Hi,
I currently don't have any DAC in my system and all the streaming goes via the PS5 console. Pulling the audio signal off of the HDMI out cable via splitter and feeding it into the preamp. Most of you will agree it's very far from the ideal setup lol.
As I'm always leaning towards DIY solutions, I came accross IanCanada stuff, and ofcourse, the million dollar question pops. Is it worth it?
For the flagship DAC with all the transport and needed bits and bobs, it adds up to about $800 USD. Then the PSU, chassis, raspberry pi board and we're arround $1500.
The cool thing I see with the whole thing is the "platform flexibility", as everything is running on the raspberry pi and me being an IT guy (linux prefered), everything looks even more apealing.
The part I'm strugling to find more info about is how does it compare to other DACs in the same price range, around $1.5k?
Is it worth the money, from the audio perspective?
Or should I go with some brand name DAC, or even a Wiim Ultra which apparently everyone love so much, and just call it a day?
It would be a fun project to build something like that, but not sure if it's worth the money. I plan to use it mostly as a streamer, as it's main purpose is anyway.
Please let me know your thoughts and comments, and please suggest some alternatives if possible. As allways, much appreciated and thank you!
Cheers!
I currently don't have any DAC in my system and all the streaming goes via the PS5 console. Pulling the audio signal off of the HDMI out cable via splitter and feeding it into the preamp. Most of you will agree it's very far from the ideal setup lol.
As I'm always leaning towards DIY solutions, I came accross IanCanada stuff, and ofcourse, the million dollar question pops. Is it worth it?
For the flagship DAC with all the transport and needed bits and bobs, it adds up to about $800 USD. Then the PSU, chassis, raspberry pi board and we're arround $1500.
The cool thing I see with the whole thing is the "platform flexibility", as everything is running on the raspberry pi and me being an IT guy (linux prefered), everything looks even more apealing.
The part I'm strugling to find more info about is how does it compare to other DACs in the same price range, around $1.5k?
Is it worth the money, from the audio perspective?
Or should I go with some brand name DAC, or even a Wiim Ultra which apparently everyone love so much, and just call it a day?
It would be a fun project to build something like that, but not sure if it's worth the money. I plan to use it mostly as a streamer, as it's main purpose is anyway.
Please let me know your thoughts and comments, and please suggest some alternatives if possible. As allways, much appreciated and thank you!
Cheers!
Wiim Ultra delivered by amazon this morning.
Feeding the analogue signal bypassing DAC (if that's even true) and using it as a preamp is a no. Volume maxed at 100, it can barely reach 78 dB measured with iphone app. Lows are flat, no kick, too bright in general... Not sure if I got a faulty unit or the preamp section is trash by default.
Streaming sounds fine so far.
Just letting you guys know if you want to use it as an preamp...
P.S. Tested on ACA.
Cheers!
Feeding the analogue signal bypassing DAC (if that's even true) and using it as a preamp is a no. Volume maxed at 100, it can barely reach 78 dB measured with iphone app. Lows are flat, no kick, too bright in general... Not sure if I got a faulty unit or the preamp section is trash by default.
Streaming sounds fine so far.
Just letting you guys know if you want to use it as an preamp...
P.S. Tested on ACA.
Cheers!