I will be getting my Ultra soon … and connected to external DAC (via USB). interesting to see how it compares in sound quality to Roon/PC streamer - my current reference.
Maybe others have already evaluated something similar?
Keep us updated Acko be interesting how you find it compares against the PC streamer .
I've been running the Ultra into i2SoverUSB , reclocker , pcm2dsd , Marcel RTZ FIRDAC . I like the convenience but need to spend more time with it
Yes, I am sort of behind the curve but it just as well to wait. When I first started it was about designing for Vinyl stuff but before the first cut, CDs took over so saved the all troubles ☺️
History sort of repeats for others stuff also - Recently all about DAC designing and I could hear all the rave about RPi streamers and the stack build up to incorporate more and features. I was just about to jump onto the RPI bandwagon and then these sleek devices with mostly everything integrated 😊
Many thanks to you for starting this thread 🙏
No thanks. Just choose wisely. I had most fun till now with the marvelous Elac DS-S101-G which is a prime example of keeping stuff simple and effective but Roon (it runs on a special Roon lifetime license version called Essentials) as a company was sold and this gives an uncertainty. The new owner will not like to give support to non paying customers I guess. Now the Eversolo DMP-A6 which is quite OK. The DMP-A8 has AKM inside but it was a tad too high priced I thought. You maybe are keen on having an internal SDD to store own files. I am and I don't want to do without. Not all have that. It is also nice to be able to fill that SSD over the network via gigabit ethernet. Not all have ethernet. A display seems unnecessary with a smart phone as controller but still it reminds of classic HiFi and it can be very handy. One of the most deciding factors is the quality and stability of the app. A fantastic device with mediocre app starts to get on the nerves quite soon. Roon as hardware independent (well...) is/was very good but quite a complex and costly setup and today with a subscription model which is against my likings.
The ideal one would be one where everything is done right but that won't happen 🙂 Many brands want to sell the same customer an external DAC or smart amplifier with built in DAC too. Silly thing really: in 2024 that 2 box approach.
Please just avoid Bluesound.
The ideal one would be one where everything is done right but that won't happen 🙂 Many brands want to sell the same customer an external DAC or smart amplifier with built in DAC too. Silly thing really: in 2024 that 2 box approach.
Please just avoid Bluesound.
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Duly noted, keeping and open mind 🙂
Oh I forgot to add earlier, just before I started collecting CDs, streaming took over so I don’t need NAS or SSDs- these will also pile up for landfill later
Oh I forgot to add earlier, just before I started collecting CDs, streaming took over so I don’t need NAS or SSDs- these will also pile up for landfill later
Own nothing and you will be happy.
It is a choice to be dependent on subscription models and content providers (for TV, various movie channels and a few for music) of which the total cost may be about the cost of the device when calculated over 1 year. Also to be dependent on an Internet connection. Like Netflix chances are also that albums suddenly are not in the catalog anymore. The hardware will end on landfill sooner than the SSDs I think as those always find a second use or will be music backups. Having an internal disk as possibility is nice to have even if you initially won't use it.
It is a choice to be dependent on subscription models and content providers (for TV, various movie channels and a few for music) of which the total cost may be about the cost of the device when calculated over 1 year. Also to be dependent on an Internet connection. Like Netflix chances are also that albums suddenly are not in the catalog anymore. The hardware will end on landfill sooner than the SSDs I think as those always find a second use or will be music backups. Having an internal disk as possibility is nice to have even if you initially won't use it.
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Got lifetime license here also but since I mostly stream can jump ship easily if the service from new owners become an issue. Have HQPlayer also that can now stream Quboz
Separates will stay on for quite a while, I think. Remember the days of MiniCompos taking on high end separates
It appears now the internal DACs of these new streamers are not exactly up there in sound quality. WiiM looks very attractively priced so using it as a separate is fine just for the streamer output. One can easily recase the WiiM and DAC unit for an integrated outcome just like what folks did for their RPi builds (and with display also 😎)
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Hummm, so you need à NAS elsewhere on your LAN if you have a libraire.
Not for me, I want a streamer where I can tie a SDD or a HDD. Then stream over the USB output. If I have to biy again à faster NAS, it becomes too much expensive. That is odd they didn't add an usb c class 3 input for that purpose. Or does it exist. I saw a HDMI, spidf, rj45 (fine) an usb B for the external DAC... if one want as I to use own DAC in spite of the ESS.
Edit: one box solution for J-P for Christmass is NAD M10?
Not for me, I want a streamer where I can tie a SDD or a HDD. Then stream over the USB output. If I have to biy again à faster NAS, it becomes too much expensive. That is odd they didn't add an usb c class 3 input for that purpose. Or does it exist. I saw a HDMI, spidf, rj45 (fine) an usb B for the external DAC... if one want as I to use own DAC in spite of the ESS.
Edit: one box solution for J-P for Christmass is NAD M10?
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There is usb input port for this purpose:
Attachments
Ah thanks, sorry of my question, I believed there was just one USB port...
Edit : re checked, seems there is only one usb port but bi directional, so you have input or output. so no possible to stream USB and have USB storage. Although Lan stuffs became very less expensive 🙂
Edit : re checked, seems there is only one usb port but bi directional, so you have input or output. so no possible to stream USB and have USB storage. Although Lan stuffs became very less expensive 🙂
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