Back into Hifi - Want to go streaming service route (RPi + Roon + DAC)

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Prolle

Member
Joined 2013
#1
HI All;

Hope all are safe and well.

After house moves and other financial commitments forcing sale of all my hifi equipment, I now have some time to get back and an opportunity to get back into hifi.

I have my heart set on hi-res streaming (e.g. tidal) and biggest bang for buck, so use of a Raspberry Pi seems logical. I also like the look of Roon.

Speakers i will source locally, used, and the one piece of equipment that survived the clearout is a NAD 3130 integrated Amp.

So for the computer end of things, I am thinking Raspberry Pi 4 + DAC + Roon.

I have a 2018 i Mac that is constantly on, which I think I can run Roon core on.

I am struggling with the options out there for a Raspberry Pi based streamer (i.e. the software options for the Pi, the DAC options etc.) so has anyone any pointers on potential solutions that offer sound quality and reliability?

Thanks
 
#2
WHilst you have a myriad of choices for an RPi DAC (depending upon your budget, for one thing) the choice of RPi software really comes down to two if you're using Roon,:

RoPieee | RoPieee: a RoonBridge ready-to-go image for Raspberry Pi

Or:

DietPi - Lightweight justice for your SBC

You can spend hundreds on RPi DACs, but if I was starting again and was watching my expenditure, I'd be looking at either of the following:

BOSS I2S DAC v 1.2

Or:

Tone Board | Khadas

I am using both, but the KTB is my favourite, and excellent bang for your buck. It works particularly well with the RPi4's improved USB implementation.

However, considering the relatively small outlay, you can afford to experiment, which is half the fun, is it not?
 
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#4
The Khadas VIM series are excellent technical SBC's, but like a lot of other technically 'superior' SBC's, they lack the software and community support of the RPi. RPi's give you endless choices, and almost certainly someone would have had, and solved, any problems you should experience.

The only difference between the generic and VIM KTB's is that on the VIM edition the headers are already soldered in place, For the generic edition, the headers are supplied, for you to solder in place should you require them at a later date. Technically they are identical.

There is a good thread on the KTB here:

Review and Measurements of WesionTEK Khadas Tone Board DAC | Audio Science Review (ASR) Forum

Our very own Soundcheck also has discovered the KTB, his findings are here:


RPi4 and Khadas Toneboard

As a USB DAC, it will also work with your MAC, should you feel the need. Options, we like options!
 
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