I appreciate your explanation of the capabilities of this board. There is so much confusion surrounding audio products and it's rare to get an informed AND pragmatic description.
Nice review Hans. Always enjoy you're videos. No waffle, just the facts and the fact that you can build up to a more expensive set-up as funds allow is a bonus. I hope you're keeping well at the moment. Take care.
That is a nice touch to mention the modularity, that this is a platform with many many possibilities and upgrade paths, though only tinkerers will find this intresting and take advantage of it. It is also a (possibly very) sobering check that each upgrade is actually making a difference for the end user before plunging too deep.
Am now a bit confused, between this, the allo boss 1.2 and the new sabre 9038, my hifi set is around €4k too and I am listening to modern jazz mainly, but some electronic and pop too. Should I walk the extra mile and invest a bit more or there's no much difference between the 3? I'd like to invest in something that could last a bit in time. Thx Hans, your reviews are always of quality and much clear, you're a point of reference.
Hi, yesterday I swapped my Arylic S10 for a Raspberry Pi4 with Hifi Berry DAC2 HD with PCM 1796. It now sounds clearer and more precise than before, at least that's what I imagine. Test Amp NAD 315BEE (McIntosh RCA Cables) with B&W 606 S2 Signature Loudspeakers.
Hans, for this test, you connected the power supply to the Pi, not directly to the DAC board, right? And still you found the sound quality of the Ifi ipower power supply better than that of the regular Pi power supply?
I am looking into the Sbooster power supplies. Almost $500 CND A little expensive... I would like to hear comparative analysis, and numbers to go with to support the extra expense.
Great review! Just ordered one of these and would like to use a better power supply as mentioned in the video, but I'm not quite sure how. I only have some PC building experience and I'm wondering how the supply hooks to those two pins. Does it plug into the Pi itself and power from there? Or is there an adapter I need to install for those pins into the power supply?
Hi Hans, Good vid. There are so many audiophile HATS for the Pi, would be good to hear a comparison of a couple of like format (RCA out or SPDIF, etc.). I've used my Pi as a streamer (running MOODE that also hooks into TIDAL and QOBUZ via a DLNAController on my iphone), USB to my DAC, but am thinking that the DAC in my old receiver could use an upgrade, hence my question about the HATS. Thanks.
Try topping your PI (3b or 4) with an Allo Boss DAC and feed it with a Mophie 10k MaH DC battery (unplug when playing). For about $100 I bet you'll be glad you did.
I currently use Amazon Music HD for streaming. I don't think this is possible from Linux or any Pi OS. I do not believe there is a Linux version of the Amazon Music HD program. That being said, what would you recommend for the OS and which streaming service? Most of the music I own was ripped as WMA lossless or downloaded as high bit rate MP3. Don't judge. I had no idea what I was doing 10-15 years ago.
Nice will check. I have 2 rubicon lcr’s together with the rel t9i exactly between the rubicons. The sound is the most dynamic I’ve ever heard came from bowers&w and kef. I will check the Dac with rasberry p thanks!!
Hello. Nice review. I have a question. Is there a way to connect TV as source through this board? Fore example using Toslink or HDMI ARC, so DAC conversion is done by RPI and sent to amplifier?
Nice review Hans. I was wondering how it sounds compared to the Audiophonics DAC ES9038Q2M, which one do you prefer? I want to pick one of this two options to build a Streamer/DAC with RBP. Thanks!
Is it me or does the L1 inductor core looks snapped in the picture? Could you test a board the inductor intact and see if makes a difference when using the lower-cost power supplies?
Hi Hans, the RPi 4 is specified to use a 5V 3A powersupply. The ifi powersupply you suggest here, is rated 5V 2.5A, is that correct? If so, it would seem the ifi is not powerfull enough for a Rpi4, especially if you use a additional board like the Hifi Berrry on top of it. Ifi does have a new powersupply with 5V 3A, but that costs around €100. In the past I believe you also suggested a lps from a French webshop Audio Phonics, maybe they also have a powersupply for the RPi 4 (5V 3A). Great video!
I can confirm the ifi psu although rated 2.5A will drive the rpi4 and DAC2HD just fine. The ifi psu retail box also includes the required adapter to USB C which is not clear in product description on eg Amazon. I run it on my desk setup with volumio and KEF LS50 speakers and an older Audio Pro Sub+ via an XTZ Edge power amp. Very happy with the setup.
@@Mrhifitunes The Allo Nirvana is rated with a max of 2.85A. The Allo Shanti on the other hand is a dual linear power supply rated with 5V 3A (and a extra second 5V 1A), so that might be a better choice.
I tried using the Pi3 and Pi4 with this setup. Pi3 runs cooler and at the same speed FWIW. Argon 1 power supplies for Pi3 and Pi4 have never given me a power issue, even with USB & Pi hat attachments.
Hans your videos are fantastic and I often listen again (and find even more tips). For the HifiBerry DAC2HD you could also try the HiFiBerry OS. It makes the whole thing ROON READY (not a Bridge) which is a real plus . Spotify connect and others are also included. Its simple, has a great WebInterface. Downside - you cannot access USB DACS. It may be my ears but with the HiFIBerry OS and ROON Ready the sound its FANTASTIC and a DELIGHT to listen to (and will give some higher end setups a run for their money - I tried into into my NAIM system !). Enjoy.
What software on an andriod device can you use to control roopieXL , I have a NAS acting as a dlna server with all my audio in flac format ? thanks for any advice
Thanks for the video. It’s a shame none of these DAC Hats have a digital input. I have a separate dedicated player. Would have loved to build a pi-based separate DAC with digital input from the player and and ofcourse analogue out to the preamp.
If putting this in a vehicle what 12 volt to 5 volt power supply would you recommend? is it purely based on amperage? so anything that has 3.5 amps or above would be okay or equal to that Nirvana power supply?
nice explanation, I hate software though and would just like to digitize my cd collection, store it on my NAS and use a Raspberry Pi to pass the audio unmolested into my HiFi stereo receiver via RCA input/output. The nomenclature is killing me. In layman's terms NAS + Raspberry Pi = replacement for 300 disc cd player is the function I seek. Another annoyance is audio ripping that can not deal with tracks that purposely flow from one into another such as Beatles Sgt. Pepper album when track one flows into track two, there is no interruption of sound on the vinyl or the cd however I have yet to find software capable of playing back the two tracks correctly from audio files. Seems technology is stealing my favorite music.
@@DrDryce Thank you, I started with PiCore, forced to fully reinstall it three times in two days, moved to Volumio, but it doesn't support BLE and finally switched to Moodle. It is my fault because I didn't check support before :-(. And now Moodle support says that they do not support HD2 because it is not sent to them (normally) and HiFiBerry seems doesn't want to send it because they are forcing their own player. I will simply sell it on eBay and buy Allo. Too many problems.
@@iocat I use volumio - it works really well . It uses a web interface for control, which you can access using a browser on any device such as phone, tablet or computer. You can use either an ethernet or wi-fi connection to the pi. Basically all you need is the pi plus an output hat , in this case the hiberry DAC connected to your amp and speakers or active speakers. Great sound at a cheap price. Hans lives in world of 30000 euro systems
@@davidhardaker192 .......I only have wi fi from an xfinity hotspot next to my apartment.....no cable or router into the apartment.I can access the hot spot on my imac and my android phone.I subscribe to spotify prime.Would I be able to access an rpi with this dac hat ...and feed it to my stereo?
I appreciate your explanation of the capabilities of this board. There is so much confusion surrounding audio products and it's rare to get an informed AND pragmatic description.
My pleasure
Another great, clear video. It’s easy to see how much effort you put into these - many thanks Hans
Glad you enjoyed it
Thank you for the best explanation, I have come across so far
You're very welcome!
Nice review Hans. Always enjoy you're videos. No waffle, just the facts and the fact that you can build up to a more expensive set-up as funds allow is a bonus. I hope you're keeping well at the moment. Take care.
That is a nice touch to mention the modularity, that this is a platform with many many possibilities and upgrade paths, though only tinkerers will find this intresting and take advantage of it. It is also a (possibly very) sobering check that each upgrade is actually making a difference for the end user before plunging too deep.
Am now a bit confused, between this, the allo boss 1.2 and the new sabre 9038, my hifi set is around €4k too and I am listening to modern jazz mainly, but some electronic and pop too. Should I walk the extra mile and invest a bit more or there's no much difference between the 3?
I'd like to invest in something that could last a bit in time.
Thx Hans, your reviews are always of quality and much clear, you're a point of reference.
I'm interested in how it compares to the Allo, as well. ~Frank
@@yourpalfranc Me too.
i would also like to know the audible difference between the new hifiberry and the i-sabre 9038. @hans do you have a recommendation?
@@bonschlonzo777 I'm wondering about this exact comparison too
Same here
The most laser spot on analysis I have ever seen. Less words. More info. PERFECT! Thank You! :)
Wow, thank you!
I built one last year, it was a fun project. I use it with my roon as the endpoint for my bedroom into another DAC. Pretty simple.
Hi, yesterday I swapped my Arylic S10 for a Raspberry Pi4 with Hifi Berry DAC2 HD with PCM 1796. It now sounds clearer and more precise than before, at least that's what I imagine. Test Amp NAD 315BEE (McIntosh RCA Cables) with B&W 606 S2 Signature Loudspeakers.
Of course. And if you go one step further up, it again will sound better.
Hans, for this test, you connected the power supply to the Pi, not directly to the DAC board, right? And still you found the sound quality of the Ifi ipower power supply better than that of the regular Pi power supply?
Yep
I am looking into the Sbooster power supplies. Almost $500 CND A little expensive... I would like to hear comparative analysis, and numbers to go with to support the extra expense.
Please watch Q&A: Which device is better?: ua-cam.com/video/BzLmC4n2DX4/v-deo.html
@@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel Thank you Hans. Hope everything is going well in Holland :-)
Very helpful. I am thinking of getting this board.
Great review! Just ordered one of these and would like to use a better power supply as mentioned in the video, but I'm not quite sure how. I only have some PC building experience and I'm wondering how the supply hooks to those two pins. Does it plug into the Pi itself and power from there? Or is there an adapter I need to install for those pins into the power supply?
Yu have to order the hook and solder it on the circuit board.
@@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel okay that's what I was thinking! Where would I find one? What is the full name for the hook?
@@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel Never mind I found your video on it! Thanks so much!
Hi Hans, Good vid. There are so many audiophile HATS for the Pi, would be good to hear a comparison of a couple of like format (RCA out or SPDIF, etc.). I've used my Pi as a streamer (running MOODE that also hooks into TIDAL and QOBUZ via a DLNAController on my iphone), USB to my DAC, but am thinking that the DAC in my old receiver could use an upgrade, hence my question about the HATS. Thanks.
Try topping your PI (3b or 4) with an Allo Boss DAC and feed it with a Mophie 10k MaH DC battery (unplug when playing). For about $100 I bet you'll be glad you did.
Hans, would love to see your analysis of the new Lindemann Musicbook. High end. But better than Auralic?
I currently use Amazon Music HD for streaming. I don't think this is possible from Linux or any Pi OS. I do not believe there is a Linux version of the Amazon Music HD program. That being said, what would you recommend for the OS and which streaming service? Most of the music I own was ripped as WMA lossless or downloaded as high bit rate MP3. Don't judge. I had no idea what I was doing 10-15 years ago.
Nice will check. I have 2 rubicon lcr’s together with the rel t9i exactly between the rubicons. The sound is the most dynamic I’ve ever heard came from bowers&w and kef. I will check the Dac with rasberry p thanks!!
Sounds great!
Hello. Nice review. I have a question. Is there a way to connect TV as source through this board? Fore example using Toslink or HDMI ARC, so DAC conversion is done by RPI and sent to amplifier?
Not possible
Nice review Hans. I was wondering how it sounds compared to the Audiophonics DAC ES9038Q2M, which one do you prefer? I want to pick one of this two options to build a Streamer/DAC with RBP. Thanks!
I prefer the Node for the MQA support, the far better software and support of streaming services.
What a great review, thank you
Thanks for watching!
Is there any high quality power supplies that don’t require you to cut the power cord and solder it?
Most quality PSU's are available with a power connector that will fit your RPi.
Is it me or does the L1 inductor core looks snapped in the picture? Could you test a board the inductor intact and see if makes a difference when using the lower-cost power supplies?
Hi Hans, the RPi 4 is specified to use a 5V 3A powersupply. The ifi powersupply you suggest here, is rated 5V 2.5A, is that correct? If so, it would seem the ifi is not powerfull enough for a Rpi4, especially if you use a additional board like the Hifi Berrry on top of it. Ifi does have a new powersupply with 5V 3A, but that costs around €100. In the past I believe you also suggested a lps from a French webshop Audio Phonics, maybe they also have a powersupply for the RPi 4 (5V 3A). Great video!
I can confirm the ifi psu although rated 2.5A will drive the rpi4 and DAC2HD just fine. The ifi psu retail box also includes the required adapter to USB C which is not clear in product description on eg Amazon. I run it on my desk setup with volumio and KEF LS50 speakers and an older Audio Pro Sub+ via an XTZ Edge power amp. Very happy with the setup.
You can get the iPower X PSU with with 5V / 3A for around 90€
@@Mrhifitunes The Allo Nirvana is rated with a max of 2.85A. The Allo Shanti on the other hand is a dual linear power supply rated with 5V 3A (and a extra second 5V 1A), so that might be a better choice.
A DC battery like a Mophie works great, too, as long as you unplug the battery from upstream AC when playing.
I tried using the Pi3 and Pi4 with this setup. Pi3 runs cooler and at the same speed FWIW. Argon 1 power supplies for Pi3 and Pi4 have never given me a power issue, even with USB & Pi hat attachments.
6:24 When Hans transforms into Emperor Palpatine.
I tried so hard😞
Haha, thanks for clarifying that.
Great video, Hans. Thanks
Many thanks!
its my understanding that this doesnt have ability to be powered separate from the Pi. Is there a ways to power it separately with a linear supply?
If you check out my reviews you will see that its easy to cut a track on the PCB to power the Pi and the HAT board separately.
Wait- I can get a (better than Pi Foundation) power supply for the DAC that will power the Pi as well?!? Or did I mishear that?
No you didn’t
@@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel Fantasric! Thank you for making the prequel video showing me the way
My pleasure entirely
Hans your videos are fantastic and I often listen again (and find even more tips). For the HifiBerry DAC2HD you could also try the HiFiBerry OS. It makes the whole thing ROON READY (not a Bridge) which is a real plus . Spotify connect and others are also included. Its simple, has a great WebInterface. Downside - you cannot access USB DACS. It may be my ears but with the HiFIBerry OS and ROON Ready the sound its FANTASTIC and a DELIGHT to listen to (and will give some higher end setups a run for their money - I tried into into my NAIM system !). Enjoy.
I'll see if I can find some time (no promise).
What software on an andriod device can you use to control roopieXL , I have a NAS acting as a dlna server with all my audio in flac format ? thanks for any advice
You can use any DLNA controller app. These are plenty in both Apple iOS and Android app shops. I use Glider (glideraudio.com)
Thanks for the video. It’s a shame none of these DAC Hats have a digital input. I have a separate dedicated player. Would have loved to build a pi-based separate DAC with digital input from the player and and ofcourse analogue out to the preamp.
The only reason to build a Pi DAC is to have the Pi function as streamer or network bridge. So it's unlikely you find what you are looking for.
If putting this in a vehicle what 12 volt to 5 volt power supply would you recommend? is it purely based on amperage? so anything that has 3.5 amps or above would be okay or equal to that Nirvana power supply?
I’m no expert in car stereo. Sorry
can the raspberry pie be used to do Roon end point (for me) and also bluetooth with a phone (for my wife)?
I can’t find anything for the raspberry pi. You could go for the Argon Audio Solo. That can do it all but costs € 200 and is only available in the EU.
Very deep analisis from these small boards. Awsome. Congratulations
Thank
Is it just me or does the inductor in the power section to be snapped off the board?
the h b channel 💎
Have you reviewed this JCAT USB Isolator, I'm still looking for a simple answer to computer hifi.
Sorry no
You could also install symphonic-mpd which will turn off all USB ports on the Pi and of course, you would need to stream from NAS/streaming providers.
Thank you Hans 👍🏻
Welcome!
nice!
Thanks!
Thanks Hans!!
👍🏼
nice explanation, I hate software though and would just like to digitize my cd collection, store it on my NAS and use a Raspberry Pi to pass the audio unmolested into my HiFi stereo receiver via RCA input/output. The nomenclature is killing me. In layman's terms NAS + Raspberry Pi = replacement for 300 disc cd player is the function I seek. Another annoyance is audio ripping that can not deal with tracks that purposely flow from one into another such as Beatles Sgt. Pepper album when track one flows into track two, there is no interruption of sound on the vinyl or the cd however I have yet to find software capable of playing back the two tracks correctly from audio files. Seems technology is stealing my favorite music.
You can rip Sgt. Peppers into a single FLAC &.cue file. This is a great method for live recordings as well.
Or use a decent streamer that can play albums gapless.
It doesn't work with Moode Audio. So, I have a nice device in a nice white enclosure and I am using the direct output from RPi. Useless.
Check other players such as PiCore player, RoPieeeXL, Volumio and others
@@DrDryce Thank you, I started with PiCore, forced to fully reinstall it three times in two days, moved to Volumio, but it doesn't support BLE and finally switched to Moodle. It is my fault because I didn't check support before :-(. And now Moodle support says that they do not support HD2 because it is not sent to them (normally) and HiFiBerry seems doesn't want to send it because they are forcing their own player. I will simply sell it on eBay and buy Allo. Too many problems.
DAC2 HD uses same driver as the DAC2 pro. Just select DAC2 pro in the moodeaudio settings.
thank u
You're welcome!
Don't forget that you can put all your music on a hard disk, plug it in the pi and bingo.
What software do you use for selecting and playing music from a HDD attached to the Pi?
@@iocat I use volumio - it works really well . It uses a web interface for control, which you can access using a browser on any device such as phone, tablet or computer. You can use either an ethernet or wi-fi connection to the pi. Basically all you need is the pi plus an output hat , in this case the hiberry DAC connected to your amp and speakers or active speakers. Great sound at a cheap price. Hans lives in world of 30000 euro systems
I clearly stated in the video that I used Volumio next to RoPieee/Roon.
@@davidhardaker192 Thanks!!
@@davidhardaker192 .......I only have wi fi from an xfinity hotspot next to my apartment.....no cable or router into the apartment.I can access the hot spot on my imac and my android phone.I subscribe to spotify prime.Would I be able to access an rpi with this dac hat ...and feed it to my stereo?
I use a USB power bank to power my Allo Boss 1.2 and separate it from the Pi power.
Sure that works, but is noisier than a good audiophile PSU.
You can also power the Boss and Pi via a power bank through the Boss USB input, thereby removing the entire unit from AC altogether during playback.
As said, those are noisy