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RPi USB vs HAT S/PDIF output

cancunia

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Jan 30, 2021
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Maybe we need to know how you intend to use the DAC; we might start suggesting more expensive solutions than you need.

I gather you are connecting headphones, what model? Are your music sources streaming services such as Spotify, a USB drive or a NAS? Are using the WI-FI option?

Thanks for the replies.

The USB DAC is connected to an amp via a phono cable, so ideally I want line-level out from the DAC as opposed to the headphone-level that my current USB DAC gives. I'm looking for a simple, low cost WiFi based solution. The Pi Xero W handles the streaming from my NAS without bother so that will continue to form the basis of my setup. I like the idea of an I2S add-on to the PiZero so am looking in that direction.

@MarcosCh - You may be able to power the phone and stream from the USB by using an OTG cable? I seem to remember doing something similar when I first had a Chromecast in order to load alternate firmware.
 

kchap

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Thanks for the replies.

The USB DAC is connected to an amp via a phono cable, so ideally I want line-level out from the DAC as opposed to the headphone-level that my current USB DAC gives. I'm looking for a simple, low cost WiFi based solution. The Pi Xero W handles the streaming from my NAS without bother so that will continue to form the basis of my setup. I like the idea of an I2S add-on to the PiZero so am looking in that direction.
If you like the idea of going for the Allo miniBoss then do it. I did not see any specs for the HAT but Allo normally get reasonable reviews. If you are happy with the results you have yourself a budget system with respectable performance. If not, you have not spent a lot of money.
 
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