I could see a reason to go from the raw USB output of a non-PIE2AES equipped Pi into the Matrix box - i.e. if you already had it, or felt it was better than the PIE2AES output.
Otherwise, I’d agree … I’d either be going USB->Matrix->DAC (with no network) or Network->Pi/PIE2AES->DAC.
I was meaning more as a single unit with multiple active outputs, could run 3 dacs from the X-Spdif for example, if you had the right interconnects and inputs on the DAC.
Yes, I believe all outputs are active. I’m currently running an Airist r2r via COAXIAL, and will be adding an X-Sabre Pro via I2S. I’m tempted to try the Modius via AES. I haven’t heard an AKM DAC, but I know they’re very popular.
Oh yeah, huh. If you already own the Matrix, sure.
My brain was locked into thinking it all would be a new purchase kind of scenario.
Thanks
Thanks, ProfFalkin, This looks very interesting, never built any electronics other than some XLR mic cables years ago (yeah, not really electronics I know), thankfully no soldering is required or it could get ugly.
The “How To” link has a link to what appears to be an older version of the Raspberry Pi, your link looks to be an updated version (Raspberry Pi 4).
https://www.raspberrypi.org/products/raspberry-pi-4-model-b/?variant=raspberry-pi-4-model-b-8gb
Does it matter how much RAM I buy for the Raspberry? On the How To thread, he is using his Windows computer to download the software needed (my laptop is Windows) to flash the micro SD card, etc. guessing this is not an issue with me ultimately using my iPad, correct? I see Fing is available for IOS, so guessing no problem there.
Bottom line, once I get a little more comfort level on the building thing, this looks to be just what I’m looking for. Guessing they don’t sell pre builts…
Thanks
It’s been tested with the Pi4, no worries there.
2 to 4GB of RAM should be plenty.
No issue using a Windows pc for initial setup. Once it’s on the network and configured, any of the iOS, Android or Windows devices should be able to use it.
One tip I can recommend once it is up and running: Connect to your wireless router via Windows and give the Pie2Aes a reserved DHCP address. Basically, you open a web browser and connect to your default gateway, sign in, and reserve an IP address for the device. This way it’s IP address never changes.
Note that iPads sometimes think a dac will exceed the allowable power limit and you’ll see a “device uses too much power” message and won’t be able to connect the dac.
A trick is to connect a usb hub to the iPad, and then connect the dac to the hub. The idea is that the iPad thinks the hub is ok power wise and allows it to connect. This trick doesn’t work with all usb hubs so it’s a try-and-see deal, but if you need to use iPad temporarily it could save the day.
Hello! I recently purchased the M50x, and they’re pretty good sounding for music, but for games I can barely tell where enemies are. I’ve read online that the soundstage on the DT 770 is much better and they sound pretty similar. (I can return these and get the Dt 770 80 Ohm, but it’s gonna be from outside the country, so there’ll be taxes etc, they’re about 30$ more with taxes since M50x is already overpriced here)
What I’m most concerned about is the vocals and mids in general, in the M50x they are pretty good to me, but they do sound a tiny bit recessed, although not much, and if the DT 770 has equivalent or better vocals/mids along with having as good or more punchy bass, then I’m all in, but I keep hearing that they are V shaped.
So my question is basically: are the vocals worse in the DT 770 than the M50x in terms of details? Are the more, or less recessed than the M50x?
Had forgotten about the iPad USB error, thanks for bringing that up. Any suggestions for a USB hub that works? Saw a few that have SD and micro SD card readers built in as well, which would be handy if it was a compatible USB hub.
The stars must be aligned because I just bought one of those hubs!
I checked and it works with my 9.7" iPad 2018.
Description on Amazon is:
USB 3.0 Hub,QGeeM 5 in 1 USB Hub for Laptop,2.5ft
$9.99
I’ll try to post a link
USB hub with sd reader
I’ve read somewhere that the tempotec sonata is best for 32-50 Ohm headphones so I’m not sure, but many people are praising it so I wanna hear from someone who has it, does it work on higher impedance headphones well?
You should stop creating new threads for every random ultra-specific question - those types of questions should be posted in this thread.
Hey, I’m sorry about that, didn’t know.
Will use this thread in the future, thanks!
Nice selections. Enjoy the music and journey 
What amp(s) you running? What DAC(s)? How these headphones perform and what you get out of them can be effected by upstream gear. The more info you provide the better info the forum can provide.
You seem to have done your research re the relative strengths of the cans you are looking at. The only one you didnt mention anything negative about was the VO, perhaps you have already made choice number one?
Not sure about the others but ZMF doesn’t have a return policy per se, just a good warranty, great customer service and reasonable service costs.
Good first post, dont forget to introduce yourself on the intro thread, and welcome.
Verité do sound like one of @Lana’s choices.
Based on what you’ve stated in regards to detail and your love of the Stellia, I’d consider the Utopia for your second choice.
Welcome to the forum, and good luck with the search. I look forward to hearing what you decide upon.
Cheers!
The Utopia was nixed due to timbre and treble response I think. Easy to miss in the post, I almost suggested it as well… We’re either great minds thinking alike or fools who seldom differ.
I did indeed skim over that!
I’m gonna go with the former rather than the latter. 
I really like my Empyreans. They are not, however, something that I recommend purchasing unless you’ve heard them. I find they do detail fine, but many an Audiophile equate increased treble quantity with being more detailed, and that’s not the Empyrean. If HD800 levels of treble are ok to you, the Empy will disappoint. It is also very dependent on the amp and dac you run. It’s way too soft sounding to run from the Asgard 3, for example. It needs an amp that sounds exciting and grabs the driver like a vice, like the ECP 3F or Schiit Jotunheim.
Verite on the other hand is a no brainier here, based on your preferences. Bass, detail, speed, staging, and a engaging timbre will draw you in.
I’ve heard the Abyss on numerous occasions, and it was pretty ok. They never felt comfortable enough that I’d spend the $ on a pair, let alone go down the rabbit hole of chasing the amp synergy that would really make them sing. Due to the comfort, I think they are a ‘in small doses’ kind of headphone. Regarding sound, it is very good. Impactful, in your face, and exciting in ways very few planarmagnetic can match - if driven properly. That caveat is a critical detail. They are very picky about amp pairings. With a bad amp, these will sound like a wet fart spread across dry toast. Personally, I’d pass on these until you can demo a pair.
I don’t want to sound like a complete ZMF shill, but have you considered the Auteur? They compliment the Verite very well. Where the Verite have a more energetic sound, the Auteur have a more neutral, even and organic presentation.
2 more headphones to look into: Rosson Rad-0 and The Heddphone. I haven’t heard either yet, but the constant praise and reviews from ears I trust suggest they are excellent.
Good suggestion but they have fairly different amping requirements re power. I could run the Rosson, not the HEDD with my beloved blue beauty as its a delicate flower. Hopefully we get an idea of what sources are in the mix here.
Ahh… so that’s why you got your 14th Jot! 