Bonky
Rank: Trio
Posts: 156 
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Post by Bonky on Mar 3, 2021 20:31:37 GMT
Apologies, as I feel a few years ago I would have known the answer.
I have a Rpi3 with an ALLO Boss. I use it mainly with Volumio. All works well, but I'm thinking of upgrading my external DAC (Caiman + Dorado) - don't get wrong - a perfectly good sound BUT (Upgraditis) has struck and I'm thinking of the new Cambridge M200 or Gustard X-16 or the RME ADI-2 DAC FS (more expensive).
My question is which is the best way to output from the Rpi to any new DAC. Do I need a new HAT or do I use the USB ports on the Rpi?
Oh, supplementary - is the RPi4 any better SQ-wise?
Thanks,
R
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Post by MartinT on Mar 3, 2021 20:38:00 GMT
The RPi's USB ports are not the best. You would be better off using a HAT like an Allo DigiOne or DigiOne Signature to send S/PDIF to your DAC of choice.
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Post by John on Mar 3, 2021 20:43:51 GMT
I would not advise to use the USB outputs unless using a HAT
I would go Coax myself with perhaps the Allo Signature if funds allows
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Bonky
Rank: Trio
Posts: 156
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Post by Bonky on Mar 3, 2021 21:44:25 GMT
Thanks guys; much as I expected, but good to get as many recommendations for a suitable HAT.
R
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alp
Rank: Trio
Posts: 161
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Post by alp on Mar 4, 2021 21:47:20 GMT
I agree about avoiding USB. Take a look too at the PI2AES (see other thread), which gives you coax, optical, AES and I2S over HDMI to try.
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Bonky
Rank: Trio
Posts: 156
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Post by Bonky on Mar 5, 2021 13:29:51 GMT
Thanks; very interesting.
My new DAC (still to arrive) is the RME ADI DAC 2 FS and on the RPE users' forum the consensus there is that it's perfectly OK to use the USB port on the Rpi (3) and no HAT is necessary.
However, it also seems that the consensus is the the Rpi4B is a better bet as the ethernet and USB signals are now better isolated and thus the USB output is much 'cleaner' and that any other 'noise' can be cleaned-up by the RME ADI DAC 2 FS.
I'll do a comparison with the Rpi3B and Allo Boss later.
Thanks again.
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Bonky
Rank: Trio
Posts: 156
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Post by Bonky on Mar 10, 2021 20:20:06 GMT
Update: A RPi 4b using Volumio (and the USB- out setting there) via USB to the RME DAC now works just fine. Quite easy really (in the end)! (Volumio just needs settings/usb output)
The Rpi4 + RME DACs DOES (imho) sound a little better than the Rpi3+AlloBoss.;(better 'clarity' definition and separation - but marginal to my 73 yr old ears). Whether it's worth the extra money I don't know. Certainly the advantage of adjusting so many variables (inc room variabilities) AND an excellent h'phone amp AND preamp does mean the extra cost isn't a great as it first seems. Nice also to know that my inputs to the RME are 'bitperfect'.
I think I'll soon be selling the RPI3 + Allo Boss, the Caiman SEG + Dorado and Schiit preamp. Pictures already taken; soon to advertise!
Thanks.
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Post by John on Mar 10, 2021 20:39:38 GMT
Good result
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Post by MartinT on Mar 10, 2021 21:34:36 GMT
Great! The RPi 4 is supposed to have better USB architecture as it's not tied to the ethernet port. You've just confirmed it.
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alp
Rank: Trio
Posts: 161
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Post by alp on Mar 10, 2021 21:43:03 GMT
Good to know it worked out well for you.
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