Review of NanoPi NEO2: World's Smallest Audio Streamer

[Ruudv033]

Thats what i don't want anymore!

 

[somebodyelse]

Which bit don't you want?

 

[bzfrp]

It is not difficult to install RoonBridge on any Linux distribution on a SBC if you know how to use ssh. (See http://kb.roonlabs.com/LinuxInstall )

Manual Installation example (If wget and tar are installed) (run commands as root):

mkdir /opt  (create a directory if it doesn't exist)
cd /opt
wget http://download.roonlabs.com/builds/RoonBridge_linuxarmv8.tar.bz2 (download this file for ARM 64 bit Linux)
( If your Linux is 32 bit, download http://download.roonlabs.com/builds/RoonBridge_linuxarmv7hf.tar.bz2 )
tar xf RoonBridge_linuxarmv8.tar.bz2  (extract RoonBridge)
/opt/RoonBridge/start.sh (run RoonBridge)

 

[Ruudv033]

The trial and error bit

 

[somebodyelse]

RoPieee on a Raspberry Pi is as easy as a diy roon endpoint gets. If that's too much trial and error for you then you'll need to look at roon ready streamers.

 

[amirm]

The trial and error bit

You should buy a finished product then. These things are for serious hobbyists with some computer background.

 

[Ruudv033]

Thnx, but no budget :-(

 

[amirm]

If you can find a Google Chromecast, you can get similar functionality on the cheap.

 

[Ruudv033]

If you can find a Google Chromecast, you can get similar functionality on the cheap.

Realy? I2s signaal in to my DAC? Play native DSD files? Hi quality audio?

 

[somebodyelse]

You've asked for something that so far as we know doesn't exist. We've tried to help by giving you a number of options that come close to the requirements you've mentioned to that point, but aren't quite there. If no compromise is acceptable that's fine, but I'm out of things to suggest.

 

[Ruudv033]

You've asked for something that so far as we know doesn't exist. We've tried to help by giving you a number of options that come close to the requirements you've mentioned to that point, but aren't quite there. If no compromise is acceptable that's fine, but I'm out of things to suggest.

Thxs anyway

 

[bzfrp]

A new similar SBC ZeroPi is out.
https://www.friendlyarm.com/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=266
Here is a presentation showing the differences against NanoPi NEO
https://www.cnx-software.com/2019/09/05/zeropi-allwinner-h3-sbc-gigabit-ethernet-spi-flash
ZeroPi seems to me to be a good choice for audio because the removed components have no use for USB audio, but Gigabit Ethernet could a +.
I bought Zero Pi + Metal Combo (assembled). It's currently running with Buildroot ( https://github.com/bz31/Buildroot )

 

[dsnyder0cnn]

Sounds great. Do you know if it works with multichannel DACs? To be more precise - can you choose a 7.1 config in Roon?

I've tested the NEO2 with my Emotiva RMC-1L. Only two channels detected, but this could just be an Emotiva thing.

 

[Deleted member 9685]

Did it overheat during CPU-intensive tasks?

 

[Aldoszx]

Hi all.
I have NEO2 512 MB version with case (FriendlyELEC starter kit).
I am trying to get it working properly, but no chance until now.
I have just tried whit Tone Board, DacMagic XS and Topping D50s.
Even whit D50s, with separate 5v 1A power supply, there are glitches and the sound is distorted from time to time.
Same with both Tone Board adn DacMagic XS.
I am using DietPi with Roon Bridge.
Am I missing something?

 

[QMuse]

Hi all.
I have NEO2 512 MB version with case (FriendlyELEC starter kit).
I am trying to get it working properly, but no chance until now.
I have just tried whit Tone Board, DacMagic XS and Topping D50s.
Even whit D50s, with separate 5v 1A power supply, there are glitches and the sound is distorted from time to time.
Same with both Tone Board adn DacMagic XS.
I am using DietPi with Roon Bridge.
Am I missing something?

Yup, you're missing this - it has been proven as a reliable audio platform.

 

[Aldoszx]

Yup, you're missing this - it has been proven as a reliable audio platform.

Thank you !
I have, i think, 9 of those.
From RPi 1B to RPi4 (I think I have almost all models, even RPi Zero W and RPi 3A).
RPi works just fine with I2S and USB DACs.
But right now i am trying to use this little NEO2.

 

[QMuse]

Thank you !
I have, i think, 9 of those.
From RPi 1B to RPi4 (I think I have almost all models, even RPi Zero W and RPi 3A).
RPi works just fine with I2S and USB DACs.
But right now i am trying to use this little NEO2.

That was a joke, I saw in your sig that you already have RPI4.

 

[Aldoszx]

That was a joke, I saw in your sig that you already have RPI4.

I think I am very focused on NEO2, so I am sorry I took your post very serious.
However, Amir had positive results, so I am wondering why I could not.

 

[QMuse]

I think I am very focused on NEO2, so I am sorry I took your post very serious.
However, Amir had positive results, so I am wondering why I could not.

No problem.

Hard to tell as you didn't provide any info nor diagnostics. For a start, what material were you playing and what was the CPU utilisation?

Btw, you'll probably get more help on DietPi forum than here regarding this partiular issue.