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A simple streamer to be connected to an external DAC,any suggestions?

eric schmidt

June 08, 2021 03:32

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Hi everyone,

Super noob issue, but since I'm not an IT/ DIY guy, I must confess that I'm overwhelmed with so much information on the net to go ahead with a streaming project, I wonder if you have been through this and have some pointers.

In an analog way to a HiFi system where you have the best sound possible as you decouple devices, I'm interetesed on having this set up for digital HiRes/HiFi music.

Have as music source either Tidal or Spotify. Qobuz is not available at the moment in my country, but it's a matter of time, and also from a usb drive /ssd or similar flac files in HiRes.

Have a streamer to connect the streaming services and the usb/ssd drives, I guess here it comes Raspberry pi 4, and one HiBerry soudcard with digital output, the one who ensures best digital audio out to be further decoded.

An external DAC, I want an affordable, but recognized great quality/value such as some ChiFi brands, like the Topping D90, or other options, like the schiit designed in CA.

An integreted amplifier, where the analog RCA or XLR outputs from the DAC sends clear beutiful HiRes sound.

So, this in theory, what I have understand so far,  can you share some thoughts if I'm totally wrong or not.

 

I would love to use my mobile to control the apps both to stream music from Tidal, Spotify, hopefully Qobuz, and select the USB inputs to play from the USB/ssd drives.

 

I don't think roon is in my list of software to use, since don't want to pay for a monthly membership using software.

 

Most noob question, do I need a HiBerry soundcard?, with/without DAC?, software?, case, which can hold everything?.. I appreciate any hints , 

 

 

 

 

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3 comments

• 1
  
  HiFiBerry team June 08, 2021 04:21

  Read our recommendation here about external DACs:
  https://www.hifiberry.com/blog/techtalk-external-dacs/

• 1
  
  David C. Snyder June 08, 2021 06:02

  eric schmidt - this forum may not be the best place to ask bout external DACs since virtually all of the products here are designed to attach to a Raspberry Pi computer. HiFiBerry certainly could make an external DAC if they wished, but , as the tech talk suggests, they have chosen to create products that are optimized for internal I2S signal.

  More broadly, the system you are interested in sounds a lot like a Roon setup. You spoke of wanting to decouple devices to achieve the best sound quality, and Roon does this better than most systems. In an ideal deployment, Roon Core (eg., Nucleus, ROCK or Roon Server on a dedicated computer) acts as the central music "mainframe" for your home. It manages your music library, connects to streaming services, configures and streams to Outputs, and responds to requests from Control devices.

  Control devices are typically tablets and smartphones running the free Roon Remote app, but they can also be any laptop or desktop running the Roon app. A single Roon deployment only has one Core, but it can have many Controls. Each member of the household can have their own profile in a Roon system to keep up with listening activity, playlists, tags, etc.

  Finally, Outputs are where HiFiBerry comes in. Assembled with a Raspberry Pi, the "DAC" products act as network to analog (RCA) bridges. In fact, they run software from Roon called "Roon Bridge." Once enabled, Roon can stream to any number of these. The "Digi" products are network to S/PDIF bridges that can feed an external DAC with a traditional COAX or TOSLINK S/PDIF digital signal. Some DACs with USB inputs may actually sound better over COAX S/PDIF, so it's worth experimenting. Finally, the HiFiBerry "Amp" products are similar to "DAC" boards except that they are designed to drive passive loudspeakers. While they are not going to replace a $1k integrated amp, in my experience, they sound surprisingly good and are more than adequate for high-quality background music.

  An example of a serious digital system based on separates might look like this:

  • Music Server: Intel NUC running ROCK or Roon Nucleus
  • Controls: Apple iPad Air and various smartphones
  • Outputs: HiFiBerry AMP2 for most rooms, HiFiBerry DAC2 HD for the main system
  • Analog preamp: Topping Pre90 or Schiit Freya+
  • Amplifier(s): Schiit Aegir or Vidar, Cherry Maraschino, Orchard Audio Starkrimson
  • Loudspeakers: many great compatible options in the $1.5k to $5k range

  Such a system is "audiophile" oriented. Stacking the AAMP60 on top of the DAC2 HD may get you closer than you might imagine to all-out separates for amplification…at lower playback levels.

  Oh, and don't forget that the DAC boards can also be used to drive active loudspeakers. The DAC+ Pro XLR and a pair of JBL 308P MkII monitors on nice stands can outperform a great many traditional 2-channel setups.

• 0
  
  eric schmidt June 09, 2021 02:17

  Many thanks for your clear explanation, recommedations and advice David; BTW, I feel honoured to have an answer from you (I've read sevearal articles and posts signed by you over the web).

  This audio HiFi world is new to me, I'm starting humble, but it gets you, I'm hooked and trying to have a better understanding of it, particulararly digital format and its reproduction. Sure you know how much info it must be processed to undertstand it, at least a little bit.

  I will definitly look at roon, and dig deep into the HiFiBeeryDac2 HD, and check if feeding to an integrated amplifier via COAX is suitable/possible, I already have a nice pair of passive standfloors and feel happy with its performance.

  Can I ask if can I bypass the roon and stream from either a tablet, ipad or android device to the HiBerry DAC2 HD, Tidal/Qobuz and also read SSD with flac files (Above CD quality, such 24/96 or so), and from the HB directly to the Int. amplifier?

  I mean, I could decouple all devices.. but I prefer go step by step.. and experiment it (do not have all the time/resources to do it at once)

  Most appreciated