'Analog Dinosaur' succumbs to the joys of FBA : enter Raspberry Pi 2/IQ-Audio DAC+!!

[Marco]

I could try that. what about the connected drive and hub though. they get fairly hot if left on permenantly. would I have to leave them on too.?

As long as they're fan cooled and/or left in a place with plenty of ventilation, I don't see why not. My NAS box gets hot, but is fan cooled, situated in a wide open space, and left on 24/7. Basically, if it's safe and practical to do, you want to leave electrical equipment alone as much as possible, to do what it's been designed to do, without being constantly powered on and off

Marco.

[dowser]

Ok - so I tried the rpi2/iqdac+/Volumio with decent interconnects (was using 10mtr no names before); it sounds better, but still no comparison to my CDI CDP. I also compared it to a Behringer UCA202 the Simon (SQ) kindly sent my to try ripping vinyl. The Behringer has more bass, but it is not as good overall as the rpi with iqdac.

So, think I will set it up for permanent use as a multimedia centre with OSMC & Kodi (it excels at HD video playback), using the iqdac+ for audio out rather then HDMI.

Richard

[Marco]

Ok - so I tried the rpi2/iqdac+/Volumio with decent interconnects (was using 10mtr no names before); it sounds better, but still no comparison to my CDI CDP.

That must be one very special CDI you've got there, Richard [better than any I've heard]!

Marco.

[mikmas]

It will sound better that way - and last longer, too!

Marco.

Doubt it - if anything it's swings and roundabouts. In our house all appliances are switched off bar the fridge freezer.

As for SS amps and such ... the only reason I have got rid is obsolescence or selling on, not because they've worn out

[Marco]

Doubt it - if anything it's swings and roundabouts.

Not in my experience, Mike. How did you know what was and wasn't worn out - did you carry out any 'before and after' measurements of the internal components?

The biggest stress put on any electrical equipment is that induced when it's switched on - and that repeated on>off, on>off procedure *can* (and in my experience does) shorten the lifespan of the equipment. Furthermore, if anything is likely to blow, it'll most likely happen during switch on, than at any other time during the equipment's use.

YMMV

Marco.

[dowser]

That must be one very special CDI you've got there, Richard [better than any I've heard]!

Marco.

I guess Marco - I don't really know; it's the only Naim CD player I've heard, a later cdm9 based mech one. It's the best cd replay I have heard - I used to modify Philips based machines, taking signal out of DAC straight into a DIY op stage using a single transistor. Zero filtering, but sounded better that way to my ears...until I repaired my Naim

For me the difference was not subtle - while comparing the RPI & Behringer I was pretty happy with the sound, but plugging the Naim back in just brings a big smile to my face.

I think you run a Sony CDP? I only have experience of a X707ES (that I spent years sourcing a new laser unit for!) - this was a pretty good machine with lots of authority, but I still preferred my DIY modified machines overall. But then I bought the Naim CDI as faulty from Italy. All up it cost me £280 with a new laser and several hours of my time. After listening to it I sold the Sony immediately (€685 on eBay!).

As said, the Rpi sound is fine, but is simply nowhere near to the sound quality my CDP delivers (to my ears, lol!).

Richard

[Marco]

All interesting experience, Richard, and I don't doubt what you're hearing for a second

As ever, these things are system-dependent.

I use a heavily modified Sony X-777ES/DAS-R1 DAC, which produces the best CD replay I've heard, by some margin (and I used to own a Naim CDS2/XPS2, and various other Naim CDPs before it, including the CDI), and the RPi/IQ-Audio DAC gets about 90% of the way towards reproducing what the Sony can do, but at considerably less cost (the Sony combo cost me approx £5.5k, which is still cheaper than the Naim player I used before it).

Obviously there's a real synergy in your system, with the CDI, which is absent with the RPi, and that's what's interesting and shows that nothing in this hobby can ever be written in stone!

Btw, before dismissing the RPi as a 'serious' source, I'd implore you to try it with a quality linear PSU (which is how I'm currently judging and enjoying it), as that improves its performance considerably

The Paul Hynes SR3DR I use is superb (using his bespoke regulators), but it is £550.

Marco.

[dowser]

Yes Marco - I should add that my comments should not suggest the rpi is a poor audio source - it is certainly not, I just spent the last half hour flicking through 320kbps rips and I could happily live with this as a main digital source...if I didn't own the Naim

OK regarding the Sony - not familiar with the DAC, but 777 is very similar to the 707 I had (they share the same service manual). What digital out are you using on the 777?

All of this is a bit immaterial though - vinyl still beats all assuming source material is OK!

My system is in turmoil at the moment though - I replaced my modified LP12 with a serviced Lenco a few months back, and my modified Croft Micro II & DIY 211 valve hybrid mono blocks with the first Electrocompaniet pre/power combo a month back. I've got some GM70s coming for the power amps, their set up will see me reverting to what I am used too!

[dowser]

Oh, a DIY linear supply is on the cards too - but I may go a bit overboard and bypass the onboard RPI regulators, but checking technical information it seems the biggest limitation of RPI is the onboard clock, so still undecided

[Marco]

OK regarding the Sony - not familiar with the DAC, but 777 is very similar to the 707 I had (they share the same service manual). What digital out are you using on the 777?

The DAS-R1 DAC is where the magic lies! TDA1541 S2 multi-bit lurveliness, combined with huge PSUs, making the DAC alone weigh 20kg.... The Audiocom mods are what make the combo special though, as the X-777 has been similarly 'doctored', so although you're familiar with the 707, I doubt it would've sounded anything like what I'm using here.

In terms of digital out, I'm using coaxial, with a specially constructed lead, designed for pro use in the broadcasting arena.

Marco.