Sound quality of streaming software for Raspberry Pi

[bumpy]

Given that streaming is from a Raspberry Pi it seems there are a fair few options as to which software package to use and indeed which version of the chosen software.

The criteria is SOUND QUALITY so ignore all other aspects for the sake of this thread.

Firstly I would like your opinions on which software is best for SQ

Secondly I would like to know if version updates change the SQ and is it always for the better?

Thanks

[The Black Adder]

I found Moode better than Volumio for one... So has a few more here including Marco.

Also, Tim (he of Moode) posts here and is a lovely chap to deal with... So I'd suggest Moode. New version out too to which I need to pull my finger out and install. lol

Hope that helps
Jo

[bumpy]

I found Moode better than Volumio for one... So has a few more here including Marco.

Also, Tim (he of Moode) posts here and is a lovely chap to deal with... So I'd suggest Moode. New version out too to which I need to pull my finger out and install. lol

Hope that helps
Jo

Thanks Josie. So that's one vote for Moode being better than Volumio. When you install the update come back and let us know how the SQ compares.

[r100]

+1

coming from Volumio (which is great), Moode software and configuration is much more polished IMHO. I cannot comment on SQ, as both seem to be quite similar to my ears. Tim is very active and actually listens to his users :) which is a great + for anything that runs with software, so if SQ where to be a problem, it would be corrected very quickly.

[Rothchild]

Just putting in my vote for Subsonic (easy way to get it on a Pi is with ww.DietPi.com)

Streaming wise, it's 320kbs mp3 anywhere on the internet with a webbrowser.

In 'Jukebox' mode (ie playing straight out of the Pi (ideally with proper dac)) it's native file format - handled by ffmpeg (which is excellent).

You can also stream over the internet, to a suitable player (eg VLC) in native format (assuming you have sufficient bandwidth)

I've not tried them for a while, but I don't think the mpd based players (moode/volumio) do 'streaming' they're just playback from the pi (or did I miss something?)

[bumpy]

Just putting in my vote for Subsonic (easy way to get it on a Pi is with ww.DietPi.net)

Streaming wise, it's 320kbs mp3 anywhere on the internet with a webbrowser.

In 'Jukebox' mode (ie playing straight out of the Pi (ideally with proper dac)) it's native file format - handled by ffmpeg (which is excellent).

You can also stream over the internet, to a suitable player (eg VLC) in native format (assuming you have sufficient bandwidth)

I've not tried them for a while, but I don't think the mpd based players (moode/volumio) do 'streaming' they're just playback from the pi (or did I miss something?)


Yes, you neglected to compare SQ which is what this thread is about :)

[bumpy]

+1

coming from Volumio (which is great), Moode software and configuration is much more polished IMHO. I cannot comment on SQ, as both seem to be quite similar to my ears. Tim is very active and actually listens to his users :) which is a great + for anything that runs with software, so if SQ where to be a problem, it would be corrected very quickly.

This part of the problem. I have asked Tim before about SQ and he refers to the absence of drop outs, glitches and clicks etc. Those things should be a given. I would love to know about Audiophile sound quality.

[Rothchild]

SQ wise it sounds like a hi res mp3 when streamed and a cd straight out of the box. The fun bit is that with dietpi I can install both mpd and subsonic (and ampache should I wish) and compare them all without re imaging or rebooting - I'll give it a go for you.

[rikardo1979]

most of these have same core so I don't think there would be much difference in SQ. However you can do a bit of tweaking and thats where you can gain or loose.
Not sure what is done in Moode as I have not tried that cos it lacks some bits which I need for my streamer kit to be fully working.

Volumio, RuneAudio and Moode all use MPD as player so if you play with mpd.conf you can change SQ

here is my config which I using in Volumio


###################################
# Auto generated mpd.conf file
# please DO NOT edit it manually!
# Use player-UI MPD config section
###################################

follow_outside_symlinks "yes"
follow_inside_symlinks "yes"
db_file "/var/lib/mpd/tag_cache"
sticker_file "/var/lib/mpd/sticker.sql"
log_file "/var/log/mpd/mpd.log"
pid_file "/var/run/mpd/pid"
music_directory "/var/lib/mpd/music"
playlist_directory "/var/lib/mpd/playlists"
state_file "/var/lib/mpd/state"
user "mpd"
bind_to_address "any"
port "6600"
zeroconf_enabled "no"
zeroconf_name "volumio"
filesystem_charset "UTF-8"
id3v1_encoding "UTF-8"
gapless_mp3_playback "yes"
auto_update "no"
group "audio"
max_connections "20"



audio_output {

type "alsa"
name "Output"
device "hw:0,0"
mixer_device "hw:0"
mixer_index "0"
dop "no"
auto_resample "no"
auto_channels "no"
auto_format "no"

}

[bumpy]

SQ wise it sounds like a hi res mp3 when streamed and a cd straight out of the box. The fun bit is that with dietpi I can install both mpd and subsonic (and ampache should I wish) and compare them all without re imaging or rebooting - I'll give it a go for you.

That would be excellent Thanks.

I have never heard of dietpi so best get and Google it :)

[bumpy]

most of these have same core so I think there would be much difference in SQ. However you can do a bit of tweaking and thats where you can gain or loose.
Not sure what is done in Moode as I have not tried that cos it lacks some bits which I need for my streamer kit to be fully working.

Volumio, RuneAudio and Moode all use MPD as player so if you play with mpd.conf you can change SQ

here is my config which I using in Volumio


###################################
# Auto generated mpd.conf file
# please DO NOT edit it manually!
# Use player-UI MPD config section
###################################

follow_outside_symlinks "yes"
follow_inside_symlinks "yes"
db_file "/var/lib/mpd/tag_cache"
sticker_file "/var/lib/mpd/sticker.sql"
log_file "/var/log/mpd/mpd.log"
pid_file "/var/run/mpd/pid"
music_directory "/var/lib/mpd/music"
playlist_directory "/var/lib/mpd/playlists"
state_file "/var/lib/mpd/state"
user "mpd"
bind_to_address "any"
port "6600"
zeroconf_enabled "no"
zeroconf_name "volumio"
filesystem_charset "UTF-8"
id3v1_encoding "UTF-8"
gapless_mp3_playback "yes"
auto_update "no"
group "audio"
max_connections "20"



audio_output {

type "alsa"
name "Output"
device "hw:0,0"
mixer_device "hw:0"
mixer_index "0"
dop "no"
auto_resample "no"
auto_channels "no"
auto_format "no"

}

Interesting. I had noticed that all run MPD and this was part of my reason for interrogating SQ.

I need to look more at mpd.conf. Are there any guidelines that help with its optimisation?

[Rothchild]

That would be excellent Thanks.

I have never heard of dietpi so best get and Google it :)

Download images and instructions here: http://fuzon.co.uk/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=9#p9

Full list of optimised software (and instructions): http://fuzon.co.uk/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=5#p5

'Fancy' main site with explanation of what it's all about: http://dietpi.com/

The only potential downside against 'complete' images like Moode or Volumio is that it does require a bit of user input to set it up (because it can be turned to a number of purposes, not just a media player) but that flexibility does also make it incredibly powerful for building a completely personalised system.

[Rothchild]

In terms of the posted mpd.conf the only two lines that would have a potential sonic impact are:

dop "no"
auto_resample "no"

and the dop one only if you're using DSD files.

Essentially this is a 'bit perfect' configuration and should just parse data straight from the player that's feeding it, to the soundcard (Hw:0.0) that ALSA is controlling.

Previously Moode had some kernel memory tweaks that were supposed to make a difference but I understand those have been removed in later versions, not sure if they're still there in volumio. The only other place that SQ is likely to be affected is if there's a software gain control somewhere in the chain (normally in the player app)

[rikardo1979]

In terms of the posted mpd.conf the only two lines that would have a potential sonic impact are:

dop "no"
auto_resample "no"

and the dop one only if you're using DSD files.

Essentially this is a 'bit perfect' configuration and should just parse data straight from the player that's feeding it, to the soundcard (Hw:0.0) that ALSA is controlling.

Previously Moode had some kernel memory tweaks that were supposed to make a difference but I understand those have been removed in later versions, not sure if they're still there in volumio. The only other place that SQ is likely to be affected is if there's a software gain control somewhere in the chain (normally in the player app)
thank you for quick reply on this.
And as you mentioned, it is what they called bit perfect config of MPD.
Other than this I dont think there is anything else what may affect SQ.
Kernel, memory management etc. That can affect smoothness of the OS as a whole and some dropouts in playback etc.
But me personally, I have never experienced any on Raspberry Pi. If you have a decent, best Class 10 or better SD card then all should be smooth.

And of course, Raspberry Pi 2 is best to use. Better than RPi 3 even the new have more power.
Problem is BT and WiFi modules fitted on board which is not ideal for audio solutions.
So RPi 2 is best

OP2

[r100]

like the old Airport Express ... sorry :offtopic:

[bumpy]

And of course, Raspberry Pi 2 is best to use. Better than RPi 3 even the new have more power.
Problem is BT and WiFi modules fitted on board which is not ideal for audio solutions.
So RPi 2 is best

OP2

Ah ha. :( I have RPI 2 but have included a Wi Fi dongle to allow me to control the system from my listening seat using a Hudl2. Could I have compromised SQ? - I cant tell at present as am running a simple system to get by until my expensive DAC arrives.

[Rothchild]

Kinda depends, if the files are on a usb or nas drive physically attached to the pi then using wireless just to control mpd isn't going to make any difference.

The only way I can see a real issue is if you're wirelessly accessing the source files and trying to stream them back up to another device.

I've got mine setup with files on a usb drive attached to the pi and an old belkin wifi adapter, which quite happily serves up flacs to my local network and hi res mp3s out (via a not that great home broadband adsl line) across the internet to anywhere I've tried it (including to my phone over 3g and abroad)

[rikardo1979]

Ah ha. :( I have RPI 2 but have included a Wi Fi dongle to allow me to control the system from my listening seat using a Hudl2. Could I have compromised SQ? - I cant tell at present as am running a simple system to get by until my expensive DAC arrives.

simply plug your WiFi dongle to USB extension lead so it further away from RPi ;) or try stay on cable, best solution and most reliable

[bumpy]

Kinda depends, if the files are on a usb or nas drive physically attached to the pi then using wireless just to control mpd isn't going to make any difference.

The only way I can see a real issue is if you're wirelessly accessing the source files and trying to stream them back up to another device.

I've got mine setup with files on a usb drive attached to the pi and an old belkin wifi adapter, which quite happily serves up flacs to my local network and hi res mp3s out (via a not that great home broadband adsl line) across the internet to anywhere I've tried it (including to my phone over 3g and abroad)

I'm using a USB attached hard drive with its own power supply, so that sounds good. :)

[bumpy]

simply plug your WiFi dongle to USB extension lead so it further away from RPi ;)

I like this idea a lot. :)