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- #41
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PecanPi® DAC, Streamer and USB - Rev 2.0
OP
- Thread Starter
- #42
Latest custemer review...
OP
- Thread Starter
- #43
OP
- Thread Starter
- #44
Another great customer review...
Much more impressive than a sub-$500 unit has the right to be!
Wow! As an owner of three digital to analog music systems - the SOtM Ultra Trio, Allo's Kantana with two TeraDak LPSs, and now Orchard's PecanPi, it is amazing to me just how good the all in one end point units have become. Summary - The PecanPi is a no-brainer purchase for anyone looking to stream hi-resolution music to their stereo system. The Allo Kantana, the unit my PecanPi will now replace, was no slouch and an excellent unit in its own right...but, there are a number of things I like better about the PecanPi.
But before I go into a comparison between the similarly priced Allo Kantana and the PP, I have to disclaim the advantages the Allo Kantana had during this comparison (to an off the shelf PecanPi). a) The Kantana was powered with two TeraDak LPS (which added about $300 to the base cost). The PecanPi was set-up in its base form, which is what Leo recommends. When I bought my Kantana a year ago, purchase of external LPS was highly recommended and I can state 1st hand that the Kantana improved vastly with the addition of each of the two LPS units. The standalone Kantana was lifeless and blurred without LPSs. b) The Kantana was connected with a Kimber KCAG RCA interconnect during the comparison versus the PP equipped with a much less expensive/reviewed LFD RCA interconnect. NOTE: I can hardly wait to hear the PP with its native balanced XLR outputs.
My subjective, comparative impressions (and why I believe the PP is an incredible value):
1) Soundstage - the sound stage thrown by the PP is incredible. Immediately noticeable and quite a benefit if you speakers cannot have optimal placement. With this, the depth of the stage and instrument separation seem to be more precisely placed. The Kantana had what I thought at the time was a great soundstage, but the PP was exceptionally better at this.
2) Ease of listening and midrange delight - the vocals produced by the PP are easy, emotional, and delightful. While the Kantana has its own unique way of producing great sound and range, the PP is just more pleasurable to listen to over extended periods.
3) Ease of set-up and support - this clearly goes to the PP without question. Set-up was simple, well-explained and for the single question that I had for Leo, my answer came within minutes. Allo support was coming from India and whilst it was not bad, it is a world of difference with Orchard Audio. My pontification on this subject is as follows - when one gets into the sub-$500 USD price range, the support for a complex digital component is not set-up to deal with individuals that lack a basic computer skill knowledge and ability to search forums and follow detailed instructions...a point my 26 YO continually reminds me of
. The PP is a unit that I could easily set-up and run. The Allo on the other hand, required considerably different skills and knowledge...that of a 26 YO CS Major.
4) Build Quality - The PP comes in a self-contained steel enclosure that while quite light, is study and substantial when compared to the Allo Kantana's plastic assembly. The Kantana feels fragile, exposed and flimsy by comparison to the PP. The Kantana is quite easily moved around by the weight of the wires and has exposed electronic parts. Both structurally and aesthetically the PP is an 9/10 and the Allo is a 4/10.
5) Accessories - the PP is built with balanced XLR outputs and Orchard provides a pair of his proprietary RCA adapters for those requiring single ended inputs. Balanced is a big plus for me although all my listening to date has been single-ended RCA. Orchard provides a 3.5mm headphone jack for a very modest charge, allowing those who wish to use headphones to connect in.
I am really blown away with the quality, versatility, and sound of Orchard's PP. It is a magnificent leap forward for digital audio and without question a steal at its price.
Please note: I paid for my unit, just like everyone else. My review here was just to provide my personal insights into affordable hi-end audio.
System used to evaluate (because this always comes up) - Roon Nucleaus Server streaming to PP with LFD Spiroflex single-ended interconnects + Allo Kantanta (w/2 TeraDak LPS). The units are connected to an LFD Mk IV SE integrated amplifier connected with LFD Grainless speaker wires to Meadowlark Kestral Hot Rod speakers.
Much more impressive than a sub-$500 unit has the right to be!
Wow! As an owner of three digital to analog music systems - the SOtM Ultra Trio, Allo's Kantana with two TeraDak LPSs, and now Orchard's PecanPi, it is amazing to me just how good the all in one end point units have become. Summary - The PecanPi is a no-brainer purchase for anyone looking to stream hi-resolution music to their stereo system. The Allo Kantana, the unit my PecanPi will now replace, was no slouch and an excellent unit in its own right...but, there are a number of things I like better about the PecanPi.
But before I go into a comparison between the similarly priced Allo Kantana and the PP, I have to disclaim the advantages the Allo Kantana had during this comparison (to an off the shelf PecanPi). a) The Kantana was powered with two TeraDak LPS (which added about $300 to the base cost). The PecanPi was set-up in its base form, which is what Leo recommends. When I bought my Kantana a year ago, purchase of external LPS was highly recommended and I can state 1st hand that the Kantana improved vastly with the addition of each of the two LPS units. The standalone Kantana was lifeless and blurred without LPSs. b) The Kantana was connected with a Kimber KCAG RCA interconnect during the comparison versus the PP equipped with a much less expensive/reviewed LFD RCA interconnect. NOTE: I can hardly wait to hear the PP with its native balanced XLR outputs.
My subjective, comparative impressions (and why I believe the PP is an incredible value):
1) Soundstage - the sound stage thrown by the PP is incredible. Immediately noticeable and quite a benefit if you speakers cannot have optimal placement. With this, the depth of the stage and instrument separation seem to be more precisely placed. The Kantana had what I thought at the time was a great soundstage, but the PP was exceptionally better at this.
2) Ease of listening and midrange delight - the vocals produced by the PP are easy, emotional, and delightful. While the Kantana has its own unique way of producing great sound and range, the PP is just more pleasurable to listen to over extended periods.
3) Ease of set-up and support - this clearly goes to the PP without question. Set-up was simple, well-explained and for the single question that I had for Leo, my answer came within minutes. Allo support was coming from India and whilst it was not bad, it is a world of difference with Orchard Audio. My pontification on this subject is as follows - when one gets into the sub-$500 USD price range, the support for a complex digital component is not set-up to deal with individuals that lack a basic computer skill knowledge and ability to search forums and follow detailed instructions...a point my 26 YO continually reminds me of
. The PP is a unit that I could easily set-up and run. The Allo on the other hand, required considerably different skills and knowledge...that of a 26 YO CS Major.4) Build Quality - The PP comes in a self-contained steel enclosure that while quite light, is study and substantial when compared to the Allo Kantana's plastic assembly. The Kantana feels fragile, exposed and flimsy by comparison to the PP. The Kantana is quite easily moved around by the weight of the wires and has exposed electronic parts. Both structurally and aesthetically the PP is an 9/10 and the Allo is a 4/10.
5) Accessories - the PP is built with balanced XLR outputs and Orchard provides a pair of his proprietary RCA adapters for those requiring single ended inputs. Balanced is a big plus for me although all my listening to date has been single-ended RCA. Orchard provides a 3.5mm headphone jack for a very modest charge, allowing those who wish to use headphones to connect in.
I am really blown away with the quality, versatility, and sound of Orchard's PP. It is a magnificent leap forward for digital audio and without question a steal at its price.
Please note: I paid for my unit, just like everyone else. My review here was just to provide my personal insights into affordable hi-end audio.
System used to evaluate (because this always comes up) - Roon Nucleaus Server streaming to PP with LFD Spiroflex single-ended interconnects + Allo Kantanta (w/2 TeraDak LPS). The units are connected to an LFD Mk IV SE integrated amplifier connected with LFD Grainless speaker wires to Meadowlark Kestral Hot Rod speakers.
Shouldn't this be on Desperate Dealers Forum? Since this is not a third party review, but a first party measurement.
OP
- Thread Starter
- #46
OP
- Thread Starter
- #47
Hemi-Demon
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Why is the DAC USB ($499) the same price as the full streamer? I like to try all things dacs, for the hobby, but I can't wrap my head around the price. The DIY version, even with the case and all options, tallies up to $445. What is the difference between the two ordering options, and where do you download the ASIO driver? Thanks.
OP
- Thread Starter
- #49
ASIO driver:
https://img1.wsimg.com/blobby/go/80...PecanPi_Windows_Drivers.zip?ver=1599313305353
The USB DAC, USB to i2s interface costs $100. It's a minidsp USB streamer. That is 3 x cost of pi.
https://img1.wsimg.com/blobby/go/80...PecanPi_Windows_Drivers.zip?ver=1599313305353
The USB DAC, USB to i2s interface costs $100. It's a minidsp USB streamer. That is 3 x cost of pi.
Hemi-Demon
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So the Pecan USB, has a i2s adaptor, or are you referring to the DIY option? Sorry if I am being dense. I don't need the streaming option, so what option is the best as a USB source, connected to a headphone amplifier or balanced active speakers; a) DIY with the case, or the Pecan USB? Are they the same functionality wise? Thanks for the help.
OP
- Thread Starter
- #51
The DIY option has no USB adapter. You can get one and connect the i2s on the DAC, it uses the standard Rpi I2S pins. You will also have to make your custom enclosure.
PecanPi USB is not diy, it is ready to go and has the adapter built in.
PecanPi USB is not diy, it is ready to go and has the adapter built in.
OP
- Thread Starter
- #53
Are you enjoying it?
PecanPi USB (rev. 1 with RCA outputs not needing any adapters) connected to Topping L30 headphone amplifier
Veri
Master Contributor
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Yes
no bugs so far and it seems really reliable, I don't see it breaking any time soon. Imo it might be worth the price premium just for the solid construction. The XLR connectors are also really high grade. As for the DAC, it's all I need For me it's definitely Topping D90 competitor.
OP
- Thread Starter
- #55
This PecanPi USB just got an upgrade...
It now also has a S/PDIF input and built-in RCA connectors. For a limited time, it is available for 649.95 ($100 off MSRP)
https://orchardaudio.com/shop/ols/products/xn-pecanpi-usb-preorder-21a
It now also has a S/PDIF input and built-in RCA connectors. For a limited time, it is available for 649.95 ($100 off MSRP)
https://orchardaudio.com/shop/ols/products/xn-pecanpi-usb-preorder-21a
Topping d90 has sinad of about 120db.Yes
while the pecanpi has sinad output of 110db.
yes it is the op amps that limit the pecanpi, but since you cannot disable them in with the streamer option, there is a weak point.
Veri
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Its the max these burr brown chips can give though. Anyway, if Amir ever measured one we could see multitone etc. Right now there's Orchard's own AP measurements and to me they are all stellar. The SINAD is not distortion limited.
OP
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- #59
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- #60
Save 15% during our holiday sale through December 10th.
www.orchardaudio.com/shop
Use code "holiday15%" at checkout.
www.orchardaudio.com/shop
Use code "holiday15%" at checkout.
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