How to implement Raspberry Pi into my system?

[Simon_LDT]

I'm looking at putting a Raspberry Pi into my system for hi-res music playback (and well basically a full library of music) but I'm confused on many a thing and before pulling the trigger wanted to get some advice.

Will I be able to use the Pi to play FLAC files from an external HDD/SSD and send that to my Arcam D33 Dac via USB? (or via coax if I fitted a HiFiBerry Digi+ part)

I've been reading about it all and I'm quite confused in regards to what players to use and how they work with music libraries. I've literally just got the files on a drive and don't have them in a library of any kind (iTunes, etc). I currently just load up albums in Foobar when needed but am using a really old PC on XP, hence wanting something dedicated to just music playback.

Is it really complicated to import my music into the Pi?

The other thing I'm not clear on is how do I actually use the thing? I was hoping I could use my TV as a monitor but I've read that people use smart phones/tablets to work the system (which is something I don't currently have)

[struth]

Can use anything with a browser to get the ui up. You write a chosen program like moode to sd and install it on pi. Plug a hdd into it, preferably a powered one or through the pi hub. Connect it to stereo via a rca from a pi dac is best but you can use your own dac. It will sound better using a proper internal one like a iqdac or audiophonics...there are others.

[Simon_LDT]

How do I control it? I've been looking at mini wireless keyboards (like this: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Rii-Wireless-Keyboard-TouchPad-Android/dp/B00SIS9DPO/ref=pd_sim_147_5?ie=UTF8&dpID=51lfkgVkaHL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160%2C160_&refRID=0QV6GRQ8E7BN05TX9GNE)

Seems it can be controlled by installing Debian for Linux, but can you even have that on the Pi and also the music player flashed onto it too?

I don't currently own a smartphone. All I have is a really old Ipod Touch (First gen I think) but doubt it would work as most apps don't on it these days.

[WAD62]

How do I control it? I've been looking at mini wireless keyboards (like this: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Rii-Wireless-Keyboard-TouchPad-Android/dp/B00SIS9DPO/ref=pd_sim_147_5?ie=UTF8&dpID=51lfkgVkaHL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160%2C160_&refRID=0QV6GRQ8E7BN05TX9GNE)

Seems it can be controlled by installing Debian for Linux, but can you even have that on the Pi and also the music player flashed onto it too?

I don't currently own a smartphone. All I have is a really old Ipod Touch (First gen I think) but doubt it would work as most apps don't on it these days.

Hi Simon,

As Grant said there are a few options, if you want it to be both a music server (holding the HD files), and player too, Moode, Volumio, Max2Play (Logitech Media Server/Squeezebox), are all options.

Check out a few of the threads on the forum, and there's plenty of info on their respective web sites...

RE The controller, get yourself a cheap android smart phone or tablet, there are plenty of apps if you go the Squeezebox route...not sure about the others :)

You can then consign your iPad and iTunes to the legacy bin...;)

[struth]

How do I control it? I've been looking at mini wireless keyboards (like this: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Rii-Wireless-Keyboard-TouchPad-Android/dp/B00SIS9DPO/ref=pd_sim_147_5?ie=UTF8&dpID=51lfkgVkaHL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160%2C160_&refRID=0QV6GRQ8E7BN05TX9GNE)

Seems it can be controlled by installing Debian for Linux, but can you even have that on the Pi and also the music player flashed onto it too?

I don't currently own a smartphone. All I have is a really old Ipod Touch (First gen I think) but doubt it would work as most apps don't on it these days.

The hdmi socket can go to a monitor and a keyboard plugged in. This allows for reprogramming /setting up on volumio. Not needed with moode as you can set it all up from a browser..As will says a cheap tablet is way to go. Gives u the best experience and graphics and is portable and smaill footprint. Will work with ios or android as you are only using a browser to connect.. All the actual programme is on the micro sd card. You need a pc to make them up.

[Simon_LDT]

Can I control it using my old laptop via a wired ethernet connection, even if just for the time being to get it working? I really shouldn't be spending at the moment as I'm supposed to be saving to upgrade my turntable playback! At around £50 for the basic stuff I'd need I'm up for trying it but obviously want to make sure I can actually do something with it! Can't really afford a smart phone on top but that could always come later.

[struth]

The pi needs to be wired(initially but best to keep it that way)to ethernet... Pc can be wired of wifi.. Yes just open a browser like opera etc and find what local ip your router has issued it... You can find this by initially entering your routers address.. Mostly your provider will use the same one for all their routers so if you dont know it just do a google search. Plusnet is 192.168.1.254 if memory serves as an example.

At bottom will be a box saying what is connected to it and what local ip is been given... Pop that in a browser and the program should just appear. Moode is quite easy and when you download it from moodeaudio.org you will also find a bit that tells you how to set it up etc.
There is a small and steep learning curve but there are plenty folk here who will help you get there

[Simon_LDT]

Thanks. Will go for it and see how I get on. Will report back in a few days...

[stree]

I use a little free prog for finding IP address of all on network, even does powerpoint adaptors...................Advanced IP scanner ..................................simple and quick.
I am still setting up my Moode install, artwork etc, so am controlling via PC and monitor, I just find it easier this way, can use phone, tablet, laptop even PC still when installed fully and up and running as part of music setup.
" other progs needed here are of course Win32disk imager and SD formatter
Maybe if artwork is missing, use Album Art Downloader, again free, small simple and quick.and does a great search............front back, inner sleeves, lyrics,etc, just choose which you want

[struth]

Yeah ive got fing. Found it best ive tried on android

[Simon_LDT]

Seems my Pi is coming today (from amazon) so seems I will get to fiddle much earlier than anticipated!

[mikeyb]

You do have a DAC for it, if not then the audio out from a bare Pi is poor

[mikeyb]

Ah just reread your first post and see you have an Arcam dac. I've never tried mine over USB as I have the IQAudio onboard DAC on mine.

[Tony Moore]

"fing" is very useful, thanks for the tip!

[mikeyb]

"fing" is very useful, thanks for the tip!
Agreed, just installed it here too, much easier than using advancedipscanner on the PC.

Nice one Grant [emoji3]

[struth]

It allows you to rename everything if needed to. It has an ios app as well. Its the best one ive tried so far and seems ad free too

[rikardo1979]

Another great option how to use RPi for media is to use Kodi (https://kodi.tv/)(formaly XBMC)
Is so simple to set and use and there are many ways how to control it. From smartphone, PC, TV remote(CEC protocol over HDMI), IR remote, BT remote, etc...
The possibilities with Kodi are endless. Its not just for music, its for everything, movies, photos, live streams, internet radio, etc... There are tons of add-ons you can install on top of this

I have been into it for almost 10 years now and I spend a lot of time helping to develop Kodi port for RPi.
There are 3 main distributions of Kodi for RPi
XBian (http://www.xbian.org/)
OpenELEC (http://openelec.tv/)
OSMC (https://osmc.tv/)(formaly RaspBMC)

You can chose which ever suits you best. If you dont want to interfere much with it than OpenELEC would be best, or OSMC. But if you want more complex solution with full Debian abilities behind than XBian is the way

Just a quick sneakpeak how it performs. This is an old video on old RPi B so you can imagine its way better now

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NXmzAjjEJUo

Any questions, feel free to ask, I should be able to answer all

[Simon_LDT]

^ That looks good Richard. I probably won't use it for videos but nice to have that feature just in case. I assume it doesn't take up any extra memory or interfere with audio playback in any way? Can I output audio via HDMI and/or USB/Coax/Opt?

[rikardo1979]

^ That looks good Richard. I probably won't use it for videos but nice to have that feature just in case. I assume it doesn't take up any extra memory or interfere with audio playback in any way? Can I output audio via HDMI and/or USB/Coax/Opt?

No, it does not need much as it decode most of the stuff, video/audio by dedicated HW decoder so does not neet much CPU power or RAM.
I have it hooked over HDMI to my AVR Pioneer SC-LX59. I use it to watch movies and TV shows, YouTube etc as it is my main media solution center. Cost nothing to build, invisible and cost around £10/year for elec. bills to run if is on 24/7.
I also use it to play music from local server(run on Raspberry Pi too :) ) and also stream Tidal HiFi. This is until we get Naim Superuniti in near future.
But yes, I use it for all at the moment

[roob]

Can I output audio via HDMI and/or USB/Coax/Opt?
I would get the HifiBerry Digi+ board(transformer version) and connect via coax to your dac.
https://www.hifiberry.com/digiplus/

[Simon_LDT]

I would get the HifiBerry Digi+ board(transformer version) and connect via coax to your dac.
https://www.hifiberry.com/digiplus/

That's the plan. Want to make sure I can get it working well first before splurging more cash though. Ive now got everything I need to get started so will be attempting to install Xbian later today.

I do have another important question. How does it power up/down safely, without just switching off at the plug? I assume it'll have a shutdown type of thing in place or is it program/OS dependant?

[roob]

All you need is a Moode image on a card, boot the Pi with it inserted and ethernet connected wait a few minutes then connect to the player from your computer. There you can change any settings, load up your music files choose your output device etc, the digi+board is listed as an output.
I leave mine on most of the time there is an option in Moode to shut down/reboot but just unplugging it has done no harm.

[rikardo1979]

That's the plan. Want to make sure I can get it working well first before splurging more cash though. Ive now got everything I need to get started so will be attempting to install Xbian later today.

I do have another important question. How does it power up/down safely, without just switching off at the plug? I assume it'll have a shutdown type of thing in place or is it program/OS dependant?

yes, you have an Shut down option at the bottom of the home screen in Kodi
https://i.ytimg.com/vi/TMjmCvB0D6A/maxresdefault.jpg

But I simply have it on all the time as it use max 3W of power, which is less than your TV in stand by mode :D

I would not suggest cutting off the power as this may and usually cause SD card corruptions!

[Simon_LDT]

Got Xbian installed easily and currently up and running. However, how the hell do I get music playing? I tried plugging in my external HDD to a port on the Pi but it struggled to boot up so I assume it can't get enough power. I've now connected it to my laptop for power and then straight into the Pi via USB. However, I've no clue how to find the music to add to library...

[Simon_LDT]

Scrap that, had the wires the wrong way round on the dual USB cable, doh! Seems to be playing straight from the HDD - now to connect my DAC...

[Simon_LDT]

Can't get the DAC working via USB. When connected there then appears 2 extra options in audio output (ALSA: ARCAM USB Audio 1.0, Analog, ALSA: ARCAM USB Audio 1.0, S/PDIF).

I've tried both and each time the screen goes blank for a few seconds, forwards to the library page but when then selecting a track it plays through the TV speakers instead. When I go back into the settings the output has reverted back to ''PI: HDMI'' by itself.

Any clues as to the problem here?

[rikardo1979]

Can't get the DAC working via USB. When connected there then appears 2 extra options in audio output (ALSA: ARCAM USB Audio 1.0, Analog, ALSA: ARCAM USB Audio 1.0, S/PDIF).

I've tried both and each time the screen goes blank for a few seconds, forwards to the library page but when then selecting a track it plays through the TV speakers instead. When I go back into the settings the output has reverted back to ''PI: HDMI'' by itself.

Any clues as to the problem here?

what happen when you set your preferred Audio output settings and than reboot straight after that? Does it stay or does it goes back to default?
Also looking into logs (http://xbian.org/forum/announcement-9.html)would tell you a lot

[Simon_LDT]

what happen when you set your preferred Audio output settings and than reboot straight after that? Does it stay or does it goes back to default?
Also looking into logs (http://xbian.org/forum/announcement-9.html)would tell you a lot

Nope, nothing happens. Always reverts back to Pi: HDMI. I don't think it ever switches to the Arcam Dac as something is stopping it. I've done a log, hopefully it's useful. http://xbmclogs.com/p1yuo35e7

If you need me to do anything specific, let me know.

[rikardo1979]

Nope, nothing happens. Always reverts back to Pi: HDMI. I don't think it ever switches to the Arcam Dac as something is stopping it. I've done a log, hopefully it's useful. http://xbmclogs.com/p1yuo35e7

If you need me to do anything specific, let me know.

seems that the DAC does not work under the system. It may be kernel related. Does this USB device working under other OS on Raspberry Pi?
If you have not tried can you try OpenELEC maybe? Its basically same environment just a different build of Kodi
Or you can also try pure Raspbian OS

[Simon_LDT]

I'll try install those tomorrow and report back.

One other thing - How do you start up the Pi after shutting down? Can't seem to get it running again after shutdown without pulling the plug out and back in again.

Thanks for your help so far Richard, really appreciate it.

[rikardo1979]

I'll try install those tomorrow and report back.

One other thing - How do you start up the Pi after shutting down? Can't seem to get it running again after shutdown without pulling the plug out and back in again.

Thanks for your help so far Richard, really appreciate it.

That is the way of doing it :D thats why I just leave my on all the time. Or the simplest way how to do it remotely is to plug it into remote controlled socket
http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/MTYwMFgxNjAw/z/m7MAAOSwuMFUlCHE/$_57.JPG?set_id=880000500F

So you turn the socket off after you shut the system down and than you can turn it back on with RC

[Simon_LDT]

Having a right mare right now haha.

Downloaded what I need to format the SD Card I purchased and write an image file (for OpenELEC) but then the damn card has failed on me! It should be 16gb but showing as only 69mb and fails to format properly. Looks like I've got a fake...

Anyhow, I don't have another handy so will have to wait for a replacement to come before I can continue. Will report back.

[struth]

Having a right mare right now haha.

Downloaded what I need to format the SD Card I purchased and write an image file (for OpenELEC) but then the damn card has failed on me! It should be 16gb but showing as only 69mb and fails to format properly. Looks like I've got a fake...

Anyhow, I don't have another handy so will have to wait for a replacement to come before I can continue. Will report back.

what did you format it with? if you use the wrong program that will happen.

https://members.sdcard.org/downloads/formatter_4/

[rikardo1979]

once the card is used in RPi is formated/partitioned under linux. you would need to use something like Panasonic formatter (https://www.sdcard.org/downloads/formatter_4/) or plug it into digital camera if you have any to format there

[Simon_LDT]

That's the one I used. Weird thing is that the card was showing up like that upon inserting it to the laptop, before I tried to format (it's the reason I tried to format in the first place). All I've done is installed Xbian on it using the installer but now the card seems to have flaked on me. I'm 99% sure it's a fake after looking online.

[Simon_LDT]

Any particular settings I should be using with this program? I've tried the 'erase' and 'over-write' and still only shows up as 69mb afterwards.

Knew I should of got a Kingston card, have used their standard SD cards in the past with no such problems. Thought I'd go with a Samsung Evo for the microSD...

[struth]

just use quick format fat32.

[rikardo1979]

Any particular settings I should be using with this program? I've tried the 'erase' and 'over-write' and still only shows up as 69mb afterwards.

Knew I should of got a Kingston card, have used their standard SD cards in the past with no such problems. Thought I'd go with a Samsung Evo for the microSD...

no, no need to change any settings. Its odd as if the card is only 69MB you would not be able to install XBian at the first place. XBian re-partioned the card after 1st boot so thats why you are not able to see the whole size. All you can see is a small FAT partition.

[Simon_LDT]

There's no option to choose fat32, but have tried all 3 types of formatting and nothing has worked.

[struth]

I use these. the anker card reader goes into usb and the cards go into it.. its a nice steady combo

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00LFIXC8I?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0052WQS9I?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00

could be a duffer...send it back

[rikardo1979]

really strange... but with SD cards you never know.
I always use Sandisk or Samsung cards. Class 10 at least

[mikeyb]

Don't worry it should only show 69mb there is nothing wrong with the card.

MoOde, Volumio etc only show as 70mb or so too, it's because the card is now a boot disc.

[rikardo1979]

Don't worry it should only show 69mb there is nothing wrong with the card.

MoOde, Volumio etc only show as 70mb or so too, it's because the card is now a boot disc.

yup, only problem is that even after he tried to re-format it show only that much where it should be back to full capacity. so seems that the card is corrupted

[mikeyb]

Try sdformatter a lot of format programmes are crap, and that includes the windows one.

[Simon_LDT]

Yup, this Samsung looks fake alright. Has 'made in Phillippines' on the back when apparently it should say 'Made in Korea' if official. Also, it's missing the small grey directional arrow on the top of the card. Others have reported similar issues on amazon.

[Rothchild]

I must confess I don't know how windows format works, but you can only see one of the partitions because the other (the big one) is formatted in EXT4 (a linux file system). Rather than using format what happens if you show it to win32 disk image with a new disk image?

[rikardo1979]

Try sdformatter a lot of format programmes are crap, and that includes the windows one.

he did and we have suggested the same before if you read history of posts ;)

[rikardo1979]

Yup, this Samsung looks fake alright. Has 'made in Phillippines' on the back when apparently it should say 'Made in Korea' if official. Also, it's missing the small grey directional arrow on the top of the card. Others have reported similar issues on amazon.

it still does not explain how you was able to flash XBian 1st time...if the card is so small you would not be able to do so. Means the card is just messed and there is a way out of it or its corrupted.
Only if you have linux machine to plug it into and format there or as I suggested inside some digital camera... or send it to me :D I have linux only computers or 3 digital cameras which take SD cards :P

[mikeyb]

he did and we have suggested the same before if you read history of posts ;)
Oh I'm sorry, I'll not do it again [emoji14] [emoji6]

[mikeyb]

Easy enough to Google how to check for fake, no doubt someone told you that already [emoji15] [emoji3]

[Simon_LDT]

Easy enough to Google how to check for fake, it had someone told you that already [emoji15] [emoji3]

?

I know there are fakes out there, and plenty of them. I didn't thoroughly research beforehand as I did not suspect that Amazon would send a fake but it seems there are so many out there that even retailers are recieving them too.

[mikeyb]

?

I know there are fakes out there, and plenty of them. I didn't thoroughly research beforehand as I did not suspect that Amazon would send a fake but it seems there are so many out there that even retailers are recieving them too.

Damn predictive text lol.

If you look back at the item in Amazon I bet it was sold by a market place seller or sold by someone other than Amazon but delivered by them. I always check as to who is selling and supplying the item especially on commonly faked goods. Just because it's on Amazon doesn't mean it's coming from them ;)

Report it to Amazon, I had to do that with Koss headphones.

[Simon_LDT]

Mine definitely came from amazon direct as I made sure to check that. My complaint has been passed to their counterfeit dept and should hear back tomorrow.

[mikeyb]

Mine definitely came from amazon direct as I made sure to check that. My complaint has been passed to their counterfeit dept and should hear back tomorrow.
Quite right too, their customer service is excellent mind you so shouldn't be any hassle getting refund or replacement.

[Jankoff]

I learned about the Raspberry pi computer here, in this forum, three weeks ago. Yesterday I popped into a Conrad store (in Germany) and came across the latest development, pi3. The shop assistant raved about it. Said he had the pi2 and it was great. Bought it immediately with the idea to give it at first as a present to my 10-year-old grandson - for us two to set it up together, etc. But it turned out his father had bought him the pi1 some time ago and he never showed any special interest (so far at least). Now I will have to set it up for myself - as a digital audio source for my M2tech Hiface Evo USB Interface (with the clock and battery power supply). As far as I understand, however, M2tech do not offer drivers for Linux, so I will probably have to use Windows 10 IoT. Wonder if somebody here with a relevant experience could give me some tips as to setup etc. Thanks in advance!

[rikardo1979]

I learned about the Raspberry pi computer here, in this forum, three weeks ago. Yesterday I popped into a Conrad store (in Germany) and came across the latest development, pi3. The shop assistant raved about it. Said he had the pi2 and it was great. Bought it immediately with the idea to give it at first as a present to my 10-year-old grandson - for us two to set it up together, etc. But it turned out his father had bought him the pi1 some time ago and he never showed any special interest (so far at least). Now I will have to set it up for myself - as a digital audio source for my M2tech Hiface Evo USB Interface (with the clock and battery power supply). As far as I understand, however, M2tech do not offer drivers for Linux, so I will probably have to use Windows 10 IoT. Wonder if somebody here with a relevant experience could give me some tips as to setup etc. Thanks in advance!

I believe there is driver for all platforms, Linux included
http://www.m2tech.biz/en/evo.html

[Simon_LDT]

Just had a lengthy chat with amazon as they hadn't got back to me yet even though they said they would within 24hrs. I've ended up just ordering a different card (Verbatim this time) so hopefully no issues with that one when it arrives. Hate all this waiting when I'm ready to go with everything else!

[Jankoff]

I believe there is driver for all platforms, Linux included
http://www.m2tech.biz/en/evo.html

Thank you, I hadn't noticed. I am starting the battle with this minute gadget in a day or two and will report the results. Hope not to have issues with the SD card. I have never had issues with SD cards.

[rikardo1979]

Thank you, I hadn't noticed. I am starting the battle with this minute gadget in a day or two and will report the results. Hope not to have issues with the SD card. I have never had issues with SD cards.

Raspberry Pi is a bit sensitive and selective with SD cards :) or it use to be. Not sure about the latest RPi3 as I do not have that one. But I having a few at home and I started to play with it since they release the 1st one.
Its a brilliant platform I believe and you can do so much with it

[struth]

Used to to need fat but dont think its now an issue but could be mistaken. Not had a problem re cards since i started formatting them properly lol... Ive mostly been using verbatim ones lately but have used others

[Rothchild]

I learned about the Raspberry pi computer here, in this forum, three weeks ago. Yesterday I popped into a Conrad store (in Germany) and came across the latest development, pi3. The shop assistant raved about it. Said he had the pi2 and it was great. Bought it immediately with the idea to give it at first as a present to my 10-year-old grandson - for us two to set it up together, etc. But it turned out his father had bought him the pi1 some time ago and he never showed any special interest (so far at least). Now I will have to set it up for myself - as a digital audio source for my M2tech Hiface Evo USB Interface (with the clock and battery power supply). As far as I understand, however, M2tech do not offer drivers for Linux, so I will probably have to use Windows 10 IoT. Wonder if somebody here with a relevant experience could give me some tips as to setup etc. Thanks in advance!

As far as I understand it so far, that Win10 IOT version is little more than a driver stack with no 'real' software to speak of, it's for building 'internet of things' type devices (eg a fridge that will reorder your milk) rather than a 'proper' computer as you get when you load linux on to a pi.

It's not clear yet whether or not it also includes all the nice spyware / keylogger features of Win10, whilst MS aren't the corp they used to be (that's google these days) I'd be dubious about letting that stuff near any of my computers.

I suspect Pi are about to do a deal with MS, they're getting very cosy, for me that's a great jumping off point to move to a more open, less corporate spyware friendly platform, probably something like this: https://www.olimex.com/Products/OLinuXino/A20/A20-OLinuXIno-LIME2/open-source-hardware

[Simon_LDT]

I'm having some serious issues right now. Just cannot get anything to work. Have installed OpenELEC and the USB output to my Arcam is still not responding. I've then tried via digital coax, out from a hifiberry Digi+ board I got the other day and and for some strange reason I'm getting no options in the audio output menu to change to it.

Any ideas?

I'm starting to worry I've wasted my time and money here...

[struth]

Ive never tried it on an external dac. Sure can be set up though. Tbh the internal dacs for the pi are so much better that id advise using one

[mikeyb]

Why are you using Openelec and not MoOde, Picoreplayer, Volumio or similar?

Not read full thread but if you are trying to use the Pi as a music streamer from NAS etc then one of the above will do the job very nicely.

Ditch Openelec, install MoOde as you'll get more help as a lot of guys on here use it, and the developer usually replies very quickly to any issues.

Not sure what you are trying to do by outputting one DAC ( HifiBerry+) to another ( Arcam USB ), surely all you need is RCA out to your amp, same as the rest of us?

Mike.

[Simon_LDT]

Managed to get it working. Seems I needed to install a special version from Hifiberry which enables the Digi+ to function. I'm now getting music through the coax into my DAC using OpenElec. Still no idea how to get the USB working but happy I'm getting coax as that is what I'll be likely using going forward.

Grant, any reason as to why you'd say that the internal Pi DAC's would be better than an external?

Mike, haven't tried Moode or Volumio yet but have tried Xbian and Openelec and it reads my external HDD perfectly well.

BTW, I'm using the Digi+ board from hifiberry, which is just a S/PDIF output which allows to connect via Optical and/or Coax, I'm not using an internal DAC.

[struth]

All tests by others seem to point this way. Most folk who have used it wiyh an external dac have been unimpressed. Most using likes of moode and internal dac like the iq+ etc think it outperforms several grands worth... I sold all my external stuff when i got this running optimally

[mikeyb]

Hi,

if you want to install MoOde here is a rough walkthru I just knocked up since last reply.

Reformat your MicroSD Card using SdFormatter (https://www.sdcard.org/downloads/formatter_4/eula_windows/index.html) You need to Accept the terms etc to get the download to start.

Download and write MoOde 2.5 to your MicroSD card MoODe 2.5 (http://moodeaudio.org/docs/download.html)

I use Win32DiskImager (https://sourceforge.net/projects/win32diskimager/files/Archive/Win32DiskImager-0.9.5-install.exe/download)

Download and install ADVANCEDIPSCANNER (http://filehippo.com/download_advanced_ip_scanner/download/86c5b518d570bfe1dd11e7500f3a60b9/)

Once MoOde is written to the card, insert it into the Pi and plug in the usb power lead, must be OFF when inserting MicroSD card, once powered up ( takes a couple of minutes ) go to your laptop again and run AdvanceIPScanner to find your Pi.

Mine shows like this:

https://mikeyb.smugmug.com/Other/Odds-and-Sods/i-SkcvpMc/0/O/MoOde%20Install%201.jpg

Once you find the Pi - write down the IP address.

Then on your laptop bring up a blank internet page and type the IP address of the Pi onto the address bar, the hit enter, it should come back like this:

https://mikeyb.smugmug.com/Other/Odds-and-Sods/i-sjBHvtK/0/L/MoOde%20Install%202-L.jpg

This is the main hub of the MoOde player and you can access it from any browser on laptop/pc/iPad/phone etc.

From here you can now set up the Pi and DAC ( we'll deal with NAS later )

Notice the three white bars at top right of the MoOde page on your laptop, this is where you do the configuration of you Pi.
https://mikeyb.smugmug.com/Other/Odds-and-Sods/i-7Xrtc9V/0/O/MoOde%20Install%207.jpg

Click on the three little bars and you wil be met with this menu overlay
https://mikeyb.smugmug.com/Other/Odds-and-Sods/i-gSHB48K/0/O/MoOde%20Install%208.jpg

From here you need to setup the HiFiBerry+ DAC and a couple of other settings to get you going, the next move is to click on 'Configure' which results in this menu appearing:

https://mikeyb.smugmug.com/Other/Odds-and-Sods/i-7mDmQFm/0/O/MoOde%20Install%203.jpg

Clicking on System give you this menu:
https://mikeyb.smugmug.com/Other/Odds-and-Sods/i-Gkqsq5q/0/O/MoOde%20Install%204.jpg

Note that mine is already setup as London and IQAudio DAC, in those boxes set yours to your region and the I2S Audio Device to the correct HifiBerry Dac that you have installed on your Pi, can't remember if it asl you to reboot, although prompt you when needed, so if it does then do so and wait on it rebooting, MoOde 2.5 now includes a little progress bar to let you know how the reboot is moving along. Now you alos need t oset the AlsaMixer volume on this page, mine is set to 100%, I think the HiFiBerry DAC needs the same, set this.

Once the Region/DAC/Alsamixer 100% are listed, you can switch on the Airplay/UnPnP/DLNA settings, I have all 3 done but you only need what you need so to speak, note again you might need a reboot.
https://mikeyb.smugmug.com/Other/Odds-and-Sods/i-M9Zd6x7/0/O/MoOde%20Install%205.jpg
Those last two pics are from the same settings page in case you wonder where the Airplay settings show up ;)

If you are using an amp to control the volume ( RCA from DAC to AMP ) then it is an idea to go back to the 'Configure' page via the three white bars top tight of the main MoOde page and then click the MPD setting, here you want to choose Hardware:
https://mikeyb.smugmug.com/Other/Odds-and-Sods/i-zKbNR7f/0/O/MoOde%20Install%206.jpg
Click APPLY, it might ask another Reboot, if so, do so ;)

One you've done that it might be an idea to go to Browse - you'll see it along the bottom of the MoOde main page on yout laptop to the left of Library and Playback, Browse wil give you something like this:
https://mikeyb.smugmug.com/Other/Odds-and-Sods/i-htbk9Lz/0/O/MoOde%20Install%209.jpg

CLICK Radio and choose one of the stations, you PLAY it by clicking on the three white bars to the right of the station listing and I usually click on CLEAR/PLAY.
https://mikeyb.smugmug.com/Other/Odds-and-Sods/i-XJ7SKcV/0/O/MoOde%20Install%2010.jpg

Clicking on PLAYBACK should look something like this:
https://mikeyb.smugmug.com/Other/Odds-and-Sods/i-ND68F5L/0/O/MoOde%20Install%2012.jpg
This will let you know if it is working correctly, remember have your amp on the correct input and volume turned well down in case you bugger your eardrums lol.

If you manage all that, then we will worry about setting up your NAS or Hard drive.

If there are any mistake/omissions then I apologise I've just written/snipped/uploaded the images etc on the fly since last posting.

Hope this helps.

Mike.

[mikeyb]

Ah bugger, I see you've had success while my fingers bled :doh: :lol:

No worries glad you got it working, I didn't know anything about the HiFi Berry DAC so unaware of the SP/DIF output lol.

[rikardo1979]

Main reason why XBian or OpenELEC or other Kodi build may be better is that is not headless. It has nice GUI and no need other device to actually operate. So you have multiple choices how to interfere with it. Not just web GUI from web browser.
Also with Kodi you have much more possibilities than just music playback...you can do hell more.
And the size of the developer group of Kodi and all the distros is just huge...and I mean huge, I am not worried to say that they counts in thousands...no other multimedia software I know has such

[struth]

Nice walkthrough mike. I have the upnp etc off as i dont get samba if i do have it on.

[Simon_LDT]

Mike, thanks for that guide. I will certainly give it a go once I've got everything set-up nicely, I just need to sort out how I'm going to power the Pi, external drive, wifi dongle and I also need some longer cables as at the moment I've had to move things into silly locations just to test it's working!

I'm looking at getting a Pi-Hut USB powered hub to power the Pi and also connect a HDD and wifi dongle to. Would that work without degrading the sound? I'll then worry about a decent PSU to power the hub once that's all set-up and working.

One of the reasons I really like the Kodi system/s is that I can control it using my TV remote, it's so simple and didn't require any extra hassle. My only hurdle has been trying to get the Pi to recognise my external DAC but thankfully now solved.

I've only had a quick listen and so far the sound is pretty good. I haven't done a side by side comparison with my CD player (which uses the same DAC) but the thing I did notice is the bass seems a bit more prominent and slightly boomy/indistinct. Could that be the power supply causing that?

Richard, do you know any way I can use Xbian and also add on the hifiberry Digi+ install so it recognises the S/PDIF output? When using the hifiberry installer it doesn't have Xbian as an option to install to SD, hence why I went with OpenElec so far.

[rikardo1979]

Mike, thanks for that guide. I will certainly give it a go once I've got everything set-up nicely, I just need to sort out how I'm going to power the Pi, external drive, wifi dongle and I also need some longer cables as at the moment I've had to move things into silly locations just to test it's working!

I'm looking at getting a Pi-Hut USB powered hub to power the Pi and also connect a HDD and wifi dongle to. Would that work without degrading the sound? I'll then worry about a decent PSU to power the hub once that's all set-up and working.

One of the reasons I really like the Kodi system/s is that I can control it using my TV remote, it's so simple and didn't require any extra hassle. My only hurdle has been trying to get the Pi to recognise my external DAC but thankfully now solved.

I've only had a quick listen and so far the sound is pretty good. I haven't done a side by side comparison with my CD player (which uses the same DAC) but the thing I did notice is the bass seems a bit more prominent and slightly boomy/indistinct. Could that be the power supply causing that?

Richard, do you know any way I can use Xbian and also add on the hifiberry Digi+ install so it recognises the S/PDIF output? When using the hifiberry installer it doesn't have Xbian as an option to install to SD, hence why I went with OpenElec so far.

Sorry Simon, I have no experience with external DAC on RPi as I do not have one myself to play with. I have always use it over HDMI into my AVR which works just perfectly.
But if you have a time you can post in our forum and I am sure that some guys can help
http://forum.xbian.org/
Or maybe there is some talk already over there, I am not sure

But the USB DAC should work, but not sure why you have problem with it ...

[Simon_LDT]

Have installed Volumio to try. Still no USB working which is strange as the Arcam has async USB and I'm using the 1.1 input which is fully galvanised too and doesn't need any drivers.

The hifiberry Digi+ is working a treat though thankfully, via coax connection. Not sure whether I prefer a web gui over the TV gui, reason I wanted to try a web gui is the supposed better audio quality as apparently from what I've read online players such as Rune, Volumio, etc provide more accurate bit-perfect data transfer when decoding FLAC's, or is this just nonsense?

[Jankoff]

Thanks to the people who replied to my post after I bought the pi3!
I launched it without much hassle. It is now connected to my 50-inch plasma TV through the HDMI port. I use it with a wireless mouse and keyboard and I can browse the Internet. Funny, it even manages to play YouTube videos. Almost. The picture is far from good - understandably for such a minute device, but when the screen is reduced to 1/4 of the 50-inch area - which is still a large area, quality becomes more acceptable. Haven't tried this yet, but I suppose the pi3 will work fine with a small PC monitor.
I haven't been able to play music. Volumio is not compatible yet, Windows 10 IoT is not fully functional. I will probably have to wait before the pi3 can play music - but there's no hurry. Meanwhile I am watching various YouTube videos on the Raspberry PI project - find it very interesting. Anybody with an idea what standard music player (Windows-like, not based on prompts) could be used with the Raspbian?

[Rothchild]

Diet Pi is up and running on Pi3 with a whole host of audio and video software available to install, including MPD (what Volumio uses) Subsonic, Ampache, LMS / Squeezelite and Airplay.

www.dietpi.com

[Jankoff]

Diet Pi is up and running on Pi3 with a whole host of audio and video software available to install, including MPD (what Volumio uses) Subsonic, Ampache, LMS / Squeezelite and Airplay.
www.dietpi.com

Thanks a lot! Starting to explore.