Just looked up that Ferrum Hypsos and it costs 999 Euro. This means just the PSU would fit in the original scope of the thread 😉 Reviewers like the fact that it has adjustable output voltage (in the linear era this was fully normal…). Ah well, I for sure am glad that building excellent linear PSUs is one of the more easy branches of this hobby. Saves some money to spend on a streamer.
Read the link regarding the iFi Zen Stream. It seems to be one of those devices where coax SPDIF is better than USB.
Read the link regarding the iFi Zen Stream. It seems to be one of those devices where coax SPDIF is better than USB.
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I don't use it, it was to show how little power is drawn. It is very expensive yes. Only got it as I got an offer - can probably sell for the same, which I will. But there are several in that price bracket.
I use this + an r-core, and find better with pi2aes: 0.8uV Ultralow noise DAC power supply regulator +-9/12/15V 1.5A*x2 - DIYINHK
I use this + an r-core, and find better with pi2aes: 0.8uV Ultralow noise DAC power supply regulator +-9/12/15V 1.5A*x2 - DIYINHK
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Those are good but paralleled LT3045 PSUs generally are better. So the types that don’t use a NPN or PNP pass transistor (for higher output current). I built (and still build) around 15 linear PSUs just for fun and the ones with R-core and either paralleled LT3045 or TPS7A4700 were among the best. Older LM723 devices can be very good but these are not low drop low loss PSU’s. My own SBT PSU is also not shabby but it has an unpractical input voltage limit of 20V so for 14…15V output maximum with carefully selected 12V transformers. With a little luck I found a rail of original LT1084 in TO247 and although they are not the most silent they are certainly usable for higher current devices.
All are better than normal and upgraded SMPS but I never tried the iFi SMPS and I doubt if I ever will with the experiences with SMPS in audio in general. In fact I discarded all SMPS after the tests. They have more drawbacks than positive features in low power applications.
All are better than normal and upgraded SMPS but I never tried the iFi SMPS and I doubt if I ever will with the experiences with SMPS in audio in general. In fact I discarded all SMPS after the tests. They have more drawbacks than positive features in low power applications.
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I am exactly pondering to get this instead;
ALD-HPULN PS | MPAudio
Not because of the extra current, but the parallel lt3045.
Let me know if you know anything better? Pi2aes deserves the best😉
I am very happy with the diyinhk model, but I asked them if using it for 30v could be problematic. They said is was untested and that they could not recommend it. I have been running like that for half a year and everything is cool, I expect any problems would have shown long time ago. But I am not knowledgeable enough to judge the circuit myself.
I only have 1 doubt, I've seen both that parallel lt3045 will decrease and increase the output impedance. The increase was said by Ian, underless I misunderstood it which I don't think. But that's my only doubt.
ALD-HPULN PS | MPAudio
Not because of the extra current, but the parallel lt3045.
Let me know if you know anything better? Pi2aes deserves the best😉
I am very happy with the diyinhk model, but I asked them if using it for 30v could be problematic. They said is was untested and that they could not recommend it. I have been running like that for half a year and everything is cool, I expect any problems would have shown long time ago. But I am not knowledgeable enough to judge the circuit myself.
I only have 1 doubt, I've seen both that parallel lt3045 will decrease and increase the output impedance. The increase was said by Ian, underless I misunderstood it which I don't think. But that's my only doubt.
Mmm I don’t use symmetrical PSU’s for asymmetrical use. I know these DIYINHK modules and built a few myself. Anyway I got a module from that brand from a member here. He sold it as he did not like it. I also did not like it despite the technical features, one could hear it immediately. I removed the 560 uF polymer output caps and used BG N series 4.7 uF in antiparallel instead as these were on my bench. Then it was OK.
If I would need a 30V PSU I would build a discrete PSU with LM723. Still one of the better ones for such voltages. Using parts rated for way lower voltages is asking for trouble.
If I would need a 30V PSU I would build a discrete PSU with LM723. Still one of the better ones for such voltages. Using parts rated for way lower voltages is asking for trouble.
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FWIT : Best music streamers 2021: upgrade to a wireless system | What Hi-Fi?
of course biased and to take with a grain of salt, but at least proposes a list (see november issue about streamers)
of course biased and to take with a grain of salt, but at least proposes a list (see november issue about streamers)
Hi, I sold my Elac DS-S101-G yesterday with pain in the heart. First device with rock solid software combined with user friendliness. Despite its shortcomings a nice experience all together. Connected a Volumio device and immediately was let down. Volumio is nice but Roon is so much nicer.
Tried out the Cambridge CXN V2 but I am not a buyer. The iFi Zen Stream issues still are not solved.
So what to do? Wait for the Zen Stream issues to be solved? Are there any satisfied Zen Stream users out there? 😀
Tried out the Cambridge CXN V2 but I am not a buyer. The iFi Zen Stream issues still are not solved.
So what to do? Wait for the Zen Stream issues to be solved? Are there any satisfied Zen Stream users out there? 😀
I'm sure there are a few happy Zen Streamer users, but some people are masochists. 
Pi + Hat for endpoints (or separate DAC for main system) + Roon/Ropiee works very well for me. It would have been my recommendation, but it didn't fit the OPs original request. Also, now that you can't get lifetime for Roon any longer, it makes the economics a bit more challenging. I think I saw that you can still get some version of it included for life with one particular streamer / partnership that they're still honoring. I made a brief attempt to remember / Google it, but failed.
The only thing I "wish" for Roon is better integration with Qobuz. Audirvana will sync with Qobuz and update Qobuz playlists, which I like very much. Roon will "point to" Qobuz and pull tracks, but it won't update Qobuz playlists. Both those statements are to the best of my knowledge, but I hope to be proven incorrect, particularly for the latter.
(Runs away quickly for mentioning a Pi-based non "stand alone" solution again)
Jan - Another company you could look into is Sonos if it hasn't been mentioned. I have quite a number of their devices, and I'm happy. I installed Sonos exclusively for relatives and friends simply b/c of their fabulous customer service and ease of use. I could install it and never receive a call. My personal devices for in-ceiling/deck speakers etc. have been going strong for at least 15 years. Their mesh-networking was ahead of its time for audio (IMO). Is it "the best", nope, but it has coax digital out, so it could work for you. It does not have a USB plug in. Their Port is the closest thing to what you may want. I don't think you'd ever have an issue with support and the product working out of the box flawlessly in my experience. Their software, library management, is also pretty good. Not sure of max track count for personal libraries using Sonos. That was a limiting factor for me with a few pieces of software, and one of the reasons I use Roon.
Pi + Hat for endpoints (or separate DAC for main system) + Roon/Ropiee works very well for me. It would have been my recommendation, but it didn't fit the OPs original request. Also, now that you can't get lifetime for Roon any longer, it makes the economics a bit more challenging. I think I saw that you can still get some version of it included for life with one particular streamer / partnership that they're still honoring. I made a brief attempt to remember / Google it, but failed.
The only thing I "wish" for Roon is better integration with Qobuz. Audirvana will sync with Qobuz and update Qobuz playlists, which I like very much. Roon will "point to" Qobuz and pull tracks, but it won't update Qobuz playlists. Both those statements are to the best of my knowledge, but I hope to be proven incorrect, particularly for the latter.
(Runs away quickly for mentioning a Pi-based non "stand alone" solution again)
Jan - Another company you could look into is Sonos if it hasn't been mentioned. I have quite a number of their devices, and I'm happy. I installed Sonos exclusively for relatives and friends simply b/c of their fabulous customer service and ease of use. I could install it and never receive a call. My personal devices for in-ceiling/deck speakers etc. have been going strong for at least 15 years. Their mesh-networking was ahead of its time for audio (IMO). Is it "the best", nope, but it has coax digital out, so it could work for you. It does not have a USB plug in. Their Port is the closest thing to what you may want. I don't think you'd ever have an issue with support and the product working out of the box flawlessly in my experience. Their software, library management, is also pretty good. Not sure of max track count for personal libraries using Sonos. That was a limiting factor for me with a few pieces of software, and one of the reasons I use Roon.
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That's it... thanks.
For some reason my memory and search capability failed. It seems even the new ELAC products have their Roon Essentials included vs. just older products having it grandfathered in. Given that the gap between ELAC's Roon Essentials and "full Roon" seem to be growing smaller, that could be a great choice for those that don't want a monthly fee or don't already have Roon Lifetime.
For some reason my memory and search capability failed. It seems even the new ELAC products have their Roon Essentials included vs. just older products having it grandfathered in. Given that the gap between ELAC's Roon Essentials and "full Roon" seem to be growing smaller, that could be a great choice for those that don't want a monthly fee or don't already have Roon Lifetime.
With Roon Essential you can't use DSP EQ or DSP digital material- just PCM-, or another endpoints for multirooms -. Sort of Roon Rock free soft
Is the Elac a light solution à la Roon Rock or just an Endpoint that needs you buy Roon or use its Tock free ware for managing the library (database) ?
however I assume all the Roon products are making their online research through the Roon Cloud server for authentification and web informations agregations for the owner the owner local data base (tags) ?
Jan Diden could instal Rock which is a plug and play install package on a 500 euros Intel NUC (i5 to i7 Intel chip) with a soundcard to feed his dac through a Roon endpoint on an Rpi with the Rooopie software package or an on shelf Rendu device ? both server and endpoint wireless tied or directly from the NUC via USB output via an USB isolator chip (up to 192 kHz material). I beleive the whole stay in the 1000 euros with a a SSD 100 Go for Rock and 1 to 2 To 3.5 disc for the data base in the NUC + Rpi4 with Roopie or a 300 euros Micro Rendu.
Ok less friendly than an on shelf hifi device !But Roon wysiwyg 🙂 , not sure about the FM radio though🙁
What I don't knowor understand is if you have the on line tags research that feed your local database with the Free Roon products (Rock, Elac Roon Essential)
Is the Elac a light solution à la Roon Rock or just an Endpoint that needs you buy Roon or use its Tock free ware for managing the library (database) ?
however I assume all the Roon products are making their online research through the Roon Cloud server for authentification and web informations agregations for the owner the owner local data base (tags) ?
Jan Diden could instal Rock which is a plug and play install package on a 500 euros Intel NUC (i5 to i7 Intel chip) with a soundcard to feed his dac through a Roon endpoint on an Rpi with the Rooopie software package or an on shelf Rendu device ? both server and endpoint wireless tied or directly from the NUC via USB output via an USB isolator chip (up to 192 kHz material). I beleive the whole stay in the 1000 euros with a a SSD 100 Go for Rock and 1 to 2 To 3.5 disc for the data base in the NUC + Rpi4 with Roopie or a 300 euros Micro Rendu.
Ok less friendly than an on shelf hifi device !But Roon wysiwyg 🙂 , not sure about the FM radio though🙁
What I don't knowor understand is if you have the on line tags research that feed your local database with the Free Roon products (Rock, Elac Roon Essential)
The ELAC Discovery is a Roon Ready product that has some of its own software.
What I think I remember is that Roon originally also made Roon Essentials available for use with non OEM products. Now, I think, Roon Essentials is only for use with OEM products. It and may now be exclusive to ELAC through what I can only assume is an "old" deal. That is all purely from a bad memory and some speculation.
Roon Essentials currently supports multiple endpoints. That is known. They're now on the 1.7 release vs. 1.8 for "full" Roon.
The "actual" differences have not been fully documented to the best of my knowledge, which to me seems a bit off, but such is life. ELAC customer service seems to give different answers at different times. However, it would be nice if they would more clearly list and know the differences. I can only speculate that Roon would prefer to not have people buying ELAC devices simply to get a cheaper lifetime Roon subscription (albeit with slightly less functionality).
Either way, the differences between what's included with ELAC products and the full Roon seem to be getting smaller.
The Roon forums have a dedicated thread or two noting differences, but the information seems to change. I trust the posts noting direct conversations with ELAC customer service and/or those posted by Roon Moderators.
Good Hunting.
What I think I remember is that Roon originally also made Roon Essentials available for use with non OEM products. Now, I think, Roon Essentials is only for use with OEM products. It and may now be exclusive to ELAC through what I can only assume is an "old" deal. That is all purely from a bad memory and some speculation.
Roon Essentials currently supports multiple endpoints. That is known. They're now on the 1.7 release vs. 1.8 for "full" Roon.
The "actual" differences have not been fully documented to the best of my knowledge, which to me seems a bit off, but such is life. ELAC customer service seems to give different answers at different times. However, it would be nice if they would more clearly list and know the differences. I can only speculate that Roon would prefer to not have people buying ELAC devices simply to get a cheaper lifetime Roon subscription (albeit with slightly less functionality).
Either way, the differences between what's included with ELAC products and the full Roon seem to be getting smaller.
The Roon forums have a dedicated thread or two noting differences, but the information seems to change. I trust the posts noting direct conversations with ELAC customer service and/or those posted by Roon Moderators.
Good Hunting.
I beginn to wonder if JRiver or HQplayer on a NUC , playback option ruled via a tablett and a smartphone via wifi to the NUC could not be the best option if one don't want to lost himself in a "Full Roon Party" paying for monthly issue. You can use room EQ, VLC, net radios...
Mood on the Allo good Rpi4 core streamer + Camilla DSP as well for room corection (IIR & FIR) ?
don't like too much MINIDSP products but this one is inside the target: SHD Studio - All Digital Processor : SHD + DLNA + JRiver
Also asking as maybe time to me to swapp my old slow synology NAS... the brand has not too much followed the audiophil world for its packages (LMS and Roon is ok though)
Mood on the Allo good Rpi4 core streamer + Camilla DSP as well for room corection (IIR & FIR) ?
don't like too much MINIDSP products but this one is inside the target: SHD Studio - All Digital Processor : SHD + DLNA + JRiver
Also asking as maybe time to me to swapp my old slow synology NAS... the brand has not too much followed the audiophil world for its packages (LMS and Roon is ok though)
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That's the "fun" part about some of this. What's "best"?
I used JRiver and HQPlayer as a combo before I switched to Roon+HQPlayer. Then I dropped HQPlayer altogether after I found myself down the rabbit hole of different filtering options. Truthfully, I found the filtering options educational and fun, but were I put to gunpoint, I am not sure I could tell you that I could reliably tell a difference between them. Plus... at that time... I could pin an i7, 7700 running some of the filters.
So, at least at that time... I was using 'relatively' high compute power to have some fun. I chose to repurpose it. Now that NUCs etc. have that same compute power for relatively less money, and you can use them for many, many different things, I think they're a neat option. This is from a guy that also used to use old Apple Mac Minis.
That perfect integration of:
- "all-in-one" library management (Streaming services + Personal Library and Integrated playlists)
- Supporting all of a user's streaming service provider desires
- Discussions about "streaming only" vs. incorporating DACs and other features both hardware and software related.
- "Best" Digital and Analog solutions for the conversion from D to A separated from streaming (if appropriate) and the connections supported ...
- Support for things like DSD and/or MQA if that's important
- The user interface and ease of use over life. Expected life of the product and support
- Cost and/or Effort
All those things + the compromises one may make for things important to user groups allow so many choices in the market.
tl;dr - I've tried many... I currently use a few ... Except for my Sonos devices, none of the solutions I use are "out of the box ready to use". All have some sort of "separate computer" involved from a RasPi through to a full on "gaming machine".
re: Your NAS. I still use a set of 4 spinners in my old Synology. Plenty of bandwidth / speed for different music playing in multiple zones and a movie or two playing at the same time. With that said, now that solid state storage has become more reliable and cheaper over the years, I do plan on adding a few TB of SSD storage to a NAS. Right now, I just use a local network disk share to a server vs. a Synology for anything like that, but eventually I'll replace the old Synology with an SSD solution and move the other files.
I used JRiver and HQPlayer as a combo before I switched to Roon+HQPlayer. Then I dropped HQPlayer altogether after I found myself down the rabbit hole of different filtering options. Truthfully, I found the filtering options educational and fun, but were I put to gunpoint, I am not sure I could tell you that I could reliably tell a difference between them. Plus... at that time... I could pin an i7, 7700 running some of the filters.
So, at least at that time... I was using 'relatively' high compute power to have some fun. I chose to repurpose it. Now that NUCs etc. have that same compute power for relatively less money, and you can use them for many, many different things, I think they're a neat option. This is from a guy that also used to use old Apple Mac Minis.
That perfect integration of:
- "all-in-one" library management (Streaming services + Personal Library and Integrated playlists)
- Supporting all of a user's streaming service provider desires
- Discussions about "streaming only" vs. incorporating DACs and other features both hardware and software related.
- "Best" Digital and Analog solutions for the conversion from D to A separated from streaming (if appropriate) and the connections supported ...
- Support for things like DSD and/or MQA if that's important
- The user interface and ease of use over life. Expected life of the product and support
- Cost and/or Effort
All those things + the compromises one may make for things important to user groups allow so many choices in the market.
tl;dr - I've tried many... I currently use a few ... Except for my Sonos devices, none of the solutions I use are "out of the box ready to use". All have some sort of "separate computer" involved from a RasPi through to a full on "gaming machine".
re: Your NAS. I still use a set of 4 spinners in my old Synology. Plenty of bandwidth / speed for different music playing in multiple zones and a movie or two playing at the same time. With that said, now that solid state storage has become more reliable and cheaper over the years, I do plan on adding a few TB of SSD storage to a NAS. Right now, I just use a local network disk share to a server vs. a Synology for anything like that, but eventually I'll replace the old Synology with an SSD solution and move the other files.
Roon essentials is just a limited version of roon, it’s library works the same but is limited to 60k tracks, most streaming services and net radio are included but none of the extra features are available through essentials, just library management.
Everything you need for roon as a player just no audio adjustments. There is a couple settings inherent to the discovery such as a lufs option and bit rates etc.
Why on earth did you sell yours Jean-Paul?
Everything you need for roon as a player just no audio adjustments. There is a couple settings inherent to the discovery such as a lufs option and bit rates etc.
Why on earth did you sell yours Jean-Paul?
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NUC 11 Pro with the fastest processor i7-1185 is really outstanding option. Combined with a linear power supply of your choice, it will rival and comfortably beat streamers in excess of $5,000.
It can:
- support the ASDM7EC DSD modulator at x256 bit rates in HQ Player. This will sound very nice... will actually expand the dynamic range and reveal a level of details that is simply beautiful. Just combine it with a good DAC.
- run its processor at only 1.2GHz. The CPU already runs at very low logic level voltages. I.e. with a very nice LPS, it will provide an extremely low noise environment. With JRiver playing raw files (native resolution) and NOS DAC, it will provide very interesting, true bit-perfect results.
- The LPS can be tuned to suit the rest of the system and the specific listening room. It can be just a combo of fast switching soft recovery diodes with a capacitors' bank of your choice to provide the sound character that is just perfect. Or, it can be any other LPS implementation... even one of very low noise, based on LT3045, for example. I ended up using just a capacitor bank.
- not to mention that it will run whatever OS you choose if Win OS is not for you because it runs a garbage load of background applications. However, the WIN server 2012 runs only a few. This was my choice.
- it can be accessed from any tablet and phone via remote desktop connection, for example.
- it is very small and can be hidden away easily. The fan noise is also not an issue even with the ASDM7EC DSD modulator at x256 bit rates. With JRiver, native file resolution and an underclocked CPU, the fan will never come on.
- not to mention that.... it is a very fast PC that can work as a media centre of fantastic capabilities.
- it is a DIY-er mecca... I just mentioned only a few options above that will provide many hours of tinker joy.
The downside is... no coax and optical digital outs, so it is best suited for DAC's with USB input.
It can:
- support the ASDM7EC DSD modulator at x256 bit rates in HQ Player. This will sound very nice... will actually expand the dynamic range and reveal a level of details that is simply beautiful. Just combine it with a good DAC.
- run its processor at only 1.2GHz. The CPU already runs at very low logic level voltages. I.e. with a very nice LPS, it will provide an extremely low noise environment. With JRiver playing raw files (native resolution) and NOS DAC, it will provide very interesting, true bit-perfect results.
- The LPS can be tuned to suit the rest of the system and the specific listening room. It can be just a combo of fast switching soft recovery diodes with a capacitors' bank of your choice to provide the sound character that is just perfect. Or, it can be any other LPS implementation... even one of very low noise, based on LT3045, for example. I ended up using just a capacitor bank.
- not to mention that it will run whatever OS you choose if Win OS is not for you because it runs a garbage load of background applications. However, the WIN server 2012 runs only a few. This was my choice.
- it can be accessed from any tablet and phone via remote desktop connection, for example.
- it is very small and can be hidden away easily. The fan noise is also not an issue even with the ASDM7EC DSD modulator at x256 bit rates. With JRiver, native file resolution and an underclocked CPU, the fan will never come on.
- not to mention that.... it is a very fast PC that can work as a media centre of fantastic capabilities.
- it is a DIY-er mecca... I just mentioned only a few options above that will provide many hours of tinker joy.
The downside is... no coax and optical digital outs, so it is best suited for DAC's with USB input.
I don't know Vitus but the Grimm is a 0 too much with pricing. The MU1 is a great device though.
Yes I don't attach to material stuff but this was a mistake felt when I sold it. Great device. For some reason I have the impression that support will stop though. Add the hunger for new developments to that. Ah well, it's just a device. Maybe another one will pass by 😀
I now define USB output to the wish list, just as local storage. I don't see the point of streaming when it can be done simpler. I don't need any form of DSP or added complexity. Roon Essentials cuts the cake.
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@ Jp: So what you need is the free Roon Rock if you do not want the full stuffs. NUC I5 or more. 2 hard disk, one ssd 128 go for Roon and meta data, and a second hdd clqssic spinner for the disc library.
It autoinstall from a disc image as an OS on a NUC or any pc and is wisiwig, no OS before like windows or raw Linux to rule.
If worried about streamin trough Usb cause you are feared by NUC noise, you can certainly stream trough wifi, maybe Bluetooth. to a roon endpoint renderer like Moode, Roopie on a cheap Rpi 4 2Go that output trough its usb or i2s towards the dac. Story to break the ground loop towards your Dac through the gnd of the Nuc.
I just see Moode has launched its last release and it has dsp eq via embeded Camilla Dsp. Not sure a Jriver media center does better but if you need a convolver perhaps. For a server and renderer solution with a Rpi is certainly a friendly user experience.
There iis Daphile, same OS thing than Roon you install on a PC without OS below. Limired to 192 khz and PC or Nuc.
This is of course if one is not using active speaker with a soft convolution for an active filter.
Not sure what is wanting Jan Diden, simplicity, no diy, etc.
For my own need I will go for something that permit FIR active filter for active multichannels crossovers through a single usb output for a multichannel dac a la Oktodac Pro 8 channels. Camilla DSP does that but not sure for the embeded version in Moode for Rpi. Rpi becomes powerfull with its 8 Go ram edition yet.
Copper coils for loudspeakers are more and more expensive....
It autoinstall from a disc image as an OS on a NUC or any pc and is wisiwig, no OS before like windows or raw Linux to rule.
If worried about streamin trough Usb cause you are feared by NUC noise, you can certainly stream trough wifi, maybe Bluetooth. to a roon endpoint renderer like Moode, Roopie on a cheap Rpi 4 2Go that output trough its usb or i2s towards the dac. Story to break the ground loop towards your Dac through the gnd of the Nuc.
I just see Moode has launched its last release and it has dsp eq via embeded Camilla Dsp. Not sure a Jriver media center does better but if you need a convolver perhaps. For a server and renderer solution with a Rpi is certainly a friendly user experience.
There iis Daphile, same OS thing than Roon you install on a PC without OS below. Limired to 192 khz and PC or Nuc.
This is of course if one is not using active speaker with a soft convolution for an active filter.
Not sure what is wanting Jan Diden, simplicity, no diy, etc.
For my own need I will go for something that permit FIR active filter for active multichannels crossovers through a single usb output for a multichannel dac a la Oktodac Pro 8 channels. Camilla DSP does that but not sure for the embeded version in Moode for Rpi. Rpi becomes powerfull with its 8 Go ram edition yet.
Copper coils for loudspeakers are more and more expensive....