Allo Boss2 Review (Stereo Streamer)

[tjcinnamon]

Not sure I understand the question. You can either hook up a Streamer DAC to an AVR via RCA or via a digital connection eg Toslink. But again don’t expect any improvements, just use the AVR DAC / Streamer.

Or alternatively without using an AVR you can hook up a DAC to either a power amp or to active speakers. However you loose the RoomEQ from the AVR and would need a separate box eg MiniDSP or do the RoomEQ via software eg Camilla DSP etc.

This one doesn’t appear to have a digital out so my only option is to run it with the RCA. I am considering it to unpack MQA to run HEOS through it (HEOS doesn’t handle MQA).

Too bad Audyssey tops out at 24/48. I’d love to run that at higher res. I’m a sucker for Dynamic EQ.

I may experiment with running on pure direct and have CamillaDSP off the RPi OS (probably Volumio) flatten it.

Also, thank you! This was helpful!

 

[HarmonicTHD]

This one doesn’t appear to have a digital out so my only option is to run it with the RCA. I am considering it to unpack MQA to run HEOS through it (HEOS doesn’t handle MQA).

Too bad Audyssey tops out at 24/48. I’d love to run that at higher res. I’m a sucker for Dynamic EQ.

I may experiment with running on pure direct and have CamillaDSP off the RPi OS (probably Volumio) flatten it.

Also, thank you! This was helpful!

Sure.

If interested. Look what the forum has to say about MQA.

You won’t hear a difference between 48/24 and eg 96/24 etc. Foobar has an ABX plug-in for everyone to test. Make sure you catch the same master though.

I ran Moode with Camilla in my office before I got the KH80s. Works. I use the AVR in my main system. Works great too.

 

[tjcinnamon]

Sure.

If interested. Look what the forum has to say about MQA.

You won’t hear a difference between 48/24 and eg 96/24 etc. Foobar has an ABX plug-in for everyone to test. Make sure you catch the same master though.

I ran Moode with Camilla in my office before I got the KH80s. Works. I use the AVR in my main system. Works great too.

Welp, these are out of stock as is! Dang!

I’ll roll HEOS for a bit and see how that sounds. Seems like that can do 24/48 on Tidal and then still use Audyssey.

I’ll still probably get one of these (4GB) when they are back in stock just for hobbiest purposes.

@johan: any idea when they will be back in stock?

 

[Music1969]

@johan: any idea when they will be back in stock?

He hasn't been online in 12 months

Been discussed above

 

[tjcinnamon]

He hasn't been online in 12 months

Been discussed above

Any recommendations on a comparable product? Doesn’t need to have a DAC (although I wouldn’t mind one). Volumio Primo and Rivo seem expensive

 

[Music1969]

Any recommendations on a comparable product? Doesn’t need to have a DAC (although I wouldn’t mind one). Volumio Primo and Rivo seem expensive

So many options but depends what you need exactly?

How do you listen? What software? What audio protocols do you need ?

 

[tjcinnamon]

So many options but depends what you need exactly?

How do you listen? What software? What audio protocols do you need ?

I’m interested in Volumio or something that looks nice on the TV screen; I want to run pure direct in my AVR and play Tidal. I’d like to EQ at the source because Audyssey limits the bitrate is limited at 24/48 but still want to EQ.

I’d like something that looks nice as well. Reasonably cost (under $500ish). A DAC is not required but I wouldn’t mind having it but would likely run it through my AVR because it has a DAC.

 

[tjcinnamon]

I did email them before I saw the non response.

“
Dear [redacted]

This is regarding the message you sent to allo.com

Due to shortage of components, Boss2 production is suspended.
We will inform you when it is available again.

Kind regards,
[redacted]”

 

[Fahzz]

Check Audiophonics for Allo products. They have some streamers in stock, and I ordered a Boss2 Player which they say will be in stock end of May.

 

[mash]

Have any of you guys been using Moode with your Boss2 players, running them as Roon endpoints and tried to update to the new 8.3.X OS version?

 

[mash]

Have any of you guys been using Moode with your Boss2 players, running them as Roon endpoints and tried to update to the new 8.3.X OS version?

Ok, after digging into this a bit more and finding a work around, the news isn't great. Basically, the Boss2 does not work with the current version of Moode 8.3.2. It stopped working at version 8.3.1 due to issues with the custom Linux driver that Allo provides. The Moode author had this to say in their support forum..."I suspect this is due to some sort of incompatibility between the custom Allo driver for the Boss 2 and the new 6.1.y Linux kernel branch". Apparently, this issue also might impact later versions of DietPi and there are also different issues with using the Boss2 and latest versions of Ropieee and/or RopieeeXL.

In the end, I was able to back track and install/use version 8.3.0 without issue, so there is a work around...for now...but if Allo doesn't come back on-line and/or start supporting their devices/software I could be looking at a nice blue retro gadget paper weight. That would be a shame, because its a really nice low cost roon endpoint that combines the streamer/dac in one box.

 

[Fahzz]

Ok, after digging into this a bit more and finding a work around the news isn't great. Basically, the Boss2 does not work with the current version of Moode 8.3.2. It stopped working at version 8.3.1 due to issue with the custom Linux driver that Allo provides. The Moode author had this to say in their support forum..."I suspect this is due to some sort of incompatibility between the custom Allo driver for the Boss 2 and the new 6.1.y Linux kernel branch". Apparently, this issue also might impact later versions of DietPi and there are also other issues with using the Boss2 and latest issue of Ropieee and the Boss2.

In the end, I was able to back track and install/use version 8.3.0 without issue, so there is a work around...for now...but if Allo doesn't come back on-line and/or start supporting their devices/software I could be looking at a nice blue retro gadget paper weight. That would be a shame, because its a really nice low cost roon endpoint that combines the streamer/dac in one box.

I had the same issue with mine, but I use Max2Play with LMS/Squeezebox. I thought it was a hardware issue, but (long story) I ruled that out. I concluded that it's some compatibility issue with a software/firmware update too. Too bad. It looks like Allo might be back in action so fingers crossed.

 

[Barrelhouse Solly]

Ok, after digging into this a bit more and finding a work around, the news isn't great. Basically, the Boss2 does not work with the current version of Moode 8.3.2. It stopped working at version 8.3.1 due to issues with the custom Linux driver that Allo provides. The Moode author had this to say in their support forum..."I suspect this is due to some sort of incompatibility between the custom Allo driver for the Boss 2 and the new 6.1.y Linux kernel branch". Apparently, this issue also might impact later versions of DietPi and there are also different issues with using the Boss2 and latest versions of Ropieee and/or RopieeeXL.

In the end, I was able to back track and install/use version 8.3.0 without issue, so there is a work around...for now...but if Allo doesn't come back on-line and/or start supporting their devices/software I could be looking at a nice blue retro gadget paper weight. That would be a shame, because its a really nice low cost roon endpoint that combines the streamer/dac in one box.

I ran into this when I upgraded my moode installation to 8.3.1. I really like the Boss 2. It actually is audibly different from most Pi audio hats. I'm hoping that Allo will recover although I notice that their forum has very few company responses to support questions for the last several months. I downgraded my Moode installation to v8.30 for now. For me the new features and bug fixes in 8.3.1 and 8.3.2 aren't compelling reasons to upgrade. I know that some future version will make me want to.

 

[mash]

Yeah, I'm a pretty big fan of the Boss2. Can't really beat it as a 1 box streamer/DAC for value/performance. I'm not so worried about the Moode functionality as I use my Boss2 mainly as a Roon endpoint and that works just fine in 8.3.0. My bigger concern is that something will break (and/or stop working) and I'll be stuck with no way to fix it. As an example, Roon requiring a mandatory upgrade to Roon Bridge and you need a newer version of Moode to run the new renderer.

 

[kdickin2]

Ok, after digging into this a bit more and finding a work around, the news isn't great. Basically, the Boss2 does not work with the current version of Moode 8.3.2. It stopped working at version 8.3.1 due to issues with the custom Linux driver that Allo provides. The Moode author had this to say in their support forum..."I suspect this is due to some sort of incompatibility between the custom Allo driver for the Boss 2 and the new 6.1.y Linux kernel branch". Apparently, this issue also might impact later versions of DietPi and there are also different issues with using the Boss2 and latest versions of Ropieee and/or RopieeeXL.

In the end, I was able to back track and install/use version 8.3.0 without issue, so there is a work around...for now...but if Allo doesn't come back on-line and/or start supporting their devices/software I could be looking at a nice blue retro gadget paper weight. That would be a shame, because its a really nice low cost roon endpoint that combines the streamer/dac in one box.

Yes, I can confirm that the BOSS2 stopped working with the latest DietPi update (v8.16.2). Hopefully Allo fixes this, but I am not holding my breath. I am using a spare Topping D10s with the Pi's USB output as a workaround. It sounds great.

 

[HarmonicTHD]

I ran into this when I upgraded my moode installation to 8.3.1. I really like the Boss 2. It actually is audibly different from most Pi audio hats. I'm hoping that Allo will recover although I notice that their forum has very few company responses to support questions for the last several months. I downgraded my Moode installation to v8.30 for now. For me the new features and bug fixes in 8.3.1 and 8.3.2 aren't compelling reasons to upgrade. I know that some future version will make me want to.

Audibly different? How? Why?

 

[fdealexa]

Audibly different? How? Why?

Hi HarmonicTHD,
the problem is related to the new Linux release (6.1.X): the allo boss2 driver is not compatible with this. Please have a look to https://forums.raspberrypi.com/viewtopic.php?t=350656.
I've read that many people are complaining that Allo is not responding to numerous support requests, even for other products, since mid-2022. I had to downgrade the system and I am looking to change the DAC; although I hope that Allo, given the good quality products, decides to provide adequate support as well.

 

[HarmonicTHD]

Hi HarmonicTHD,
the problem is related to the new Linux release (6.1.X): the allo boss2 driver is not compatible with this. Please have a look to https://forums.raspberrypi.com/viewtopic.php?t=350656.
I've read that many people are complaining that Allo is not responding to numerous support requests, even for other products, since mid-2022. I had to downgrade the system and I am looking to change the DAC; although I hope that Allo, given the good quality products, decides to provide adequate support as well.

Well no sound is audible indeed

Sorry to hear about your misfortune.

Is that then also a problem if you were to convert you Pi over to eg Moode or Volumio OS? Or is that not possible?

 

[fdealexa]

I normally use moOde which, since version 8.3.1, has adopted linux 6.1.21; now it is already at version 8.3.2 and 8.3.3 is expected soon; I had to go back to 8.3.0.
I've researched and also Dietpi and rAudio (using kernel 6.1.x) have the same problems and soon I predict that others will also switch to the new version and therefore will be "incompatible".
Thanks for your attention and best regards,
Francesco

 

[Sister_Ray]

Sourcing this thing since the chip crisis hit seems pretty hard, if not impossible. I already had one, but wanted two more to create Roon endpoints with I can hook up directly to active speakers or amp + passive speakers.
Unfortunately I have now waited for 5 months and the end is not in sight. Does anyone know a good, available alternative for the Boss2 (HiFi streamer/DAC in a single package)?