View Full Version : Educate me please , Who has a quality dac / streeming setup ?
Audio Al
05-08-2018, 14:15
OK , Go on then , Educate me
I have a DAC 3 purchased from Jerry of this forum , I have been told by other forum users its not that good chip wise
What do I need to hear these wonderfull sounds that reputedly better vinyl , I am willing to learn , I have itunes and Amazon music
over 2 you :D
Interesting question :)
Current digital setup is just as good (but different) as my vinyl rig, a Michell Gorbe, SME V, Dynavector XX2 Mk2.
Pretty good disk spinner that, so digital's got to be too to keep up.
It is.
My Dacs a PS Audio Directstream Dac with Bridge II network card fitted.
Music comes from selfbuilt Linux server running Roon, which is piped directly into the Dac.
Sounds terrific I think, certainly as good a dac as I'll ever need.
You probably have all you need to get great tunes without having to spend money at this stage. Get things working initially and then consider changing things.
Highly recommend you don't use itunes and amazon music - best to start with local files in flac or wav format and use a quality software player (e.g. JRiver, Roon etc - lots of choices) and make sure the player is playing directly to the DAC (rather than via the operating system mixture) so your DAC gets bit perfect data to decode.
What type of computer are you using? PC, Mac or Linux?
FWIW my audio path is: FLAC (either local or via Tidal) > Win10 server > Roon player> Win10 fanless endpoint > USB > Metrum Hex DAC > Preamp etc.
Lots of different ways of doing things. Mine is just one way.
got several ways to do it here. the rpi and audiophonics dac board is good, currently with volumio2 installed and a local disc but can be streamed to via spotify and jriver, but hope to get the software changed at some time. its not bad at all for a free program.
Jriver on my laptop with local flac files either into my smsl dac/headphone amp, or to my xaing sheng dac via usb cable. can also send spotify down to either dac.
They are all pretty decent.. TT is decent too imo, and although not at levels of most here, it sounds good and uncoloured to me.
Audio Al
05-08-2018, 15:28
Highly recommend you don't use itunes and amazon music - DOH ! , Amazon cost £79 per year and Itunes is £10 a month , Dont want to be spending even more money every month :(best to start with local files in flac or wav format Did I mention being a numpty with computer files and use a quality software player (e.g. JRiver, Roon etc - lots of choices) Is this something else I need to buy ? :scratch:and make sure the player is playing directly to the DAC (rather than via the operating system mixture) so your DAC gets bit perfect data to decode.
What type of computer are you using? PC, Mac or Linux? I have a iMac
FWIW my audio path is: FLAC (either local or via Tidal) > Win10 server > Roon player> Win10 fanless endpoint > USB > Metrum Hex DAC > Preamp etc. Is this ancent hieroglyphs :scratch:
Goes over my head :doh:
I am going to try an Asus DAC on a soundcard for my PC to see what it is like compared to my super cap Caiman SEG.
I am also going to see if it gives a decent SPDIF out direct to the Caiman.
Then I want to try a Digione player feeding the Caiman.
I think a good streamer is the SOTM 200(?) but it is expensive.
Audio Al
05-08-2018, 15:31
Just noticed im at 8000 posts :eek:, good god get a life man :doh::D
Al
Just plug the DAC into your mac and connect it to your music system, start up itunes and press play. Then sit back and enjoy.
No Egyptian writing or things going over your head or having to learn new things.
Audio Al
05-08-2018, 15:42
Al
Just plug the DAC into your mac and connect it to your music system, start up itunes and press play. Then sit back and enjoy.
No Egyptian writing or things going over your head or having to learn new things.
Hi Edward
Alread done that via optical cable , far from impressed with the sound quality :(
Highly recommend you don't use itunes and amazon music - DOH ! , Amazon cost £79 per year and Itunes is £10 a month , Dont want to be spending even more money every month :(best to start with local files in flac or wav format Did I mention being a numpty with computer files and use a quality software player (e.g. JRiver, Roon etc - lots of choices) Is this something else I need to buy ? :scratch:and make sure the player is playing directly to the DAC (rather than via the operating system mixture) so your DAC gets bit perfect data to decode.
What type of computer are you using? PC, Mac or Linux? I have a iMac
FWIW my audio path is: FLAC (either local or via Tidal) > Win10 server > Roon player> Win10 fanless endpoint > USB > Metrum Hex DAC > Preamp etc. Is this ancent hieroglyphs :scratch:
Goes over my head :doh:
stick with the big black pizzas til someone comes and sets something up for you is my advice Al
Audio Al
05-08-2018, 15:46
stick with the big black pizzas til someone comes and sets something up for you is my advice Al
Really :(
Stratmangler
05-08-2018, 16:00
Highly recommend you don't use itunes and amazon music
You got there before me :)
Stratmangler
05-08-2018, 16:03
stick with the big black pizzas til someone comes and sets something up for you is my advice Al
I agree with this advice :)
Idlewithnodrive
05-08-2018, 17:21
Highly recommend you don't use itunes and amazon music - DOH ! , Amazon cost £79 per year and Itunes is £10 a month , Dont want to be spending even more money every month :(best to start with local files in flac or wav format Did I mention being a numpty with computer files and use a quality software player (e.g. JRiver, Roon etc - lots of choices) Is this something else I need to buy ? :scratch:and make sure the player is playing directly to the DAC (rather than via the operating system mixture) so your DAC gets bit perfect data to decode.
What type of computer are you using? PC, Mac or Linux? I have a iMac
FWIW my audio path is: FLAC (either local or via Tidal) > Win10 server > Roon player> Win10 fanless endpoint > USB > Metrum Hex DAC > Preamp etc. Is this ancent hieroglyphs :scratch:
Goes over my head :doh:
This is a fantastic and totally on-point post, describes my relationship with digital perfectly.
HELP !!??
Hi Edward
Alread done that via optical cable , far from impressed with the sound quality :(
Ok I'll try one more time in a different way.
1. Find someone who can give you some FLAC files. Then copy them to a folder on your mac.
2. Download VLC (https://www.videolan.org/vlc/)and install it in your Mac (it is free, gratis, nothing to pay etc. I guess you know how to install something on your mac).
3. Connect up your DAC to your mac.
4. Start up VLC, point it to the folder (as in 1 above).
5. Press play.
If you are really brave and have some CDs just rip the CDs to FLAC using VLC (see above - free, gratis, nothing to pay).
Idlewithnodrive
05-08-2018, 17:23
I agree with this advice :)
Really ? That is so sad.
This digital stuff is clearly a breeze then .............. not !
Audio Al
05-08-2018, 17:32
Ok I'll try one more time in a different way.
1. Find someone who can give you some FLAC files. Then copy them to a folder on your mac.
2. Download VLC (https://www.videolan.org/vlc/)and install it in your Mac (it is free, gratis, nothing to pay etc. I guess you know how to install something on your mac).
3. Connect up your DAC to your mac.
4. Start up VLC, point it to the folder (as in 1 above).
5. Press play.
If you are really brave and have some CDs just rip the CDs to FLAC using VLC (see above - free, gratis, nothing to pay).
OK thanks will try , The free VLC when its downloaded does it import loads of sh-ite as well or just the program ?
Some reserch needed re flack files for me to do :)
Stratmangler
05-08-2018, 17:46
Really ? That is so sad.
This digital stuff is clearly a breeze then .............. not !
This digital stuff is a breeze, but it does require aptitude.
It is FLAC not FLACK.
Don't get hung up researching - just grab some flac files and copy them to a folder on your mac.
If all your friends only have macs and have no idea what a flac file is ask them if they have any alac files which is Apple's version of flac. But forget aac files which itunes uses.
Bigman80
05-08-2018, 18:09
Mac to DAC via Toslink or USB is the simplest way. I just don't understand all the Room/RPI/etc stuff and nothing I've read suggests it's easy to just plug in and play.
I had good results from the M2TECH DAC from the laptop. Just do your research because it wouldn't work with Windows 10.
It's a minefield mate.
In my experience with Macs, VLC player is OK but will give you pretty much the same playback as iTunes - so if you think thats pants .....
MY ADVICE:
Ditch the optical lead from your iMac and DAC and replace with a reasonable quality USB lead (Belkin will do but you can go exotic later)
--- The DAC 3 supports asynchronous input which I have found to be much better than SPDIF from a Mac ---
Buy a copy of Audirvarna Plus (one-off licence when I bought it) and install it.
--- Audirvarna bypasses iTunes and installs it's own much improved codec ----
Rip a CD to AIFF format (iTunes will do the job fine and get the artwork and track titles)
Point Audirvarna to the iTunes music library (during setup or in Preferences later)
Play your files and sit back and enjoy
I think I offered the same advice last time you asked ... but hey ho ;)
Ignore the gobbledygook in italics if you wish.
This digital stuff is a breeze, but it does require aptitude.
I find setting up a turntable correctly far more complicated.
Sherwood
05-08-2018, 20:05
Mac to DAC via Toslink or USB is the simplest way. I just don't understand all the Room/RPI/etc stuff and nothing I've read suggests it's easy to just plug in and play.
I had good results from the M2TECH DAC from the laptop. Just do your research because it wouldn't work with Windows 10.
It's a minefield mate.
The complexity of the RPi is overstated. Just takes a little time to learn the basics. Fine, if it doesn't appeal to everybody but I don't think it is possible to beat an Rpi setup on vfm grounds. My Rpi3b+/Digione into a Caiman SEG wipes the floor with CDPs under a grand as well as some very more expensive systems.
If one is looking for simplicity, it is difficult to beat a Cambridge CXN especially since they introduced support for Tidal though this simplicity comes at a price (£800).
For simplicity on a budget, I would recommend a WD TV Player. It is the swiss army knife of media streaming and will play almost every known audio and visual file. I still have mine, though I haven't used it in ages.
Geoff
Bigman80
05-08-2018, 20:17
The complexity of the RPi is overstated. Just takes a little time to learn the basics. Fine, if it doesn't appeal to everybody but I don't think it is possible to beat an Rpi setup on vfm grounds. My Rpi3b+/Digione into a Caiman SEG wipes the floor with CDPs under a grand as well as some very more expensive systems.
If one is looking for simplicity, it is difficult to beat a Cambridge CXN especially since they introduced support for Tidal though this simplicity comes at a price (£800).
For simplicity on a budget, I would recommend a WD TV Player. It is the swiss army knife of media streaming and will play almost every known audio and visual file. I still have mine, though I haven't used it in ages.
GeoffI did look at the CXN but as you say, a bit pricey for a format I'm still unconvinced with
The WD player required at TV? not gonna work in the listening space.
RPI, well I just don't get it. I may look into it but in no rush.
I love this post it's making me cry with laughter.:lol:
Lawrence001
05-08-2018, 20:33
Totally agree with this:
Ditch the optical lead from your iMac and DAC and replace with a reasonable quality USB lead (Belkin will do but you can go exotic later)
Sent from my BLN-L21 using Tapatalk
Whatever you do don't use a laptop in your digital set up, get yourself a music server and stick this up your DAC it will sound way better than a laptop.
I would recommend an Innuos Zen mini and use Ipeng to run your metadata. Seriously this will turbo charge your DAC and get you quickly to a very high quality digital sound.
Bigman80
05-08-2018, 20:45
I love this post it's making me cry with laughter.[emoji38]It's not funny!!! [emoji23]
The RPI is the most confusing thing I've looked into. It needs to be paired to a smartphone/laptop/tablet running some software to get them to communicate, then if you don't sign up to a streaming service you need to set up a NAS to your AIFF/FLAC/MP3 files and play them over your internet.
Does the pi have to be physically connected to a router? The media!?
Gawd knows
If not, I read you have to then set up the WiFi by plugging in a keyboard (haven't got one) and plugging it into the TV and start writing Code (numbers and letters I think) the set up WiFi. This looks as much fun as peeling grapes. I'm no technophobe but Jesus it's madness.
Then you need to do the same to setup the software.
Seriously!!!!
I gave up reading the gumph and disassembled my turntable and tonearm, reassembled them and spent 68hours f@cking about with azimuth, which after the RPI thread felt like fun.
If there is a plug in and play option then I'd try it but the fact the advice is "wait for someone to set it up for you" it screams..... "When this updates and deletes an essential part of the code, you are screwed" to me.
The CXN is however a lot simpler BUT I have no idea if it's any good, how close to vinyl it get ("oh my god! Did he just say that!?") Or if I even have the interest to try. At £800 I'd rather buy a CDP and a DAC for £100 and be dissatisfied that way.
Lawrence001
05-08-2018, 20:54
Whatever you do don't use a laptop in your digital set up, get yourself a music server and stick this up your DAC it will sound way better than a laptop.
I would recommend an Innuos Zen mini and use Ipeng to run your metadata. Seriously this will turbo charge your DAC and get you quickly to a very high quality digital sound.Love my Innuos zen, it's great, rips all my CDs and sounds better than virtually any CDP I've had when playing them back. Handy remote on my Android phone as well.
Sent from my BLN-L21 using Tapatalk
It's not funny!!! [emoji23]
The RPI is the most confusing thing I've looked into. It needs to be paired to a smartphone/laptop/tablet running some software to get them to communicate, then if you don't sign up to a streaming service you need to set up a NAS to your AIFF/FLAC/MP3 files and play them over your internet.
Does the pi have to be physically connected to a router? The media!?
Gawd knows
If not, I read you have to then set up the WiFi by plugging in a keyboard (haven't got one) and plugging it into the TV and start writing Code (numbers and letters I think) the set up WiFi. This looks as much fun as peeling grapes. I'm no technophobe but Jesus it's madness.
Then you need to do the same to setup the software.
Seriously!!!!
I gave up reading the gumph and disassembled my turntable and tonearm, reassembled them and spent 68hours f@cking about with azimuth, which after the RPI thread felt like fun.
If there is a plug in and play option then I'd try it but the fact the advice is "wait for someone to set it up for you" it screams..... "When this updates and deletes an essential part of the code, you are screwed" to me.
The CXN is however a lot simpler BUT I have no idea if it's any good, how close to vinyl it get ("oh my god! Did he just say that!?") Or if I even have the interest to try. At £800 I'd rather buy a CDP and a DAC for £100 and be dissatisfied that way.
Its a minefield mate but if you throw plenty of dosh at it you can get there quickly and more importantly painlessly!:lol:
It's not funny!!! [emoji23]
The RPI is the most confusing thing I've looked into. It needs to be paired to a smartphone/laptop/tablet running some software to get them to communicate, then if you don't sign up to a streaming service you need to set up a NAS to your AIFF/FLAC/MP3 files and play them over your internet.
Does the pi have to be physically connected to a router? The media!?
Gawd knows
If not, I read you have to then set up the WiFi by plugging in a keyboard (haven't got one) and plugging it into the TV and start writing Code (numbers and letters I think) the set up WiFi. This looks as much fun as peeling grapes. I'm no technophobe but Jesus it's madness.
Then you need to do the same to setup the software.
Seriously!!!!
I gave up reading the gumph and disassembled my turntable and tonearm, reassembled them and spent 68hours f@cking about with azimuth, which after the RPI thread felt like fun.
If there is a plug in and play option then I'd try it but the fact the advice is "wait for someone to set it up for you" it screams..... "When this updates and deletes an essential part of the code, you are screwed" to me.
The CXN is however a lot simpler BUT I have no idea if it's any good, how close to vinyl it get ("oh my god! Did he just say that!?") Or if I even have the interest to try. At £800 I'd rather buy a CDP and a DAC for £100 and be dissatisfied that way.
I guess it depends on software. Volumio2 for instance is free and is put on a sd card and fitted in the pi. rpi 3 has wifi in it and afaik you dont need a keyboard. (i use ethernet.) You dont need a nas but can use one. I find it works well with a hdd attached to the pi via usb with the flac files on it. Your tablet etc only needs a browser window to connect up to the rpi. Its pretty painless. Moode 4.2 needs a bit of work as does picoreplayer. not sure re kodi yet, but probably. Volumio2 and an rpi3 with a dac hat and a psu and your away. just download and image a sd micro.
Bigman80
05-08-2018, 21:14
I guess it depends on software. Volumio2 for instance is free and is put on a sd card and fitted in the pi. rpi 3 has wifi in it and afaik you dont need a keyboard. (i use ethernet.) You dont need a nas but can use one. I find it works well with a hdd attached to the pi via usb with the flac files on it. Your tablet etc only needs a browser window to connect up to the rpi. Its pretty painless. Moode 4.2 needs a bit of work as does picoreplayer. not sure re kodi yet, but probably. Volumio2 and an rpi3 with a dac hat and a psu and your away. just download and image a sd micro.See, that sounds "easy" enough. I could do that I think.
See, that sounds "easy" enough. I could do that I think.
sure you could Oli. I did it so most could. If u have a favourite dac you can fit a spidif hat instead of a dac hat. My rpi2b needs a wifi dongle and i never did get that to work, but i am happy to use it with an ethernet cable.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180805/0cd189cdd9d1190bed56b1db8c43e9c7.jpg
Rpi and hdd at back right
Bigman80
05-08-2018, 21:19
Its a minefield mate but if you throw plenty of dosh at it you can get there quickly and more importantly painlessly![emoji38]🤣.
No way, I'd like a cheap solution like I did with the vinyl to phonostage link.
All that faffing with SUTs and Headamps made me want to jack it in. The mod Alan did to my MM phonostage, with the FETS, worked perfectly. Cheapest solution and simple in terms of my input. Sounds the best out of everything i tried too. And some of it was quite excellent.
Don't want to hear about XYZ being better. Been there, tried it.
Things may have been different if I hadn't misunderstood Tom and got that Bobs device Cinemag SUT.
That was excellent.
Anyway, I may try a pi.
Bigman80
05-08-2018, 21:21
sure you could Oli. I did it so most could. If u have a favourite dac you can fit a spidif hat instead of a dac hat. My rpi2b needs a wifi dongle and i never did get that to work, but i am happy to use it with an ethernet cable.A DAC hat would do Grant, I don't really want a multitude of DAC/Pi/USB/HDD all over the shop. A neat little solution could be good.
Bigman80
05-08-2018, 21:23
Connecting to WiFi!!!!!
https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruits-raspberry-pi-lesson-3-network-setup/setting-up-wifi-with-occidentalis
Like I said.........code.
A DAC hat would do Grant, I don't really want a multitude of DAC/Pi/USB/HDD all over the shop. A neat little solution could be good.
i added a pic to show how little real estate it takes up
Bigman80
05-08-2018, 21:26
i added a pic to show how little real estate it takes upLooks tidy enough. That WiFi looks a ball ache. Can it be done by plugging it in to a laptop?
Stratmangler
05-08-2018, 21:28
Moode 4.2 needs a bit of work as does picoreplayer
piCorePlayer doesn't need a bit of work to get it to work. I had pCP working in under 15 minutes.
I had an issue in my setup, and that was working out how to get it to address the library on my NAS.
A HDD is not difficult to do.
Connecting to WiFi!!!!!
https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruits-raspberry-pi-lesson-3-network-setup/setting-up-wifi-with-occidentalis
Like I said.........code.
dont think thats needed in volumio. I noticed a wifi bit in the setup section.. looked to be just a couple of entries on the tablet in volumio. nothing painful.(again im talking rpi3)which is the latest. windiskimager is used to image the card from your pc. its pretty straightforward and does it all for you
Bigman80
05-08-2018, 21:32
Ok mate, when Im back off the hols ill have a look, nice to have digital replay even if it's a secondary source.
dont think thats needed in volumio. I noticed a wifi bit in the setup section.. looked to be just a couple of entries on the tablet in volumio. nothing painful.(again im talking rpi3)which is the latest. windiskimager is used to image the card from your pc. its pretty straightforward and does it all for you
piCorePlayer doesn't need a bit of work to get it to work. I had pCP working in under 15 minutes.
I had an issue in my setup, and that was working out how to get it to address the library on my NAS.
A HDD is not difficult to do.
My apologies Chris. i have the card imaged but when i looked at the setup it looked like i needed to do some ssh or whatever its called. Will need to try and look again. I did a kodi noobs card last night but think that needs to be worked too( said to just copy the noobs folders to the card and run the kodi in the screen, but it looks like it has to be connected to a monitor and keyboard to start it off)..maybe should bypass the noobs bit and image the card myself
Ok mate, when Im back off the hols ill have a look, nice to have digital replay even if it's a secondary source.
There is a small learn curve if you have not done anything like it before but after that its not hard as long as you dont need to use a keyboard.(not saying the keyboard bit is hard but its an extra level)
Looks tidy enough. That WiFi looks a ball ache. Can it be done by plugging it in to a laptop?
think initially it would need an ethernet connection but sure the set up guide will say. it could be initially placed near the router. it wouldnt need to be connected to your amp at that stage anyway. once wifi is set up the ethernet is disconnected and you can move it to its position.
Bigman80
05-08-2018, 21:43
Fair enough. Like I say, I'll probably give it a whirl but not for a few weeks yet. How bad can it be???????
Stratmangler
05-08-2018, 21:51
My apologies Chris. i have the card imaged but when i looked at the setup it looked like i needed to do some ssh or whatever its called. Will need to try and look again. I did a kodi noobs card last night but think that needs to be worked too( said to just copy the noobs folders to the card and run the kodi in the screen, but it looks like it has to be connected to a monitor and keyboard to start it off)..maybe should bypass the noobs bit and image the card myself
Forget the SSH stuff - you can manage the RasPi running piCorePlayer from any web browser - you just need to know what the Pi's IP address is, which you can get by looking at your router's connected devices list.
Once you know that you can make the Pi do back flips.
LMS can be reached using the same IP address with :9000 on the end.
The rest of it takes a little bit of time working out what's relevant to what you want to do, and you always need to bear one thing in mind - the guys that write the code have been doing it for a long time.
This stuff is designed to be reliable!
The BBC iPlayer app is fully functional and rock solid.
The Spotty app works superbly well, and just requires an active Premium account to work (as do all the other off site streaming services).
The Radio Paradise FLAC stream sounds just wonderful.
Forget the SSH stuff - you can manage the RasPi running piCorePlayer from any web browser - you just need to know what the Pi's IP address is, which you can get by looking at your router's connected devices list.
Once you know that you can make the Pi do back flips.
LMS can be reached using the same IP address with :9000 on the end.
The rest of it takes a little bit of time working out what's relevant to what you want to do, and you always need to bear one thing in mind - the guys that write the code have been doing it for a long time.
This stuff is designed to be reliable!
The BBC iPlayer app is fully functional and rock solid.
The Spotty app works superbly well, and just requires an active Premium account to work (as do all the other off site streaming services).
The Radio Paradise FLAC stream sounds just wonderful.
will plug it in next time i'm fit enough Chris and see how far i get.:eyebrows:
One thing I've played with is Daphile (https://www.daphile.com/).
Does everything in a super slick way. Pretty open ended so is flexible for different setups.
And great sound ....
And best of all the cost is very low - free, zilch, nada, nowt, zero. That will appeal to the OP.
Just needs a low cost computer such as a NUC (https://www.amazon.co.uk/NUC-BABY-CANYON-NUC7I3BNH-2-5IN/dp/B01N4EOJNG).
I've also heard good reports on Roon Rock (https://kb.roonlabs.com/ROCK:_Getting_Started). Software is free but one needs to buy a normal Roon licence.
Stratmangler
05-08-2018, 22:06
will plug it in next time i'm fit enough Chris and see how far i get.:eyebrows:
That's more like it :)
Takes less than 15 minutes to put your Pi and dac together. Less if you don't have a case for it and Volumio 2 can be set up in 5 minutes once you've put it on a mSD card.
I really must do a video to show how simple it is, it's less fiddly than setting up a TT and less to break too [emoji23]
Fair enough. Like I say, I'll probably give it a whirl but not for a few weeks yet. How bad can it be???????
You can borrow my Pi/Allo Boss DAC combo once I get my SEG back from loan.
It’s what I’ve been using whilst the SEG is away.
Has Volumio 2 on it just now but I also have a mSD card with MoOde 4.2 on it to play with too.
Bigman80
05-08-2018, 22:26
You can borrow my Pi/Allo Boss DAC combo once I get my SEG back from loan.
It’s what I’ve been using whilst the SEG is away.
Has Volumio 2 on it just now but I also have a mSD card with MoOde 4.2 on it to play with too.Cheers Mikey, ill grab a temp ethernet cable to make life easy.
Let me know when you're ready!
Frazeur1
05-08-2018, 22:27
I agree on the Innuos units, be it the Zen mini or up, one of the most easy units to get up and running, and providing you have an iPad or the like for the interface, simple to rip your cd’s, listen to Tidal, Radio Paradise or other internet radio stations.
I bought the Zen MK2 and haven’t looked back, after about 5 years of endless frustration with a laptop, NAS drive and iTunes. Every time something got buggered or hung up, it would be frustration for hours trying to figure it out. No more! Haven’t had a hiccup since the Innuos was slotted into the system. I am not saying it is the only way by far, yet it certainly is one of the better options, especially if you are not real computer savvy, or care not to become that way!
Like anything, one can chose to make things as easy or as difficult as possible....
Takes less than 15 minutes to put your Pi and dac together. Less if you don't have a case for it and Volumio 2 can be set up in 5 minutes once you've put it on a mSD card.
I really must do a video to show how simple it is, it's less fiddly than setting up a TT and less to break too [emoji23]
That would be great. Links to parts would be useful as well.
Stratmangler
05-08-2018, 22:36
Takes less than 15 minutes to put your Pi and dac together. Less if you don't have a case for it and Volumio 2 can be set up in 5 minutes once you've put it on a mSD card.
I really must do a video to show how simple it is, it's less fiddly than setting up a TT and less to break too [emoji23]
My Pi is just running LMS for me, so no DAC involved - putting one on would be another 5 minutes worth of work.
Just 15 minutes before I had a functioning unit is accurate - I could get BBC iPlayer radio channels playing, as well as the Radio Paradise FLAC stream. Getting it to read my NAS box was a right royal pain, and that took a good few hours of head scratching.
It goes without saying that I eventually worked out what was going on.
Volumio2 read my network pretty quick surprisingly and I accidentally added my pc drive to the hdd on pi. Both has same music on. Doh. Still it doesn't seem to have caused conflict The spotty addin really only can be used as a play to In connect. It's supposed to show your playlists but doesn't work disappointingly as is the metadata usage. Shame as it could be great if fixed
Stratmangler
05-08-2018, 22:54
The Spotty app in LMS logs up "follow artist" in the web browser, and vice versa.
I don't use playlists, so I couldn't tell you how they react.
Well I tried :rolleyes: I got squeezelite running. downloaded and got lms running but that was all. couldnt get it to do anything else..
what we need is a blow by blow account of setup, including explanations of what the boxes mean. :doh:
🤣.
No way, I'd like a cheap solution like I did with the vinyl to phonostage link.
All that faffing with SUTs and Headamps made me want to jack it in. The mod Alan did to my MM phonostage, with the FETS, worked perfectly. Cheapest solution and simple in terms of my input. Sounds the best out of everything i tried too. And some of it was quite excellent.
Don't want to hear about XYZ being better. Been there, tried it.
Things may have been different if I hadn't misunderstood Tom and got that Bobs device Cinemag SUT.
That was excellent.
Anyway, I may try a pi.
I like your ethos mate and agree but I really don't think the Pi route or any of the cheap options will get you to where you would like to be sound wise. An Innuos server is the way to go with a DAC of choice on the other end. The server is more important for sound quality than you can imagine. I was gobsmacked at the difference it made. And it runs nice to use software for your metadata which is a joy to use and it doesn't fall over constantly.
Sherwood
06-08-2018, 14:26
I like your ethos mate and agree but I really don't think the Pi route or any of the cheap options will get you to where you would like to be sound wise. An Innuos server is the way to go with a DAC of choice on the other end. The server is more important for sound quality than you can imagine. I was gobsmacked at the difference it made. And it runs nice to use software for your metadata which is a joy to use and it doesn't fall over constantly.
I have been using my current Rpi player for nearly a year now, It took me 10 minutes to install and configure Volumio and I haven't had a problem with it in all this time. The only challenge I faced was finding out how to play Tidal through Volumio. That was resolved though this forum with very little effort. The only maintenance required is to check periodically for new updates and to install them. This is done without having to remove the sd card, through the Volumio browser. I should add that I have never had to connect a monitor or keyboard to set up the system. I know nothing about Unix either nor do I wish to learn it.
I am very impressed by the ease of use of Volumio. I noticed a recent upgrade has allowed me to add high bitrate web radio stations directly by typing in their url address. I have recently added most of the BBC 320k sites as well as some even higher resolution "audiophile" stations.
Geoff
Audio Al
06-08-2018, 15:28
I like your ethos mate and agree but I really don't think the Pi route or any of the cheap options will get you to where you would like to be sound wise. An Innuos server is the way to go with a DAC of choice on the other end. The server is more important for sound quality than you can imagine. I was gobsmacked at the difference it made. And it runs nice to use software for your metadata which is a joy to use and it doesn't fall over constantly.
£700 for a entry level unit , Then £1500, £2300 and £5000 , Yiks :eek:
I have been using my current Rpi player for nearly a year now, It took me 10 minutes to install and configure Volumio and I haven't had a problem with it in all this time. The only challenge I faced was finding out how to play Tidal through Volumio. That was resolved though this forum with very little effort. The only maintenance required is to check periodically for new updates and to install them. This is done without having to remove the sd card, through the Volumio browser. I should add that I have never had to connect a monitor or keyboard to set up the system. I know nothing about Unix either nor do I wish to learn it.
I am very impressed by the ease of use of Volumio. I noticed a recent upgrade has allowed me to add high bitrate web radio stations directly by typing in their url address. I have recently added most of the BBC 320k sites as well as some even higher resolution "audiophile" stations.
Geoff
Care to share these links please Geoff? In particular any classical or jazz music channels.
cheers
WESTLOWER
06-08-2018, 15:47
Care to share these links please Geoff? In particular any classical or jazz music channels.
cheers
Jazz24 always sounds incredible!
Jazz24 always sounds incredible!
Pah! Only 64kps AAC mate. :ner:
But excellent playlists. :cool:
Bigman80
06-08-2018, 16:13
I think you have to accept it for what it is, a file based system and I'm ok with it if I can do it on the cheap. I sold the XiangSheng because I needed to raise some funds. I could've carried on with that quite happily. It wasn't up to the Analogue side but it shouldn't be. It was easily as good as a cheapy CDP though. The Pi could be a solution in terms of attaching a HDD and control with the phone which I'd enjoy.
WESTLOWER
06-08-2018, 16:19
Pah! Only 64kps AAC mate. :ner:
But excellent playlists. :cool:
but it sounds very good... all just numbers the other stuff Edward!
but it sounds very good... all just numbers the other stuff Edward!
We're gonna have to have a serious chat someday Mate. There's numbers and numbers I have you know. :whistle::facepull:
Seriously though AAC always seems better than MP3 at the same rez. Not sure why. Probably the best bits are not thrown away.
Sherwood
06-08-2018, 17:22
Care to share these links please Geoff? In particular any classical or jazz music channels.
cheers
The 320k BBC urls are here: http://steveseear.org/high-quality-bbc-radio-streams/
Other high bitrate stations here: http://radiobit.50webs.com/
Geoff
Stratmangler
06-08-2018, 17:32
Well I tried :rolleyes: I got squeezelite running. downloaded and got lms running but that was all. couldnt get it to do anything else..
what we need is a blow by blow account of setup, including explanations of what the boxes mean. :doh:
There are a few steps you need to do to get things going properly.
When you have LMS up on a web browser you'll find a settings button down on the bottom right hand corner.
Click on that and another tab and page will open up.
If you go to the plugins tab you can enable various apps - they're all found there, but quite a few are not enabled.
Thanks Geoff. Lots of playing ....
Sherwood
06-08-2018, 17:43
Thanks Geoff. Lots of playing ....
I've been listening to this station this afternoon whilst working on a spreadsheet model. Very relaxing and excellent quality. The music that is ... not the spreadsheet!
http://8.38.78.173:8045/stream
Geoff
Yes indeed, very nice.
This station seems to be operating out of Greece.
They also have an excellent Jazz stream http://stream.psychomed.gr/webstream%20jazz.html 320kps/16bit mp3 as well.
Try this classical station from Finland. In glorious CD quality (44.1khz/16bit flac) res. http://www.rondolehti.fi (no metadata though).
sorry here is the stream url: http://rondo.iradio.fi:8000/klasu.flac
Radio Paradise 320K or Flac is a great station, caters for all tastes.
Radio Paradise 320K or Flac is a great station, caters for all tastes.
:exactly: Long time listener - discovered tons of groups I listen to regularly these days.
http://www.radioparadise.com/m3u/aac-320.m3u
RP have yet to release a standard flac stream. But possible with their app or various plugins.
Lawrence001
06-08-2018, 20:06
£700 for a entry level unit , Then £1500, £2300 and £5000 , Yiks :eek:I got my Liv Zen (early Innuos) for £350 IIRC. It didn't have the upgrade required to connect to my dac but they upgraded it remotely FOC despite the fact it was a legacy product (and even company) and I had bought it S/H, now that's customer service. Everyone should own one!
Sent from my BLN-L21 using Tapatalk
Sherwood
06-08-2018, 23:24
If anyone reading this thread is interested in getting into streaming, I may be willing to part with one of my RPi devices as I am considering purchasing the new Allo Katana kit.
This is a fully cased device with a Hifiberry Digi+ board. It connects to a DAC via a SP/DIF cable (RCA phono or optical). I can supply it with a fully configured SD card with the latest Volumio software so it is simply a case of plugging in an ethernet cable and usb power supply and then typing in the web address on a pc, phone or tablet to control the device.
Just PM me if interested and I can post details and some pictures.
Geoff
jandl100
07-08-2018, 06:09
Al
I just connect my laptop to my DAC with a USB cable and pay a sub to a decent streaming service (I use Qobuz 16/44 at the moment).
It equals or beats my CDP, which I rate highly.
Justin User211 does this as well (only he used Tidal streaming) and he is a very fussy bugger when it comes to sq.
Imho you don't need all these fancy boxes and software, or the cost associated with them.
Cancel your sub to Amazon Music, it sounds crap.
Sherwood
07-08-2018, 06:21
Al
I just connect my laptop to my DAC with a USB cable and pay a sub to a decent streaming service (I use Qobuz 16/44 at the moment).
It equals or beats my CDP, which I rate highly.
Justin User211 does this as well (only he used Tidal streaming) and he is a very fussy bugger when it comes to sq.
Imho you don't need all these fancy boxes and software, or the cost associated with them.
Cancel your sub to Amazon Music, it sounds crap.
+1 endorsement for Tidal and Qobuz. Both good quality but I disliked the Qobuz interface. I have Amazon Prime but agree that their music service is below par. Spotify and Deezer are OK but not in the same league SQ wise as Tidal/Qobuz!
https://imageshack.com/a/img921/7206/QCxyF0.png :eyebrows:
got the drive mounted Chris.... Yay. first thing ive mounted for a while :D
so Pcp/LMS is now working..
got this...
https://imageshack.com/a/img922/5928/wF4rWy.png
Seems stable and quick so far, but its certainly a step out of my comfort zone... i have samba share enabled now although so far its not showing in win10...unsurprisingly.. its not good with shares now.
Sherwood
07-08-2018, 08:38
so Pcp/LMS is now working..
got this...
https://imageshack.com/a/img922/5928/wF4rWy.png
Seems stable and quick so far, but its certainly a step out of my comfort zone... i have samba share enabled now although so far its not showing in win10...unsurprisingly.. its not good with shares now.
Grant,
are you familiar with BG's Sweet Tea album. I increasingly find myself humming track one!
Geoff
Grant,
are you familiar with BG's Sweet Tea album. I increasingly find myself humming track one!
Geoff
Doesn@t ring a bell but will look on Spotify...which is now running through Pcp :D
https://imageshack.com/a/img923/7503/DsRfzA.png
Here is the YouTube video re USB Mounting and Samba Share...
https://youtu.be/DJrlW26Uh48
Here is the YouTube video re USB Mounting and Samba Share...
https://youtu.be/DJrlW26Uh48Thanks for that video, explains how to setup my Nas drive better than the one I watched last week. I'll give picoreplayer again as I want Nas access as well as Spotify, but having seen his other video I see they have a Bandcamp plugin for LMS which I'm REALLY keen to install as I buy a lot of music from Bandcamp so the plugin would perfect for me.
Off to burn picoreplayer to my card again [emoji6]
In my experience with Macs, VLC player is OK but will give you pretty much the same playback as iTunes - so if you think thats pants .....
MY ADVICE:
Ditch the optical lead from your iMac and DAC and replace with a reasonable quality USB lead (Belkin will do but you can go exotic later)
--- The DAC 3 supports asynchronous input which I have found to be much better than SPDIF from a Mac ---
Buy a copy of Audirvarna Plus (one-off licence when I bought it) and install it.
--- Audirvarna bypasses iTunes and installs it's own much improved codec ----
Rip a CD to AIFF format (iTunes will do the job fine and get the artwork and track titles)
Point Audirvarna to the iTunes music library (during setup or in Preferences later)
Play your files and sit back and enjoy
I think I offered the same advice last time you asked ... but hey ho ;)
Ignore the gobbledygook in italics if you wish.
I've a MacBook pro mid 2015 with headphones in and two USB 3.0 and an HDMI port plus two thunderbolt ports and my DAC is a Caiman SEG, can I just plug a USB cable from the MacBook Pro to the SEG and listen to stuff on my hifi from the MacBook Pro via the SEG?
I can airplay from the MacBook or my iPhone 6S to an ATV4 which is connected to my TV via an HDMI cable then the TV is connected to the one of the SEG's Toslink inputs and then to my amp & speakers.
Thanks
Tony
Should be fine on first one. I will pass on second. But maybe yes
I've a MacBook pro mid 2015 with headphones in and two USB 3.0 and an HDMI port plus two thunderbolt ports and my DAC is a Caiman SEG, can I just plug a USB cable from the MacBook Pro to the SEG and listen to stuff on my hifi from the MacBook Pro via the SEG?
I can airplay from the MacBook or my iPhone 6S to an ATV4 which is connected to my TV via an HDMI cable then the TV is connected to the one of the SEG's Toslink inputs and then to my amp & speakers.
With Grant on this one ... presuming that the SEG supports Asynch USB input (I have no idea)
On the second one ... if the ATV4 handles AIFF files from your MacBook that should be fine but I don't have one to try that option and my ATV is an older iteration. No idea re. the 6s but my iPhone SE won't accept AIFF files so with me that we be a nogo.
Also just realised that you didn't mention Audirvarna - if you are doing all this with iTunes I doubt you will get any advantage either way.
Stratmangler
07-08-2018, 21:44
I've a MacBook pro mid 2015
Macbooks used to have a dual use headphone port - you could assign to be an optical out if you wished.
If yours does optical out then all you need is an optical connection direct to the DAC.
Macbooks used to have a dual use headphone port - you could assign to be an optical out if you wished.
If yours does optical out then all you need is an optical connection direct to the DAC.
Thanks, I'm not sure if My MacBook Pro can do that, seems Apple made a change around about when my MBP came out, sample rate is 44100 and output source is internal speakers.
Should be fine on first one. I will pass on second. But maybe yes
Thanks Grant.
With Grant on this one ... presuming that the SEG supports Asynch USB input (I have no idea)
On the second one ... if the ATV4 handles AIFF files from your MacBook that should be fine but I don't have one to try that option and my ATV is an older iteration. No idea re. the 6s but my iPhone SE won't accept AIFF files so with me that we be a nogo.
Also just realised that you didn't mention Audirvarna - if you are doing all this with iTunes I doubt you will get any advantage either way.
Not sure about the Asynch USB but the SEG is the newest model which I bought about two months ago.
The sample rate for the ATV4 is the same as the internal speakers of the MBP which is 44100.
I've a Denon streamer which I use to listen to internet radio and FM radio via the SEG and it sounds excellent despite the Denon being old now however I can was casting one of the streams on this thread, radio paradise (couldn't find it on the Denon) to the ATV via the MBP tonight and thought it might sound better with a USB cable rather than going round the houses ie MBP Airplay>ATV4-HDMI>TV>Toslink input SEG>Amp>Speakers.
As in MBP>USB Input SEG>Amp>Speakers.
Tony
Thanks, I'm not sure if My MacBook Pro can do that, seems Apple made a change around about when my MBP came out, sample rate is 44100 and output source is internal speakers.
Just checked the Apple tech specs - if this is your model then it should support digital out via the headphone socket, so yes - a TOSLINK cable to the SEG is also an option:
https://support.apple.com/kb/sp719?locale=en_GB
Audio
Stereo speakers
Dual microphones
3.5 mm headphone jack
Support for Apple iPhone headset with remote and microphone
Support for audio line out (digital/analog)
NOTE: the option for digital out won't appear in the sound preferences until you have the TOSLINK cable plugged in :)
Just checked the Apple tech specs - if this is your model then it should support digital out via the headphone socket, so yes - a TOSLINK cable to the SEG is also an option:
https://support.apple.com/kb/sp719?locale=en_GB
Audio
Stereo speakers
Dual microphones
3.5 mm headphone jack
Support for Apple iPhone headset with remote and microphone
Support for audio line out (digital/analog)
NOTE: the option for digital out won't appear in the sound preferences until you have the TOSLINK cable plugged in :)
Thanks Mike, yes that's my model, just checked by clicking on about this mac>specifications and it took me to the same page.
Presumably I just need a mini toslink adapter?
https://www.futureshop.co.uk/audioquest-mini-toslink-adaptor?gclid=CjwKCAjwhqXbBRAREiwAucoo-9zY0xN2cLgQpJ-iBu2NHW6l3OR6i0VA_ZKahBS8V9d2UgYh8IINDRoCdrgQAvD_B wE
Thanks Mike, yes that's my model, just checked by clicking on about this mac>specifications and it took me to the same page.
Presumably I just need a mini toslink adapter?
https://www.futureshop.co.uk/audioquest-mini-toslink-adaptor?gclid=CjwKCAjwhqXbBRAREiwAucoo-9zY0xN2cLgQpJ-iBu2NHW6l3OR6i0VA_ZKahBS8V9d2UgYh8IINDRoCdrgQAvD_B wE
An adapter gives you more flexibility if you already have a few optical cables .... I have a couple in the drawer.
My preference is a dedicated one with the mini plug built in (Fisual do some great ones for about the price of that adapter)
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Fisual-Pearl-Mini-Toslink-to-Toslink-Optical-Cable-1m/152154979962?epid=16012042549&hash=item236d24be7a:g:VYoAAMXQVERS1TSU
An adapter gives you more flexibility if you already have a few optical cables .... I have a couple in the drawer.
My preference is a dedicated one with the mini plug built in (Fisual do some great ones for about the price of that adapter)
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Fisual-Pearl-Mini-Toslink-to-Toslink-Optical-Cable-1m/152154979962?epid=16012042549&hash=item236d24be7a:g:VYoAAMXQVERS1TSU
Hi Mike, I found a mini toslink to headphone jack cable and just plugged it into the SEG and the MBP, I'm listening via headphones at the minute and it sounds stunning and the MBP is showing digital out in the audio tab:cool:
I'm currently listening to that radio paradise link from page 8 in this thread.
I'll try a USB cable tomorrow, think I've one in the shed.
Hi Mike, I found a mini toslink to headphone jack cable and just plugged it into the SEG and the MBP, I'm listening via headphones at the minute and it sounds stunning and the MBP is showing digital out in the audio tab
Result !!!
:gig:
I'll try a USB cable tomorrow, think I've one in the shed.
As long as it ain't a freebie printer type cable - they tend to be pants ;)
As long as it ain't a freebie printer type cable - they tend to be pants ;)
Think it is Mike:doh:
It'll work well enough to see what you think of it. It can certainly be improved on for little money. I use a nice Amazon one above a more expensive one
It'll work well enough to see what you think of it. It can certainly be improved on for little money. I use a nice Amazon one above a more expensive one
Aye I'll give it a shot in the morning Grant.
Hi guys, I tried the USB from the MBP to the SEG but that doesn't work I'm guessing that USB ports in the MBP are inputs and not sure how to switch them to outputs or even if you can?
I've tried the digital out from the MBP to the SEG and the Denon Player to the SEG, both toslink inputs and both playing the same radio stations (links on page 8) and I'd say that the Denon player is fractionally better than the MBP.
Casting or Air Playing from my iPhone 6S to the ATV4 or from the MBP to the ATV4 is pretty much of a muchness too, not as good, I don't think, as the digital out from the MBP or from the Denon player but adequate.
For reference my Amp is a Creek 5350SE and speakers are Spendor S3/5R2s
I'm interested in the Innous server mentioned in the thread but at £700 I'd need to be convinced it would be far superior to the MBP or the Denon player, I like that it can rip and store my CDs and stream internet radio and the like but I can do most of that with the MBP and the Denon player which is a DNP-720AE.
If the port on it is a flat one it's an input. Needs to be a square one. You would need to alter some settings
If the port on it is a flat one it's an input. Needs to be a square one. You would need to alter some settings
Aye they're both flat on the MBP Grant, the USB input in the SEG is square right enough.
sounds like they are both inputs for hdds etc
Sherwood
08-08-2018, 16:51
what is a mbp anyways
Hugely overpriced and overrated laptop https://www.apple.com/uk/macbook-pro/ /: (https://www.apple.com/uk/macbook-pro/specs/:))
woops.. mbp mac book.. alter that.. yes the normal usb out of pc into the square on seg. you will no doubt have to select the output to usb in pc setting for audio out.. sorry about confusion.
the setting may be accessed from the little speaker symbol at taskbar. might be right click or left, or get it in settings.
it will probably state name of dac, or something similar. there may be quite a few.
Audio Al
08-08-2018, 17:01
Al
I just connect my laptop to my DAC with a USB cable and pay a sub to a decent streaming service (I use Qobuz 16/44 at the moment).
It equals or beats my CDP, which I rate highly.
Justin User211 does this as well (only he used Tidal streaming) and he is a very fussy bugger when it comes to sq.
Imho you don't need all these fancy boxes and software, or the cost associated with them.
Cancel your sub to Amazon Music, it sounds crap.
Ok Jerry
I have a windows 10 unused laptop may give it a go , Thanks
woops.. mbp mac book.. alter that.. yes the normal usb out of pc into the square on seg. you will no doubt have to select the output to usb in pc setting for audio out.. sorry about confusion.
the setting may be accessed from the little speaker symbol at taskbar. might be right click or left, or get it in settings.
it will probably state name of dac, or something similar. there may be quite a few.
Hi Grant, managed to change the audio settings to USB output from the MBP or the very expensive and overrated laptop and sound is excellent but a bit quieter than both the toslink inputs so have had to crank the amp up a bit. I'm actually impressed with all of the outputs from the MBP and the inputs in the SEG.
Hi Grant, managed to change the audio settings to USB output from the MBP or the very expensive and overrated laptop and sound is excellent but a bit quieter than both the toslink inputs so have had to crank the amp up a bit. I'm actually impressed with all of the outputs from the MBP and the inputs in the SEG.
great news.. there may be a volume setting slider on whatever program your playing music with. usually is and they often initially open not full out. also if your paying for a premium hi quality service make sure you have it switched to the highest bit rate in the settings of program again
Ok Jerry
I have a windows 10 unused laptop may give it a go , Thanks
Agree 100% with Jerry, Al - if you get tied up in knots before you start it's never going to work for you.
I have spent many, many hours faffing around and I'm happy with what I have now, but the difference between a lean WIN 10 laptop with say JRiver (https://www.jriver.com/) (free trial) or even foobar2000 (https://www.foobar2000.org/) (free) playing FLAC and a £500+ purpose built server can be marginal.
Just plug a USB cable into the lappy and your DAC, rip some CDs to FLAC files and off you go with either of the above, or if you are feeling adventurous a Roon (https://roonlabs.com/) trial. If it appeals you can expand on that. Lots here to help - https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=rip+cds+to+flac
Amazon music and lossy files from iTunes will almost certainly confirm that it's not all that, as those aren't. They will play music, but so will a £5.00 Tandy Radio . . . just about ;)
I'm still using a server I built around 4 years ago now into a Rega DAC. I use JRiver playing FLAC files ripped from my own CDs (I still like to buy CDs as opposed to downloads) and Spotify Premium fills in the gaps for stuff I don't buy.
It can be as easy or as hard as you make it, if you are not comfortable with computers there is stuff to learn. It can be frustrating to start with, but IMO the rewards when you get there are worth it. If you have a WIN 10 laptop and a DAC already, you don't need to spend anything to start you off really.
YouTube can be a great resource - https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=foobar2000
My main setup too win 10 laptop into either of 2 dacs. One in main system and other in my headphone system Flicks to the other dac by switching the other off. Simple.
Jriver 24 is a complete package but used at its simplest is fairly easy.
Will help a lot if you know someone who can give you an hrs tuition on basics but if you are prepared to try things and read the help pages it's fairly easy once you get used to the way it works.
The jriver ios remote app is excellent
Ok Jerry
I have a windows 10 unused laptop may give it a go , Thanks
Maybe worth trying some of the suggestions For the Mac I offered ages ago in this thread (or even being polite enough to acknowledge them)
Tony (two tone) did with his Mac and guess what - they worked ...... who woulda thunk it :scratch:
great news.. there may be a volume setting slider on whatever program your playing music with. usually is and they often initially open not full out. also if your paying for a premium hi quality service make sure you have it switched to the highest bit rate in the settings of program again
There is a slider Grant but I've set all the way to the right and there's no real difference so I have to crank up the amp.
Thing is I've now opened up a whole new way of listening to stuff be that internet radio or digital radio or something on my laptop or even the TV.
I was listening to the match tonight via the internet on my laptop and into the USB port in the SEG then through the amp and speakers whereas before, because it was a European game, I had to use AM Radio through the amp>speakers and frankly it was pish but I could have listened (previously) via the TV with Freeview but that meant having the TV on at channel no 707 or something but tonight I had the option of having on a TV channel with the sound off and listening to digital radio through my hi-fi with really clear sound and I had three or four different different options or ways of doing that by either using the usb ports in the dac and laptop or the toslink & toslink or air playing from the MacBook Pro or my iPhone to the ATV then through the SEG to the amp.
I could even had listened via the SEG headphone out or even through the MacBook Pro's headphone socket or even my phone and someone else could have watched and listened to the TV at the same time.
I'm still interested in getting a server though but I have to say that for £199 the Denon streamer has been an absolute steal, sound quality is excellent and even better through the SEG.
Tony
There is a slider Grant but I've set all the way to the right and there's no real difference so I have to crank up the amp.
Thing is I've now opened up a whole new way of listening to stuff be that internet radio or digital radio or something on my laptop or even the TV.
I was listening to the match tonight via the internet on my laptop and into the USB port in the SEG then through the amp and speakers whereas before, because it was a European game, I had to use AM Radio through the amp>speakers and frankly it was pish but I could have listened (previously) via the TV with Freeview but that meant having the TV on at channel no 707 or something but tonight I had the option of having on a TV channel with the sound off and listening to digital radio through my hi-fi with really clear sound and I had three or four different different options or ways of doing that by either using the usb ports in the dac and laptop or the toslink & toslink or air playing from the MacBook Pro or my iPhone to the ATV then through the SEG to the amp.
I could even had listened via the SEG headphone out or even through the MacBook Pro's headphone socket or even my phone and someone else could have watched and listened to the TV at the same time.
I'm still interested in getting a server though but I have to say that for £199 the Denon streamer has been an absolute steal, sound quality is excellent and even better through the SEG.
Tony
Was there other versions for selection of the output. Might be better ones. Worth selecting different options. I don't know if you go with macs tho u get various ones in windoz. Also the software program sometimes has different output levels. Spotty is fairly loud. Deezer is louder still. Tidal quieter if it's a stream from one of those check the bit rate output
With jriver you can increase things a bit with some advanced settings
You might find the optical best tho
Audio Al
08-08-2018, 23:04
Maybe worth trying some of the suggestions For the Mac I offered ages ago in this thread (or even being polite enough to acknowledge them)
Tony (two tone) did with his Mac and guess what - they worked ...... who woulda thunk it :scratch:
Mike , lots of member have offered lots of advice , Dont think I have thanked every one of them , SORRY EVERYONE
My head is spinning with all the modern files type music :doh: I did get the DAC 3 working eventually but the sound I am getting is poor why ? who knows , maybe its iTunes maybe its Amazon , maybe its me not setting things correctly
What happeed to plug and play ?
Doh !
Mike , lots of member have offered lots of advice , Dont think I have thanked every one of them , SORRY EVERYONE
My head is spinning with all the modern files type music :doh: I did get the DAC 3 working eventually but the sound I am getting is poor why ? who knows , maybe its iTunes maybe its Amazon , maybe its me not setting things correctly
What happeed to plug and play ?
Doh !
I would give up and just listen to vinyl and it sounds better too!
I was listening to Amazon music last night. It sounds pants. It is ok for background music, but not much else.
I am still on my own learning path, but looks like I will end up with a music server with internal DAC.
Expect to see a Caiman II and an upgraded SEG for sale soon.
Sherwood
09-08-2018, 06:10
I was listening to Amazon music last night. It sounds pants. It is ok for background music, but not much else.
I am still on my own learning path, but looks like I will end up with a music server with internal DAC.
Expect to see a Caiman II and an upgraded SEG for sale soon.
GIGO!
Exactly.
It was much better with music ripped from CD using EAC, being output with ASIO enabled.
Sherwood
09-08-2018, 09:31
Exactly.
It was much better with music ripped from CD using EAC, being output with ASIO enabled.
I mainly listen to my own CDs ripped to FLAC using the excellent DbPoweramp. For steaming I have a Tidal (Master Quality) account combined with high bitrate internet radio stations (320k and upwards). All of these sources are very high quality.
Geoff
Was there other versions for selection of the output. Might be better ones. Worth selecting different options. I don't know if you go with macs tho u get various ones in windoz. Also the software program sometimes has different output levels. Spotty is fairly loud. Deezer is louder still. Tidal quieter if it's a stream from one of those check the bit rate output
With jriver you can increase things a bit with some advanced settings
You might find the optical best tho
No, no other settings Grant just the internal speakers or an output to the dac, MacBook Pros are pretty easy to use settings wise so you can't really go wrong.
I think optical will be better for me and more convenient but I'd have to buy a longer cable cause I use the MBP all of the time when I'm in the lounge and the hi-fi is at the opposite side of the room but I can airplay to the ATV and do that way, loads of options, I downloaded the Paradise Radio apps for the ATV and my phone, works beautifully with both. Great radio station that BTW.
Mike , lots of member have offered lots of advice , Dont think I have thanked every one of them , SORRY EVERYONE
My head is spinning with all the modern files type music :doh: I did get the DAC 3 working eventually but the sound I am getting is poor why ? who knows , maybe its iTunes maybe its Amazon , maybe its me not setting things correctly
What happeed to plug and play ?
Doh !
Allen use your Mac it really is a doddle with one mate.
I mainly listen to my own CDs ripped to FLAC using the excellent DbPoweramp. For steaming I have a Tidal (Master Quality) account combined with high bitrate internet radio stations (320k and upwards). All of these sources are very high quality.
GeoffVery similar to myself, although I don't use Tidal. We're a Spotify family.
Plenty decent radio stations @ 320kbps, and I listen to a few at 128kbps that sound excellent too.
Sherwood
09-08-2018, 10:00
Very similar to myself, although I don't use Tidal. We're a Spotify family.
Plenty decent radio stations @ 320kbps, and I listen to a few at 128kbps that sound excellent too.
I was an early adopter of Spotify and was very happy with it.
...... until I took advantage of a Tidal trial offer. There was no way back after that!
Geoff
I was an early adopter of Spotify and was very happy with it.
...... until I took advantage of a Tidal trial offer. There was no way back after that!
GeoffI like Tidal but with 5 others in my family using my family sub for Spotify it's not worth adding to the monthly cost with Tidal as well.
Mind you I see the Tidal Hifi family sub is $29.99 which is only £8 more than I'm paying for the Spotify family sub.
I have a US Tidal account so I might try it out again and see if I can convert the kids [emoji6]
mightymonoped
09-08-2018, 11:35
Tried a trial account with Qobuz' hifi service recently and although I was impressed by the sound quality, I found two issues which put me off pretty quickly. 1. The IOS app is a pain in the arse, sluggish and seems to be a resource hog. 2. The number of albums which were not available for streaming! No. 2 was the biggest surprise, and it always seemed to be the albums I was most keen hearing in CD quality too. :-)
I'm happy to pay the better part of £30 pm if I know that the majority of the music I want to stream is available, but if they can't guarantee at least 80% then I'm going to stick to what I'm doing now.. paying £9.99pm for Spotify Premium as a 'scouting' service (as it's catalogue seems the most comprehensive so far), then buy second-hand CDs and rip FLAC files to my NAS box locally (with the additional benefit of having 'backup media' I can store in a wallet).
This process is as really quite straightforward and doesn't really involve too much faffing about once it's up and running.
PC (In my case a Macbook Pro) is used to manage the media library and rip FLAC files via WiFi to the NAS (Network Attached Storage)
NAS sits attached by wire to the both the router and the RPi/DAC
RPi/DAC - connected to Amplifier
The RPi/DAC in this case is an Allo BOSS - bought as a plug and play solution directly from Allo with Volumio2 preinstalled! The only pain involved was giving it an IP Address and linking it to the NAS media (all of which is well documented).
If you want to make it simpler, just put some FLAC files on a USB drive, plug it into the RPi/Allo Boss running Volumio and off you go...
seemed a bit french on web page so decided not to take trial. Spotify premium and Deezer hifi are my 2 favorites
seemed a bit french on web page so decided not to take trial. Spotify premium and Deezer hifi are my 2 favoritesSacre Bleu [emoji23]
Clive197
14-08-2018, 14:22
I use Tidal. Tried Qobuz on a free trial but had nothing but problems, not able to listen to complete tracks or just low res. A complete waste of time.
mightymonoped
14-08-2018, 15:37
I use Tidal. Tried Qobuz on a free trial but had nothing but problems, not able to listen to complete tracks or low res. A complete waste of time.
I'm currently running a trial Tidal account and have been very impressed with the sound quality, choice and interface. Streets ahead of Qobuz.
If you guys like Tidal you will love Roon with Tidal playing through it. :)
Frazeur1
15-08-2018, 00:58
I have not yet tried Roon, and I am curious what Roon “does” to Tidal, or how is the Sonics improved upon or enhanced via Roon?
I have not yet tried Roon, and I am curious what Roon “does” to Tidal, or how is the Sonics improved upon or enhanced via Roon?
Roon is properly configured out of the box, other software and driver combinations may not be. :)
Theadmans
22-08-2018, 17:13
I use Tidal. Tried Qobuz on a free trial but had nothing but problems, not able to listen to complete tracks or just low res. A complete waste of time.
I tried a free trial of Tidal followed by a free trial of Qobuz.
Using the available plugins for my Raspberry Pi running SqueezeLite (an SBT clone) I had no end of problems with Tidal.
Switching to Qobuz the plugin worked flawlessly with my Pi and the Orange Squeeze Android app. So I took a subscription out for Qobuz Hi-FI instead of Tidal. The plugin for Qobuz works really well with my Pi which feeds into my Creek 50CD CD Player / Dac via a Chord Digital Co-ax lead.
Mind you every time I have tried the Qobuz Desktop App on my PC I have had problems (maybe this is what you are referring to). But for me the most important think is that the plugin for my Pi on my main system works - so that is why I went for Qobuz.
If you guys like Tidal you will love Roon with Tidal playing through it. :)
Indeedy, its superb.
Sorts Tidal albums/tracks same way it does your own local library, making one big music magazine to play music from.
Al
I just connect my laptop to my DAC with a USB cable and pay a sub to a decent streaming service (I use Qobuz 16/44 at the moment).
It equals or beats my CDP, which I rate highly.
Justin User211 does this as well (only he used Tidal streaming) and he is a very fussy bugger when it comes to sq.
Imho you don't need all these fancy boxes and software, or the cost associated with them.
Cancel your sub to Amazon Music, it sounds crap.I'm recently using BubbleUPnP to access TIDAL on my OnePlus 6 and streaming it to my TV, and using the TV's optical out to the Lampizator. This is lossless.
The phone has a quarter of a terrabyte of storage and I have a lot of FLAC CD rips on it too.
I have a crazy belief this sounds better than the wired link from my laptop. Whether that is true I don't know but it seems that way.
I also switch the whole system on and off via a wi-fi plug connected to my mains regenerator.
Phones are getting seriously good, really.
I'm recently using BubbleUPnP to access TIDAL on my OnePlus 6 and streaming it to my TV, and using the TV's optical out to the Lampizator. This is lossless.
The phone has a quarter of a terrabyte of storage and I have a lot of FLAC CD rips on it too.
I have a crazy belief this sounds better than the wired link from my laptop. Whether that is true I don't know but it seems that way.
I also switch the whole system on and off via a wi-fi plug connected to my mains regenerator.
Phones are getting seriously good, really.
Very interesting Justin
How is the jump from your oneplus to your TV accomplished? Wifi, bluetooth or some other way? Trying to understand how lossless being retained.
In what way is wireless from your 'phone 'better' compared to the wired link from your laptop? Seems counter-intuitive. What is the link on your laptop? USB?
Is your wifi plug one of these (https://wifiplug.co.uk/wifiplug-home/)? Trying to suss out how much amperage such a thing can cope with?
Very interesting Justin
How is the jump from your oneplus to your TV accomplished? Wifi, bluetooth or some other way? Trying to understand how lossless being retained.
In what way is wireless from your 'phone 'better' compared to the wired link from your laptop? Seems counter-intuitive. What is the link on your laptop? USB?
Is your wifi plug one of these (https://wifiplug.co.uk/wifiplug-home/)? Trying to suss out how much amperage such a thing can cope with?Wi-Fi plug is a Kasa. I have three of them. The other two do the telly and coffee machine. I am not aware of any wi-fi plug power output limitations.
UPnP is a protocol most modern televisions understand. The streaming is via my home wi-fi from phone to telly.
When I play tracks the telly shows which track is playing. The telly is set to output via optical (no other option actually).
My laptop is wired to the telly via HDMI. Same optical out from the telly when using this link. I actually think it sounds better than the USB direct from laptop to DAC, which is why I don't use the USB.
All connection methods have only a very marginal difference in SQ.
BTW you can use the TIDAL mobile app or BubbleUPnP's interface to TIDAL streams to play tracks. They both have great interfaces, but it is easier to use BubbleUPnP, as it takes more steps to play something via the TIDAL ap.
I use BubbleUPnP with three of my 4 TVs. So something similar works in my 2nd hi-fi system.
I can turn on a play music in my main listening room from anywhere in the house without going in there. Cool. And all for f all cost, really.
BubbleUPnP is in the Play store. Download and play with it!
It does require a bit of setting up and understanding, though.
Wi-Fi plug is a Kasa. I have three of them. The other two do the telly and coffee machine. I am not aware of any wi-fi plug power output limitations.
UPnP is a protocol most modern televisions understand. The streaming is via my home wi-fi from phone to telly.
When I play tracks the telly shows which track is playing. The telly is set to output via optical (no other option actually).
My laptop is wired to the telly via HDMI. Same optical out from the telly when using this link. I actually think it sounds better than the USB direct from laptop to DAC, which is why I don't use the USB.
All connection methods have only a very marginal difference in SQ.
BTW you can use the TIDAL mobile app or BubbleUPnP's interface to TIDAL streams to play tracks. They both have great interfaces, but it is easier to use BubbleUPnP, as it takes more steps to play something via the TIDAL ap.
I use BubbleUPnP with three of my 4 TVs. So something similar works in my 2nd hi-fi system.
I can turn on a play music in my main listening room from anywhere in the house without going in there. Cool. And all for f all cost, really.
Ha! Sounds like you are far more automated than I am Justin. I'm only part way there of achieving full couch potato status. :eek:
Joking aside there are lots of things one can do these days. For example with Roon you can transfer music to any of ones 'zones'. So for example I can transfer an album playing via the DAC to the TV or to a Google Home device - or combine compatible zones. I love the way one can simply move the playing of say a youtube video from the phone to the TV - that is not stream from the phone but initiate a new youtube session on the TV and then use either the TV control or the phone to control playback (all with just a couple of clicks). Not got into wifi plugs as yet - for fear of being accused by the family of being a 100% nerd (rather than currently a 65% nerd :eyebrows:).
Stratmangler
22-08-2018, 20:33
Wi-Fi plug is a Kasa. I have three of them. The other two do the telly and coffee machine. I am not aware of any wi-fi plug power output limitations
You're advocating the use of home plugs!
Why?
Have you got any idea how much RFI shit those things spray over the surrounding mains?
They really are the work of The Devil, bundled up in a package of convenience.
If you want to hook things up on network get proper ethernet installed.
You're advocating the use of home plugs!
Why?
Have you got any idea how much RFI shit those things spray over the surrounding mains?
They really are the work of The Devil, bundled up in a package of convenience.
If you want to hook things up on network get proper ethernet installed.
They are handy for the disabled. I have one I have to admit to it :doh: cant say Ive noticed any issues with it but not saying there isnt any. It lets me switch on my 2 power amps and pre/dac remotely from chair. I can then play music to it via the wifi without moving :eyebrows:
If I was fit I wouldnt likely use one tho.....or would I?:eyebrows:
You're advocating the use of home plugs!
Why?
Have you got any idea how much RFI shit those things spray over the surrounding mains?
They really are the work of The Devil, bundled up in a package of convenience.
If you want to hook things up on network get proper ethernet installed.I was waiting for that.
I detect no SQ difference at all between using it or not. None. Zero. Zilsch.
And yes I was aware which is why I did the test.
They are handy for the disabled. I have one I have to admit to it :doh: cant say Ive noticed any issues with it but not saying there isnt any. It lets me switch on my 2 power amps and pre/dac remotely from chair. I can then play music to it via the wifi without moving :eyebrows:
If I was fit I wouldnt likely use one tho.....or would I?:eyebrows:They are essential when your coffee machine is two floors down in the morning and takes 10 minutes to warm up when you need to get out of the house!!!
Stratmangler
22-08-2018, 21:24
I was waiting for that.
I detect no SQ difference at all between using it or not. None. Zero. Zilsch.
And yes I was aware which is why I did the test.
As long as you're aware of it ....
I did put something badly, though. BubbleUPnP talks DLNA, which is what televisions understand.
Tired after a long day:)
You're advocating the use of home plugs!
Why?
Have you got any idea how much RFI shit those things spray over the surrounding mains?
They really are the work of The Devil, bundled up in a package of convenience.
If you want to hook things up on network get proper ethernet installed.
These plugs don’t use internet over mains. They are a WiFi controlled switch.
These plugs don’t use internet over mains. They are a WiFi controlled switch.Yeah that's right.
In reality I can't see they are a problem apart from being 2.4 GHz transceivers close to the mains but not actually wired into it.
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