.
Second stage discrete regulator.
Ah, I see. So what is that designed to do, Nick? Also, how does it's function impact on SQ? :)
Marco.
All the two box MCRU/LDA supply’s are two stage regulators. Large box contains transformer and first stage off the shelf three pin reg, then the small box contains a low noise discreet regulator for final regulation with the advantage of being close to the load so can do a better job of regulation. As for the effect on the Pi, probably the same as most regulated supplies. Seems to help most things they supply. Originally the touch and Techy, then a variation of the design for the m-dac. We sell them for all sorts now. I can pull out the original reviews from a few years ago if you like.
Yeah, please Nick, that would be interesting to read :)
Marco.
Here you go
http://www.mains-cables-r-us.co.uk/siteuploads/MDAC%20REVIEW.pdf
http://www.mains-cables-r-us.co.uk/siteuploads/rdacpsureview.pdf
http://www.mains-cables-r-us.co.uk/siteuploads/touchreview.pdf
Now what do I do ...?!
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j280/Stevewaller/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-09/94B74D66-6BBE-4956-871C-5C44384BE02C_zpses5myhzm.jpg (http://s82.photobucket.com/user/Stevewaller/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-09/94B74D66-6BBE-4956-871C-5C44384BE02C_zpses5myhzm.jpg.html)
Rothchild
23-09-2015, 15:51
Put the kettle on, you'll get nowhere without a brew on.
Are you normally a Windows or Mac user?
Do you have access to a computer with an SD card reader on it?
Lol... Steve, welcome to the Pi club! :thumbsup:
Marco.
Yes you will need to decide which program your going to run then download and image a micro sd card with it using win32 disc imager(think thats its name which can also be downloaded free...id go with moode 2.3 from moode.org. but you could use any. You will need to assemble the sum of your parts as well:)
Lol... Steve, welcome to the Pi club! :thumbsup:
Marco.
Hi Marco
It's Duncans fault !! I heard his when a picked up a small pair of Kefs (ahem) (in case you wondered where they went!!).
Its going to be an interesting journey- especially to compare it with the Linn streaming kit I am using at present
Hi Marc - Funny thing is that all my computers have died over the last 6 months (imac and a windows laptop) - so I am just using a work windoze laptop, which may cause me a problem as it doesn't usually allow downloads. Virus paranoia.
Anyway, my main concern is getting volumio or moode onto the sd card... so will proabaly end up borrwoing my son's macbook.
Hi Marco
It's Duncans fault !! I heard his when a picked up a small pair of Kefs (ahem) (in case you wondered where they went!!).
Its going to be an interesting journey- especially to compare it with the Linn streaming kit I am using at present
Hehehe... It's rather good, innit? And Dunc's got his RPI set-up nicely optimised now, so you'll be looking to get a slice of that action back home? :)
You must pop round again sometime here for a listen, as my system has changed enormously since you were last here :cool:
Marco.
Yes you will need to decide which program your going to run then download and image a micro sd card with it using win32 disc imager(think thats its name which can also be downloaded free...id go with moode 2.3 from moode.org. but you could use any. You will need to assemble the sum of your parts as well:)
Thanks Grant.
Thought I was fairly computer literate until this malarky.
Peoples lips move, but I know not what they say.
I'll get there !!
Cheers Steve
Rothchild
23-09-2015, 16:30
Yeah, that could make like a little interesting.
Start with physically assembling it all then. If you're on a macbook there is probably an equivalent to win32 disk imager that Grant mentioned, otherwise you can do it using the terminal using a command called 'dd' - if you don't find the simple program solution (disk imager) let me know and I'll talk you through how to write a disk image to the sd card using dd.
So.. do I need to format the sd card..?
I got one from PI hut pre loaded with Raspian.
Cheers
if your gonna write another program to it then just do a quick format which will erase the old stuff. takes 5 secs. then its ready to write to
Cheers Grant
So if I want to put the Moode image file on it, I need to format it to clean Raspian from the card ?
yes, you only want one image per card(as far as I know):) I have 4 cards with images in case of accidents. Ive not added the new moode 2.3 yet. I have a copy but will only use it when the one in it goes tits up.(can happen). there was not much difference for my usage between the 2. I have a spare outfit with an older pi board(not much older) and an IQ dac with moode 2,2, psu, dongle and pi hut hub. thats currently a back up. been meaning to use it upstairs but couldnt get the wifi to work. It, when set up sounds great too so your in for a treat I think...its a short steep learning curve, or was for me.
Cheers Grant
Good to learn. Going to have a go at putting it all together tomorrow.
Thanks ...Steve
cyclopse
26-09-2015, 19:19
With my listening tests I have noticed the stock network provider router sounds much better than an Asus VDSL router. Anyone tried a linear supply on their router? Will need a 12V 1A in my case.
Regards
Steve
With my listening tests I have noticed the stock network provider router sounds much better than an Asus VDSL router. Anyone tried a linear supply on their router? Will need a 12V 1A in my case.
Regards
Steve
Are you pulling the music over the router, ie with nas or the like??
cyclopse
26-09-2015, 19:46
Are you pulling the music over the router, ie with nas or the like??
Yes NAS is on desktop computer in one of the bedrooms.
ah, thought that. Ive never managed to do that as of now. tried a couple of times. Not literate enough lol. I would imagine that it would improve things that way. good psu always helps I think. I ran my pi with a linear for a while but tbh I never heard an awful lot of difference but plenty folk do apparently. certainly worth a try.
Mark Grant
26-09-2015, 20:10
Yes NAS is on desktop computer in one of the bedrooms.
That's slightly unusual as most NAS are on the network with an Ethernet cable plugged into the router.
If the NAS is somehow directly connected to that computer then all the data is most likely going through that computer rather than directly on the network which might not be ideal if you are trying to optimise everything.
A Synology NAS plugged into the router takes some beating for ease of use and reliability and low power consumption.
I do the same, I don’t have a separate NAS as such (which is only just a small Linux or Windows computer with one or more disk drives after all) I just have a couple of TB disks in the Linux desktop in the office that shares the music files on it.
IMHO, there is nothing magic about a separate NAS device.
Cheers Grant
So if I want to put the Moode image file on it, I need to format it to clean Raspian from the card ?
There's a free Mac program called Pi Filler, install this (it'll show up in Launchpad via the dock) and download your chosen software (Moode 2.3 is great, especally if you use a NAS), follow the Pi Filler instructins and after 5 mnutes you'll have a formatted and filled memory card.
Few bits and pieces to setup in Moode (NaS address, i2s dac etc) and then, once your music library is loaded, off you go.
IMHO, there is nothing magic about a separate NAS device.
IMHO there's not much in the world of IT that actually is 'magic', however...:)
My QNAP NAS is fanless, cheap (in comparison with a PC/Laptop), runs at 12W, sleeps at 5W, provides RAID capabilities for D/R, and provides me with a true 'server' power schedule capability permitting scheduled down times (0 W ;) ) over a weekly period...not 'magic', more 'advantageous' :)
Mark Grant
30-09-2015, 18:56
IMHO, there is nothing magic about a separate NAS device.
:) No magic here. :)
I am the same as Will, a NAS due to reliability, low power consumption, easy to configure etc, they generally just work for years once the shares etc are setup.
Presently using a Synology 214+ with a linear PSU although it is overkill really and a 214 or 'J' model would have done.
Everyone has their favourite brands and sticks to them once familiar with an interface and not everyone likes to tinker with 'raw' linux or knows how to.
Each to their own as always :)
IMHO there's not much in the world of IT that actually is 'magic', however...:)
My QNAP NAS is fanless, cheap (in comparison with a PC/Laptop), runs at 12W, sleeps at 5W, provides RAID capabilities for D/R, and provides me with a true 'server' power schedule capability permitting scheduled down times (0 W ;) ) over a weekly period...not 'magic', more 'advantageous'
Yup, hence why I use one :)
Marco.
Morning everyone.
I wonder if anyone can shed any light on this for me, my iqaudio dac that is mounted to my rpi is suddenly not showing up in volumio,when you go to the playback tab and then the audio output dropdown the only option that is there is ALSA. I bought a new sd card incase that was the promlem but the same thing. And when you go to alsamixer all you get is the one pcm bar. Any ideas will be most welcome, thanks !!
Might have lost the driver..ie defaulted...mine did that causing some confusion. Funnily it did come back. Check the settings
Also check its showing i2s
Thanks Grant
Seems that it just turned up again like yours, after a lot of head scratching !!
:) No magic here. :)
I am the same as Will, a NAS due to reliability, low power consumption, easy to configure etc, they generally just work for years once the shares etc are setup.
Presently using a Synology 214+ with a linear PSU although it is overkill really and a 214 or 'J' model would have done.
Everyone has their favourite brands and sticks to them once familiar with an interface and not everyone likes to tinker with 'raw' linux or knows how to.
Each to their own as always :)
Hi Mark,
Do you do a linear power supply for the 4 bay Synology's? They are the ones that have what looks like a din connector.
Guy
Hi Guy,
Love that! Maybe I'm missing it, but what's inside the smallest box? The biggest box houses the RRi, right? And the next biggest one is the PSU? So what's inside the little box? :)
Where did you get the cases from?
Marco.
Hi Marco,
I somehow missed this!
I got the case from RS Components
https://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/general-purpose-enclosures/7733016/
There made by Hammond and they have a number of different sizes in both black and silver.
I have made a few more mods to the case including adding (or should I say about to) one of these:
http://www.msldigital.com/collections/all-products/products/remotepi-board-plus-2015-external
It allows for a full (safe) power down and power up via remote control (and by using the power button on the board itself).
It also allows for other remote codes to be passed through so you can use LIRC to control MPD for play/pause, stop, next, previous, etc.
They also do one with built in power LED and IR sensor but I am going to mount the external ones in/on the case
Will post pics when done :)
I have also now switched to RuneAudio as, although very similar, I feel the over all experience is better
Guy
Mark Grant
13-10-2015, 09:26
I got the case from RS Components
https://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/general-purpose-enclosures/7733016/
There made by Hammond and they have a number of different sizes in both black and silver.
Guy
Great quality cases, the manufacturers website is here to help find all the sizes and types:
http://www.hammondmfg.com/scpg.htm
Hi Guy,
I got one of the RemotePi Board Plus 2015 from MSLDigital but not had chance to install properly yet on my Pi2 - But, have you had chance to get it to work properly with RuneAudio (which is also my preferred player)? It works on the others but not out of the box with RuneAudio without some command-line work. I contacted them but they've not had time to properly advise....
Chris.
Hi Guy,
I got one of the RemotePi Board Plus 2015 from MSLDigital but not had chance to install properly yet on my Pi2 - But, have you had chance to get it to work properly with RuneAudio (which is also my preferred player)? It works on the others but not out of the box with RuneAudio without some command-line work. I contacted them but they've not had time to properly advise....
Chris.
I have written the script and setup the systemctl service (how ArchLinux runs 'stuff' on startup) and everything seemed to run OK but as I haven't the RemotePi yet I can't actually test it.
I have also created the script and located the file that needs changing so that when you select 'turn off -> shutdown' from the Web Interface it powers down using the RemotePi.
I can PM the instructions to you for what I have so far if you want to test :)
Or I can test it when I have my RemotePi and see if it works and send you the instructions once I confirm it works.
Guy
Hi Guy,
I got one of the RemotePi Board Plus 2015 from MSLDigital but not had chance to install properly yet on my Pi2 - But, have you had chance to get it to work properly with RuneAudio (which is also my preferred player)? It works on the others but not out of the box with RuneAudio without some command-line work. I contacted them but they've not had time to properly advise....
Chris.
Hi Chris,
I have my RemotePi and have set it up and got the power up/down feature working in RuneAudio and can now power up and shutdown the Pi using a spare aluminum apple remote that I have. This was important to me as my USB DAC is bus powered and it didn't want it left on 24/7!
I also managed to get LIRC working in RuneAudio so I can use the remote for play/pause/next/etc as well as powering up and down.
I was going to post the scripts here but I am guessing that peeps don't want to see all that so I'll PM you the details (and anyone else that wants them). I have sent them to Matt at MSL and he is going to post the instructions on the support pages for the RemotePi.
One thing for everyone that is using RuneAudio though...
SSH into you Rune box and run the following 2 commands:
syslemctl stop netctl-auto@wlan0
systemctl disable netctl-auto@wlan0
Your RuneAudio box will go from taking about 2 minutes to boot to about 20 seconds!
Best Regards
Guy
cyclopse
19-10-2015, 17:30
Final piece of my Pi project.
Added the SBooster linear power supply for the wireless router. What this does is reduce the noise floor so you start hearing musical detail you haven't heard before. Imaging improves and bass becomes more powerful. Been a fun journey and frustrating at times until you get the combination right.
Regards
Steve
http://i1250.photobucket.com/albums/hh538/cyclopse14/image_1.jpeg
Final piece of my Pi project.
Added the SBooster linear power supply for the wireless router. What this does is reduce the noise floor so you start hearing musical detail you haven't heard before. Imaging improves and bass becomes more powerful. Been a fun journey and frustrating at times until you get the combination right.
Hi Stephen, is the pi hardwired to the router, or are you using wireless?
cyclopse
19-10-2015, 17:55
Hi Stephen, is the pi hardwired to the router, or are you using wireless?
Hardwired with the Ethernet cable recommended by Marco.
The Black Adder
19-10-2015, 17:55
Hmm... yes I too have to ask, Steve... connected to the router or the Pi? Connecting one to the router and gaining a sonic improvement sounds interesting. :)
The Black Adder
19-10-2015, 17:56
Hardwired with the Ethernet cable recommended by Marco.
Ahh.. gotcha.
Ahh.. gotcha.
...that's why I feel that decoupling the pi from the router, via wifi, has its advantages...:)
Rothchild
19-10-2015, 18:06
...that's why I feel that decoupling the pi from the router, via wifi, has its advantages...:)
Definitely sounds more 'airy' over wifi...
Definitely sounds more 'airy' over wifi...
EDIT; Doh! missed the obvious joke Marc :doh:
I suppose we're in the realms of...
What has the most negative impact on SQ, running a wifi dongle, or being connected by a wire to the router, and subsequently its PSU?
I'm not in a position to comment, as I've always used WiFi, my IT brain leans in that direction, and convenience reinforces it. ;)
Going to Dunc's tomorrow to have a little mod done to the Pi, which he reckons will be good. Watch this space, muchachos, for details! ;)
Marco.
Mine is rocking since I plugged in the new psu. So where does the resister go?
Interesting! Do you mean Z foils being fitted to the RPi or to the IQ-Audio DAC+?
The RPi (I think), Greg. I'll get full details tomorrow from Duncan, and take a couple of pics :)
Marco.
tubehunter
07-12-2015, 23:13
http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?40902-Iqaudio-Pi-Dac-mod
Ah, Alles Klar! Should be an interesting one :)
Marco.
The Black Adder
08-12-2015, 07:08
Oooh, sounds very interesting, Duncan. :) I'd be interested in the upgrade too.
My new sig should be: 'Leave nothing un-pimped'... :eyebrows:
Marco.
The Black Adder
08-12-2015, 08:24
lol...SPPPV (Sound Per Pimped Pound Value)
Lol - job done! :)
It was upgrading the resistors in the IQ-Audio DAC, as Dunc outlined, which have now been fitted with Z-Foils... All I can say is :wow: :eek: :eek:
It's a royal pain in the ass though, removing the existing surface-mount resistors, which are not much bigger than a pin head, and trying to solder-in standard sized ones (with tails) in their place, without at the same time lifting the track on the PCB, with the heat of the soldering iron!! :doh:
Not a job for the fainthearted, and certainly not something I'd recommend for anyone but the most able and confident at that type of task. Worth it, however, sonically? You betcha! :)
Marco.
Rothchild
08-12-2015, 20:22
I can't find the 'this thread is worthless without pic' gif
But, this thread is worthless without pic! ;-)
Lol, you mean this... :worthless:
Unfortunately, the pic we took didn't turn out very good. It's not an easy thing to photograph well. Just imagine two Z-Foils in place of the original SMD output filter resistors, and you'll have it! :eyebrows:
Marco.
This about the best there is:
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/908/yEk2FZ.jpg
Not exactly pretty, but it works! :)
Marco.
This about the best there is:
Not exactly pretty, but it works! :)
Marco.
Cross referencing the Dac board and your pic Marco it looks to be R5 and R7 - is this the case, also what value (or values) were they please? :)
Yess...Very Nice (although in Truth; Duelunds made NO audible differences in my Limited (those things have Ludicrous/prohibitive pricings) experiments..
I defer Sound of Resistors issues to Superman himself :-)
Reason for posting is:
I have read through this Entire thread ... Yet Have Not seen ANY Direct SQ comparisons to the HiFi berry DAC... + , pro, or whatever
Surprisingly so as according to the available Brochure babbles, uses the Same BB DAC chip... and costs a bit Less. (no interest in powering Headphones :-).
No one's bothered.. or simply never got 'round to it?
Cross referencing the Dac board and your pic Marco it looks to be R5 and R7 - is this the case, also what value (or values) were they please? :)
Hi Mike,
Best double check with Duncan about R5 and R7, but the resistor values are 470R. This is what you need from Hi-Fi Collective:
2 x (CAR-210) - 470R 0.4W Charcroft Z-Foil Resistor - £20.28 (£10.14 each).
Marco.
Hi Danilo,
Yess...Very Nice (although in Truth; Duelunds made NO audible differences in my Limited (those things have Ludicrous/prohibitive pricings) experiments..
I defer Sound of Resistors issues to Superman himself :-)
Well, Duncan and I have tested lots of different resistors recently, specifically in the stepped attenuators used in a Goldpoint passive preamp, see here: http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?40691-Goldpoint-SA4M-47-passive-preamp-winging-its-way-to-Marco-Towers&p=690855#post690855
...where we found quite clear sonic differences between the various resistors tested. At the time it was considered that the AudioNote Tants were best, but after some further assessment, that was later revised to the Z-Foils.
We now consider that, in our opinion, the Z-Foils are the most neutral sounding of the resistors we've tried (some of which didn't feature in the above comparisons), that is to say they act as least like a sonic bottleneck, as ALL resistors do to varying degrees. The Z-Foils, to our ears, get closest to the sound of NO RESISTOR, hence we we used them for the RPi mod.
I was listening late last night, on the RPi (via MoOde) to a an album of Bach Cello Suites, by Edgar Meyer, this:
RdwE2x_WjTg
It's a superbly recorded piece of music, with some exceptional cello playing by Meyer, and in the quiet darkness of the evening, the silence and serenity of which was punctuated only by the gentle flickering of flames from our log fire, Meyer's Cello filled the room with its resonant and sonorous intensity, possessing that slightly dense, but rich, 'woody' quality that all such instruments portray, when reproduced in an intimate environment.
Here, in my lounge, I could've been sitting in front of the very man himself, such was the sheer vivacity and lifelike nature, of not only the somewhat eerie and haunting sound of his cello, but encapsulated within the whole musical performance, which I felt a very real part of, as it portrayed all of the emotion in the tangible way one experiences, when watching a musician perform his or her art in a live venue.
This is simple music, but music which is all too easy for a hi-fi system to mangle, and transform into a bland and lifeless rather poor facsimile of the intense and soulful music, and the creative beauty of it all, I was being treated to, and rather fortunate to have experienced.
So what has the installation of the Z-Foils achieved?
Well, in short, they make recorded music 'come alive', as I've just described, in a way that I've heard from no other type of resistor, probably because it acts as least like one as is possible to achieve. This is more like hard-wiring the circuit instead, with the use of no resistors, were such a thing possible - and *that* is why they are so good, simply because they seem to get almost completely out of the way of the music.
Expensive? Yes, but BOY are these babies worth it.... For just over £20, the Z-Foils transform the RPi (and IQ-Audio DAC), an already highly capable partnership (offering ridiculously good 'bang for buck'), into producing a sonic and musical performance that is well into high-end territory, for such a paltry outlay, in a way that you won't believe until you've heard it for yourself....
Highly recommended. The only downside is the lack of sleep you're likely to get from spending many thoroughly enjoyable hours rediscovering your music collection!! :cool:
Marco.
Reason for posting is:
I have read through this Entire thread ... Yet Have Not seen ANY Direct SQ comparisons to the HiFi berry DAC... + , pro, or whatever
Surprisingly so as according to the available Brochure babbles, uses the Same BB DAC chip... and costs a bit Less. (no interest in powering Headphones :-).
No one's bothered.. or simply never got 'round to it?
The HiFi Berry is great, but its main purpose is for headphone listening, and to allow the use of a separate DAC, the latter which for me defeats the best thing about the RPi/IQ-Audio combo: its sheer simplicity!
Why complicate (and potentially) corrupt the signal path, by introducing another set of interfaces (a separate DAC and digital interconnect), when it is completely unnecessary? Keep it all hard-wired together, and by doing so, you'll simply get more music.
I can tell you that the IQ-Audio DAC, even as standard, is as good as most £1k DACs out there, and with the Z-Foils fitted, more like £3K+... I kid you not, especially when combined with the use of the superb Paul Hynes linear PSU.
Therefore, my advice is to Keep It Simple, Stupid - and just enjoy what is, quite frankly, a ridiculously good piece of kit, for what amounts to little more than pocket money!! :)
Marco.
The Black Adder
09-12-2015, 09:38
+1
I think Danilo might have been referring to HiFi Berry DAC + pro, which is a standalone Dac.
https://www.hifiberry.com/dacplus/
Hi Mike,
Best double check with Duncan about R5 and R7, but the resistor values are 470R. This is what you need from Hi-Fi Collective:
2 x (CAR-210) - 470R 0.4W Charcroft Z-Foil Resistor - £20.28 (£10.14 each).
Marco.
I can confirm that it is R5 and R7 that you need to replace. I've just made the change as I had a pair of Charcroft Z-foils of the correct value in my spares box. I've only played one track so far, so too early to make any conclusions on the sound, but it certainly does work, and the soldering was not too hard.
I can confirm that it is R5 and R7 that you need to replace. I've just made the change as I had a pair of Charcroft Z-foils of the correct value in my spares box. I've only played one track so far, so too early to make any conclusions on the sound, but it certainly does work, and the soldering was not too hard.
Thanks for that confirmation Graeme (and Marco for the value) :)
Not sure if I'll take that step ... but something to muse on. Not too worried about the soldering having done surface mounts quite a bit previously, more the cost issue that holds me back ;)
Thanks for that confirmation Graeme (and Marco for the value) :)
Not sure if I'll take that step ... but something to muse on. Not too worried about the soldering having done surface mounts quite a bit previously, more the cost issue that holds me back ;)
The value of the surface mount resistor is printed on it. I happened to have those values in hand or I might not have bothered. Also it's quite easy to do a fairly neat job in the installation, there's plenty of room to get the resistors quite close to the solder pads - I shortened the legs quite a lot, bent them carefully, and sleeved in PTFE. Sorry can't post a picture as I've never worked out how to do that on this site, and anyway the unit is back in its case, and I'm listening to a podcast now.
Sorry, but is it the R5 & R7 on the PI or the in the DAC PCB?
Sorry, but is it the R5 & R7 on the PI or the in the DAC PCB?
They are on the DAC board.
Oh, read it on other page it was on the PI itself, can't really use this mod on the Sabre dac then. Thanks.
The value of the surface mount resistor is printed on it. I happened to have those values in hand or I might not have bothered. Also it's quite easy to do a fairly neat job in the installation, there's plenty of room to get the resistors quite close to the solder pads - I shortened the legs quite a lot, bent them carefully, and sleeved in PTFE. Sorry can't post a picture as I've never worked out how to do that on this site, and anyway the unit is back in its case, and I'm listening to a podcast now.
Hi Graeme,
Nice one. I'd certainly like to see how you've done the job, and I'm sure others would too, as it sounds very neat. Therefore, if you would take a pic and email it to me, I'll post it here for you! PM me for my email address :)
Marco.
Thanks for that confirmation Graeme (and Marco for the value) :)
Not sure if I'll take that step ... but something to muse on. Not too worried about the soldering having done surface mounts quite a bit previously, more the cost issue that holds me back ;)
No worries... £20? Bloody tight-wad! :ner:
Marco.
Thank you for your reply.
I'm unsure if you were referring to the one I was thinking of : https://www.hifiberry.com/product/hifiberry-dac-pro/
It sports Twin Clock crystals and No heaphone 'stuff'
Slightly cheaper (irrelevant) than the Iqaudio and a bit easier to obtain (not so irrelevant) .. on this side of the Planet.
As digression and hopefully not into religious territory; I have had good success using Batteries as P Supplies for low voltage needs (if you can count battery maintenance hassles as inconsequential :-).
A set of round cells on hand .. 4.8 v 3300mah that can output 30 Amps (measured) with a flat curve down to discharge (1 volt) level before dropping output like a stone.
Seem like a possible Pi Power candidate?
No worries... £20? Bloody tight-wad! :ner:
Marco.
Just another mod on the list of competing mods.. at the moment fairly low down in the priorities :D
Ah, gotcha... Dunc had already modded his Pi, so I just took the notion and did mine. Glad I did though, as it's a pretty worthwhile sonic upgrade :)
Marco.
Audio Advent
31-12-2015, 14:09
I just saw this by a guy on a DIY forum: http://internetofmusic.nl/home/
It's a Pi with DAC (might be Hifibury+?) and a 2 channel, 30W Class-D Hypex amplifier in one box, ready to go with wifi and your choice of software, shown here with the case open. Looks to be priced at about £210 + VAT . Doing a quick parts add up with estimations on the case and bits, that works out to about £50 or so for someone to build and set it all up for you - not bad at all :
http://internetofmusic.nl/img/iom4-1200.jpg
I just saw this by a guy on a DIY forum: http://internetofmusic.nl/home/
It's a Pi with DAC (might be Hifibury+?) and a 2 channel, 30W Class-D Hypex amplifier in one box, ready to go with wifi and your choice of software, shown here with the case open. Looks to be priced at about £210 + VAT . Doing a quick parts add up with estimations on the case and bits, that works out to about £50 or so for someone to build and set it all up for you - not bad at all :
Very cool - apart from being the first 'all-in-one' I've come across it's also the first boxing where the card reader is easily accessible ... very well thought out and executed for that price!!
My wooden box is great for the card too.. The one on the second system is terrible...
Starterman
01-01-2016, 16:37
I cut a hole in my perspex pi box so that I did not have to dismantle the darned thing every time I wanted to access the microSD.
I have no idea why they don't come like that!
cyclopse
01-01-2016, 19:49
I cut a hole in my perspex pi box so that I did not have to dismantle the darned thing every time I wanted to access the microSD.
I have no idea why they don't come like that!
You have to use tweezers to remove without drama. (putting back in is a little harder).
I've just performed the mod replacing the surface mount R5 and R7 resistors with Charcroft Z-Foils. I've done very little surface mount soldering, but this wasn't too tricky due to the fact that the pads have a decent amount of space around them and the board itself is of good quality so no danger of lifting tracks etc. I'd still recommend a magnifying glass but overall you don't need to be a soldering master.
Differences immediately apparent: More solidity and confidence in the lower registers and strings and piano have gained a bit more weight giving them that real presence that I love and find so rarely with digital systems. Soundstage seems to have widened too. Very nice indeed and well worth the outlay.
I'm guessing that C9 and C10 on the DAC board that sit after the resistors are OK as they are?
Must get round to doing it myself sometime.
83 pages? I've got some catching up to do!
I've just performed the mod replacing the surface mount R5 and R7 resistors with Charcroft Z-Foils. I've done very little surface mount soldering, but this wasn't too tricky due to the fact that the pads have a decent amount of space around them and the board itself is of good quality so no danger of lifting tracks etc. I'd still recommend a magnifying glass but overall you don't need to be a soldering master.
Differences immediately apparent: More solidity and confidence in the lower registers and strings and piano have gained a bit more weight giving them that real presence that I love and find so rarely with digital systems. Soundstage seems to have widened too. Very nice indeed and well worth the outlay.
I'm guessing that C9 and C10 on the DAC board that sit after the resistors are OK as they are?
Nice one, Richard. Those are pretty much the improvements I obtained with the mod, along with increased overall clarity and detail retrieval, including leading edge definition, giving appropriate music more purpose and 'attack'.
Essentially, the Z-Foils simply allow more of the music through, which is always a good thing! The RPi, thus modified and used in conjunction with the Paul Hynes linear PSU, is a stunningly faithful reproducer of digital music, at a bonkers low price. It really would embarrass many rather more expensive so-called 'audiophile streamers', and doubtless plenty of high-end CDPs, too! :)
Not sure about C9 and C10. I'll ask Dunc about that.
Marco.
Must get round to doing it myself sometime.
You *really* should, mate. The improvements gained will stun you....
Marco.
I guess a Paul Hynes PSU is next on the list then. That might have to wait a month or two though with a house move to contend with in the next couple of weeks.
You *really* should, mate. The improvements gained will stun you....
Marco.
Will do. Its on the list. Depends on what ive got my eye on goes for;)
I guess a Paul Hynes PSU is next on the list then. That might have to wait a month or two though with a house move to contend with in the next couple of weeks.
Lol - I think you'll like that one. It makes the RPi behave like a whole different beast, much more musically finessed, effortless and 'together' sounding, like a proper high-end music streamer or top-notch CD player, but at a fraction of the price! :)
You're probably best holding off for a bit though, as he's in the middle of designing a whole new PSU, with individual on-board regulation, which should be quite something.
Paul's explanation of the mods for the new PSU are as follows [key text is emboldened]:
Regarding the internal components etc. the transformer VA rating is 60VA and the regulator circuit topology is my standard PR3 (positive regulator 3) series regulator circuit as used in the standard SR3 power supply. The main difference is the additional regulator stage, which enhances the performance with regard to supply line rejection and reverse transfer interference rejection back to the mains supply from the Pi digital processing activity. The supply line rejection also applies to any noise and rectification ripple generated by the rectification process prior the regulation stages.
It should hopefully be finalised before the Spring, as he's got a lot on. Full report, of course, as soon as I get my hands on the beastie! :)
Marco.
Well, if you're on commission Marco, then you've just earned yourself a bonus as I'll most certainly be interested in one of these ;-). You've just sold me one!
Lol - no chance of that. Glad you're interested though, as knowing Paul it should be fantastic! :cool:
Marco.
Volumio (with Macbook Pro):
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1024x768q90/540/YqLKIm.jpg
:)
Marco.
Looks like you have some apps in the dock that I'm going to assume you don't use as they are the default set plus your chosen ones. You can remove unwanted ones easily enough; click and drag away, or right click, options, remove from dock. They'll still be in your applications folder :)
Anyway, I'm just working through this thread trying to get my head around the pi Dac thingy....
Thats old ..hes onto moode now lol....
The Black Adder
09-01-2016, 16:09
Does anyone know if there is any benefits in powering the Pi via the GPIO pins? Powering it via one of the USB sockets is also an option.
Just a pfowt, loike... innit!
I'm 20 pages in and I'm still scratching my head quite frankly. I have some questions:
Does it work with iTunes?
Does it have to use NAS? (I don't have one)
Has the recommended/optimum setup changed since the OP and which page should I go to if so?
Set up on the new moode has changed but there is a set up guide that comes with moode releases.
You dont need a nas. I dont have one... I have a powered hdd on one Pi, and on other the hdd is through a pi hub; but in moode you absolutely dont need one as you can increase the power to the usbs.
Dunno about itunes.. moode or other operating systems are downloaded and imaged to a micro sd card. You then can control and set up via a browser via smart phone tablet or pc
Stratmangler
09-01-2016, 17:00
Does it work with iTunes?
You need to define your question.
Are you referring to using iTunes to control it? If so then you'd need to load something that makes it imitate Apple hardware, so the likelihood is no.
Does it have to use NAS? (I don't have one)
No.
Has the recommended/optimum setup changed since the OP and which page should I go to if so?
It has been in a fairly constant state of flux.
You need to define your question.
Are you referring to using iTunes to control it? If so then you'd need to load something that makes it imitate Apple hardware, so the likelihood is no.
No.
It has been in a fairly constant state of flux.
1. yeah that's what I meant and I kinda guessed that was the answer
2. cool
3. riiiight
Stratmangler
09-01-2016, 19:49
To be honest Lee I wouldn't be installing any of the various distros and media players available for the RasPi.
They all appear to be quirky and awkward to work around, and they all seem to be lacking in certain areas.
I am happy using LMS (Logitech Media Server), so for my own needs I would install PiCorePlayer and have the Pi running as a Squeezebox client.
I have been running Squeezeboxes for almost a decade, and I haven't had any serious problems crop up in all that time.
The beauty of the Squeezebox way of doing things is that the server program is open source, and the community that voluntarily works on it is full of very experienced programmers.
Logitech may have pulled the plug on the hardware, but the community that writes the server program has the will to continue, and will set up camp on their own if necessary.
It should be possible to for you run both client and server on the Pi, and have your library attached via USB with a powered HDD.
Does it work with iTunes?
Actually this is a 'Yes and No' situation.
As pointed out, you can't use iTunes to control the Pi (not that I know of anyway) - however if you have a Pi supported media player, such as Moode, you can stream music to the Pi via Airplay and controlled by iTunes (using a Mac or iPhone/iPad based music library)
PS - if you are a Mac user with OS Mavericks onwards you may have some work to do getting an image file on to the micro card for the Pi. I have a old netbook running W.XP for this purpose. I use either Volumio or Moode and these present no real problems for Mac users in terms of using the browser based interfaces to control the Pi or getting drive based folders to show up in Finder.
Rothchild
11-01-2016, 12:15
Looks like the next release from http://dietpi.net will feature shareport-sync - https://github.com/Fourdee/DietPi/issues/161
Apparently:
Shairport Sync is an AirPlay audio player -- it plays audio streamed from iTunes, iOS devices and third-party AirPlay sources such as ForkedDaapd and others. Audio played by a Shairport Sync-powered device stays synchronised with the source and hence with similar devices playing the same source. In this way, synchronised multi-room audio is possible without difficulty. (Hence the name Shairport Sync, BTW.)
Shairport Sync does not support AirPlay video or photo streaming.
https://github.com/mikebrady/shairport-sync
As it has a github I guess you could also get it working in Moode / Rune / Volumio etc
EDIT: More info about ShareportSync in Dietpi and how to use it here: http://fuzon.co.uk/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=5&p=1221#p1221
Hi Guys
Would this be any good/work or indeed be necessary? to go between the hard drive and the IQAudio Dac usb input of our RPI setups?
Here is the link
http://www.whathifi.com/audioquest/jitterbug/review
Thanks
brian2957
21-08-2016, 20:27
I have one Terry and didn't hear any improvement . However , as it says in the review any improvements may be system dependent .
The Black Adder
21-08-2016, 20:38
I have tried the SBooster version and it just didn't see the USB drive unfortunately. :(
Thanks Brian and Black Adder !
Hi Marco, i have just got the z-foils as i wanted to do this mod after your post saying about the improvements, but on inspection i think it is a little bit too much for me to try and replace these as i have very little soldering expierence. Do you know of anyone that would be willing to offer this as a service? Thanks Terry
Lol - job done! :)
It was upgrading the resistors in the IQ-Audio DAC, as Dunc outlined, which have now been fitted with Z-Foils... All I can say is :wow: :eek: :eek:
It's a royal pain in the ass though, removing the existing surface-mount resistors, which are not much bigger than a pin head, and trying to solder-in standard sized ones (with tails) in their place, without at the same time lifting the track on the PCB, with the heat of the soldering iron!! :doh:
Not a job for the fainthearted, and certainly not something I'd recommend for anyone but the most able and confident at that type of task. Worth it, however, sonically? You betcha! :)
Marco.
The Black Adder
31-08-2016, 15:31
Hmm.. that is still a job to do with mine actually. I can solder but... wow... them little things are really small.
I know, theres no way i could do that !! Hopefully my neighbour is going to take them to his work tomorrow, so fingers crossed!!
Hmm.. that is still a job to do with mine actually. I can solder but... wow... them little things are really small.
Unfortunately my neighbor didn't have any success - any takers ?
Lol - job done! :)
It was upgrading the resistors in the IQ-Audio DAC, as Dunc outlined, which have now been fitted with Z-Foils... All I can say is :wow: :eek: :eek:
It's a royal pain in the ass though, removing the existing surface-mount resistors, which are not much bigger than a pin head, and trying to solder-in standard sized ones (with tails) in their place, without at the same time lifting the track on the PCB, with the heat of the soldering iron!! :doh:
Not a job for the fainthearted, and certainly not something I'd recommend for anyone but the most able and confident at that type of task. Worth it, however, sonically? You betcha! :)
Marco.
Hi Marco, are the Z-foil's the same as Vishay foils? (which I think they are)...
FYI I was having my MDAC upgraded by JW a couple of years back to the then latest upgrade of L2 (I've lost track of where he is now on his PFM thread). Whilst he had my DAC he discovered the benefits of the foil resistors...and offered 2 additional upgrade paths...
One known as 'Toy' (after the forum user who first went for it), using 4 foil resistors in the most important areas (where I can't recall)
The other known as 'Fusion', using about 32 foil resistors...
At £16 a pop for the resistors I went for the 1st option...;)
As my IQaudioPiDAC is in a case (kitchen duties), I doubt I'd be able to shoehorn them in, even with the aid of a professional
EDIT; Looks like they were used in the analogue signal path, so perhaps not the same as your mod...
http://mdac.referata.com/wiki/Main_Page
All sorted now with the Z-Foil upgrade and sounding great !! I would attach a photo if i knew how.
Stratmangler
08-09-2016, 16:15
All sorted now with the Z-Foil upgrade and sounding great !! I would attach a photo if i knew how.
http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?34611-****-A-simple-step-by-step-guide-showing-how-to-include-pictures-in-your-ads-****&highlight=posting+images
All sorted now with the Z-Foil upgrade and sounding great !! I would attach a photo if i knew how.
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160908/b71f5ba8da9b77f6760e3fc4072aebeb.jpg
Sent from my LG-H850 using Tapatalk
Thanks for the heads up on how to upload the photo guys!!
The Black Adder
08-09-2016, 20:31
Looking good, Terry.
I need to find someone to do mine me thinks.
:)
Does anyone know if you can power the PI/IQAudio DAC+ another way rather than the micro USB socket? I'm looking at recasing mine and wondered if there is another way. I have read that you can power the pi via the GIPO pins but not sure if they are available once the dac board is mounted.
Thanks
http://www.raspberry-pi-geek.com/Archive/2013/01/Adding-an-On-Off-switch-to-your-Raspberry-Pi
I think this paragraph is a bit over the top:
"Although an orderly shutdown is not a huge amount of work, it often gets overlooked or forgotten, and some users just pull out the microUSB power plug while the system is running. Doing this repeatedly could very easily lead to a corrupted SD card, a completely broken SD card, or even damage to the Raspberry Pi itself."
Firstly, you're not going to damage the Pi by removing power if it's up and running any more than if you're issued a shutdown command. The only way you'll corrupt or damage an SD card is if you pull the power mid-write cycle i.e. you're either copying data to the card at the time, performing a software update, or changing some config. I've been pulling the power to switch off without a clean shutdown for over 2 years now and have never had any problems. I always stop any playback before shutting down, but it would be safe to remove the power even if you're mid-track as it's only ever going to be reading from and not writing to the SD.
Unless it goes wonky and wont start properly and ive no control then it get shut down properly. Only had 1 moode card go down ever and no idea why ... Volumio constantly corrupts no matter how careful..even the new ver 2.. Dunno if they have updated it but it was flakey when i tried it originally
Gordon@IQ
09-09-2016, 14:38
Hi, the Pi-DAC+ exposes the power pins (pins 2/4 +5v and pin6 0v). These can be used to "back power" the Pi etc. but you are bypassing the pi's protection circuits. Supply move than 5v and fry the lot. :-(
This is how we power the Pi-DAC+ and Pi when the Pi-AMP+ is combined BUT we include a protection circuit on the Pi-AMP+ as well.
The Raspberry Pi HAT spec shows / provides the necessary protection circuit to be used.
Hope that helps,
Gordon
The Black Adder
09-09-2016, 16:24
Thanks Gordon.
Do you have a diagram of which pins are used?
I like protection circuits... lol - But I wonder if the power is better (or I should say, 'more direct') via the pins?
If I go for the standard micro USB solution I would need a micro USB plug wired up so I can attach the wires to a barrel connector socket in the case. Do you know of anywhere that would supply such a lead?
Thanks
TimCurtis
11-09-2016, 01:24
I think this paragraph is a bit over the top:
"Although an orderly shutdown is not a huge amount of work, it often gets overlooked or forgotten, and some users just pull out the microUSB power plug while the system is running. Doing this repeatedly could very easily lead to a corrupted SD card, a completely broken SD card, or even damage to the Raspberry Pi itself."
Firstly, you're not going to damage the Pi by removing power if it's up and running any more than if you're issued a shutdown command. The only way you'll corrupt or damage an SD card is if you pull the power mid-write cycle i.e. you're either copying data to the card at the time, performing a software update, or changing some config. I've been pulling the power to switch off without a clean shutdown for over 2 years now and have never had any problems. I always stop any playback before shutting down, but it would be safe to remove the power even if you're mid-track as it's only ever going to be reading from and not writing to the SD.
Hi,
I tend to agree.
Normally I use soft-shutdown via the menu but when lazy I just pull the plug and have not had any issues. Also I should mention that none of my Raspberry Pi computers are on UPS backed mains and thus when power outages occurs they go dark and still no issues.
The "Jessie" releases of Linux Raspbian which moodeOS is based on have some features that make it resilient to file system corruption in the boot partition so perhaps this is contributing to the overall stability of the OS.
From experience I think quality of SD Card is important.
Regards,
Tim
Gordon@IQ
14-09-2016, 16:40
Pins....
Raspberry Pi GPIO pins 2 (+5v) and 6 (0v) are used. We mirror these in the Pi-DAC+
It should sound better too.
G
Jerrykan
26-09-2016, 10:01
Just wanted to post a quick note thanking Marco for putting me on to the RPi and IQuadio DAC and to Gordon for creating the DAC. I ordered the RPi, DAC, smoked perspex case and power supply from IQaudio and it arrived promptly last week. Set up was quick and easy ( once I had a computer buff mate set up Voluumio and find it on the local wi-fi network ) and within an hour of setting it all up I had downloaded a couple of 24 bit FLAC albums I knew well ( Joni Mitchell and Fleetwood Mac - Rumours ) and was listening to them. Incredible! I then spent a few hours at the weekend ripping and burning to a USB memory stick some of my favourite CDs. Again incredible, they sound better than when played through my modded TEAC VRDS CD player and high end DAC!! I've just ordered the Charcroft Z-Foil resistors as specified by Marco and I'll hopefully be installing them this week. Just two questions ( I have been reading through this long thread but wanted to make sure ) - What in your opinion Marco is the best NAS to get and what is your preferred power supply ( I'm guessing it's still the Paul Hynes ).
All I can say is thanks again, I have gone from thinking there is no way I'll ever get used to, or enjoy the process, of playing computer audio files to absolutely loving the SQ and interaction between me, Voluumio on my iphone and the flashing lights on the RPi and DAC.:)
Jerrykan
30-09-2016, 19:53
Really enjoying the RPi / IQAudio dac and I have just done the Charcroft component upgrade, sounds great. I would really like to play Tidal on my set-up, does anyone know how? Any guidance is much appreciated.
I'm using Volumio.
cyclopse
30-09-2016, 20:10
Just wanted to post a quick note thanking Marco for putting me on to the RPi and IQuadio DAC and to Gordon for creating the DAC. I ordered the RPi, DAC, smoked perspex case and power supply from IQaudio and it arrived promptly last week. Set up was quick and easy ( once I had a computer buff mate set up Voluumio and find it on the local wi-fi network ) and within an hour of setting it all up I had downloaded a couple of 24 bit FLAC albums I knew well ( Joni Mitchell and Fleetwood Mac - Rumours ) and was listening to them. Incredible! I then spent a few hours at the weekend ripping and burning to a USB memory stick some of my favourite CDs. Again incredible, they sound better than when played through my modded TEAC VRDS CD player and high end DAC!! I've just ordered the Charcroft Z-Foil resistors as specified by Marco and I'll hopefully be installing them this week. Just two questions ( I have been reading through this long thread but wanted to make sure ) - What in your opinion Marco is the best NAS to get and what is your preferred power supply ( I'm guessing it's still the Paul Hynes ).
All I can say is thanks again, I have gone from thinking there is no way I'll ever get used to, or enjoy the process, of playing computer audio files to absolutely loving the SQ and interaction between me, Voluumio on my iphone and the flashing lights on the RPi and DAC.:)
The Paul Hynes is a super power supply, (think an enhancement is imminent). Don't forget the power supply on the router can also be upgraded. Using SBooster linear here. I stream Apple Music via AirPlay so cannot comment on how to get Tidal working.
Really enjoying the RPi / IQAudio dac and I have just done the Charcroft component upgrade, sounds great. I would really like to play Tidal on my set-up, does anyone know how? Any guidance is much appreciated.
I'm using Volumio.
Hi Matthew.
I believe Volumio can act as a UPNP renderer (like Moode, which is the player I use). So it can stream Tidal, Qobuz or Google play via an app called Bubble UPNP. Just download Bubble from the Play Store onto your Android phone or tablet and set Volumio as the Renderer. Select Cloud - Tidal in the Menu under Library and you're away. Works perfectly for me with Moode and Qobuz. You may have to get the full (paid) version of Bubble.
John
Not tried Bubble with moode yet. must give it a go.. Ive got the full version
Jerrykan
02-10-2016, 14:49
Thanks John. I'll have a go at following your instructions. Just ordered the Paul Hynes supply as well. Going to get a NAS next, any suggestions as to which one to get?
Jerrykan
02-10-2016, 14:51
Hi Stephen, I have ordered the Paul Hynes supply, will bear that in mind that the router can be upgraded too but I intend to hardwire the NAS as and when I get one.
Starterman
16-10-2016, 14:49
Many thanks for the Low Latency IIR with de-emphasis tip. Sound stage wider now and greater separation.
Regards
Stephen
Well chaps, I've tried messing with these filter setting before and struggled to hear much difference. I've just had another play and really cannot hear any difference.
Are we really sure these settings have an effect when the DAC is set to "Resampler: Off"?
Maybe it's because I have an effective analogue low pass filter directly after the DAC?
Just in case there are any accusations of deaflugs etc. - I can hear significant changes to the sound with even tiny mods to the 5V PS feeding the Pi & DAC.
Maybe it will all be moot when the new Moode 4.4.23-sc1 super kernel comes out???
Starterman
31-10-2016, 17:40
Well I did some more dabling with the Pi and IQAudio setup and maybe I slighlty prefer the "Low latency IIR with de-emphasis". Anyway I left it there.
I also tried upsampling to 48 & 96KHz, the logic here being that the Pi clock is a multiple of these frequencies. The sound was worse than with no upsampling.
Then I tried the software volume control. Rubbish! I only tried this because someone on DIYAUDIO said it was better.
Finally I tried running the combo from batteries (LiIon at 8.4V into my LT1963 reg). Preferred the transformer front end.
So, pretty much back to square 1!
Might press the button on a KALI and Piano2.1 or might try powering the IQAudio DAC separately.
IQAUDIO have a new DAC due out next month for the Pi
Been considering a new dac for mine for some time, but mine is sounding pretty decent at moment and keep asking myself, Why Change lol.. its a audiophonics and I use it at the top upscale
Allo Audio has a re-clocker called Kali (https://volumio.org/product/allo-kali-i2s-reclocker/) that can (apparently) be used with the Audiophonics (http://www.audiophonics.fr/en/raspberry-pi/allo-kali-reclocker-i2s-fifo-sparky-sbc-and-raspberry-2224mhz-192khz-p-11434.html) DAC's. There is a thread here (http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?46515-Allo-Audio-Piano-DAC-for-Raspberry-Pi&highlight=allo+dac) discussing it. Looks like a nice upgrade to existing compatible Pi DAC's
http://www.allo.com/marketing/brochures/allo-kali-brochure.pdf
Why such long leads on the Charcroft resistors? Seems counter productive. I would snip the leads and bend in to keep things short, rather than putting two antennae in a box.
Jerrykan
20-12-2016, 12:31
Just received the Paul Hynes PS I ordered a little while ago. Sat there the whole evening upon firing it up for the first time listening to all the tracks I have on a USB stick - a nice mixture of ripped CDs and paid for high-res FLAC files.
First impressions were very favourable - a huge improvement in the bass, in fact on certain tracks the bass was almost too much - down to the recording I'm sure. Separator by Radiohead sounded the best I've ever heard, Colin Greenwood's playing more noticeable and musical than previous (ripped CD ).
Joni Mitchell - Court and Spark - 24 bit FLAC, an album I know very well was again the best I've ever heard it, lyrics were definitely clearer and the musicians playing became more defined and separated yet more closely intertwined as a band playing together. As others have commented, spending £500 plus on a PS for a £90 DAC does seem a bit crazy but I think this is more to do with the superb value the Pi / IQAudio DAC represents.
cyclopse
21-12-2016, 22:23
Just received the Paul Hynes PS I ordered a little while ago. Sat there the whole evening upon firing it up for the first time listening to all the tracks I have on a USB stick - a nice mixture of ripped CDs and paid for high-res FLAC files.
First impressions were very favourable - a huge improvement in the bass, in fact on certain tracks the bass was almost too much - down to the recording I'm sure. Separator by Radiohead sounded the best I've ever heard, Colin Greenwood's playing more noticeable and musical than previous (ripped CD ).
Joni Mitchell - Court and Spark - 24 bit FLAC, an album I know very well was again the best I've ever heard it, lyrics were definitely clearer and the musicians playing became more defined and separated yet more closely intertwined as a band playing together. As others have commented, spending £500 plus on a PS for a £90 DAC does seem a bit crazy but I think this is more to do with the superb value the Pi / IQAudio DAC represents.
Pleased to read you are enjoying the linear power supply. In my case it is just powering the Pi motherboard as digital output is over USB.
Regards
Cyclopse
I look at what's happening on the file based/streaming audio scene every now and then, but have never followed up on it (So far).
I like the concept of the RPi but the interface for Volumio/Rune kills it for me.
Quite a while back, I briefly had a low (sound) quality iTunes set up on a PC and liked the ability to be able to flick through the thumb nails of album covers to find what I wanted. Correct me if I'm wrong, but you can't do this on Volumio/Rune? From the YouTube clips I've seen, you get lists of names depending how you are searching eg Genre/Artist/Album but you don't get an image until you get down to the track level? Is this really the case?
I use the thumbnails as a search tool not just as additional info about a track. Quite often I remember the Album cover but not the Artist or Title, so its a must have feature for me.
A couple of Aps used with RPi caught my eye recently:
Logitech Media Server
Kodi/XBMC
They integrate in different ways as part of a music system, but both get me the thumb nail browsing.
Anyone experienced in the pro's and cons of these two approaches?
It's worth noting, I won't be using other devices to listen to the tracks and movies/photos are not a consideration.
I like that Kodi installs on the RPi and can display (via HDMI) on your TV and can be controlled and browsed using the TV remote. So no other computer/tablet/smartphone is needed/involved. It can be configured in many ways, but this method has my attention, as I don't own a tablet or smartphone (by choice) at present and buying either adds significantly to the RPi system costs.
My system thinking is a RPi 3 B with Hifiberry digi Pro (i2S top hat) exporting coax digital directly to a minidsp 4x10Hd for Crossover/EQ work, before being exported by the minidsp as analogue to the power amps. Local storage will be a powered USB hard drive.
Dunno re roon but i think you do. Certainly do with volumio and my fav moode. Moode can also do tree but i always use the thumbnails
Rothchild
24-01-2017, 16:39
I'm also not much of a fan of the pi music jukebox derived interfaces, which is why I still stick with Subsonic (although I will start to dabble with the free fork 'Libresonic' soon) I also very much like 'Iris' as an interface for Mopidy as it also has good cover browsing too.
Struth - It was Rune Audio I was referring to, linked at the hip to Volumio, not Roon. Had a quick look at Roon but not Moode yet.
Very much like what I'm reading about Kodi and seeing explained on youtube.
Can rip CD's directly from within the app and access iTunes libraries if required (I have 300 albums stored on old HDD) without converting formats, seems very flexible and can work with local, networked or streamed files. And runs well on the Pi by all accounts.
Its very much aimed at multi media, in particular Movies, but its simple to remove (reversible) Movies and Pictures options from the main menu and even get it to launch straight into the music part of the program if you want.
This has rekindled my interest in making a small music server.
Calling all you guys with Paul Haynes power supplies.
Where are you feeding the power into the RPi ?
Into the stock power socket?
Reason I ask, is there is talk of nasty power switching and protection circuitry in the Pi itself that is best avoided.
Folks using the Hifiberry digi+Pro top hat are feeding power into that board which then supplies the Pi instead of the other way round, its supposed to work better this way by avoiding said nasties. They are also splitting the input to 5v and 3.3v for the digital and analogue elements in some DAC boards.
I don't know if any of this is possible on other spdif boards or DAC boards, but I'm putting the theory out there FYI.
cyclopse
30-01-2017, 22:38
Calling all you guys with Paul Haynes power supplies.
Where are you feeding the power into the RPi ?
Into the stock power socket?
Reason I ask, is there is talk of nasty power switching and protection circuitry in the Pi itself that is best avoided.
Folks using the Hifiberry digi+Pro top hat are feeding power into that board which then supplies the Pi instead of the other way round, its supposed to work better this way by avoiding said nasties. They are also splitting the input to 5v and 3.3v for the digital and analogue elements in some DAC boards.
I don't know if any of this is possible on other spdif boards or DAC boards, but I'm putting the theory out there FYI.
I used to use the micro usb socket with the supplied adaptor. Recently I changed to using pins 1 and 5 on the GPIO header. I also use an Audioquest Jitterbug in between Raspberry Pi and USB DAC.
Regards
Cyclopse
MikeyFresh
31-01-2017, 03:42
Struth - It was Rune Audio I was referring to, linked at the hip to Volumio, not Roon. Had a quick look at Roon but not Moode yet.
Very much like what I'm reading about Kodi and seeing explained on youtube.
Can rip CD's directly from within the app and access iTunes libraries if required (I have 300 albums stored on old HDD) without converting formats, seems very flexible and can work with local, networked or streamed files. And runs well on the Pi by all accounts.
Its very much aimed at multi media, in particular Movies, but its simple to remove (reversible) Movies and Pictures options from the main menu and even get it to launch straight into the music part of the program if you want.
This has rekindled my interest in making a small music server.
I've got an RPi3 running Moode, and also an ODROID C2 running Kodi, both very stable, my preference for audio is definitely Moode.
Speaking of building a small network attached server, I recently decided to use an RPi3 as the basis for that too.
I installed AssetUPnP on Raspbian and it has turned out one of the best builds I've ever done: inexpensive, small footprint, tiny power draw, and best of all it sounds fantastic streaming to the above mentioned end point/renderers, as well as a Sonore microRendu in my hi-fi room. All PCM bit depth/sample rates as well as DSD64 have been flawless.
Here is a picture of that RPi3 as music server connected to my Apple router, just add a USB storage device (my HDD not pictured) and you've got a NAS on the cheap:
http://cdn.head-fi.org/7/75/752435c0_P1140916.jpeg
I must look further into Moode, several people have said good things about it.
People talk about how simple and compact the Pi is, but then show it with a load of wires and boxes attached, which looks messy, takes up space and doesn't fit well with other gear on the equipment rack. (Generalised comment)
I'm looking toward a single box solution:
A 5v tracking linear power supply, Pi board with spdif card and USB 1TB HDD for local storage, all in one compact case, this would be my goal.
I'm also considering mounting some USB sockets for data and separate 5v power sockets on the back panel. This would allow additional devices to be attached, like a CD/DVD drive for ripping CD's or another HDD for back up. Thought about building in a CD Drive, but it makes the case a lot larger, a USB CD Drive could sit on top of the main unit on the occasions when it was needed.
I would disconnect all the pin1 5v connections in the USB sockets, so there would be no chance of overloading the USB power system and power all items directly from the beefier 5v linear supply.
This has all been buzzing round in my head, it started to gel when I was working on a power supply for my Pro-Ject Phono stage. I was considering whether I could fit the supply into a Half width case, to match the Phono stage and the thought crossed my mind that it would also make a cool case for a Pi based music server.
I need to wrap up some projects and turn these thoughts into action. :)
Hi Ken,
People talk about how simple and compact the Pi is, but then show it with a load of wires and boxes attached, which looks messy, takes up space and doesn't fit well with other gear on the equipment rack.
Answer: operate it wirelessly from the router. If both the RPi and router are within close proximity, then it's not an issue. I think it sounds better too, used wirelessly, minus any ethernet cable.
That's how I've been using mine recently, and I've had no problems. The only cables visible are the interconnects and (in this case very thin) connecting power cable, as happens with any other hi-fi components :)
In fact, in my current set up (used in conjunction with home-cinema system), the RPi is hidden on the rack behind my Sony AV amp, and connected to that with a 0.3m pair of interconnects (always use the shortest cables you can with the RPi, for best sound), so you can see hee-haw! :D
As an aside, I'd always recommend that folks fit a proper case to the RPi (I use the Pi-Case+, see here: http://iqaudio.co.uk/search?controller=search&orderby=position&orderway=desc&search_query=Pi-CASE%2B+for+DAC%2FAMP%2FDigi%2FDigiAMP%2FZero&submit_search= ) as it improves the looks of the unit and also adds weight, helping to increase stability, especially when cables are connected.
Oh, and another thumbs-up for Moode, especially the latest version with improved sound-quality kernels :thumbsup:
Marco.
MikeyFresh
19-02-2017, 15:26
As an aside, I'd always recommend that folks fit a proper case to the RPi as it improves the looks of the unit and also adds weight, helping to increase stability, especially when cables are connected.
Oh, and another thumbs-up for Moode, especially the latest version with improved sound-quality kernels :thumbsup:
Marco.
+1 on the advanced audio kernel in Moode 3.1!
Tim's MoodeCase also aids with the issue described above, it's a nice enclosure which adds the weight/stability you mentioned, and he's got the DC power, USB, and Ethernet jacks all exiting out the backside of the unit, so it can be arranged more like a regular piece on a stereo rack, with all of the cables hidden directly behind the unit (assuming running headless with no need for the side mounted HDMI port).
I just built an endpoint/renderer using MoodeCase and the Collybia MamboBerry LS DAC+. Superb sound from that board using Moode 3.1, easily besting my HiFiBerry DAC+ Pro build, at a very reasonable cost:
http://cdn.head-fi.org/c/c3/c3b67598_P2200945.jpeg
loonytunes
28-02-2017, 13:26
Marco - I haven't read all of this thread because it's huge - however I am intrigued by the fact you have found a streaming solution that sounds equally as good as your favourite CD player. I too am in the position to know that a good CD player sounds better than streaming, but would prefer to stream for convenience - however sound quality comes first and a good CDP beats a good streamer so far! Until I read this post!!
I strikes me as amazing the a little Pi would sound as good as the best audiophile streamers out there, let alone the best CD Players, in your experience! So - at this juncture Marco - now that time has moved on a bit and perhaps you excitement of owning a giant killing solution for peanuts has now waned (much like when they first raved on about a lowly Tripath amp was at least as good as a multi-thousand pound valve amplifier) - are you still confirming that the sound quality is still "that" good? And it's not just one of those 'the wind was blowing right at the time' situations?
In addition Marco, I own a Croft pre/power amp which I am really chuffed with - and the thought of bypassing that lovely Croft pre by using Volumino and instead plumbing directly into the Croft power amp (for best results as you have experienced) concerns me that I am bypassing the best of Croft - but hey - you've got the experience of this for the better.
with a setup not a million miles from yours I'd recommend giving it a try. I listen to Tidal Hifi via an RPB3 & IQ Dac+ alternately via my Croft valve-heavy pre & without it. with the pre, the sound is more analogue, the speakers behave like good standmounts. without the pre, the midrange is not as good, but anything with a bit of bottom end to it becomes truly visceral, for want of a better word. either setup outperforms my CDT+DAC & resolves better than the TT -- though when push comes to shove I still prefer the TT.
When considering the price of a PI + DAC, I would say: just try it and see if it fits your needs. The cost of a Pi streamer/DAC is way lower to what Audio-geeks would spend plenty of money on and which in most cases wouldn't add a fraction of the convenience and SQ to the mix. It doesn't look like much in terms of hardware but it has the potential to become a major source for music, especially when considering the use of a streaming service which permits the unlimited discovery of new music.
Of course, there are streamers out there in fancy boxes that will cost hundreds of % more than a humble PIDAC. IMHO they will only outperform the PIDAC at a fraction of that ratio, if at all.
Down to specifics. I'm currently using a Pi3 + Piano 2.1 + Kali reclocker + Linear PSU and for me it seems to be one of the best combinations I have heard so far (although contrary to many an opinion, I don't think the PSU actually makes that much of a difference in this configuration)
Hi Ken,
Answer: operate it wirelessly from the router. If both the RPi and router are within close proximity, then it's not an issue. I think it sounds better too, used wirelessly, minus any ethernet cable.
That's how I've been using mine recently, and I've had no problems. The only cables visible are the interconnects and (in this case very thin) connecting power cable, as happens with any other hi-fi components :)
In fact, in my current set up (used in conjunction with home-cinema system), the RPi is hidden on the rack behind my Sony AV amp, and connected to that with a 0.3m pair of interconnects (always use the shortest cables you can with the RPi, for best sound), so you can see hee-haw! :D
As an aside, I'd always recommend that folks fit a proper case to the RPi (I use the Pi-Case+, see here: http://iqaudio.co.uk/search?controller=search&orderby=position&orderway=desc&search_query=Pi-CASE%2B+for+DAC%2FAMP%2FDigi%2FDigiAMP%2FZero&submit_search= ) as it improves the looks of the unit and also adds weight, helping to increase stability, especially when cables are connected.
Oh, and another thumbs-up for Moode, especially the latest version with improved sound-quality kernels :thumbsup:
Marco.
Hi Marco, my usage would be a bit different to yours, I would be looking at some local storage, maybe 1TB to cater for files I have stored on an old HDD, as well as additional streamed material, and using the Pi HDMI output for a big TV screen mounted above my hifi, which is just begging to be used. Also I wouldn't be using an internal top hat DAC on the RPi, good as the reports are. I'm looking at exporting digital from a Pi using SPIDIF or i2s straight into a miniDSP for some post processing and active filtering in the digital domain, before going through a multi channel DAC and on to a 6 channel power amp and three way speakers. The basics of how all this will work is rattling round in my head, I've drawn some of it up as a RPi/PSU/HDD in a single case and is part of a major system change I'm starting to go through. For the first time, I'm actually considering a file based system as part of my main set up, my previous file based music was just itunes on a PC. ;)
montesquieu
28-02-2017, 23:38
Hi Marco, my usage would be a bit different to yours, I would be looking at some local storage, maybe 1TB to cater for files I have stored on an old HDD, as well as additional streamed material, and using the Pi HDMI output for a big TV screen mounted above my hifi, which is just begging to be used. Also I wouldn't be using an internal top hat DAC on the RPi, good as the reports are. I'm looking at exporting digital from a Pi using SPIDIF or i2s straight into a miniDSP for some post processing and active filtering in the digital domain, before going through a multi channel DAC and on to a 6 channel power amp and three way speakers. The basics of how all this will work is rattling round in my head, I've drawn some of it up as a RPi/PSU/HDD in a single case and is part of a major system change I'm starting to go through. For the first time, I'm actually considering a file based system as part of my main set up, my previous file based music was just itunes on a PC. ;)
I use a RPi with a Hifi Berry Digi+ board to output SPDIF to a spare input on my Audio Note DAC. Source is a Buffalo Terrastation with 4x 1TB drives (I haven't been able to figure out how to get Tidal on it). Results have been pretty good though I have found wireless a bit flaky, hardwired connections are the way to go.
I would like to have a crack at runing the server software on the Pi, but output USB to an outboard USB interface, rather than via a SPDIF board, but I haven't really looked into whether that's possible.
The sound is decent - on the whole not far off the quality of £4k's worth of Audio Note CDT2/II transport - but personally I find the listening experience of streaming to be unsatisfactory - doing away with the physical act of playing something on the turntable or CD transport takes away some of the seriousness of intent from my perspective, the temptation to flick around the menu with digital sources, rather than settle to listening, is ever-present. I even have issues with CDs in this regard. Records still rule.
loonytunes
01-03-2017, 07:33
....... but personally I find the listening experience of streaming to be unsatisfactory - doing away with the physical act of playing something on the turntable or CD transport takes away some of the seriousness of intent from my perspective, the temptation to flick around the menu with digital sources, rather than settle to listening, is ever-present. I even have issues with CDs in this regard. Records still rule.
So my understanding is, the listening experience of streaming is unsatisfactory - but the actual sound quality from streaming is near enough the same as when using your Audio Note CDT2/II transport using CD's?
And back to Marco... are you still feeling it as per my question a few blocks up?
I use a RPi with a Hifi Berry Digi+ board to output SPDIF to a spare input on my Audio Note DAC. Source is a Buffalo Terrastation with 4x 1TB drives (I haven't been able to figure out how to get Tidal on it). Results have been pretty good though I have found wireless a bit flaky, hardwired connections are the way to go.
I would like to have a crack at runing the server software on the Pi, but output USB to an outboard USB interface, rather than via a SPDIF board, but I haven't really looked into whether that's possible.
The sound is decent - on the whole not far off the quality of £4k's worth of Audio Note CDT2/II transport - but personally I find the listening experience of streaming to be unsatisfactory - doing away with the physical act of playing something on the turntable or CD transport takes away some of the seriousness of intent from my perspective, the temptation to flick around the menu with digital sources, rather than settle to listening, is ever-present. I even have issues with CDs in this regard. Records still rule.
The Hifi berry digi + Pro is what I was considering using to export digital, it has toslink plus coax and has the ability to add a BNC i2s output.
Folks on the minidsp forum are having success at importing i2s straight into the minidsp, but it comes down to the detail, i2s transfer between kit is not standardised. My CD transport exports i2s as a 5 pin mini XLR and not a single combined BNC for instance and there is the whole master clock, slave etc etc. Still reading/learning, but the straight forward digital coax is the reserve plan if I hit a snag.
SantanaCorreia
11-03-2017, 16:11
Hello guys,
I just ordered a pi3 and iqaudio dac pro for my debut.
The main objective is to use spotify and read Flacs. What kind of software should I consider?
Hello guys,
I just ordered a pi3 and iqaudio dac pro for my debut.
The main objective is to use spotify and read Flacs. What kind of software should I consider?
piCorePlayer...!
Moode, no need for Logitech media server.
Moode, no need for Logitech media server.
What advantage does Moode bring over LMS?
Sherwood
11-03-2017, 20:18
What advantage does Moode bring over LMS?
LMS is a pain! That is why I stopped using PiCore! It sounded fine but you need to set up LMS on your PC to use it!
Geoff
:scratch:
Stratmangler
11-03-2017, 20:27
LMS is a pain! That is why I stopped using PiCore! It sounded fine but you need to set up LMS on your PC to use it!
Geoff
:scratch:
Moode has its issues http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?49930-Problem-logging-on-to-Moode-Volumio-with-no-internet-access
My local server, running LMS, is rock solid playing my digital library.
geoffersmaher
11-03-2017, 20:54
Hi there guys. Been looking at these as they seem to be a real nifty bit of kit.
I don't really need this as an audio streamer but may get one just for the hell of it.
But my real question is people say this is an amazing dac. Now I've googled to the best of my abilities but i can't find anything. What I'd like to do is use this as a DAC from my cd players digital out and then use the RCA out to my Cyrus amp.
Is this possible or am i chasing rainbows.
Any help is much appreciated.
Thanks.
Geoffrey
SantanaCorreia
12-03-2017, 11:53
piCorePlayer...!
I will be looking for the one that is easiers to use probably. I will have a friend to help me set up the linux part (hope an IT manager is enough) and I hope the rest, on the day to day basis, is easy.
We have moode, volumio, piCore, max2play. Anyother a newbie should consider?
montesquieu
12-03-2017, 21:52
Quick question for all ...
I have a RPi running a version of Rune Audio from about six or so months ago (maybe longer). I use a Digi+ output board to my Audido Note DAC which handles up to 24/96 (plenty for me).
I have quite a nice USB interface (Gustard G50) which works very well - I think better than the RPi - from the Mac, but of course from the Mac I don't have an app to drive the streaming from my phone.
So my question - do any of the the software packages drive the USB output direct from the RPi (without a board)?
killie99
14-03-2017, 09:38
Picoreplayer will but you will have to either enable LMS on the pi or have a LMS server running somewhere else..... I think
cyclopse
14-03-2017, 09:47
Quick question for all ...
I have a RPi running a version of Rune Audio from about six or so months ago (maybe longer). I use a Digi+ output board to my Audido Note DAC which handles up to 24/96 (plenty for me).
I have quite a nice USB interface (Gustard G50) which works very well - I think better than the RPi - from the Mac, but of course from the Mac I don't have an app to drive the streaming from my phone.
So my question - do any of the the software packages drive the USB output direct from the RPi (without a board)?
Yes I run mine this way with Rune Audio. Just have to change settings to reflect no I2S device. If you put a Jitterbug on the USB output you get a nice performance lift.
Rothchild
14-03-2017, 09:55
So my question - do any of the the software packages drive the USB output direct from the RPi (without a board)?
It depends whether the usb device has a driver built in to the kernel or not, my old Edirol UA25 soundcard works spotlessly out of the box with all the apps available in Diet Pi (and should work with any other sensible Pi distro) - generally if it has a core spec usb driver it will work, anything more fancy / esoteric may have issues.
I'm deep into auditioning every Pi combination I can lay my hands on: IQAudio, Allo, Audiophonics, et al - optimising software differently for each. All in all, though: they're an impressive bunch. It almost makes you wonder why you'd buy anything else.
The big benefit seems to come from the lightweight nature of the SBC (good for power, bad for jitter), combined with the unquestionable superiority of the short, hard-wired I2S connection and tidy (if unspectacular) D-A conversion. They all benefit from a bit of extra oomph in the preamp department (Burson's Cable+ is shockingly good at this), but (especially when upsampled) the digital volume controls tend not to be as lossy as many dedicated preamps. Direct to power offers real benefits.
One thing I've really noticed is how important the player/kernel is . . . is it just me, or is MoOde currently the most transparent-sounding in its low-latency V3.1 incarnation?
LMS is a pain! That is why I stopped using PiCore! It sounded fine but you need to set up LMS on your PC to use it!
Geoff
:scratch:
No you don't, I've just built an all in one box Rpi3/LMS/HiFiBerry Digi+ Pro using picoreplayer 3.11, rock solid and a doddle to use, works with either a local HD, or NAS for media store...an rpi3 is ideal for LMS functions.
I can't stress this enough, piCorePlayer will never corrupt your SDcard, regardless of powercuts etc.
Sounds good Will. Nice one. You maybe should do a full how to in layman speak some day.
Sherwood
14-03-2017, 16:28
No you don't, I've just built an all in one box Rpi3/LMS/HiFiBerry Digi+ Pro using picoreplayer 3.11, rock solid and a doddle to use, works with either a local HD, or NAS for media store...an rpi3 is ideal for LMS functions.
I can't stress this enough, piCorePlayer will never corrupt your SDcard, regardless of powercuts etc.
Will,
would appreciate details of how you did this. I have an RPi2 with Digi+ but resented having to keep my desktop powered on for LMS.
Geoff
Sounds good Will. Nice one. You maybe should do a full how to in layman speak some day.
Ok Chaps here goes...
The key to all this is piCorePlayer, the latest release 3.11 is available here...
https://sites.google.com/site/picoreplayer/home/download
...you'll need some SD imaging software, and an ipscanner if you want to use a wifi dongle, I'll go into that in more detail if anyone wants later.
For a single machine LMS&Player (IQaudio/Audiophonics/HiFiBerry etc.), you'll need the following
piCorePlayer 3.11 (audio enhanced, it has a few more drivers)
Pi3 or Pi2 (I've used a Pi3 but the Pi2 should be fine if a little slower at indexing)
A music data source, a NAS if you have one, or a USB powered HD (again fine with the Pi3 & it's PSU, not sure about the 2)
If you want to use wireless, one of these, (the Pi3's onboard wireless is rubbish!)...but do't use it if your music is on a NAS, it'll take hours to index over wifi!
https://www.amazon.co.uk/d/Networking-Devices/Plugable-Wireless-Adapter-Realtek-RTL8188CUS-Chipset-Raspberry/B00H28H8DU/ref=sr_1_sc_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1489511949&sr=1-1-spell&keywords=plugable+usb+realteck
A reasonable micro SD card, this is where LMS will store it's local 'index' and 'cache', so worth getting something decent I used one of these...
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B013UDL5RU/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
After downloading and imaging piCorePlayer to the micro SD card, connect your pi to the network/router via ethernet, and power it up.
Using your IP scanner find 'piCorePlayer' on your network
Copy the IP address into your browser and enter, you should eventually get the piCorePlayer page
Go to the 'Main Page' tab, and open up advanced mode, it's at the bottom of the page
On the main page, under advanced operations you'll see 'resize FS', this will expand the SD to it's full extent, NB. when you make significant changes piCorePlayer will reboot and save it's settings, and in this case it will.
Now go to the LMS tab, you'll see an option to install LMS, click that and you'll be rebooted again...
If you want to use a local HD, you'll probably want to install the 'additional file systems' option, again on the LMS tab, it'll reboot again
For Local HD;
Connect your HD, go to the main page and select reboot, upon reboot go to the LMS tab you should see your HD in the USB section, give it a logical name at the /mnt (mount point) eg 'Music' or somesuch, when you first go into the LMS web page you'll be asked to select this as your music catalogue, then hit 'set USB mount'.
For NAS;
Just provide the IP address, network share name (the name you see in your windows explorer if it's mapped), and user ID/PW combo, then hit 'set net mount'
Open up a browser session and paste in the pi IP address suffixed by ':9000', this will open up the LMS browser, and after configuring your 'Music' share, it's a pop up, you should be able to build your catalogue (NB never unplug or power off the pi whilst LMS is rebuilding the index as this is the only time the SD card can be corrupted), you'll also see 'picoreplayer' as an active 'player' in the drop down list
At this point you're up and running...hopefully ;)
FYI The Pi3 indexed (complete rebuild) 30,000 flac tracks locally in 30 mins, and 35 over the LAN, very impressive
Nice walkthough Will... whats all its benefits over say moode again?
Sherwood
14-03-2017, 18:39
Ok Chaps here goes...
The key to all this is piCorePlayer, the latest release 3.11 is available here...
https://sites.google.com/site/picoreplayer/home/download
...you'll need some SD imaging software, and an ipscanner if you want to use a wifi dongle, I'll go into that in more detail if anyone wants later.
For a single machine LMS&Player (IQaudio/Audiophonics/HiFiBerry etc.), you'll need the following
piCorePlayer 3.11 (audio enhanced, it has a few more drivers)
Pi3 or Pi2 (I've used a Pi3 but the Pi2 should be fine if a little slower at indexing)
A music data source, a NAS if you have one, or a USB powered HD (again fine with the Pi3 & it's PSU, not sure about the 2)
If you want to use wireless, one of these, (the Pi3's onboard wireless is rubbish!)...but do't use it if your music is on a NAS, it'll take hours to index over wifi!
https://www.amazon.co.uk/d/Networking-Devices/Plugable-Wireless-Adapter-Realtek-RTL8188CUS-Chipset-Raspberry/B00H28H8DU/ref=sr_1_sc_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1489511949&sr=1-1-spell&keywords=plugable+usb+realteck
A reasonable micro SD card, this is where LMS will store it's local 'index' and 'cache', so worth getting something decent I used one of these...
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B013UDL5RU/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
After downloading and imaging piCorePlayer to the micro SD card, connect your pi to the network/router via ethernet, and power it up.
Using your IP scanner find 'piCorePlayer' on your network
Copy the IP address into your browser and enter, you should eventually get the piCorePlayer page
Go to the 'Main Page' tab, and open up advanced mode, it's at the bottom of the page
On the main page, under advanced operations you'll see 'resize FS', this will expand the SD to it's full extent, NB. when you make significant changes piCorePlayer will reboot and save it's settings, and in this case it will.
Now go to the LMS tab, you'll see an option to install LMS, click that and you'll be rebooted again...
If you want to use a local HD, you'll probably want to install the 'additional file systems' option, again on the LMS tab, it'll reboot again
For Local HD;
Connect your HD, go to the main page and select reboot, upon reboot go to the LMS tab you should see your HD in the USB section, give it a logical name at the /mnt (mount point) eg 'Music' or somesuch, when you first go into the LMS web page you'll be asked to select this as your music catalogue, then hit 'set USB mount'.
For NAS;
Just provide the IP address, network share name (the name you see in your windows explorer if it's mapped), and user ID/PW combo, then hit 'set net mount'
Open up a browser session and paste in the pi IP address suffixed by ':9000', this will open up the LMS browser, and after configuring your 'Music' share, it's a pop up, you should be able to build your catalogue (NB never unplug or power off the pi whilst LMS is rebuilding the index as this is the only time the SD card can be corrupted), you'll also see 'picoreplayer' as an active 'player' in the drop down list
At this point you're up and running...hopefully ;)
FYI The Pi3 indexed (complete rebuild) 30,000 flac tracks locally in 30 mins, and 35 over the LAN, very impressive
Will,
thats very helpful. If I understand correctly PiCore player now loads a version of LMS on the SD card. Does that mean I should use a larger SD card? I think I am using an old 4gb card at present. Also, I have several thousand cds ripped to FLAC. Does the index take up a lot of space on the sd card too?
Thanks
Geoff
Will,
thats very helpful. If I understand correctly PiCore player now loads a version of LMS on the SD card. Does that mean I should use a larger SD card? I think I am using an old 4gb card at present. Also, I have several thousand cds ripped to FLAC. Does the index take up a lot of space on the sd card too?
Thanks
Geoff
...hence the link to the high speed 32GB card ;)
Nice walkthough Will... whats all its benefits over say moode again?
Not having used 'moode' it would be unfair of me to compare, however the main advantage of piCorePlayer over other players/distros is its small 'footprint', so even when running LMS and a player, it runs from RAM, the SD card is therefore not corrupted even if you pull the power cord out...
Sherwood
16-03-2017, 11:13
Ok Chaps here goes...
The key to all this is piCorePlayer, the latest release 3.11 is available here...
https://sites.google.com/site/picoreplayer/home/download
...you'll need some SD imaging software, and an ipscanner if you want to use a wifi dongle, I'll go into that in more detail if anyone wants later.
For a single machine LMS&Player (IQaudio/Audiophonics/HiFiBerry etc.), you'll need the following
piCorePlayer 3.11 (audio enhanced, it has a few more drivers)
Pi3 or Pi2 (I've used a Pi3 but the Pi2 should be fine if a little slower at indexing)
A music data source, a NAS if you have one, or a USB powered HD (again fine with the Pi3 & it's PSU, not sure about the 2)
If you want to use wireless, one of these, (the Pi3's onboard wireless is rubbish!)...but do't use it if your music is on a NAS, it'll take hours to index over wifi!
https://www.amazon.co.uk/d/Networking-Devices/Plugable-Wireless-Adapter-Realtek-RTL8188CUS-Chipset-Raspberry/B00H28H8DU/ref=sr_1_sc_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1489511949&sr=1-1-spell&keywords=plugable+usb+realteck
A reasonable micro SD card, this is where LMS will store it's local 'index' and 'cache', so worth getting something decent I used one of these...
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B013UDL5RU/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
After downloading and imaging piCorePlayer to the micro SD card, connect your pi to the network/router via ethernet, and power it up.
Using your IP scanner find 'piCorePlayer' on your network
Copy the IP address into your browser and enter, you should eventually get the piCorePlayer page
Go to the 'Main Page' tab, and open up advanced mode, it's at the bottom of the page
On the main page, under advanced operations you'll see 'resize FS', this will expand the SD to it's full extent, NB. when you make significant changes piCorePlayer will reboot and save it's settings, and in this case it will.
Now go to the LMS tab, you'll see an option to install LMS, click that and you'll be rebooted again...
If you want to use a local HD, you'll probably want to install the 'additional file systems' option, again on the LMS tab, it'll reboot again
For Local HD;
Connect your HD, go to the main page and select reboot, upon reboot go to the LMS tab you should see your HD in the USB section, give it a logical name at the /mnt (mount point) eg 'Music' or somesuch, when you first go into the LMS web page you'll be asked to select this as your music catalogue, then hit 'set USB mount'.
For NAS;
Just provide the IP address, network share name (the name you see in your windows explorer if it's mapped), and user ID/PW combo, then hit 'set net mount'
Open up a browser session and paste in the pi IP address suffixed by ':9000', this will open up the LMS browser, and after configuring your 'Music' share, it's a pop up, you should be able to build your catalogue (NB never unplug or power off the pi whilst LMS is rebuilding the index as this is the only time the SD card can be corrupted), you'll also see 'picoreplayer' as an active 'player' in the drop down list
At this point you're up and running...hopefully ;)
FYI The Pi3 indexed (complete rebuild) 30,000 flac tracks locally in 30 mins, and 35 over the LAN, very impressive
Will,
followed your clear instructions (including re-purposing a 32gb Sandisk sd card) and have successfully installed the latest PiCore player and LMS on my RPi. Everything is fine and the settings show correct on the web viewer http://192.168.1.182/cgi-bin/main.cgi page.
Problem is I can't get it to see my NAS disk (a My Book Live 3tb) despite it showing up on Fing as being connected.
Any ideas of where I am going wrong?
Geoff
Powered by vBulletin® Version 4.2.3 Copyright © 2025 vBulletin Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved.