The Dark Side; Digital audio equipment recommendations and setup.

Well, I bought a year of Roon after my trial ended-- really loving it so far. If I'm still using it this time next year, I'll buy the lifetime sub. I just want to make sure it's not a passing thing for me, which these audio things can be sometimes. I was really into tubes....... still kinda am into tubes.

anyway, I set up a RaspberryPi 3 B+ (which is like brainlessly simple) and flashed RoPieee. It basically turned my Pi into a seamless Roon endpoint. It was honestly so stupidly easy. I have the thing plugged in behind my Schiit Asgard 3 and just stream whatever to it while I'm listening.

Big downside though, allegedly the rpi's USB section is pretty bad. I can't say I'm noticing a huge difference, but I was just using my phone as the endpoint before, which wasn't lossless (the rpi is). Unfortunately my Asgard 3 has their built in USB multibit DAC, which is nice and I do like, but there's no easy solution. I'm thinking about getting an Allo HAT and using coax, but that means I'll need a new DAC/amp probably.... and oh god the rabbit hole is real my friends.

Anyway, happy for now. The rpi solution is SO EASY. And despite the allegedly noisy USB, the sound is decent enough. And I spent like $60 all told to build a little network streamer. Preeeeeetty cool. I highly recommend it. Couldn't have been easier.
 
Joe Mac said:
Its not cheap but €10 a month on the yearly sub for something that is so far ahead of all its competitors and makes listening to files an experience rather than a chore is well worth it for me too. The fact you can add files from the two lossless streaming providers into your library is pretty damn awesome too!
Click to expand...

Agree 1000%. To me, the service/interface that Roon provides is worth the cost of the lifetime membership. With zero regrets.
 
botherly said:
Well, I bought a year of Roon after my trial ended-- really loving it so far. If I'm still using it this time next year, I'll buy the lifetime sub. I just want to make sure it's not a passing thing for me, which these audio things can be sometimes. I was really into tubes....... still kinda am into tubes.

anyway, I set up a RaspberryPi 3 B+ (which is like brainlessly simple) and flashed RoPieee. It basically turned my Pi into a seamless Roon endpoint. It was honestly so stupidly easy. I have the thing plugged in behind my Schiit Asgard 3 and just stream whatever to it while I'm listening.

Big downside though, allegedly the rpi's USB section is pretty bad. I can't say I'm noticing a huge difference, but I was just using my phone as the endpoint before, which wasn't lossless (the rpi is). Unfortunately my Asgard 3 has their built in USB multibit DAC, which is nice and I do like, but there's no easy solution. I'm thinking about getting an Allo HAT and using coax, but that means I'll need a new DAC/amp probably.... and oh god the rabbit hole is real my friends.

Anyway, happy for now. The rpi solution is SO EASY. And despite the allegedly noisy USB, the sound is decent enough. And I spent like $60 all told to build a little network streamer. Preeeeeetty cool. I highly recommend it. Couldn't have been easier.
Click to expand...

I think allo do a usb reclocker hat too that allows you to output a clean usb. I’m sure I remember hearing that...
 
AnthonyI said:
I've actually been reading up on Roon and looking for a Roon ready Network streamer........any thoughts or suggestions?
Click to expand...

so many options, from the bottom with a raspberry pi & HiFiBerry DAC hat with Roon endpoint software on an SD card as the OS right up to a lumin one for like €4-5k. It all depends on what features you want, what file types you want to be able to use. I’d not discount the pi and hifiberry as a first move into that game. They sound remarkable for the money, if they were capable of handling DSD I’d still be using mine! Bear in mind with Roon you also need a core (be that a computer or an always on NUC or at the extravagant end one of their Nucleuses) that’s on when you are listening.
 
i dunno if id need audirvana or amarra, since i dont have any DSD files, i dont have a tidal subscription (though i am tempted because it would only be 5 dollars more since im a student), and i dunno if i'd see the improvement, but i do still think about getting a new DAC and stuff so i will figure it out one day.. my overthinking makes me think "but what if"
 
Joe Mac said:
so many options, from the bottom with a raspberry pi & HiFiBerry DAC hat with Roon endpoint software on an SD card as the OS right up to a lumin one for like €4-5k. It all depends on what features you want, what file types you want to be able to use. I’d not discount the pi and hifiberry as a first move into that game. They sound remarkable for the money, if they were capable of handling DSD I’d still be using mine! Bear in mind with Roon you also need a core (be that a computer or an always on NUC or at the extravagant end one of their Nucleuses) that’s on when you are listening.
Click to expand...
Ya, my PC is always on so that would be the core. I have a hard line at my system so whatever doesn't need to go wireless. I just want something that will stream whatever service (Roon) I have and be able to stream from my audio files from my drive. The files can be moved to an external as well as a NAS, I have options there. I don't know if I'll ever go all high res, it's just more for the convenience of listening to what I don't have on vinyl or sampling music I might want on vinyl.

If that all makes sense :)
 
botherly said:
Well, I bought a year of Roon after my trial ended-- really loving it so far. If I'm still using it this time next year, I'll buy the lifetime sub. I just want to make sure it's not a passing thing for me, which these audio things can be sometimes. I was really into tubes....... still kinda am into tubes.

anyway, I set up a RaspberryPi 3 B+ (which is like brainlessly simple) and flashed RoPieee. It basically turned my Pi into a seamless Roon endpoint. It was honestly so stupidly easy. I have the thing plugged in behind my Schiit Asgard 3 and just stream whatever to it while I'm listening.

Big downside though, allegedly the rpi's USB section is pretty bad. I can't say I'm noticing a huge difference, but I was just using my phone as the endpoint before, which wasn't lossless (the rpi is). Unfortunately my Asgard 3 has their built in USB multibit DAC, which is nice and I do like, but there's no easy solution. I'm thinking about getting an Allo HAT and using coax, but that means I'll need a new DAC/amp probably.... and oh god the rabbit hole is real my friends.

Anyway, happy for now. The rpi solution is SO EASY. And despite the allegedly noisy USB, the sound is decent enough. And I spent like $60 all told to build a little network streamer. Preeeeeetty cool. I highly recommend it. Couldn't have been easier.
Click to expand...

I knew they did one! It’s not bad value for the money, it does use a pi commute module rather than the actual full pi though! There is also a full player version with a nice aluminium box.

USBridge Sig - Ultra low noise RPI

USBridge Sig - Ultra low noise RPI
www.allo.com www.allo.com
 
AnthonyI said:
I've actually been reading up on Roon and looking for a Roon ready Network streamer........any thoughts or suggestions?
Click to expand...
I have the Aries Mini and really like it. I wanted to get something on the cheaper side to see if I would continue using high res digital before sinking a lot of money into a setup. Wanted something that could serve as a Roon endpoint or work on its own. I have an internal HDD installed on it which houses music files. It plays all sorts of files and comes with its own proprietary software (might be iOS only?) if you don’t want to pay for Roon. The proprietary software isn’t great but gets the job done and can connect to Qobuz and I believe Tidal. Also has a built-in DAC with the option to attach an external and bypass the internal DAC. It also has Airplay and Bluetooth. Like you, my comp at home is always on and acts as the Roon core now that I subscribed to it.

I was lucky enough to find an Aries mini on eBay with the linear power supply and HD already installed and I believe I paid $400 for it total. They aren’t super easy to find now though and I don’t know that Aries still makes them. I’ve been more than happy with it though so far.
 
AnthonyI said:
Ya, my PC is always on so that would be the core. I have a hard line at my system so whatever doesn't need to go wireless. I just want something that will stream whatever service (Roon) I have and be able to stream from my audio files from my drive. The files can be moved to an external as well as a NAS, I have options there. I don't know if I'll ever go all high res, it's just more for the convenience of listening to what I don't have on vinyl or sampling music I might want on vinyl.

If that all makes sense :)
Click to expand...

it does. Do you use Spotify. Just a heads up that if you do it isn’t compatible with Roon. So far only qobuz and tidal are. From what I gather from Roon the likes of Spotify, Apple Music and amazon prime music have no intention of working with them. That does not, of course, mean that you can’t use Roon for your files, you’ll just have to have a player that is capable of running Spotify connect/airplay etc at the same time.

are you looking to get a statement piece, spend a decent amount of money (500 or so) or just dip your toes in the water?

If it’s the last I’d definitely recommend the pi/hifiberry with hifiberry os on it. That will let you load a Roon endpoint/Spotify connect and airplay. I’d recommend the DAC+ pro of their boards. From what I remember the whole package cost me around €100 direct from hifiberry.
 
MikeH said:
I have the Aries Mini and really like it. I wanted to get something on the cheaper side to see if I would continue using high res digital before sinking a lot of money into a setup. Wanted something that could serve as a Roon endpoint or work on its own. I have an internal HDD installed on it which houses music files. It plays all sorts of files and comes with its own proprietary software (might be iOS only?) if you don’t want to pay for Roon. The proprietary software isn’t great but gets the job done and can connect to Qobuz and I believe Tidal. Also has a built-in DAC with the option to attach an external and bypass the internal DAC. It also has Airplay and Bluetooth. Like you, my comp at home is always on and acts as the Roon core now that I subscribed to it.

I was lucky enough to find an Aries mini on eBay with the linear power supply and HD already installed and I believe I paid $400 for it total. They aren’t super easy to find now though and I don’t know that Aries still makes them. I’ve been more than happy with it though so far.
Click to expand...

no ares discontinued them because their margins were just too tight to justify producing them. Finding one new is almost impossible at this stage.
 
Joe Mac said:
it does. Do you use Spotify. Just a heads up that if you do it isn’t compatible with Roon. So far only qobuz and tidal are. From what I gather from Roon the likes of Spotify, Apple Music and amazon prime music have no intention of working with them. That does not, of course, mean that you can’t use Roon for your files, you’ll just have to have a player that is capable of running Spotify connect/airplay etc at the same time.

are you looking to get a statement piece, spend a decent amount of money (500 or so) or just dip your toes in the water?

If it’s the last I’d definitely recommend the pi/hifiberry with hifiberry os on it. That will let you load a Roon endpoint/Spotify connect and airplay. I’d recommend the DAC+ pro of their boards. From what I remember the whole package cost me around €100 direct from hifiberry.
Click to expand...
I do use Spotify, but I'm not opposed to spending $500 for a "nice" setup. I've had the DAC+ Pro bookmarked since the last go around of wanting to get this done, lol.
 
AnthonyI said:
I do use Spotify, but I'm not opposed to spending $500 for a "nice" setup. I've had the DAC+ Pro bookmarked since the last go around of wanting to get this done, lol.
Click to expand...

Honestly I was so happy with my DAC+ Pro, it outperformed a Sonos connect for sound. I just had DSD files and it just doesn’t play ball with them! I’d not hesitate to recommend it. The only other device I’d consider (without having lumin/higher end auralic money) is the one @MikeH has, but they’re a lot more expensive and getting quite hard to get hold of at this stage.
 
Last edited:
MikeH said:
Yea I got mine on eBay used but it looks barely used.
Click to expand...

I have an alert set for one on ebay but not really holding my breath there...

Joe Mac said:
I knew they did one! It’s not bad value for the money, it does use a pi commute module rather than the actual full pi though! There is also a full player version with a nice aluminium box.

USBridge Sig - Ultra low noise RPI

USBridge Sig - Ultra low noise RPI
www.allo.com www.allo.com
Click to expand...

Saw that, not sure if it'll run RoPieee or not-- or if that matters at all, probably doesn't. It doesn't have wifi built in though and, I don't know why, that just puts me off a little bit-- having to add another dongle. I don't know, still tempted, still thinking about it. Happy with my setup for now!
 
I stretched for my Vega, but it was worth every penny. It sounds amazing using the balanced outputs into the Luxman. There have been many days since I got it that I have hit album shuffle first thing in the morning (I work from home once a week) and it has run until 4 or 5pm.. It blows me away every time I listen to it. The one complaint, and its from everyone else in the house, is that I tend to just want to keep turning it up because it just doesn't get stressed.
 
Slimwhit33 said:
I stretched for my Vega, but it was worth every penny. It sounds amazing using the balanced outputs into the Luxman. There have been many days since I got it that I have hit album shuffle first thing in the morning (I work from home once a week) and it has run until 4 or 5pm.. It blows me away every time I listen to it. The one complaint, and its from everyone else in the house, is that I tend to just want to keep turning it up because it just doesn't get stressed.
Click to expand...
I'd love the Vega but it would immediately be, by far, the most expensive audio component I have ever bought haha.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top