iPhone → mconnectLite app → wifi magic → rpi running some dlnp thing → optical → dac
Not sure how roon would work. Probably similar. But I would avoid airplay - it’s probably lossy.
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Various sources state AirPlay audio is lossless (converts all to ALAC):
http://geekout.io/index_files/The_truth_about_AirPlay_audio_streams.html
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oh word? i’ll have to look into that. i just ordered a card from hifiberry and haven’t had a chance to try it out, so i will have to revisit airplay as an option. i too am trying non-usb options especially into my modi multibit to see what difference it makes
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Initial impressions: IQaudio DAC Pro
I recently bought an IQaudio DAC Pro for my Raspberry Pi 4B. It cost $28.35 plus shipping from The Pi Hut. I compared it against AKM 4490 and Bifrost 2 DACs via speakers, and used the Koss Porta Pro to check its headphone output (as also in the entry level price bracket).
In sum, the DAC Pro sounds like a $30 DAC. The treble is thin and one dimensional, it’s bright with scooped mids, and the bass isn’t full or deep. The headphone output is weak by audiophile standards, with a rough and jagged high end. However, the headphone output is far superior to the Pi 4B’s onboard audio jack.
For around $100 one can put together an entry level Pi audio system (mainboard, case, power supply, 64GB flash RAM, DAC). It’ll sound like a $100 system, but this includes a flexible PC with internet, WiFi, and music storage space. One could pair the Pi with a $25 to $75 Class D amp to drive passive stereo speakers. Similar audio quality would have cost a lot more a few decades ago, and the Pi’s functionality couldn’t have been purchased for any price.
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My current Pi setup is a Pi4 running RopieeeXL, with a Topping D10s connected via USB to give me coaxial and optical outputs (that then run to my various systems). It also has RCA output that is decent, not TOTL but decent none the less.
In total it cost around 160€ including Pi and DAC and I find it to be a great solution for my set up.
I have a Zen Stream incoming and am looking forwards to testing the two solutions against each other.
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Waiting for your impressions about the Zen. I’m loving my Zen Mini MK3.
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I just jumped into the RPI sandbox with the purchase of a PI 4. The PI2AES Pro Audio Shield is not in production and out of stock. It will be available for pre-order in late November. This will be fun and may provide my Qutest with a cleaner feed (as opposed to running Roon completely on my main PC).
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It’s been a very (I mean very) busy year. Working on my first philosophy book and translating in Italian and French a book by Arthur Danto. My little Raspy with Inno Maker DAC and headphone amp is keeping me connected with music while at work. The Inno Maker costs nearly nothing (about €30 in Europe) and while being far for perfect it works quite well for some music on the flow. Using PiCore Player allows me to integrate the Raspy with my Innuos streamer, so I can listen to all my music stored on my main Innous System through Innuos Sense app on the Raspy. Great app, very well designed and easy to use.
Happy listening to all and have great festivities
the
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Hey Stefano !!! Great to see you.
I was looking through some of the “Now Playing” and other music suggestion threads the other day and thought “man, I haven’t seen @monochromios forever” and wondered how you were? I miss the unique and interesting music you would share that I probably would have never discovered otherwise.
Hope you’re well and happy holidays/new year to you!!!
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I’m fine mate, thank you.
It’s just a very busy, work, assignation period.
I’ve been involved in Superpang label too this year, for the first physical releases of the label after one year of digital only. Working with musicians like Mats Gustafsson’s been worth the time that’s been taken away from my usual life.
I hope to find you well and I wish you and your beloved ones great holidays time.
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That’s a good busy, and much better than experiencing problems. I guess we should call you ‘polychromios’ because you combined physical and digital.
Happy holidays to all.
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