The ALLO Audio music steamer - Pic heavy review

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Hi all.

A few days ago I received the new ALLO Audio music streamer and amplifier.

Let's unbox :)

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As you can see, very nicely boxed.

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I have been using the IQAudio DAC+ for quite some time now and find it really quite amazing. As you know the IQAudio DAC+ uses the Rasperry Pi SBC (Single Board Computer). The new ALLO unit also uses an SBC but in this case it's a different build construction to the RPi.

The ALLO SBC is called 'Sparky'.

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As you can see, it's quite similar in looks to an RPi board.

The thing that makes the ALLO audio streamer different to the IQAudio is the re-clocker board called the 'KALI' which irons out any jitter. This is a HAT board of which fits on top of the Sparky SBC.

You also power through the KALI and not through the SBC.

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Here are some specs:

• The basic design includes FPGA based FIFO board
• I2S input: 44.1 KHz, 48 KHz, 88.2 KHz, 96 KHz, 176.4 KHz, 192 KHz - 16bit, 24bit or 32bit
• I2S output: 44.1 KHz, 48 KHz, 88.2 KHz, 96 KHz, 176.4 KHz, 192 KHz - 16bit, 24bit or 32bit
• FIFO Memory: 4MB SRAM
• Can be use with external Crystal Oscillators for MCLK or upgraded to a higher quality, multi-frequency clock that comes with automatic Fs switching and better performance
• LED indicators (Power, Full, Lock, Empty, Sample Rate, Mclk)
• DC power supply: (5V/3A) with Filter circuits
• Multi-frequency output capability to support the full I2S working range from 44.1 KHz to 196 K
• Automatically switching frequencies according to the input I2S signals
• Extremely fast and very low propagation delay Flip-Flops are added on I2s signals output from FPGA, for synchronization with MCLK before sending to DAC
• Ultra-low-noise voltage regulators for optimal audio performance
• Integrated EEPROM for automatic configuration (with write-protection)

Then on top of that comes the 'PIANO' and in this case v2.1. The Piano board is the DAC and is where you will find the audio outputs.

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You will probably notice that it has x4 outputs. Two outputs are for stereo out, and the other two outputs are for a sub-woofer stereo out.

Here are some specs:

• Dedicated Two no’s of 384 kHz/32bit high-quality DAC PCM5142 for best sound quality
• Available with different output connectors: 4 x RCA
• DAC SNR is 112dB
• DAC THD+N @ - 1dBFS are –93dB
• Full Scale Output of DAC is 2.1Vrms
• Dynamic Range of DAC is 112dB
• Sampling Frequency ranges from 8 kHz to 384 kHz
• Ultra-low-noise voltage regulators for optimal audio performance
• Integrated EEPROM for automatic configuration (with write-protection)

The fun doesn't stop there either... Yup, you have guessed it, there is another board to go.

The next board that fits on top is of course the amplifier. The amplifier is called 'VOLT'.

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Here are some specs:

• This class D amplifier goes up to 2 x 50W Max
• The components used are specifically designed for high end audio devices (Würth Inductor, TI chipset, film capacitors and ± 1% thin film resistors)
• VOLT AMP boasts 4 output filters, 4 EMI Snubbers, 4 bootstrap capacitors and gain setting components And Additional Provision for stepped attenuator volume control
  
  Technical Specifications
• Chipset: TPA3118D2
• Output: 2 x 50W (Max) into a 4 to 8-Ω BTL Load
• Class D Operation: 90% POWER EFFICIENCY
• SNR: 102dB
• Supply Voltage: UP TO 24V DC
• Board Size: LWH = 58mm* 86.75mm * 32.06mm
• Temp Range: -40°C to 85°C Ambient

ALLO have really gone to town on this design as a system in it's entirety because there is one more board to go. The PSU for the VOLT called the CAPACITANCE MULTILPIER

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Some specs here:

• Max Vin (30v)
• Min Vin (6v)
• Dropout voltage is trim pot selectable from 0-3V (dropout voltage should be always higher than ripple / noise of PSU)
• Factory default is 0.5V
• Power dissipation is dropout Voltage x A used = W of heat
• PSRR of 70db
• This circuit is very suitable for class A and class D amplifiers or even to feed clean power to your SBCs

So altogether we have a superb little system here and I have to say it really does sound very nice indeed. The system also comes with two acryllic platforms for assembly too.

As for ease of assembly it's really very easy and only takes 5 minutes.

Here are some pics of the assembly process.

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Fully built.

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Showing SD slot on the underside of the Sparky.
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So, lets get on with how this sounds. (No Veils or blankets were used in this review) :)

I am reviewing this only two days in to hearing it for the first time using the SPARKY, KALI and Piano 2.1 boards in comparison to the RPI 2 and the IQAudio DAC+. Not a long time in I know but it's long enough to give you something to think about. Also, I am not using the supplied wallwart PSU as I use the SBooster BOBW PSU which is great because it comes with a selection of connectors. So before we start I have to say that at this moment in time there are still some software bugs that need to be ironed out. But this is quite understandable. The hardware however is solid.

This system uses MAX2PLAY for it's user platform and can be used with Squeezelite, Shareport (Airplay) as it's user interfaces. In this case I'm using Squeezelite as I have a USB drive connected and not a NAS box system.

The Sound:
The first thing I noticed was the amount of information coming through. Lots of detail which I have to confess I knew was there but it's never shown itself as clearly before now if you know what I mean. Because of this the stage is wider and deeper with lots of air. You can track instruments much easier.

The second thing I noticed was the bass. From when my dub track kicked in it made me smile. This is proper bass. Listening to lots of different tracks from different genre's the bass comes through easier with more definition and focus creating a much more realistic mid-range fluidiy.

From this moment in testing and in comparison to the IQAudio/RPi combo I think the ALLO most certainly comes out the most focused. But... the IQAudio does have a certain something which is more of a relaxed presentation. These are early days and I will be returning to the IQAudio/RPi system at a later date.

Now let's power up the VOLT!

The Volt has up to 50wpc output which is really quite enough for most.

I hooked up my 15" Tannoy Monitor Golds and awaywaywaywego!

Very impressive... for something that's so small this has to be the best digital amp I've heard. My speakers are not hard to power, far from it. So this may vary with different speakers but I have to say I'm very impressed indeed.

I'm going to keep this review open so I can keep on updating on how this opens up over the next few months so stay tuned.

More information can be found here:

PIANO
http://www.allo.com/marketing/brochu...1-brochure.pdf

VOLT
http://www.allo.com/marketing/brochu...p-brochure.pdf

KALI
http://www.allo.com/marketing/brochu...i-brochure.pdf

CAPACITANCE MULTILPIER
http://www.allo.com/marketing/brochu...r-brochure.pdf


Stay tuned! - Thanks for reading :)

Jo :)

Excellent post, Jo, and great pics! And all interesting stuff :thumbsup:

It's also good to see all the 'bits' that Andre sells fully assembled, explained and illustrated, as part of the problem was that folks didn't really understand what it was he was selling!

All I'd add is who makes all this stuff, the details of which can be found here: http://theartofsound.net/forum/showt...Audio-Hardware

I look forward to finding out what your think of the system once you settle in with it more :cool:

Marco.

nicely done Jo. I wanted to run mine with moode, but so far its not working lol. Never mind, Andre is still to get back to me on the is version which is needed. I didnt want to learn a new system as i Wont be so able to hear the differences down to the hardware if I do. I never got the boxes either, and no sd card.

OMG what an unpacking...
I did not expect this.
We are putting in place steady support and there is already a new image to flash!
Shipping is not an issue as stock is available.
Marco, with your permission, I would like to offer something special to AOS members.

Carry right on ahead, Andre :cool:

Marco.

How much did you pay for this setup Josie?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Rothchild

How much did you pay for this setup Josie?

---

ironic question coming from a Rothchild :) ( Rothschild)

we offer 50% off your purchase to the first 5 AOS members.
all we ask for is REAL feedback on sound quality.

list starts now.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Audiohdwr

ironic question coming from a Rothchild :) ( Rothschild)

we offer 50% off your purchase to the first 5 AOS members.
all we ask for is REAL feedback on sound quality.

list starts now.

---

Have you any news re mine Andre? i sent an email

Quote:

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Originally Posted by struth

Have you any news re mine Andre? i sent an email

---

i have PM ed you my email.
can we touch base in the morning and sort you out ?

Fantastic write-up. A lot more coherent and comprehensive than my efforts ;-).

Glad you're findings echo mine with regards to the sound. The Piano and Kali have breathed a lot of new life into my digital playback.

Hi Richard... I will link your review to my main post, just forgot to do that.

Yeah... indeed, we pretty much hit on the same things.. it certainly sounds good. )

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Audiohdwr

ironic question coming from a Rothchild :) ( Rothschild)

we offer 50% off your purchase to the first 5 AOS members.
all we ask for is REAL feedback on sound quality.

list starts now.

---

Hardly, seems like a legit question to me, can't see why it wouldn't be answered straightforwardly?

Think it was a pun on your username Marc. I believe its about $170 for the whole thing inc amp but could be wrong. Seems i read it on their site.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Rothchild

Hardly, seems like a legit question to me, can't see why it wouldn't be answered straightforwardly?

---

Hi Marc, it was a small joke , please disregard.
the pricing is available on our site
http://allo.com/sparky/bundle-vana-player.html

the offer still stands.

thank you

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Audiohdwr

Hi Marc, it was a small joke , please disregard.
the pricing is available on our site
http://allo.com/sparky/bundle-vana-player.html

the offer still stands.

thank you

---

Thanks, although that's not necessarily the answer to my question...

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Audiohdwr

we offer 50% off your purchase to the first 5 AOS members.
all we ask for is REAL feedback on sound quality.

list starts now.

---

Pm sent regarding offer.

Yes Mike, I've replied. thanks!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Audiohdwr

Hi Marc, it was a small joke , please disregard.
the pricing is available on our site
http://allo.com/sparky/bundle-vana-player.html

the offer still stands.

thank you

---

PM sent about your offer.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Juha

PM sent about your offer.

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Yes Juha!
NO PROBLEM ... PM me.
only 3 left @ 50% off!!

I've just seen this thread and, coincidentally, received a Kali and Piano Dac from Allo.com this morning. Hence I've paid full whack! No regrets however, as my first impressions are that the sound is very good: To begin with, I put the Kali with the RPi and Mamboberry LS dac that I've been using with the Moode player. It played straight off, and the sound was fuller and more realistic with the Kali in place. The one odd thing was that the pause control now caused the last second or so of playback to go onto constant repeat.
Kali plus Piano Dac gave similarly good sound. (I haven't yet really compared the Piano with the LS Dac though). The pause oddity was still present.
I do think that Allo should provide a bit of documentation with the products. Both the Kali and the Piano have tiny switches which are covered in protective film. The film has to be removed and the switches set for 'HAT' and, in the case of the Piano, for 'RPi compatability' if the Rpi is being used. Anyone who didn't know about this could have a frustrating time. Also,the Piano Dac arrived with standoffs for mounting, but the Kali didn't.
So I'm happy so far, and will post again after more listening and experimentation.

John

Hi John.

That's great! - Yep, it's certainly a very nice sounding bit of kit.

I also think improvements in the documentation would be good too. I've not had the repeating problem you have had though.

Jo

Quote:

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Originally Posted by The Black Adder

Hi John.

That's great! - Yep, it's certainly a very nice sounding bit of kit.

I also think improvements in the documentation would be good too. I've not had the repeating problem you have had though.

Jo

---

Hi Jo.

I've fiddled with some of the Moode settings, and the player will now pause after three or four 1-second repetitions! Very strange, presumably to do with the interaction between Kali and Moode software.

John

Hi John.

Yes, could be. I've not tried it with Moode, just LMS. I much prefer Moode or Volumio myself. Much easier to use.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by jonners

I've just seen this thread and, coincidentally, received a Kali and Piano Dac from Allo.com this morning. Hence I've paid full whack! No regrets however, as my first impressions are that the sound is very good: To begin with, I put the Kali with the RPi and Mamboberry LS dac that I've been using with the Moode player. It played straight off, and the sound was fuller and more realistic with the Kali in place. The one odd thing was that the pause control now caused the last second or so of playback to go onto constant repeat.
Kali plus Piano Dac gave similarly good sound. (I haven't yet really compared the Piano with the LS Dac though). The pause oddity was still present.
I do think that Allo should provide a bit of documentation with the products. Both the Kali and the Piano have tiny switches which are covered in protective film. The film has to be removed and the switches set for 'HAT' and, in the case of the Piano, for 'RPi compatability' if the Rpi is being used. Anyone who didn't know about this could have a frustrating time. Also,the Piano Dac arrived with standoffs for mounting, but the Kali didn't.
So I'm happy so far, and will post again after more listening and experimentation.

John

---

Thank you for the comments John...
checking with shipping about the standoffs.
you ordered Piano or PIANO 2.1 ?
thanks
Andre

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by The Black Adder

Hi John.

That's great! - Yep, it's certainly a very nice sounding bit of kit.

I also think improvements in the documentation would be good too. I've not had the repeating problem you have had though.

Jo

---

Next week expect several changes to the site and added documentation as well as new image releases for new players and improvements.
We are doing our best to be on top of everything and thank you all for pointing any areas that need improvement!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by jonners

Hi Jo.

I've fiddled with some of the Moode settings, and the player will now pause after three or four 1-second repetitions! Very strange, presumably to do with the interaction between Kali and Moode software.

John

---

Try piano with rpi without kali and if it doesnt do it, then you will know

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Audiohdwr

Thank you for the comments John...
checking with shipping about the standoffs.
you ordered Piano or PIANO 2.1 ?
thanks
Andre

---

Hi Andre
I've got the Piano. I had some more standoffs here, so not too much of a problem.

John

Send you a pm Andre. Would like to introduce this set on a Dutch forum, zelfbouwaudio.nl

Hi,

I sent Andre a PM yesterday lunchtime to sign up for the 50% offer but have had no reply.

What is the status of this offer?

Geoff

Sure he will get back to you Geoff. He is not on here all the time.

I've posted a few more thoughts about Kali+Piano here: http://theartofsound.net/forum/showt...373#post792373

John

Do files sound any better if you play them through a steamer?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Stratmangler

Do files sound any better if you play them through a steamer?

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Cleans up the sound brilliantly, bass is more defined and the treble sparkles [emoji39]

Quote:

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Originally Posted by The Black Adder

Fully built.

http://i457.photobucket.com/albums/q...O/DSC02634.jpg

http://i457.photobucket.com/albums/q...O/DSC02635.jpg

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Case would be nice ad?

Hi, I'd like to register for the 50% off special if there is still one available.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Jerrykan

Hi, I'd like to register for the 50% off special if there is still one available.

---

please PM me... i believe you are the last one!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Sherwood

Hi,

I sent Andre a PM yesterday lunchtime to sign up for the 50% offer but have had no reply.

What is the status of this offer?

Geoff

---

I believe I replied .
cheers!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by FredM

Send you a pm Andre. Would like to introduce this set on a Dutch forum, zelfbouwaudio.nl

---

OK

Mine has arrived and 5 hours later I'm about ready to send it back, I can only get AirPlay to work but no joy at all playing from usb, nas, or radio stations.

Max2play ( paid for full license ) has to be the biggest pile of over complicated software ever written!

Ympd player won't connect, Ampache doesn't work, gives me about 15 errors after install, my usb stick doesn't show up.

I've tried MoOde but the Sparky doesn't even show up after rebooting.

Anything else I can use other than max2play, I remember trying it before and thought it was crap, my opinion hasn't changed lol.

I believe there may be switches on the sparky to change it but dont hold me to that. Sure i read it here.

Well I managed to get it running woo hoo!

Only thing I've noticed is that it makes my HD-Plex Linear PSU run very hot?

I've not fitted the Volt amp section yet as it's plugged into my main system amp.

I'll have more time to play with it over the weekend, but to be honest I don't like Logitech Media Server software which Max2play uses. I much prefer MoOde but it just doesn't work with the Sparky ( RPi clone ) box?

I also didn't fit the PSU regulator, should I have? Didn't have any instructions so left it off and just ran the box with the Kali Reclocker and the Piano 2.1 DAC fitted.

It needs 3 amps Mike, so it might be stretching it a little. Well done in getting it to work.:)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by struth

It needs 3 amps Mike, so it might be stretching it a little. Well done in getting it to work.:)

---

Ah, that might be why, ok I'll check tomorrow :)

You're right, the original HDPlex PSU that I have is only 2 amp, looks like I'll be giving the Sparky setup a quick listen, write up then sell it as I'm not spending more cash on another PSU.

Just thought I'd see if it was better then the Pi and IQAUDIO DAC, but for me running it via Max2play and LMS is a non starter, far too complicated to get going and I'm pretty computer savvy and have used LMS before but it still took me a few hours to get going.

The Kali and Piano DAC don't fit my Pi either as it's an older version, so I can't swap them over and try it on my Pi.

More hair pulling this morning, any of the 'players' I use through LMS keep dropping out I have to reselect renderer again, but then I can't control the music and have to go into LMS be setting page to stop the music.

I'm going to try and see if it will run Volumio and if that fails then I give up. My Pi using MoOde runs without issue and has done for months but so far trying to run the Vanaplayer using LMS is a nightmare.

I would recommend getting a RPi that you can use with the Kali and Piano running Moode, and giving up on Sparky. The sound is really very good. I'm running mine off a 1A TPS7A4700 regulator so a 2A supply ought to be OK.

Rpi 2 will run on 2 amps or so. rpi3 needs 3 amps. I know a few guys have used the kali and piano on a rpi2 using moode or volumio. So its maybe your best bet Mike. An rpi2b is good n cheap. Might need a new box made up but you could use the sparky panels initially. The other board is to multiply the voltage from the 5v supply to the 19v for the amp board by way. Glad youve got it to work

Here's my initial thoughts/feelings about this system/components.

Andre (Audio Hdwr) offered that I could test/review the following:
Piano Hi-Fi DAC 2.1
Volt AMP
KALI Reclocker

Not a full-blown VANA system but since I already have a spare Raspberry Pi 2 Model B with an IQaudIO DAC+ installed it would be an interesting comparison.

So using that as a base I removed the IQaudIO DAC+ and installed the Piano Hi-Fi DAC 2.1. Dead simple - fits onto the Raspberry PI as per the IQaudIO DAC+ and so good to go - fingers crossed.

I have been using Squeezebox Server and a Squeezebox Classic for years now so that is the environment I am testing in – I don’t stream from the internet so won’t be looking at that side of things.

The Raspberry PI is running Max2Play v2.37 – I’ve been using that for about a year or so now since it offers a good web interface to control the PI and it’s installed software (Squeezebox Server and SqueezePlug) plus it has specific extensions/packages for the IQaudIO DAC.

After rebooting the PI I checked the IQaudIO settings in Max2Play to specify the DAC I’m using – well since the Piano Hi-Fi DAC 2.1 isn’t actually an IQaudIO product I guessed/crossed fingers that the setting of IQaudio Pi-DAC+ would work.

And it did :) Fired up the system, switched on the amp and selected the Raspberry Pi as the input – went to the iPad and started iPeng (SqueezeBox control app) to browse some music on the Raspberry Pi. I’ve got a playlist that I use to test whenever I change something in the system and chose that. No problem – all worked as expected, DAC recognised and working as expected.

Initial impressions are very good – usually everything goes through an Audiocom modified Squeezebox Classic into an M2Tech Young DAC. Using the Pi/Piano Hi-Fi DAC 2.1 the bass has less impact and the soundstage is not quite so wide but for something that costs significantly less than my usual system it does not disgrace itself. If I was just beginning to get into the world of digital/streaming music, then I would have been more than satisfied with what I was hearing and very happy with my system.

One thing I noticed is that the RCA binding posts and not quite as robust as those used on the IQaudIO DAC. The Piano Hi-Fi DAC 2.1 uses a single post for each cable whilst the IQaudIO DAC uses a double unit. When I was taking the connects off the Piano DAC I noticed that there was a degree of movement/flex as I pulled the connect off – maybe I’m a bit ‘rough’ with the connect but might be worth bearing in mind when changing cables/connecting the system.

The next stage is to install the KALI Reclocker to see what impact that has on the system – but I need a suitable power supply for the KALI and am waiting for Andre to get back to see if the power supplies I have lying around are suitable.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by struth

Rpi 2 will run on 2 amps or so. rpi3 needs 3 amps. I know a few guys have used the kali and piano on a rpi2 using moode or volumio. So its maybe your best bet Mike. An rpi2b is good n cheap. Might need a new box made up but you could use the sparky panels initially. The other board is to multiply the voltage from the 5v supply to the 19v for the amp board by way. Glad youve got it to work

---

I've ditched the Sparky and fitted the Reclocker, Piano 2.1 DAC and Volt amp to my second Pi system in the computer room and it's sounds excellent.

I've just gone back to my original Pi setup in the living room so I can keep using my HD-Plex linear PSU on it as it's an older Pi that won't take the Reclocker etc.

If I pick up another linear PSU to suit the newer Pi that needs 5v3a to run the Reclocker etc I'll move that one into the main setup.

My other option is to try Volumio as they have a distro for the Sparky, but that's for another day.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Emmings

Here's my initial thoughts/feelings about this system/components.

Andre (Audio Hdwr) offered that I could test/review the following:
Piano Hi-Fi DAC 2.1
Volt AMP
KALI Reclocker

Not a full-blown VANA system but since I already have a spare Raspberry Pi 2 Model B with an IQaudIO DAC+ installed it would be an interesting comparison.

So using that as a base I removed the IQaudIO DAC+ and installed the Piano Hi-Fi DAC 2.1. Dead simple - fits onto the Raspberry PI as per the IQaudIO DAC+ and so good to go - fingers crossed.

I have been using Squeezebox Server and a Squeezebox Classic for years now so that is the environment I am testing in – I don’t stream from the internet so won’t be looking at that side of things.

The Raspberry PI is running Max2Play v2.37 – I’ve been using that for about a year or so now since it offers a good web interface to control the PI and it’s installed software (Squeezebox Server and SqueezePlug) plus it has specific extensions/packages for the IQaudIO DAC.

After rebooting the PI I checked the IQaudIO settings in Max2Play to specify the DAC I’m using – well since the Piano Hi-Fi DAC 2.1 isn’t actually an IQaudIO product I guessed/crossed fingers that the setting of IQaudio Pi-DAC+ would work.

And it did :) Fired up the system, switched on the amp and selected the Raspberry Pi as the input – went to the iPad and started iPeng (SqueezeBox control app) to browse some music on the Raspberry Pi. I’ve got a playlist that I use to test whenever I change something in the system and chose that. No problem – all worked as expected, DAC recognised and working as expected.

Initial impressions are very good – usually everything goes through an Audiocom modified Squeezebox Classic into an M2Tech Young DAC. Using the Pi/Piano Hi-Fi DAC 2.1 the bass has less impact and the soundstage is not quite so wide but for something that costs significantly less than my usual system it does not disgrace itself. If I was just beginning to get into the world of digital/streaming music, then I would have been more than satisfied with what I was hearing and very happy with my system.

One thing I noticed is that the RCA binding posts and not quite as robust as those used on the IQaudIO DAC. The Piano Hi-Fi DAC 2.1 uses a single post for each cable whilst the IQaudIO DAC uses a double unit. When I was taking the connects off the Piano DAC I noticed that there was a degree of movement/flex as I pulled the connect off – maybe I’m a bit ‘rough’ with the connect but might be worth bearing in mind when changing cables/connecting the system.

The next stage is to install the KALI Reclocker to see what impact that has on the system – but I need a suitable power supply for the KALI and am waiting for Andre to get back to see if the power supplies I have lying around are suitable.

---

5v 3a PSU is what you need I think as that's what came with mine. You also need a 19v PSU for the Volt if used or for the Capacitor board ( I think that's what it's called lol ) that then plugs into the Volt.

Both PSUs at the same time, 5v powered first then the 19v one, and in reverse when powering off.

My bass was a little light and recessed as well, but I SSH'd into the Pi and set the alsamixer to -4.50db which was I think must be near 100 on the scale as next notch up was into the red, as it was originally way down at the bottom of the scale, as soon as I did that, oh boy bass was back big time, made me jump lol