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Post by Tim on Jun 21, 2020 14:19:59 GMT
I used Etcher too, flashed the image to an 8GB OCZ stick (Ver: volumio-2.779-2020-06-08-x86.img) - YMMV but I've had issues flashing BIOS and installing firmware on Bluesound devices with SanDisk USB sticks. They work perfectly with everything else, but for some reason the ones I have sometimes have issues. I have found using drives larger than they need to be can sometimes cause problems. I just tried a shut-down and start-up to see about timings, it took 1m 45s so hear what I assume is a welcome chime, then 2m 5s to reach the GUI. Is that normal for Volumio or is my start-up slow?
EDIT: As an aside, that very same USB stick installs Linux Mint OK, but when used as a bootable install stick for Windows 10, it doesn't. Yet another really cheap 8GB Patriot USB stick can boot and install Windows 10 without a hitch . . . bloody computers. No wonder some people get annoyed with them, you just have to find the right knife to skin the cat!
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Post by Slinger on Jun 21, 2020 14:52:47 GMT
I've just had a quick browse on eBay and I picked up an MSI Cubi 2 1.7Ghz Celeron with 4Mb of memory it's got all USB 3 ports, and an HDMI socket too. It'll even take a second SSD should I feel that way inclined. The only downside is that it's fan-cooled, but that shouldn't be a problem from my usual listening position. Apparently the fan has a low noise level of only 23.7 dB, as " quiet as a forest." TIMBERRRRRRRRRRR!!!  I might as well pick up a non-Sandisk stick to rule that out while I'm at it. |
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Post by Tim on Jun 21, 2020 15:14:21 GMT
Nice one, I'm sure with some coaxing you'll have it up and running - those Cubi boxes look good value, maybe you can find a way to passively cool it? The heatsink of the Atom board is just warm as I expected, so it's not generating much heat in use for playing music.
I've just fired up JRiver and I have a new player on the network named 'Volumio' so the DNLA functionality is working too. I'm playing some Chris Isaak from my NAS via the JRiver program on my laptop, so all seems good. Just need to install it onto the internal mSATA SSD and that'll do for now.
I'm really trying to wean myself off Windows and onto Linux, we shall see? I'm building a new desktop at the moment, so I'll get it to dual boot into Win10 and Mint.
Good luck with the Cubi and I look forward to hearing back. So far I'm pretty pleased with Volumio.
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Post by Slinger on Jun 21, 2020 15:19:26 GMT
If the worst (still) comes to the worst it'll make a decent stand-alone KODI box project, as it supports HD and 4K (3840 x 2160 @ 60Hz).
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Post by Tim on Jun 21, 2020 18:31:17 GMT
My only comment (apart from the volume control not working) is that it's a rather clunky interface compared to the likes of JRiver, Spotify or Roon. But then you have to pay for those, so horses for courses. It does sound very good though and is simple to use, so in that respect it's hard to beat as open source software, great job team Volumio  What is the paid version like? |
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Post by John on Jun 21, 2020 19:17:37 GMT
You have to pay for some services with Volumio. I agree it is chunky but works well
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Post by MartinT on Jun 21, 2020 19:23:21 GMT
The Tinker Board, after the first boot, reboots in about 25-30s to the 'tinkle'.
The new interface is nicer than the 'classic' (my opinion).
You need the paid-for version to use Qobuz or Tidal, so that they can recoupe the cost of driver development.
I'm not sure what is going on with your volume control. Have you tried software mixer in the settings?
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Post by Tim on Jun 21, 2020 21:12:49 GMT
I'm not sure what is going on with your volume control. Have you tried software mixer in the settings? Subsequent boots have been quicker than the first one Martin, which I understand is part of the initial install and unpacking of the software. It's not as fast as a Tinker Board, but to be expected from a very old USB stick in a 2.0 socket. The Intel board takes awhile to complete POST under normal circumstances anyway, so good to know with different hardware it's around 30s. If I do decide to buy anything, it'll likely be a Tinker Board. Had my eye on their development for sometime with the help of Chris Barnatt - now he's a proper geek 
I've tried Hardware & Software mixer in the settings, same result, no volume control. It's frustrating but I'll keep researching, not uncommon from some of the reading I've done today.
I've been playing music via it for quite a few hours today and with headphones on it's apparent how competent it is. So despite finding it a tad clunky, I can't fault how it sounds, which is the most important thing I guess. I've not tinkered with my set-up for years now, preferring to just enjoy the music - but being stuck in a bunker for weeks on end has got me meddling! That little Atom board is pretty quiet too, passive cooling and no moving parts. I've certainly had my moneys worth out of that.
I'm building a new desktop machine too and I'm impressed at how good the Ryzen processors are and for not too much money. I bought a Ryzen 5 3600, it's a speedy little devil! A significant upgrade from my previous AMD A8 5500.
See, this is what happens when you lock up a nerd!
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Post by Tim on Jun 21, 2020 21:17:22 GMT
Hang on . . . after setting Software mixer and a reboot, it's now working Thanks Martin |
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Post by MartinT on Jun 21, 2020 21:23:28 GMT
Yay! Sometimes, like all computers, Volumio just needs a boot (up its backside).
For even better sound quality, turn off wi-fi (if you can) and turn off HD output. Also disable that nasty volume normaliser.
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Post by Tim on Jun 21, 2020 21:35:01 GMT
No Wi-Fi capability on my board (or BT) and it's off in settings - learnt a long time ago about nasty Wi-Fi on music servers. It's wired or nowt as far as I'm concerned I'm quite chuffed to be using my little Atom board again, I didn't want to throw it and couldn't be arsed to put it on eBay, so it's good to put it to work again. |
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Post by Tim on Jun 21, 2020 21:55:24 GMT
OK I'm impressed. Just put a few FLAC albums on a USB stick and plugged that in. Indexed them immediately and they sound pretty darned good.
I can see me putting the board in a larger case (which I have), then whacking a couple of 1TB Samsung EVO's in there loaded up with FLAC albums.
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Post by MartinT on Jun 21, 2020 22:17:37 GMT
Don't forget to buy a linear power supply for the board and new case.
Whoosh, there you go!
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Post by Slinger on Jun 21, 2020 22:26:21 GMT
Hang on . . . after setting Software mixer and a reboot, it's now working Thanks Martin I've remarked on this before, but sometimes, for no apparent reason, Volumio needs to be restarted twice for any changes to take effect. Not always. Just when it feels like messing you around. |
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Post by Tim on Jun 21, 2020 23:49:50 GMT
Don't forget to buy a linear power supply for the board and new case. Whoosh, there you go! Got all that already Martin, this board used to be in my full time server that I spent all that time tweaking and refining years ago. What is amusing is that I spent so many hours wringing the best I could out of Windows, right down to editing the registry - yet today I whacked in a USB stick, hit the power button and bam, job done. Quite funny when you think about it.
I've got this case if you remember, nice aluminium jobby from Streacom.
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Post by MartinT on Jun 22, 2020 7:20:28 GMT
I do remember now, very nice Tim.
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Post by Tim on Jun 22, 2020 9:44:02 GMT
Yes Streacom make good cases. I have a 12V Linear PSU but I'm not posting a picture of that, as it's a less than attractive Voltcraft bench PSU! It works though |
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Post by MartinT on Jun 22, 2020 15:35:16 GMT
I tried connecting Bluetooth in Volumio to my tablet. Worked first time. Can't think why I didn't try it before.
Cool. YouTube problem sorted, I can watch YouTube on my tablet and listen on the system. Sorted.
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Volumio
Jun 22, 2020 15:41:38 GMT
via mobile
Post by John on Jun 22, 2020 15:41:38 GMT
The issue is latency so not in sync by at least half a second
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Post by MartinT on Jun 22, 2020 15:44:43 GMT
Yes, I can see that but generally I'm just listening. I only need it occasionally, to be honest.
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