Best value streamer with no DAC

[Sorinsro]

If rasberry is using spotify connect i think that you can't use gapless function. This is the reason i'm still searching for other solutions.

 

[Sukie]

If rasberry is using spotify connect i think that you can't use gapless function. This is the reason i'm still searching for other solutions.

Quite correct. When using Spotify Connect on an RPi it will only load one track at a time from your Spotify playlist on to your RPi playlist, which means that gapless playback doesn't work. I use Qobuz and that loads the entire playlist on to the RPi, thus allowing gapless playback.

 

[navin]

Second of all, since you're very determined to use I2S over HDMI then the Pi2AES is perfect for you. I'm also not sure why would you need a reclocker in your case.

Awesome idea. Took me a while (I am old) to read and assimilate the threads and PDF below.
Dummies Guide to Pi2AES! Throw away your PC or laptop. | Super Best Audio Friends
A tale of 3 digital transports (shootout with Unison USB and AES) | Super Best Audio Friends
CMA102 Motherboard (pi2design.com)

From what I understand Pi2AES is a strictly a PCM device. The limitation of the 24.576Mhz and 22.792Mhz clocks means only streams up to 176k/192k will be supported. For (DSD 512) 352k/384k support one would need a 45/49Mhz clock. Similarly to support (DSD 1024) 705/768k support one would need 90/98Mhz clocks.

 

[navin]

Made a layout using Ian Canada's parts. Transport and FiFo boards might be stackable but my box has a height of 50mm so I am not sure they will fit stacked.

View attachment Ian CANADA RPi4 Transport with FiFo Clock and linear power supply.jpg

 

[Silver1omo]

Quite correct. When using Spotify Connect on an RPi it will only load one track at a time from your Spotify playlist on to your RPi playlist, which means that gapless playback doesn't work. I use Qobuz and that loads the entire playlist on to the RPi, thus allowing gapless playback.

if you use LMS you can install the Spotty plugin and you load tracks, albums with no issue.

 

[Sukie]

if you use LMS you can install the Spotty plugin and you load tracks, albums with no issue.

Does that give gapless playback?

 

[Silver1omo]

Does that give gapless playback?

Yes, it does.

 

[Sukie]

Yes, it does.

That's good to know. Thanks.

 

[MrHifiTunes]

it's not a streamer without DAC but for 99 USD....topping D10/Rpi where topping cleans the noisy USB from the Rpi.

 

[3125b]

"This video is brought to you by Audioquest"
Well, that's your sign of quality right there ... argh.

 

[MrHifiTunes]

@3125b This is no Audioquest product involved or mentioned in this review. So I don't get your point

 

[Harmonie]

@3125b This is no Audioquest product involved or mentioned in this review. So I don't get your point

I got to understand @3125b 's meaning:

I invite you to click on your own link at what 0 - 8 seconds and listen to the off-voice saying : "This video is brought to you by Audioquest" ... so ?

 

[MrHifiTunes]

I got to understand @3125b 's meaning:

View attachment 101503


I invite you to click on your own link at what 0 - 8 seconds and listen to the off-voice saying : "This video is brought to you by Audioquest" ... so ?

So the point is that Audioquest prefer the topping above their own products?

 

[Jimbob54]

So the point is that Audioquest prefer the topping above their own products?

No. The point is the Darko slot is sponsored by Audioquest, notorious for what many describe as "snake oil" products. Especially of the cable / power accessory types. This may cause some to think Darko is something of a shill and his opinion on any product is coloured by that view.

 

[MrHifiTunes]

No. The point is the Darko slot is sponsored by Audioquest, notorious for what many describe as "snake oil" products. Especially of the cable / power accessory types. This may cause some to think Darko is something of a shill and his opinion on any product is coloured by that view.

Thanks for the explanation. All reviews I consider coloured. After all this hobby is about music enjoyment which is a personal thing. So i take every review with 2 grains of salt.

 

[Pavel]

I suggest trying BeagleBone Green or Black.
This SBC is more suitable for audio. USB sounds better than RPi.
The firmware can be used last Pure_15_12_2020.
In this firmware, I put a lot of effort into optimizing audio over USB and I2S.

 

[MrHifiTunes]

I suggest trying BeagleBone Green or Black.
This SBC is more suitable for audio. USB sounds better than RPi.
The firmware can be used last Pure_15_12_2020.
In this firmware, I put a lot of effort into optimizing audio over USB and I2S.

View attachment 101600

Sounds interesting. Any test showing the improvements?

 

[Pavel]

No tests. Only subjective impressions. A lot of RPi owners are switching to BeagleBone without regret.
BeagleBone consumes significantly less than RPi - less than 300mA. This is good for the sound.
I am using BeagleBone to output audio over I2S. This is its main advantage. It can play native DSD512 without problem. USB playback is also good.

Try it! Pure firmware is free and actively supported by me.

 

[Harmonie]

No tests. Only subjective impressions. A lot of RPi owners are switching to BeaglrBone without regret.
BeagleBone consumes significantly less than RPi - less than 300mA. This is good for the sound.
I am using BeagleBone to output audio over I2S. This is its main advantage. It can play native DSD512 without problem. USB playback is also good.

Try it! Pure firmware is free and actively supported by me.

+1
Interesting alternative indeed.
Relatively very few threads here.
If you master it, you are welcome to initiate a thread of your own.

 

[ezra_s]

I went for a rpi3 + hat for optical / coax output, installed picoreplayer and I couldn't be happier. Using It every day.

Looking for streamer, help!? [WENT for DIY!? with PI3 + PICOREPLAYER]