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Post by Deleted on Jan 6, 2019 0:09:53 GMT
So, today I finally managed, with lots of instruction by a guy called Mike, to connect a Raspberry pi to my system, install some music files on a usb flash drive and listen to the result.
I have to say, I am totally dumbstruck.
I've resisted the lure of these Pi's mainly due to my lack of understanding and in part because I was highly dubious about how well it could actually perform.
I am regretting not trying one earlier.
Ok, I probably would have made it through the install and possibly made it work but it was a lot easier with a guide. I am pretty sure that any reasonable person can do this with the help of a couple of YouTube vids. So if it's holding you back from trying it, bite the bullet.
On to the spec.
This is a Pi 2 I believe, with Allo Boss DAC hat. I haven't heard anything else from any Pi related companies so I'll just judge it on its own merits.
The sound is really very very good. Better than any CD player I've had for sure. Soundstage is massive. And I mean "rivaling the vinyl" massive. It's abundantly detailed and yet sufferers no glare or harshness whatsoever. It's has Excellent fluidity and the music flows as it should. Vocals sound excellent too. Human like rather than organic, but I did forget on numerous occasions that I was listening to the pi and not the vinyl.
Bass is tight and intrinsically displayed. Finger slides, feet buzz and the snappy hits of the strings, ring through and the texture really is impressive.
The highs float across my room like waves of light catching the dust in the air and the filigree catches your attention.
It's the mids that hold the magic though. Lots of tone and timbre. It really is very good.
Performer placement is not as precise as the Vinyl or the Sony CDP for that matter, however, this is a minor issue and certainly not something id write it off for. It not smeared either just not as easy to pick people out. I'd put this down to not imaging as well as the analogue rig.
The only other minor niggle is that cybals on occasion seem to escape the control and lose a bit of tone. Sometimes they sound a little splashy. Not always, just now and again. Not majorly splashy, just not as wholesome as vinyl. I may be a little harsh on that point but I thought it so I wrote it.
Would I buy a Raspberry pi and have it installed in my system?
Definitely.
I never ever thought I'd invest in digital but this has really opened my eyes. It's not Vinyl, it's different. Not worse either, just a different approach to music replay that actually still sounded like a believable performance. Not mechanical, not artificial just music.
Total price of the package I have here is about £80. That is just ridiculous for what I am hearing.
A linear PSU will set you back and extra £50ish and I suspect it may be worth going that extra step.
I am now reading about isolator boards which galvanically isolates the DAC from the pi. This could be a major play in SQ and at £150 for the board (from Allo), it's starting to get into dedicated DAC territory.
Will I venture into that with the Pi?
I'll let you know.
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Post by antonio on Jan 6, 2019 6:31:50 GMT
Pleased you're liking digital music. No need to rush with any improvements, they seem to bring out upgrades at regular intervals, although linear PSU's never seem to let you down.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 6, 2019 7:25:08 GMT
Pleased you're liking digital music. No need to rush with any improvements, they seem to bring out upgrades at regular intervals, although linear PSU's never seem to let you down. It's cool. I like it. The gadgetry is as interesting as the sound so it is very likely to stick around for a while. First task was to get a PI so ive bought one. Next task is to power it so I'll get a Chinese built Linear PSU, because as you say, the reports are pretty consistent of sonic improvement. I am waiting for everyone to wake up so I can go and have a listen lol |
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Post by macca on Jan 6, 2019 9:41:25 GMT
What's the source of the music files you are using\?
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Post by antonio on Jan 6, 2019 9:43:13 GMT
The problem of course is, one can get lazy and vinyl takes a backseat. Getting up and changing vinyl every 20 mins can become a chore.  |
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Post by Deleted on Jan 6, 2019 10:33:07 GMT
Mmmmmmmm......a linear supplied Raspberry Pi 2 with Allo Boss DAC hat and galvanic isolators.
No thanks.
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Post by antonio on Jan 6, 2019 10:54:34 GMT
I guess you've got to move with the times Jammy. Just out of curiosity what source will you be using with your new amp/speakers or will that be letting the cat out of the bag.  |
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Post by Deleted on Jan 6, 2019 19:26:49 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jan 6, 2019 19:37:39 GMT
Pi is beaten on looks in this case!! Stunningly pretty |
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Post by Deleted on Jan 20, 2019 15:29:23 GMT
The linear power supply arrived for the Raspberry Pi a few days ago but obviously due to me breaking my wrist my thumb etc I haven't been able to give it try.
Alan popped round today to collect a few bits and pieces so while he was here I asked him if he would put the Raspberry Pi together with the linear power supply.
We had a little hour session and straight away the power supply made a lot of difference. it just cleaned the sound up is probably the easiest way to describe it. For me there is a definite removal of bloom from the bass which was a bit of a shame really because as I suspected I do have a little bit of a bass deficiency from my DCB1. This came to light a while back when Steve and I made the same preamp and we both opted to use audio note tantulums. unfortunately Steve found they were a little shy in the low frequencies but up until now as I'd only been using the Raspberry Pi with standard smps, I hadn't realised.
Implementing the linear power supply it became obvious very very quickly to me that the audio note Tantalum are a problem in the preamp and I will be removing them as soon as I can move my hand.
So on to the power supply: it cost approximately £50 to get into the UK. I didn't pay any charges on that when it landed so I'm very pleased. According to Alan's estimation it's providing 5 volts and about 1.75 amps which is a little down on the advertised 3 amps but being from China nothing is ever quite what it seems I'm very pleased with the results on one hand because it's quite obvious that there's more performance to be had from the pie with a few astute purchases.
I need to change resistors in the preamp which is depressing but this a good upgrade in my opinion.
I may look at improving the PSU with a bit more amps.
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Post by antonio on Jan 20, 2019 17:51:35 GMT
That looks quite an impressive cdp Jammy.  Bigman - pleased the LPSU has improved the Pi, I thought it might. |
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Post by Deleted on Jan 20, 2019 18:42:54 GMT
That looks quite an impressive cdp Jammy. Thanks Ant, im glad to report it sounds impressive as well. Swore i would never go down the vintage road again after my Sony ES cdp went tits up. BUT........I always hankered after one, on hearing / seeing my mates one 35years ago. This example has recently undergone a full service and recap. EVERY ELECTROLYTIC CAPACITOR REPLACED. Not just the usual half dozen main PSU caps, but also in the servo control circuitry, data processing, decoding, and analogue buffer stages. A total of 31 caps. in all. Analogue mute switches replaced. CDM-1 deck serviced. Servo settings optimised. All LEDs replaced......etc. Strictly NO MODS. This has been sympathetically restored to comply with the original spec. - As MARANTZ intended. -No deviations. It's as close to what came of the production line as possible. Near mint appearance. Rare to find one this good. So fingers crossed........Only bug bear, no remote control. |
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Post by Deleted on Jan 20, 2019 18:47:50 GMT
Worth doing. Good bit of kit!
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Post by pauld on Jan 23, 2019 19:14:34 GMT
I had a Pi for a while last year and thought it was incredibly disappointing in comparison to say my then Cambridge Audio CXC I was using as a CD Transport at the time. Lots of people say how good it is, but I felt completely let down by it.
The NovaFidelity X40 I have now absolutely blew it out of the water and then the Cambridge Audio CXC with Beresford DAC for that matter.
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Post by Bigman80 on Jan 23, 2019 19:32:08 GMT
I had a Pi for a while last year and thought it was incredibly disappointing in comparison to say my then Cambridge Audio CXC I was using as a CD Transport at the time. Lots of people say how good it is, but I felt completely let down by it. The NovaFidelity X40 I have now absolutely blew it out of the water and then the Cambridge Audio CXC with Beresford DAC for that matter. I’ve heard so many different reports on the pi, it’s hard to reconcile them. My instinct tells me I’d probably agree with Paul. It’s a wretched thing anyway, imo. I wouldn’t give one house room on looks and build, let alone hassle factor. I’d sooner have no music at all than have to use a pi or anything similar to make music. The word “computer” is far more likely to be associated with pain than pleasure afaic. |
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Post by Deleted on Jan 23, 2019 19:39:26 GMT
Ive had many Raspberry PI's.........tastless and bland.
Cant beat Sticky Toffee Pudding.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 23, 2019 19:45:37 GMT
I won't disagree with your opinion but for any digital item to last more than a week in my system is testament to it's quality.
I don't do digital, but I do now
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Post by Deleted on Jan 23, 2019 19:48:39 GMT
I had a Pi for a while last year and thought it was incredibly disappointing in comparison to say my then Cambridge Audio CXC I was using as a CD Transport at the time. Lots of people say how good it is, but I felt completely let down by it. The NovaFidelity X40 I have now absolutely blew it out of the water and then the Cambridge Audio CXC with Beresford DAC for that matter. I’ve heard so many different reports on the pi, it’s hard to reconcile them. My instinct tells me I’d probably agree with Paul. It’s a wretched thing anyway, imo. I wouldn’t give one house room on looks and build, let alone hassle factor. I’d sooner have no music at all than have to use a pi or anything similar to make music. The word “computer” is far more likely to be associated with pain than pleasure afaic. It's the fear of them being complicated or somehow low in quality that put me off. I loaned one first and straight away I knew it was well worth investigating. I'd put this one up against the M2TECH I had and I'd pick the pi |
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Post by Bigman80 on Jan 23, 2019 19:56:53 GMT
I don’t understand how we have regressed from having a truly plug-and-play digital format in the 1980s to wiring up random bits of tat and various dodgy bits of hassle-ridden software just to get the same end result, although arguably inferior sonically.
To me it’s analogous to going from buying a brand new Aston Martin to participating in an episode of “scrapheap challenge” to fashion a go kart that runs on cow dung!
I guess it presses lots of the wrong buttons for me.
1. I can’t be bothered in any way when it comes to faffing round when I want to listen to music,
2. I hate anything to do with Microsoft, PCs, Computers, software, firmware, downloads, patches etc.
3. I detest plasticky tat. Especially if it has come from China or any part of the Third World.
4. I need a physical medium. I’d rather pay for a Cd or disc than listen free via streaming.
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Post by macca on Jan 23, 2019 20:55:38 GMT
I think it is good that there are lots of options for people. But I'm happy just sticking a CD on.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 23, 2019 21:01:06 GMT
Respect macca............
You stick cds on sticky toffee pudding.
Show this rasp pi playschool flac monkeys the way to go...... 👍😀👍😀👍😀
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Post by Deleted on Jan 23, 2019 21:10:12 GMT
I think it is good that there are lots of options for people. But I'm happy just sticking a CD on. I have technofear running through me like Edinburgh through a stick of rock. CDs and LPs, yes. Streaming, downloading, arsing about with software, nay, nay and thrice nay. |
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Post by macca on Jan 23, 2019 21:23:59 GMT
No-one ever lets on about the amount of arsing around that is required, that's the thing. It's massive amounts and you have to be constantly fettling the thing with software updates and so on. Or the damn thing refuses to work one day for no reason (as all computers do) so instead of relaxing with music you are pissing about with it trying to work out what it's needy little silicon heart wants now.
Some people love all that Sh#t I know but for us normal people it's hours of tedium.
Whereas the CD is exactly what people in the 1970s thought would be the future - a shiny little disc read by a laser. 1970s future was the best future, you've only got to watch the Sci-fi shows from then to see that. The real future turned out to be much crappier than we were promised by Space 1999 and UFO, and streaming is part of that crappiness.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 23, 2019 22:05:41 GMT
No-one ever lets on about the amount of arsing around that is required, that's the thing. It's massive amounts and you have to be constantly fettling the thing with software updates and so on. Or the damn thing refuses to work one day for no reason (as all computers do) so instead of relaxing with music you are pissing about with it trying to work out what it's needy little silicon heart wants now. Some people love all that Sh#t I know but for us normal people it's hours of tedium. Whereas the CD is exactly what people in the 1970s thought would be the future - a shiny little disc read by a laser. 1970s future was the best future, you've only got to watch the Sci-fi shows from then to see that. The real future turned out to be much crappier than we were promised by Space 1999 and UFO, and streaming is part of that crappiness. That's because it's easy as.....pi lol Honestly. If it was a pain in the arse, I'd say. I didn't believe it was easy in fact all the talk of code and thus that and the other really put me off Truth is, plug a HDD into the pi with glacier files on, instal Volumio onto a micro SD and put the Volumio web page on and you are away. It's stupidly easy. As for SQ, Macca, I'll put the pi in against your Best cdp and let's see where the differences are!! |
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Post by Deleted on Jan 23, 2019 22:35:20 GMT
Respect macca............ You stick cds on sticky toffee pudding. Show this rasp pi playschool flac monkeys the way to go...... 👍😀👍😀👍😀 Wish I had your way of putting things Jammy. It's a gift! |
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Post by Deleted on Jan 23, 2019 23:15:48 GMT
Respect macca............ You stick cds on sticky toffee pudding. Show this rasp pi playschool flac monkeys the way to go...... 👍😀👍😀👍😀 Wish I had your way of putting things Jammy. It's a gift! Lol |
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Post by macca on Jan 24, 2019 7:39:07 GMT
No-one ever lets on about the amount of arsing around that is required, that's the thing. It's massive amounts and you have to be constantly fettling the thing with software updates and so on. Or the damn thing refuses to work one day for no reason (as all computers do) so instead of relaxing with music you are pissing about with it trying to work out what it's needy little silicon heart wants now. Some people love all that Sh#t I know but for us normal people it's hours of tedium. Whereas the CD is exactly what people in the 1970s thought would be the future - a shiny little disc read by a laser. 1970s future was the best future, you've only got to watch the Sci-fi shows from then to see that. The real future turned out to be much crappier than we were promised by Space 1999 and UFO, and streaming is part of that crappiness. That's because it's easy as.....pi lol Honestly. If it was a pain in the arse, I'd say. I didn't believe it was easy in fact all the talk of code and thus that and the other really put me off Truth is, plug a HDD into the pi with glacier files on, instal Volumio onto a micro SD and put the Volumio web page on and you are away. It's stupidly easy. As for SQ, Macca, I'll put the pi in against your Best cdp and let's see where the differences are!! Not criticising the SQ, just the whole concept of streaming. But if we do have a Pepsi challenge my money will still be on the Technics. |
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Post by Deleted on Jan 24, 2019 8:24:42 GMT
That's because it's easy as.....pi lol Honestly. If it was a pain in the arse, I'd say. I didn't believe it was easy in fact all the talk of code and thus that and the other really put me off Truth is, plug a HDD into the pi with glacier files on, instal Volumio onto a micro SD and put the Volumio web page on and you are away. It's stupidly easy. As for SQ, Macca, I'll put the pi in against your Best cdp and let's see where the differences are!! Not criticising the SQ, just the whole concept of streaming. But if we do have a Pepsi challenge my money will still be on the Technics. The pepsi challenge! I haven't heard that for ages lol. Just for comparison, it would be good to do. I don't know how the pi would fare against the might of the 1200. It's less than half the price (new) of a used 1200 so if it got close, I'd be impressed |
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Post by macca on Jan 24, 2019 8:27:46 GMT
Well it depends, the Technics you are getting from Mr K only cost me £175.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 24, 2019 8:33:20 GMT
Well it depends, the Technics you are getting from Mr K only cost me £175. Yes, but the Pi, lpsu, DAC, cost me £90 total. Only just over half. Still no word on that BTW. |
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