Apologies if this subject has already been covered and I have not managed to locate it it. I have almost convinced myself that I want a streaming option that does not include USB connectivity. Now before I go any further I should be clear and say I have only ever streamed Tidal using my inexpensive Activo CT-10.
I have everything I need to go to the next USB stage of streaming, a new fanless PC, master clock, 2 new Mirage USB cables. But at the back of my mind there is the constant thought that I will get a better sound by building a streaming rig that avoids USB connectivity however I still have a lot to learn on this front, hence this post.
Right now I am attracted to the idea of Raspberry Pi4 combined with a Pi2AES but I am more than happy to consider other options. IS2 connectivity is also an option as I am going to upgrade my Ares2 to a Pontus2 in late September. Any advice & thoughts are welcome, even critical ones 😉 Thanks PB
I have everything I need to go to the next USB stage of streaming, a new fanless PC, master clock, 2 new Mirage USB cables. But at the back of my mind there is the constant thought that I will get a better sound by building a streaming rig that avoids USB connectivity however I still have a lot to learn on this front, hence this post.
Right now I am attracted to the idea of Raspberry Pi4 combined with a Pi2AES but I am more than happy to consider other options. IS2 connectivity is also an option as I am going to upgrade my Ares2 to a Pontus2 in late September. Any advice & thoughts are welcome, even critical ones 😉 Thanks PB
Teac NT 505 that has no AES/EBU or IS2 and whose primary output focus is USB ~~~ I do appreciate all replies but this is the opposite of what I am looking for
Sorry, if I misunderstood the headline..
The NT-505 enables direct streaming from a router with no computer needed (eg. Tidal with MQA defolding is possible..) - USB input and chinch SPDIF input optionally.
I use it for tidal streaming with two English Electric network switches in a row after the router and external 10MHz clock with a wowy result..
have fun, Philipp
The NT-505 enables direct streaming from a router with no computer needed (eg. Tidal with MQA defolding is possible..) - USB input and chinch SPDIF input optionally.
I use it for tidal streaming with two English Electric network switches in a row after the router and external 10MHz clock with a wowy result..
have fun, Philipp
And apologies Philipp if I sounded a bit ungrateful I am simply focussed on avoiding USB as best I can
Have you ever thought about using Dante Visual Card with its protocols and taking advantage of licensee cards? You may have LAN input and outbound i2s connection. I personally use Roon and I did modify my dac to implement a Dante Micromedia card
I use a Google Chromecast audio as one way to stream. Optical spdif into a digital receiver to convert to i2s and then on to the DAC. After the Chromecast is all Ian Canada stuff. I use Spotify, BBC Sounds and Radio Paradise apps from my android phone to cast. Works a treat
Also I have an Rpi based system that is fed from the ether via a hardwired network cable. Uses Volumio or Moode again on my android phone. Gives me a few more web radio stations to choose from and also has well functioning Spotify.
This is obviously all on line music. I dont have a library of files to stream locally from a PC although that I assume is fairly simple with a Rpi.
Also I have an Rpi based system that is fed from the ether via a hardwired network cable. Uses Volumio or Moode again on my android phone. Gives me a few more web radio stations to choose from and also has well functioning Spotify.
This is obviously all on line music. I dont have a library of files to stream locally from a PC although that I assume is fairly simple with a Rpi.
Denafrips Ares has excellent TOSLINK jitter control:
By using optical you have complete electrical isolation. You wont get that with USB or I2S. Streaming TOSLINK opens many minimalist options.
By using optical you have complete electrical isolation. You wont get that with USB or I2S. Streaming TOSLINK opens many minimalist options.
The Denafrips is the exception. Toslink is the worst of interfaces. Tricks are needed to make it perform OK as the standard way is nearly always mediocre compared to coax/USB.
BTW yespsb, did you ever consider Elac DS-S101-G? I think it may not be the very best device but it sure is one of the most user friendly devices. If the DAC has FIFO, femto clocks and such the source is also not that influential anymore connected via coax. Benefit is stability, Roon so excellent software, relative good looks and flawless operation. No MQA but who misses that?
Some will see it as a step back (which I also thought it to be) but reality is different.
BTW yespsb, did you ever consider Elac DS-S101-G? I think it may not be the very best device but it sure is one of the most user friendly devices. If the DAC has FIFO, femto clocks and such the source is also not that influential anymore connected via coax. Benefit is stability, Roon so excellent software, relative good looks and flawless operation. No MQA but who misses that?
Some will see it as a step back (which I also thought it to be) but reality is different.
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Big thanks to everyone who has taken the time to reply. A great deal of what's been said is new to me so I am off to do some reading up ��
I Second the Elac DS-S101-G, had it for 3 yrs now (used almost daily all day) it’s Roon essential app comes with free lifetime use that is tied to the unit so second hand not a problem, its not full roon but close enough…..this app has Tidal integration which seamlessly cross references with your Tidal home app.
It sounds great to a good dac through spdif coax and also surprisingly good through its own internal dac.
They can be found at decent discount from retail if you look around.
It sounds great to a good dac through spdif coax and also surprisingly good through its own internal dac.
They can be found at decent discount from retail if you look around.
So being DIY audio is there something we can build to compete with the Elac as a streaming transport.?
It is good that the digital signal runs through network protocols such as Raat. Roon is the best. Why compromise it at the exit? No connections but only network protocols i.e. audio over IP. Aes 67 is a great way to avoid usb. The best connection is i2s. So the signal should only go down this road
Since the Elac has a meanwhile unlimited Roon Essentials license there is not much competition regarding software. Any other solution based on the full Roon license will cost more than the Elac with Roon. The Elac may not be the best but it sure has one of the best (user friendly) software available.
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the theme of the tread is to use a quality transmission as an alternative to the classic USB digital output. incoming roon is wonderful as sw.a we know that pc were not born for audio, and these have usb outputs, unfortunately. For reflection ..... if Roon with its Raat data packets is effective why not use a data transmission system similar to those used by Roon, up to the hardware. With Audinate for example.
Once again thanks for all the replies but if the device is predominantly used with a USB connection then it's not for me.