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Home Theater => Sources => Audio Only Sources => Topic started by: jambam on Apr 13, 2013 at 04:15 PM

Title: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player/ (now with Tidal HiFidelity Streaming)
Post by: jambam on Apr 13, 2013 at 04:15 PM
Updated the title ...

(http://i1083.photobucket.com/albums/j385/jambam_03/Slide1_zpseoou8mb1.jpg)

Latest update is on Page 4



My Apologies for the typos and misses due to a long Post .

I intend to document my project and maybe some people may want to do the same. or have a similar need . I am not a seasoned writer so some of it maybe vague and would need further explanations . This is not a step by step thing but rather a rough guide , as you have a lot of options ,

Anyway I wanted to setup a multi room audio source and client for a long time now but it has always been set aside due to other priorities .

It is strange that I have a setup to serve my movies within my home as I have wired lan throughtout the house and have a 20TB server for my video content , and I use HTPC's and NMT's as clients to the Home theater , sala and bedrooms..
But none for pure audio since , one major block was  I did not like to have an interface that involves turning on  a TV/Monitor or projector just to play audio ,

My Requirements were

1. Single source for all my audio files.
2. Multi room
3. Flac and some mp3
4. Easy way to rip and archive
5. Stream to my HT , audio sala , bedroom , Pipe in music , smartphones and tablets
6. Higher quality output and up gradable thru DAC changes
7 Must meet my priorities and budget.

Today there are a number of solutions , like Olive , Cocktail Audio among the few  .. but they cost a lot.

For a long time now I was reading about the Logitech Squeezebox  (formerly Slim devices), I thought of buying the "Squeezebox Classic"  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Squeezebox_(network_music_player)#Squeezebox_Classic_.28SB3.29_.28November_2005.29 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Squeezebox_(network_music_player)#Squeezebox_Classic_.28SB3.29_.28November_2005.29)  model maybe 6 to 7 years ago , It was available locally at Datacore computers and some of the TPC sellers for around 13K . Logitech  has released several models since then , the last one being the "touch" model in 2010 , and  but discontinued last year. And unfortunately I never got around to buying as HT has been my focus. Also now that it has been discontinued , a number of squeezebox replacement projects have come to light

(http://www.techwarelabs.com/reviews/audio/squeezebox/images/connectiondiagram.gif)

Typical Squeezbox connection diagram


Having more time now since being Jobless since May , I started this last Jan

A.) We have a number of smartphones and Tablets in the household and looking thru the Apps for IOS and
android , I found a number of apps that would primarily be a squeezebox controller , but if you buy an in-app plugin you could also use it as a client and play your music through it .

(http://i1083.photobucket.com/albums/j385/jambam_03/P1030509_zps16d805cd.jpg) (http://s1083.photobucket.com/user/jambam_03/media/P1030509_zps16d805cd.jpg.html)
Here are IOS apps for Squeezebox.

I downloaded LMS ( Logitech media server) http://www.mysqueezebox.com/download (http://www.mysqueezebox.com/download)
into my server pc and it was easy to configure to serve my audio files. As I already had a lot of my music files residing in my PC.

With the apps in my tablet and LMS in my pc , I have a great interface and system to play my music .. I could use the line out thru the ipad/iphone connector or headphone out .. I used a 1st gen Ipad , as my kids and wife migrated to the 2nd Gen one .. Now you could purchase used 1st Gen Ipad for 8k if you so wish to follow this path .

It sounded ok , but I know it would be better if I had an outboard dac for better quality .
To connect a usb DAC to an Ipad you would have to use the Camera connection Kit , I already have one from CDRking so it was easy to try it , There was also the usb connection cable .

(http://i1083.photobucket.com/albums/j385/jambam_03/P1030513_zps9fb5fc4c.jpg) (http://s1083.photobucket.com/user/jambam_03/media/P1030513_zps9fb5fc4c.jpg.html)

I tried both solutions and indeed you can get an external dac to work , I tried our Behringer UCA-202 , the Encore EMMAB , cdrking's usb audio dongle .. But the interface would time out and the music will suddenly revert  to the speaker out of the IPAD.

I thought of buying an original one but based on the internet post it seems that I even the Apple CCC has problems ..

So what we have is a remote music solution that ties up the Ipad and does not allow an outboard DAC. 

I used this for a week or 2 with an iphone/ipad feeding a headphone amp to a senn HD650

B.) Last year My son who just graduated from college  told me he was buying a raspberry pi micro-controller to experiment with . He has to, as he was purchasing thru his credit card for an internet order . and I would see it .. But It took 4 to 5 months before he was able to get it , ordered in July , arrived Nov .. Although it should be easier today, Due to the long time before it arrived I think he only played with it for a week or so and then put it aside , as now had a job .

(http://i1083.photobucket.com/albums/j385/jambam_03/P1030505_zps5fb11a3c.jpg) (http://s1083.photobucket.com/user/jambam_03/media/P1030505_zps5fb11a3c.jpg.html)
Raspberry Pi housed in a makeshift iphone case

I saw it here in PDVD about Raspberry PI and XBMC and got curious .This one needs a psu and a 4gb SD card (class 10 would be best) and I tried out squeezeplug
http://www.squeezeplug.eu/ (http://www.squeezeplug.eu/)
With squeezeplug you can have a squeezbox server and or a client . But for me I just wanted a client and choose squeezelite (still in beta at that time). It would help to have a little linux knowledge in setting up .. I really struggled in the setup , as my programming skills were really rusty.

(http://i1083.photobucket.com/albums/j385/jambam_03/P1030506_zpsfc4adf0a.jpg) (http://s1083.photobucket.com/user/jambam_03/media/P1030506_zpsfc4adf0a.jpg.html)
Here is my digital audio source or networked player , it's what they would call a "headless" Squeezebox.  Headless since there is no local display interface , my interface/control resided as an app either on my smartphone or my tablet. Or I could control it thru my PC ... song selection , playlist selection . which a great search function.

Connection is Power , Ethernet and analog output from the DAC.  Wired into my audio setup . And controls on my Iphone . This is really very convenient  .

I would only need to build more of these and I could have a lot of players where I want to stream my music.

(http://i1083.photobucket.com/albums/j385/jambam_03/P1030510_zps0501618b.jpg) (http://s1083.photobucket.com/user/jambam_03/media/P1030510_zps0501618b.jpg.html)
Controls as shown on an Ipad running the app "squeezepad"

(http://i1083.photobucket.com/albums/j385/jambam_03/P1030512_zps1152dd88.jpg) (http://s1083.photobucket.com/user/jambam_03/media/P1030512_zps1152dd88.jpg.html)
Here is the control running in an iphone , an ipad and on Android (nexus 7 tablet).

Granted that we have a lot of gadgets already , what make it great is I spent additional  , emphasis on the additional  , only $5 to $8 on  apps as I was using free/demo and P180 for the cdrking usb . To get to this point.

After I had this working for a week I purchased another Raspberry PI , and now had 2 clients.

This is only the 1st part , still to follow is making it wireless , setting up another server which would rip , convert to flac , tag and download cover art automatically , and my current client.
Title: Re: My journey to my multi room audio setup
Post by: jambam on Apr 13, 2013 at 04:15 PM
Making my RPi (Raspberry Pi) wireless..

I had trouble making it wireless using "Squeezeplug" for Raspberry PI , even though there was a menu setup that would walk you thru the process , either I was using incompatible hardware and lack the skills to dwell deeper into Linux ..

I found another alternative package (software)  . This was piCorePlayer = Squeezelite on Microcore linux. .An embedded OS in RAM on Raspberry.

With piCoreplayer I was able to make my Rpi Wireless . And with it I learned how to name my Squeezebox clients individually . Setting up is not user friendly at all ,as you need to work thru a terminal emulator and ediit using a very old style editor .   You have to hardcode the name of your router (SSid) and password  too. But it was a great learning experience and challenge .


(http://i1083.photobucket.com/albums/j385/jambam_03/IMG_1866_zps16339b2d.jpg) (http://s1083.photobucket.com/user/jambam_03/media/IMG_1866_zps16339b2d.jpg.html)
Headphone setup ...

Actually you can also do a mobile setup for Headphones thru

Mobile Power Bank to power the RPi and a USB dac w/ headphone amp e.g. Fiio E17  . This allows you to have access to your complete music library within your home

Now with the info from the above you can set this up ..


Modern House Audio Setup and Control over Ethernet
(http://codehorse.com/images/notes/ethernetaudio/schematic.jpg)

A. Cat 6 ethernet wire connects all wiredstations, wired sqeezeboxes and wireless access points.
B. Desktop computers store family member'smusic files.
C. A wireless squeezebox hooked up withlow-end powered speakers provides music just about anywhere it's wanted, and can be controlled on location with the remote or with a laptop.
D. One of the desktops (or it could bea laptop) runs the web server which controls all the squeezeboxes. Any computer on the network can access this server and play music to any squeezebox.
E. Wireless access points provide wirelesssignal.
F. A wired squeezebox with good poweredspeakers can deliver surprisingly good quality audio.
G. A laptop that can connect to the housenetwork can control the music either by accessing the squeezebox server software with any browser. Or a smartphone/tablet  with the appropriate  remote control app
H. For the highest quality sound, feed the high-end receiver/preamp  with the digital out from the squeezebox.


For a squeezebox replacement you can use ..

 1. A Smartphone/Tablet  w/ a squeezebox client app ( Squeezecast for IOS $0.99) , (Squeezeplayer for Android $4.99)

The Line out from an Ipod touch /Iphone /Ipad using a dock or a 30 pin to rca connector pictured below
is quite good quality
(http://cache2.smarthome.com/images/973152.jpg)

This would be a good recylcing idea for old gen IOS devices just like waht I did for my 1st gen Ipad.  You can consider buying older gen IOS devices as a cost effective squeezebox alternative

2. For higher SQ the RPi alternative w/ a good DAC would be the way to go . Cost for the Rpi, Case , Power Supply and SD card  would be in the P4K range . That excludes the Dac .  The USB Dac would be the biggest cost variable .
Title: Re: My journey to my multi room audio setup
Post by: jambam on Apr 13, 2013 at 04:16 PM
Now that I have a working setup ..based on LMS (logitech Media Server) , I search the internet for server alternatives , and there was a lot ,

1. Add on to existing pc
2 Install on a supported NAS
3 A raspberry pi with squeezeplug connected to a usb Harddisk as an always on very low power server...
4. Various Linux implementations.

I choose a linux implementation that could run an a not too old PC with the ff requirements . A pentium 3 will work .. So I chose vortexbox


 " Cut and paste from the website"

About VortexBox
VortexBox is a free, open source (GPL v3), quick-install ISO that turns your unused computer into an easy-to-use music server/jukebox. Once VortexBox has been loaded on an unused PC, it will automatically rip CDs to FLAC and MP3 files, ID3 tag the files , and download the cover art. Vortexbox will then serve the files to network media players such as Logitech Squeezebox, Sonos, or Linn. The music files can also be streamed to a Windows or Mac OSX system.

Features

Automatic ripping of CDs and DVDs
Based on Fedora so it’s easy to modify.
Automatically tags all files from online music database.
Automatically downloads the cover art.
Automatic sharing of file to SMB (Microsoft) file shares.
Automatic re-indexing Squeezebox Server after every CD is ripped.
AppleTalk – for OSX or Bonjour for Windows.
NFS – For Linux boxes and almost anything else, Solaris etc.
DLNA support – Play music and video DLNA enabled players, XBOX 360,PS3, Windows 7 etc.
Easy installation of mplayer for AlienBBC support.
Good support for Sonos.
Works well as a back end server for XBMC (XBOX Media Center) running on XBOX, Windows, OSX, AppleTV, or Linux.

(http://i1083.photobucket.com/albums/j385/jambam_03/IMG_1880_zpsb0248d87.jpg) (http://s1083.photobucket.com/user/jambam_03/media/IMG_1880_zpsb0248d87.jpg.html)

My vortexbox server ..  IT's actually a resurrected 10 to 11 year old pc , athon XP single core processor ,still having an IDE interface for drives  .. I just had the thing cleaned and installled a cheap PCI to SATA interface so I could use modern drives , and  I have a nice looking media server that can automatically RIP , TAG and get album ART for my CD's

I only installed the monitor once to installl the software and now it's running with just a Lan cable attached . It can also be a player ,using your smartphone as a controller .

If you take time to checkout the vortexbox website , you can see some serious implemetations by 3rd party vendors .

Example is http://shop.smallgreencomputer.com/SOtM_c6.htm (http://shop.smallgreencomputer.com/SOtM_c6.htm)   $2.7K but you can build one for a lot ,lot less.

Here is a review    Digital Playback - VortexBox vs CMP Cplay vs Sonos ZP90
http://2channelaudio.blogspot.co.uk/2012/12/digital-playback-vortexbox-vs-cmp-cplay.html (http://2channelaudio.blogspot.co.uk/2012/12/digital-playback-vortexbox-vs-cmp-cplay.html)


If you read the website you might see the VAMP , which I also built ..

(http://i1083.photobucket.com/albums/j385/jambam_03/IMG_1860_zps5a7ddd40.jpg) (http://s1083.photobucket.com/user/jambam_03/media/IMG_1860_zps5a7ddd40.jpg.html)
The Pink thing is a pogoplug device w/c I converted to a headless squeezebox client , connected via lan cable to my vortexbox , control is remote via smartphone or tablet .. USB dac is an emotiva xda-1.
This is a more cost effective solution than a raspberry pi

Title: Re: My journey to my multi room audio setup
Post by: timber715 on Apr 14, 2013 at 04:23 PM
Might be better if this goes to the gallery since it highlights your system.
Title: Re: My journey to my multi room audio setup
Post by: jambam on Apr 14, 2013 at 05:59 PM
Might be better if this goes to the gallery since it highlights your system.
Thanks but I would leave that to the mods , an end result of this is I would need help in making this sound as good as practical and would need assistance later from members with much better ears than I have .

Questions I hope we can answer for this particular setup would be

1. Sound quality effect on wireless vs wired network connection
2. Dac recommendation
3. Is this a good enough alternative , for us to disconnect our cd players , I know for me it is but maybe not for others.
4 etc ...
Title: Re: My journey to my multi room audio setup
Post by: JoeyGS on Apr 27, 2013 at 02:22 PM
Am using a vortex box system and can safely say that its SQ is at par with good CD players. Fan less system with power filtering is the way to go if you want good SQ. But if you only need background music, you can dispense with it.

A good USB Dac is the simplest way to go due to its USB connectivity to computer devices.  Recommended low price usb dacs that i have encountered are hrt streamer, Superpro, Wyred4sound udac, Musiland 01US & 03US and upcoming Hiface dac.

Now I am ready to put my CD player at the sidelines.



Thanks but I would leave that to the mods , an end result of this is I would need help in making this sound as good as practical and would need assistance later from members with much better ears than I have .

Questions I hope we can answer for this particular setup would be

1. Sound quality effect on wireless vs wired network connection
2. Dac recommendation
3. Is this a good enough alternative , for us to disconnect our cd players , I know for me it is but maybe not for others.
4 etc ...
Title: Re: My journey to my multi room audio setup
Post by: timber715 on Apr 27, 2013 at 10:22 PM
Am using a vortex box system and can safely say that its SQ is at par with good CD players. Fan less system with power filtering is the way to go if you want good SQ. But if you only need background music, you can dispense with it.

A good USB Dac is the simplest way to go due to its USB connectivity to computer devices.  Recommended low price usb dacs that i have encountered are hrt streamer, Superpro, Wyred4sound udac, Musiland 01US & 03US and upcoming Hiface dac.

Now I am ready to put my CD player at the sidelines.
Joey, pa pm naman magkano nga kuha mo nung vortex box... Hehehe
As for cd player, sold mine almost a year ago na...
Title: Re: My journey to my multi room audio setup
Post by: jambam on Apr 27, 2013 at 11:44 PM
Joey , Tama ba your vortexbox is also your player . 

On mine I use it only as a server , yun players ko are squeezebox replacements ..



Title: Re: My journey to my multi room audio setup
Post by: JoeyGS on Apr 28, 2013 at 12:28 AM
The vortexbox comes with the Logitech Squeezebox server when installed.  The player can be run remotely via computer or laptop.  I also use squeezepad app for my iPad to control the player.

Joey , Tama ba your vortexbox is also your player . 

On mine I use it only as a server , yun players ko are squeezebox replacements ..




Title: Re: My journey to my multi room audio setup
Post by: jambam on Apr 28, 2013 at 12:47 PM
My Squeezebox clients / Players have arrived

(http://i1083.photobucket.com/albums/j385/jambam_03/IMG_1914_zps72993b41.jpg) (http://s1083.photobucket.com/user/jambam_03/media/IMG_1914_zps72993b41.jpg.html)


(http://i1083.photobucket.com/albums/j385/jambam_03/IMG_1916_zps6643d565.jpg) (http://s1083.photobucket.com/user/jambam_03/media/IMG_1916_zps6643d565.jpg.html)

No choice sa colors ...


(http://i1083.photobucket.com/albums/j385/jambam_03/IMG_1918_zpsb4a6ba7b.jpg) (http://s1083.photobucket.com/user/jambam_03/media/IMG_1918_zpsb4a6ba7b.jpg.html)

2 USB dacs  with ES9023  Sabre Dac chip + Tenoe TE7022L usb reciever  (hifiME) same  chipset witn nwavguys's  ODAC  ... Difference one is usb powered while  the other one  requires  a  separate power supply .

http://www.head-fi.org/products/hifimediy-sabre-usb-dac (http://www.head-fi.org/products/hifimediy-sabre-usb-dac)

 I am almost certain I wont be able to differentiate the difference in sound between the 2 . But certainly others can.. Out of curiousity and future experiments I bought both versions  .. Also both of them can be used as converters (usb to spdif /coax). For use with other dacs that dont have usb input.

Using 2 to 4 players syncronized and level matched feeding an analog preamp  should allow an objective comparison of dacs . A setup to compare The 2 versions of sabre dacs would make it possible to determine the benefit of a separate psu for usb  dacs .


And  finally got wireless working last night for the pogoplug so setup na lang , I will post completed setups once done maybe that should go sa gallery nga 
Title: Re: My journey to my multi room audio setup
Post by: audi on Apr 28, 2013 at 01:14 PM
Very nice sir Ed. Congrats.
Title: Re: My journey to my multi room audio setup
Post by: JoeyGS on Apr 28, 2013 at 11:41 PM
Where did you source the pogoplug?
Title: Re: My journey to my multi room audio setup
Post by: jambam on Apr 29, 2013 at 12:02 AM
Where did you source the pogoplug?

In the US thru my brother .. There are a number of hardware revisions of the pogoplug , you need to find the E02 version otherwise you can't convert  to a headless squeezebox clients/ player.
Title: Re: My journey to my multi room audio setup
Post by: jambam on May 02, 2013 at 04:27 PM
Here's a diagram of my Multi room Audio Setup

(http://i1083.photobucket.com/albums/j385/jambam_03/Presentation1_zpsa3dd8a8f.jpg) (http://s1083.photobucket.com/user/jambam_03/media/Presentation1_zpsa3dd8a8f.jpg.html)


My Brother has a spotify account (a commercial streaming service) and it works very well with squeezebox , I can have access to his account as long as only one person is using it at any time .

(http://i1083.photobucket.com/albums/j385/jambam_03/photo_zpsa1024807.jpg) (http://s1083.photobucket.com/user/jambam_03/media/photo_zpsa1024807.jpg.html)
Acessing Spotify's Top 100 R&B tracks , while playing my own playlist

Title: Re: My journey to my multi room audio setup
Post by: blue_123 on May 02, 2013 at 05:00 PM
Thanks for posting Sir, very informative, I'm planning to setup my audio steaming gears as well (by using the apple airport express naman), and just convert all my cd's to flac or lossless format. This will make it more convienient as all controls would be wireless na. :) very nice setup and more power.
Title: Re: My journey to my multi room audio setup
Post by: jambam on May 02, 2013 at 06:58 PM
Thanks for posting Sir, very informative, I'm planning to setup my audio steaming gears as well (by using the apple airport express naman), and just convert all my cd's to flac or lossless format. This will make it more convienient as all controls would be wireless na. :) very nice setup and more power.

Thank you also ... I think the Apple route maybe more user friendly but native support of flac is not implemented although there are workarounds for it . Also I wanted to minimize my cost for my setup and be able to dictate the dac I would use via usb hence my decision to follow this route .
Title: Re: My journey to my multi room audio setup
Post by: JoeyGS on May 08, 2013 at 04:09 PM
Is your sala and home theater set-up wired into your vortexbox?
Title: Re: My journey to my multi room audio setup
Post by: jambam on May 08, 2013 at 06:21 PM
Is your sala and home theater set-up wired into your vortexbox?


Yes they are, my vortexbox is primarily the  audio server ,My music collection is stored only on the vortex box ,  of course i can also use it as a player   but its located with my other PC's  ..

You should use your vortex box too ,  to connect other clients like squeezebox to play your music in other locations in your home , actually puwede rin nya I serve yun music mo kahit saan ka may internet , at a friends house for example if parehong excellent internet connection nyo (e.g.) PLDT Fber
Title: Re: My journey to my multi room audio setup
Post by: JoeyGS on May 08, 2013 at 08:52 PM
So i can use my iphone on a dock connected to a stereo system to use the music files on the vortex box via wifi?
Title: Re: My journey to my multi room audio setup
Post by: ǝʞɐɾ ʎzzɐɾ on May 08, 2013 at 09:53 PM

bookmarking.
Title: Re: My journey to my multi room audio setup
Post by: jambam on May 08, 2013 at 11:04 PM
So i can use my iphone on a dock connected to a stereo system to use the music files on the vortex box via wifi?

Connect your vortexbox to your router thru the lan (ethernet) cable  , and then

Download the app "squeezecast" $0.99 on your iphone ,  squeezecast should discover your vortexbox and play your files thru your iphone. just make sure your're connected to the same router via wireless

Alternatively you can get the app "Ipeng " $10 which is really a much better remote app and do an in app purchase of the playback option (another $5)

You now have a squeezebox player ......streaming music from your vortexbox .

Its the same deal for Ipad .. For android get the "squezzer" app .

We have a sony clock radio w/ a dock connector . And sometimes connect an ipod touch or iphone , but the music comes from the vortexbox.
Title: Re: My journey to my multi room audio setup
Post by: JoeyGS on May 09, 2013 at 05:08 AM
Great! Thanks.

Connect your vortexbox to your router thru the lan (ethernet) cable  , and then

Download the app "squeezecast" $0.99 on your iphone ,  squeezecast should discover your vortexbox and play your files thru your iphone. just make sure your're connected to the same router via wireless

Alternatively you can get the app "Ipeng " $10 which is really a much better remote app and do an in app purchase of the playback option (another $5)

You now have a squeezebox player ......streaming music from your vortexbox .

Its the same deal for Ipad .. For android get the "squezzer" app .

We have a sony clock radio w/ a dock connector . And sometimes connect an ipod touch or iphone , but the music comes from the vortexbox.
Title: Re: My journey to my multi room audio setup
Post by: JoeyGS on May 09, 2013 at 05:09 AM
When you are ready, let's set it up!

bookmarking.
Title: Re: My journey to my multi room audio setup
Post by: blue_123 on May 09, 2013 at 09:43 AM
Update guys, just finished setting up my apple airport express using airtunes software (got the 1st gen, read about the newer ver. having a lot of problems disconnecting after a few songs) last weekend works great, now all I have to do is rip my cd's, since I'm forced to use I tunes I'll be saving my files as wave files. :) I haven't tried the remote app for our Ipad yet just finished downloading the software.
Title: Re: My journey to my multi room audio setup
Post by: jambam on May 09, 2013 at 12:22 PM
Chart updated for clarity

(http://i1083.photobucket.com/albums/j385/jambam_03/Presentation2_zps10b5987b.jpg) (http://s1083.photobucket.com/user/jambam_03/media/Presentation2_zps10b5987b.jpg.html)



Controller Screen


(http://i1083.photobucket.com/albums/j385/jambam_03/Presentation3_zpse8936b1a.jpg) (http://s1083.photobucket.com/user/jambam_03/media/Presentation3_zpse8936b1a.jpg.html)
Title: Re: My journey to my multi room audio setup
Post by: ǝʞɐɾ ʎzzɐɾ on May 09, 2013 at 08:55 PM
When you are ready, let's set it up!


got that, will definitely consult.  will not get into much audiophile complications though.  can manage with 320kbps compression.  should be good enough for me.

will let you know bro joey!  thanks very mucho!

thank you too to bro jambam for starting this thread.  long overdue...
Title: Re: My journey to my multi room audio setup
Post by: jambam on May 10, 2013 at 05:13 PM
Hi Jake If you plan to use LMS/ Squeezebox , baka may kakilala ka na may Spotify ( internet music streaming) account , kung mayroon suggest ko na i setup mo at integrate with your system .. You will be glad you did
Title: Re: My journey to my multi room audio setup
Post by: ǝʞɐɾ ʎzzɐɾ on May 11, 2013 at 06:44 AM

am getting really excited with this.  thanks very much chief!
Title: Re: My journey to my multi room audio setup
Post by: revskie on May 11, 2013 at 07:19 AM
Jambam, are your video and audio sources powered on 24/7? I have a crude set up using a shuttle XPC as source using itunes as my streaming software via twonky.  Clients are Denon S32s scattered around the house via wired connections and Ethernet over Power cables.  What streaming software are you using?
Title: Re: My journey to my multi room audio setup
Post by: jambam on May 11, 2013 at 12:31 PM
Jambam, are your video and audio sources powered on 24/7? I have a crude set up using a shuttle XPC as source using itunes as my streaming software via twonky.  Clients are Denon S32s scattered around the house via wired connections and Ethernet over Power cables.  What streaming software are you using?

Not 24/7 , I shutdown when  i know there is going to be significant time no one will be using it .  But a lot more on than off.

Your xpc is similar to mine , but yours maybe newer , the one i use is more than 15 yrs old and was already kept in storage maybe 4 yrs . The only update i did to recycle it was to add a pci to sata card , so that i can  use  modern drives with higher storage  capacity . And this is more than adequate to meet its purpose . The nice aluminum case is a bonus .

Wow denon s32 clients ..... My total system incremental cost is less than one of these ..

I use logitech media server ( squeezebox server) for. My music files ..As itis just a service running in the vortexbox . The files are accessible by any number of clients , lms just organizes access .

Rgds ..
Title: Re: My journey to my multi room audio setup
Post by: revskie on May 11, 2013 at 12:57 PM
Mate, thanks for the reply.  There was a time the S32s were on clearance at Amazon for US$150 a piece.  I liked the functionality of its internet radio, am/fm radio, network audio streaming and an ipod dock rolled into one.

I liked the internet radio and network audio stream the most.

I prefer to use Itunes as my music file organizer and streamed via twonky beacuse of its ease of use.

But my main bug us twonky.

I wish to ask some questions if you don't mind.

Will send you a PM.

Thanks,

Rev
Title: Re: My journey to my multi room audio setup
Post by: jambam on May 11, 2013 at 04:16 PM
You're welcome ... :)

Pm replied
Title: Re: My journey to my multi room audio setup
Post by: jambam on May 18, 2013 at 04:24 PM
Changing Server

(http://i1083.photobucket.com/albums/j385/jambam_03/IMG_2027_zps402f0399.jpg) (http://s1083.photobucket.com/user/jambam_03/media/IMG_2027_zps402f0399.jpg.html)

My Vortexbox power consumption

(http://i1083.photobucket.com/albums/j385/jambam_03/IMG_2028_zps476a2291.jpg) (http://s1083.photobucket.com/user/jambam_03/media/IMG_2028_zps476a2291.jpg.html)

Another reading so it's ......... 51 to 53 watts

(http://i1083.photobucket.com/albums/j385/jambam_03/IMG_2029_zps24146f58.jpg) (http://s1083.photobucket.com/user/jambam_03/media/IMG_2029_zps24146f58.jpg.html)

The pogoplug is only 6 watts

(http://i1083.photobucket.com/albums/j385/jambam_03/IMG_2031_zps3cca54e6.jpg) (http://s1083.photobucket.com/user/jambam_03/media/IMG_2031_zps3cca54e6.jpg.html)

So After a number of hours configuring and lots of trials and errors I am moving to the pogoplug as my LMS (audio only) server .. This one I will keep 24/7 on ..

I will maintain the vortexbox as backup and a ripping machine..

I started the project as I was curious in making a standalone audio player , which i showed in the other tread , not connecting the usb dac makes this just a LMS server
Title: Re: My journey to my multi room audio setup
Post by: jambam on Jun 30, 2013 at 10:40 AM
(http://i1083.photobucket.com/albums/j385/jambam_03/IMG_2088_zps5faedbab.jpg) (http://s1083.photobucket.com/user/jambam_03/media/IMG_2088_zps5faedbab.jpg.html)

Here' a mode of the squeezebox server I have been using lately , This allows me to syncronize my players , it allows me to move between my 2 rooms and do a quick compare .

Another scenario is to compare dacs , side by side . using the preamp input selector to quickly switch between  the dacs
Title: Re: My journey to my multi room audio setup
Post by: jambam on Jul 17, 2013 at 11:34 PM
I had a visitor yesterday who was quite intrigued by my audio streamer player and I showed him my player and my server . And was quite insistent that I should provide him one .

As there is  a very limited number of Pogoplug devices , I cannot share with him a separate player and server , which would mean 2 devices , so I set out to integrate the server and player into one device , and also test whether it can handle another player

So far for standard Flacs (44khz) it has been a success

(http://i1083.photobucket.com/albums/j385/jambam_03/IMG_2177_zpse0d14305.jpg)
Note the Dac connected to the pogoplug and the portable Harddisk as the source . It has been playing music now for 12 hours straight into 2 systems.
This consumes very little power so no need to turn off.



(http://i1083.photobucket.com/albums/j385/jambam_03/IMG_2178_zps1b290c1c.jpg)
The control Panel ..

"Squeezeplug" is the server
"Squeezelite" is the player   , they are both resident in one pogoplug

"Sala" is the player in my Salas ..

Next week I have to try out using my Hi-res files...

After I complete this ,  I will ask my golden eared colleagues what is the difference in sound w/ this setup versus a Mac or PC based server streamer , using the same usb DAC of course .

This is also a possible solution for people looking for a dedicated Streaming audio player .. You just need to connect this device to your router ( wired is necessary ) and control thru your smartphone or tablet..
Title: Re: My journey to my multi room audio setup
Post by: JoeyGS on Jul 18, 2013 at 05:07 AM
Nice :)
Title: Re: My journey to my multi room audio setup
Post by: jambam on Jul 18, 2013 at 12:50 PM
Nice :)

Thanks Joey , Hopefully  it works with your Dacs , so you can test it

A little update on the player testing , using my 24/96 usb dac on some hi res files

(http://i1083.photobucket.com/albums/j385/jambam_03/VAMP_zps66c7788c.jpeg)
Screenshot of the usb dac status

(http://i1083.photobucket.com/albums/j385/jambam_03/LogitechMediaServer_zps30b9ea6c.jpeg)
logitech control on a pc just to check ..

Playing 24 bit 96. khZ

This is still playing out a separate server ..Next is the server installation
.. Installing the server was a pain last time , hope it goes easier
Title: Re: My journey to my multi room audio setup/ Stand alone digital audio player
Post by: jambam on Jul 18, 2013 at 10:22 PM
I did more work today .

I was able to complete installation of the LMS software .

(http://i1083.photobucket.com/albums/j385/jambam_03/IMG_2181_zps27a568a1.jpg)
Actual system for my new friend .. Matching colors pa ..

(http://i1083.photobucket.com/albums/j385/jambam_03/IMG_2180_zpsf8cb486d.jpg)

Top view to show my sabre usb dac.. I just hope the end user's dac is compatible with standard linux

(http://i1083.photobucket.com/albums/j385/jambam_03/LogitechMediaServer_zpse63fc899.jpeg)

Control screen showing 3 players attached . 2 (Joey and sala) were playing 24/96 while one was playing 16/44 files ..

I was able to test with 4 players connected. All playing different files Ok pa din

Some issues .

1. Startup is very slow ... Very low power naman , < 10 watts  so just keep it on.
2. Playing unsupported hi  resolution files i.e 88khz , sudden white noise like output ...  Do i take out and  separate the unsupported files , but the end user most probably has a more capable dac.
My othr dac just mutes though.

3. Dac compatibility

4. Others pa

To test .

In standalone mode , with wireless connection  ( just for control) For multi player , wired connection is a must.

More testing to check for robustness , i have a number of issues with my initial setup , and i hope to minimize it here.
Title: Re: My journey to my multi room audio setup /Stand alone digital audio player
Post by: jambam on Jul 19, 2013 at 07:32 PM
Some test results for the standalone player

1. Wireless mode is not feasible , it will start up . but once you play files it looses it's connectivity after awhile.
Conclusion --- The network connection  must be wired . Server function "kailan naka wired talaga"

2. Poping output during initial power up , this is due to the Dac I use , but it's protocol to power up sources first and amplification last .. Also better to keep always on .

3. Good thing this second version has less issues in detecting the hard disk and logging in to LMS
Title: My journey to my multi room audio setup /Stand alone digital audio player
Post by: albert_b on Jul 19, 2013 at 08:37 PM
Bakit ngayon ko lang nakita 'tong thread na 'to.Thanks for posting sir
Title: Re: My journey to my multi room audio setup /Stand alone digital audio player
Post by: jambam on Jul 19, 2013 at 10:11 PM
Bakit ngayon ko lang nakita 'tong thread na 'to.Thanks for posting sir

Thank you , I hope  this helps you in some way  ..

 My next test later is moving the system to another router which is connected to a different ISP provider .

1. Connect the Lan cable from the router to the pogoplug ethernet port
2. Plug a compatible Dac ( Dac to preamp or headphone)
3. Make sure the portable drive w/ the music files is connected to the pogoplug usb port
4. Connect the power cord  into ac source (220v or 110v autovolt)
5. Slow power up about 3 mins. Green light blinks initially , when it goes steady green wait another 2 minutes.
6. Make sure that the remote controller (tablet or smart phone ) is on the same network as the router you connected the Pogoplug into .
7. Fire up the app ( Ipeng for IOS)
8. When the player is detected , choose you music , make a playlist .... etc
9. Enjoy

Title: Re: My journey to my multi room audio setup /Stand alone digital audio player
Post by: jambam on Jul 20, 2013 at 11:46 AM
One thing that bothered me was needing to have a wired Lan connected to the pogoplug . As not everyone has a wired lan connection nearby thier stereo , I tried wifi and no can do . As soon as i start playing music i loose my wifi connectivity ...
This is a hardware limitation of the pogoplug where it is only using one usb channel for all the usb ports. So in the server function using wifi is not an option.
I had to try something.

(http://i1083.photobucket.com/albums/j385/jambam_03/null_zps1206f973.jpg)

So what I tried this morning is just get an extra wireless router with no modem connected ( walang internet) plugged in the pogo plug thru the ethernet cable.
This basically makes you free to locate the pogoplug anywhere convinient , as the only connected device via wires is the pogoplug and power outlet of course.  To the router , but you have an added expense (a router P1k 1.5k )

 Then i Got the ipad 1st gen connectted to the same router. Via wireless of course ( needed as controller)

(http://i1083.photobucket.com/albums/j385/jambam_03/null_zps47ef7389.jpg)
I played a hires file on the pogoplug .  The ipad using Squezepad as my app is also playing a different flac file . The ipad is acting as a controller and a player (squezebox client) at the same time . So there really 2 players connected and streaming files.

So there it is ...
There are still some problems like , moving the server or disconnecting the drives would require you to  resetup , which is selecting the directory where the music files are.

And during rescan its best not to play any music , but that is not really often, needed when you add new music to your drive .

But of course the test is in the critical listening , I have had a number of guest listen , and I dont think there was an obvious fault detected . it would be great if we had 2 different sycned players ( pogoplug and something else)  driving the same usb dac/s into a single preamp and just switch inputs for a/b comparison.

Anyway I think I am almost done here , and this helps other people.

Title: Re: My journey to my multi room audio setup /Stand alone digital audio player
Post by: jopet on Jul 21, 2013 at 11:47 AM
A lucky friend edgar ... Sana maging friend din kita  >:D

Saw this pogoplug as music source to jambam's system
A very simple digital set up at a high end sound ....

See you soon my friend ;)
Title: Re: My journey to my multi room audio setup /Stand alone digital audio player
Post by: jambam on Jul 21, 2013 at 03:18 PM
See you soon Jopet  :)

I was searching the net for audiophile users of the pogoplug ... I found some in Hk in this tread


http://www.review33.com/m/forum_msg.php?db=1&tstart=0&s=Squeezebox&topic=53121030153425&start=80&sort=&number=333

Modifications has been separate external power supply , new bypass caps . Etc ..

Here is quote from a user stock pogoplug


#248 [jimmyihv], 04-28 21:33:33

I spent some more time to play with my Pogo/VAMP V0.4 image.

I found it is a lot better through the VAMP to my Benchmark DAC1 than a direct USB to a desktop computer.

This gadget has the highest C/P that I ever had in playing hifi.


Isa pa palit ng film smd caps daw


#196 [Kuro], 04-14 23:41:41

These days I employ a different scheme in modding the power supply for a digital audio device.

I no longer use LPS for a digital device simply because it cannot supply/track dynamic current fast enough.

I now use the new Efficiency Level V SMPS. Level V SMPS uses a faster switching speed and the end result is that it does not produce much interference to the AC line (way above audio freq) and the dynamic performance is much higher than the best linear super regulator I have tried.

In addition, the most important mod one can do to a digital circuit is IC decoupling. This is contrary to the popular beliefs on using lots of lytic caps or fancy lytic caps.

SMD ceramic caps are not very good for IC decoupling. SMD film caps are much better. I replaced 4 0603 SMD ceramic caps around the processor area (C77, C91, C113, C124) with 0.1uF SMD films and the sound improved much more than changing the power supply alone. The effect of using fancy caps globally is never as good as using them locally, as in the case of IC decoupling.

The sound of the Pogoplug by default is a bit bright/harsh, mechanical, lacking some sound stage width/depth. That is in comparison with SBT+EDO with a Level V SMPS. After the cap change, the engulfing sound stage and analog feeling are back.

The Level V SMPS adds a more solid mid and stronger and more solid low bass to the Pogoplug. But I only get that after the SMD caps change.

BTW, I'm using Squeezelite. I also tell LMS to decode my FLAC files on the server side so it streams in WAV. That has very little improvement in sound. I was monitoring the CPU load inside the Pogoplug. Redbook FLAC steaming took about 3.3% CPU and WAV streaming is only 1.3% or so. That's why the difference in sound is not significant between WAV and FLAC.

Problema lang wala ng mabili ng tamang version na pogoplug .

When i bought my pink colored pogoplugs  is was a gamble as the box  indicated a diferent model. Buti na lang tamang version ang nasa loob ng box.

Title: My journey to my multi room audio setup /Stand alone digital audio player
Post by: jambam on Jul 25, 2013 at 11:15 PM
(http://i1083.photobucket.com/albums/j385/jambam_03/null_zps561c6f66.jpg)

Here's an application that I was always thinking about ..

Blind test setup for USB dacs ..the players are synced to the same track in the LMS control  .. Switch dacs via the preamp selector

 In this trial output levels were already very closely matched  between the Tianjin zero dac and the emo xda-1 .

I'll try this setup with some guest bringing thier dacs over .
Title: Re: My journey to my multi room audio setup /Stand alone digital audio player
Post by: fishda on Jul 28, 2013 at 11:13 PM
nice setup sir. how did you get your bottlehead crack? did you assemble it sir or did you order it built?:) please pm me the acquisition price.

thanks.:)
Title: Re: My journey to my multi room audio setup /Stand alone digital audio player
Post by: jambam on Jul 29, 2013 at 01:50 AM
Thanks but OT tayo , anyway it belong to my brother in the US but , it went defective while he was using it .  So he sent it here , to be repaired , fortunately is was a simple rewiring of the power supply.

I think he spent around 500 to 600 usd as this was an assembled kit with the Speedball upgrade.
Title: Re: My journey to my multi room audio setup /Stand alone digital audio player
Post by: jambam on Aug 05, 2013 at 03:06 PM
Time to try something different ..

MPD --- Music Player Daemon

Music Player Daemon (MPD) is a flexible, powerful, server-side application for playing music. Through plugins and libraries it can play a variety of sound files while being controlled by its network protocol.

(http://i1083.photobucket.com/albums/j385/jambam_03/IMG_2210_zpsa2c6e086.jpg)
The server and player ..  a Raspberry Pi.

 Playback is via USB connected Dac

Source ... could be a usb Hard disk (may require external power) , flash Drive or NAS .
Controller  Tablet / SmartPhone / Or PC

For my current application Source content is from my 24/7 connected pogoplug server (with Samba enabled) Love my Pogoplug :-* . It serves content at the same time to my LMS clients ....


Mpod App on Iphone (free)
(http://i1083.photobucket.com/albums/j385/jambam_03/IMG_2207_zps9c661592.jpg)
Playback Screen

(http://i1083.photobucket.com/albums/j385/jambam_03/IMG_2211_zps147f3294.jpg)
Album Selection


(http://i1083.photobucket.com/albums/j385/jambam_03/IMG_2212_zps03256316.jpg)
Playback Screen w/ info 24bit/96Khz Innervison Album of Stevie Wonder  :)

Sorry if I lost a couple of folks ..  But there is so much stuff out there for us music lovers to play our collections .. And The best thing is you dont need to spend a lot .. This MPD player only took 30 mins to work out...

I'll post a new diagram in an update
Title: Re: My journey to my multi room audio setup /Stand alone digital audio player
Post by: jambam on Aug 24, 2013 at 11:37 AM
Using The Raspberry pi again ..

I had a "3D Printed " Case  made

(http://i1083.photobucket.com/albums/j385/jambam_03/null_zpsb53c4fd5.jpg)

Title: Re: My journey to my multi room audio setup /Stand alone digital audio player
Post by: JoeyGS on Aug 25, 2013 at 12:24 AM
Nice and congrats!
Title: Re: My journey to my multi room audio setup /Stand alone digital audio player
Post by: alphaomega on Aug 25, 2013 at 07:10 AM
Hi, thanks for this info.  I always wanted to explore this but had no idea how to proceed. Although still a bit technical for me, will ask my neighbor Joey for details na lang how to set  this up. Cheers!
Title: Re: My journey to my multi room audio setup /Stand alone digital audio player
Post by: jambam on Aug 27, 2013 at 05:33 PM
Thanks guys ,  i guess you might be close to Joel .... Dapat masubukan nyo para may review tayo ng tunog ...
Title: Another Stand alone digital audio player
Post by: jambam on Sep 06, 2013 at 09:50 PM
This was waiting for me on my return from a trip.. :)
(http://i1083.photobucket.com/albums/j385/jambam_03/null_zps361ce7e4.jpg)


As i wanted to do this next  ;D
(http://i1083.photobucket.com/albums/j385/jambam_03/null_zpsc2accd47.png)


Maybe by next week i would have completed 3 different hardware platforms to do MPD ( media player deamon) or squeezebox player ..And hopefully get someone to review the sonic differences between them.
Title: Re: My journey to my multi room audio setup /Stand alone digital audio player
Post by: rochie on Sep 06, 2013 at 10:13 PM
This was waiting for me on my return from a trip.. :)
(http://i1083.photobucket.com/albums/j385/jambam_03/null_zps361ce7e4.jpg)


As i wanted to do this next  ;D
(http://i1083.photobucket.com/albums/j385/jambam_03/null_zpsc2accd47.png)


Maybe by next week i would have completed 3 different hardware platforms to do MPD ( media player deamon) or squeezebox player ..And hopefully get someone to review the sonic differences between them.


sir where did you buy the beaglebone? i was looking at local retailers for this kaya lang wala pa sila puros arduino/blackberry PI lang, i also want to setup a MPD for my digital files and also some home automation/electronics project using the beaglebone.
Title: Re: My journey to my multi room audio setup /Stand alone digital audio player
Post by: jambam on Sep 06, 2013 at 10:38 PM
Hi Rochie element14 has them , your contacts in China maybe able to  get them at a better price Element14 changed a lot for shipping ...  The raspberry Pi is can also be an MPD player , just check my earlier post ..
Title: Re: My journey to my multi room audio setup /Stand alone digital audio player
Post by: rochie on Sep 07, 2013 at 12:06 AM
Hi Rochie element14 has them , your contacts in China maybe able to  get them at a better price Element14 changed a lot for shipping ...  The raspberry Pi is can also be an MPD player , just check my earlier post ..

thanks, ill check them. i might try the raspberry PI as its a little bit cheaper from my supplier
Title: Beaglebone is running
Post by: jambam on Sep 12, 2013 at 01:00 PM
(http://i1083.photobucket.com/albums/j385/jambam_03/null_zpsdc1ba877.jpg)

I put time today to do this and it's now running , I needed a little time to configure the NAS share but a few hours and its working ... I am using MPD as per original post , but there is also  Squeezelite which I'll try some time ...

(http://i1083.photobucket.com/albums/j385/jambam_03/null_zps8630d359.png)

Mpad control panel on the Ipad
Title: Re: My journey to my multi room audio setup /Another Alternate server
Post by: jambam on Oct 04, 2013 at 10:53 AM
Now an update on audio Servers ..

As I always had a squeezebox server in mind at the start , it was essential for me to use hardware where I could install it and there are a lot , just check the squeezebox link where the software is available ..

So Far I have

1. Installed on a PC
2. Resurrected an old PC to run vortexbox
3. Added as a Service to my Pogo Plug Player

Squeezebox server is also available to install as a service on a NAS ... I had a Dlink DNS-323 2-bay Nas in storage for maybe 3+ years already as I transitioned to a full tower PC with 10 Drives for my video files.

Anyway I took it out of storage and used fun-plug to install squeezebox server and , now I have an alternate audio server

(http://i1083.photobucket.com/albums/j385/jambam_03/null_zpsd250d4a3.jpg)

One thing though it is slow ,  it works for me as I already have it and it was just a software hack to get additional use for it , since it is a nas and has several uses .

SMB(Cifs) ... for my MPD ( media player Deamon)
Itunes  server is avialable too .

(http://i1083.photobucket.com/albums/j385/jambam_03/SqueezecenterFun-Plug_zpsafef83af.jpeg)




If you were to go this route I would suggest you get the D-link DNS 320L .  About P5K or less, this is newer and has a quicker processor .
Title: Re: My journey to my multi room audio setup /Stand alone digital audio player
Post by: JoeyGS on Oct 04, 2013 at 05:21 PM
Can a NAS drive bay be installed into a vortexbox unit? Or is it better off installing an external HDD instead?
Title: My journey to my multi room audio setup /Stand alone digital audio player
Post by: jambam on Oct 04, 2013 at 06:21 PM
The vortex box in itself has functions like a NAS if the need is to share files across the network

If you wish to expand your storage for your vortex box , then adding a standalone NAS is also a possibility .. I will have to try if it's possible to render files stored in the Nas thru the vortex box .  MPD works like that , not sure if squeezebox has issues with it . But it you only need local access ( not across the network) external USB is just fine

Title: Re: My journey to my multi room audio setup /Stand alone digital audio player
Post by: jambam on Nov 06, 2013 at 12:17 PM
Got a new usb dac based on the xmos chipset and Es9023 sabre ... It has also optical and coax output  ... It's completely compatible with all my different linux layers so now I can play the whole range of hi res files from 44.1 to 192Khz

Plus it has an I2S output that  can do 384khz if you have an I2S dac

Yehey ...

(http://i1083.photobucket.com/albums/j385/jambam_03/xmos_zps98252264.jpg)
XMOS ES9023 Asynchronous DAC Decoder USB to Optical Coaxial 384K 32Bit Weiliang
Title: Re: My journey to my multi room audio setup /Stand alone digital audio player
Post by: JoeyGS on Nov 06, 2013 at 12:55 PM
Nice! Congrats.
Title: Re: My journey to my multi room audio setup /Stand alone digital audio player
Post by: jambam on Feb 17, 2014 at 03:57 PM
(http://i1083.photobucket.com/albums/j385/jambam_03/250EB76F-49D4-4203-A054-84A4F3FA33B8_zpszilyaoao.jpg)

It's been some time since I updated this project , for one it's functioning as is should so no need to do anything except use it and just add music to the library ..

But this early feb  I  changed to the XDA-2 dac/preamp by emotiva , one thing about it is the usb input is fully functional for all the bit rates and resolutions supported by the dac , for the XDA-1 I had to use the coax input .

So the update is from

Pogoplug (Vamp 0.4) -> usb to coax (Xmos chip) -> (coax) XDA-1 -> preamp -> Power  Amp -> Spkrs


Pogoplug (Vamp 0.6)  -> (usb) XDA-2 -> Power Amp - Spkrs


It was necessary to update to Vamp 0.6 which actually uses a different flavor of Linux (fedora) to get better compatibility w/ the USB Dac .

Vamp 0.4 did not work with the XDa-2 usb input , so with Vamp 0.6 almost any usb dac that works with a Mac w/out drivers should work with the pogoplug .

The XDA-2 with its resistor ladder volume control , also made my preamp redundant.
Title: Re: My journey to my multi room audio setup /Stand alone digital audio player
Post by: jambam on Feb 17, 2014 at 06:54 PM
For the software upgrade I did in the earlier post

Its unfortunate the original forum was hacked and the author has not yet restored most of the original article but this is the closes guide I could get , There are also references to other sites ... As they Say Google is your friend

http://vortexbox.org/forum/vortexbox/general/51318-install-vamp-0-6 (http://vortexbox.org/forum/vortexbox/general/51318-install-vamp-0-6)


Here's a family picture  of the various boards I have used to build my Audio players , and there are many more out there ..And the good thing is most of these are quite inexpensive < 3K

(http://i1083.photobucket.com/albums/j385/jambam_03/cased_1_zps760ffe92.jpg)


Title: Re: My journey to my multi room audio setup /Stand alone digital audio player
Post by: Tsnad on Feb 17, 2014 at 06:56 PM
dami mo project sir... >:D >:D  parinig.. ^-^
Title: Re: My journey to my multi room audio setup /Stand alone digital audio player
Post by: jambam on Feb 17, 2014 at 07:12 PM
dami mo project sir... >:D >:D  parinig.. ^-^

Text mo lang ako pag nasa lugar ka namin , mga 10am normally libre ako
Title: Re: My journey to my multi room audio setup /Stand alone digital audio player
Post by: sovrain on Feb 17, 2014 at 07:22 PM
Andami nga! Andaming di ko maintindihang gears, ;D ;D congrats sir.... O0
Title: Re: My journey to my multi room audio setup /Stand alone digital audio player
Post by: jambam on Feb 17, 2014 at 07:27 PM
 
Andami nga! Andaming di ko maintindihang gears, ;D ;D congrats sir.... O0

Ang mahirap ay magumpisa , at libreng oras ... Pero Pag ginusto kayang kaya yan ... :)
Title: Re: My journey to my multi room audio setup /Stand alone digital audio player
Post by: sovrain on Feb 17, 2014 at 07:35 PM
Tama ka sir, kung may libreng oras ako e, gusto ko nakikinig na lang ;D....kaya di maayos ayos na maigi ang mga gears ko ;D
Title: Re: My journey to my multi room audio setup /Stand alone digital audio player
Post by: jambam on Feb 17, 2014 at 09:10 PM
Some links to build a audio only media player using the beaglebone black .

http://www.computeraudiophile.com/content/533-geek-speak-how-build-beaglebone-black-mpd-music-server/

http://mubox.voyage.hk/beagleboneblack

For the raspberry pi

https://sites.google.com/site/picoreplayer/home

http://www.raspyfi.com/





Title: Re: My journey to my multi room audio setup /Stand alone digital audio player
Post by: javauser on Feb 17, 2014 at 09:32 PM
I use an Asus RT n66u WiFi router. You can connect a hard drive to it, and I use it to stream audio and video throughout my house via DLNA. I also use it to download torrents without a PC.
Title: Re: My journey to my multi room audio setup /Stand alone digital audio player
Post by: sovrain on Feb 18, 2014 at 11:01 AM
Thanks for the links sir jambam
Title: Re: My journey to my multi room audio setup /Stand alone digital audio player
Post by: jambam on May 12, 2014 at 09:29 PM
(http://i1083.photobucket.com/albums/j385/jambam_03/Mobile%20Uploads/5D26693B-9A4D-4FB6-9C03-19F32EF68A0C_zpsnndyuzac.jpg)


My Digital audio streamer is over a year now , my original setup is still going strong , but  I guess it was time for an update ...

Essentially apart from the matching colors of the pogoplug and the hardisk , main changes are in the software , using Arch Linux now versus debian , also boot is now from a separate partition of the harddisk versus a flash drive.. More pictures and details once I complete the setup
Title: Re: My journey to my multi room audio setup /Stand alone digital audio player
Post by: audi on May 13, 2014 at 08:50 AM
Very nice sir, I hope I can visit you again soon for another audio listening session.
Title: Re: My journey to my multi room audio setup /Stand alone digital audio player
Post by: JoeyGS on May 13, 2014 at 04:03 PM
Great work jambam.....

Can your new linux software handle DSD files with the pogoplug?

What are the pros and cons having to boot into the external HDD versus from the USB stick?

(http://i1083.photobucket.com/albums/j385/jambam_03/Mobile%20Uploads/5D26693B-9A4D-4FB6-9C03-19F32EF68A0C_zpsnndyuzac.jpg)


My Digital audio streamer is over a year now , my original setup is still going strong , but  I guess it was time for an update ...



Essentially apart from the matching colors of the pogoplug and the hardisk , main changes are in the software , using Arch Linux now versus debian , also boot is now from a separate partition of the harddisk versus a flash drive.. More pictures and details once I complete the setup
Title: Re: My journey to my multi room audio setup /Stand alone digital audio player
Post by: jambam on May 13, 2014 at 06:50 PM
Thanks Joey ..

I am still using squeezelite which has gone thru updates , and just to quote the author


Quote
DSD playback via DOP capable DACs or via conversion to pcm. This is enabled with the -DDSD build option and requires additional LMS server patches.

Booting into the Harddisk is just more convenient and makes it look cleaner . This is because I use the pogoplug as the server and renderer .. If using only as a player I would use the flash usb .

We should update the sofware in your pogoplug sometime , if you are only using it as a player , might as well remove LMS ..

There are also a few new linux based players and claim they are optimised for audiophiles e.g... Volumnio and Rune Audio .. I'll be installing that next to my beagelbone black when I get to it
Title: Re: My journey to my multi room audio setup /Stand alone digital audio player
Post by: JoeyGS on May 14, 2014 at 11:20 AM
Thanks for you prompt reply....

Would love to have it updated ...... and will consult you further on the LMS feature as I would like to use the pogoplug to access my music files from a remote vortexbox server and from an external hard drive connected to the pogoplug.

There is a new version of the Vortexbox Fedora (ver 2.3) and will likely update my current vortexbox music server.  It features full support for DSD and DXD files and easier management of multiple attached drives.

Nice to see you are still very active and updated! Cheers!

Thanks Joey ..

I am still using squeezelite which has gone thru updates , and just to quote the author


Booting into the Harddisk is just more convenient and makes it look cleaner . This is because I use the pogoplug as the server and renderer .. If using only as a player I would use the flash usb .

We should update the sofware in your pogoplug sometime , if you are only using it as a player , might as well remove LMS ..

There are also a few new linux based players and claim they are optimised for audiophiles e.g... Volumnio and Rune Audio .. I'll be installing that next to my beagelbone black when I get to it
Title: Re: My journey to my multi room audio setup /Stand alone digital audio player
Post by: jambam on May 14, 2014 at 10:33 PM
Thanks for you prompt reply....

Would love to have it updated ...... and will consult you further on the LMS feature as I would like to use the pogoplug to access my music files from a remote vortexbox server and from an external hard drive connected to the pogoplug.

There is a new version of the Vortexbox Fedora (ver 2.3) and will likely update my current vortexbox music server.  It features full support for DSD and DXD files and easier management of multiple attached drives.

Nice to see you are still very active and updated! Cheers!


If you have LMS running on the pogoplug w/an external hard drive , and at the same time have LMS running
also on your vortexbox .

And both the pogoplug and the vortexbox are connected to the same network or same router if you wish

You just need to switch sources  thru the GUI or app controller and tell the pogoplug from where it will take the files to play from either from the remote vortexbox or the external HD connected to the pogoplug ... Same is true with the player in the vortexbox, if can use the files from the external harddisk of the pogoplug ..

I'll grab a screenshot to show you ...
 

Title: Re: My journey to my multi room audio setup /Stand alone digital audio player
Post by: JoeyGS on May 15, 2014 at 02:04 PM
Yes that's my set-up right now.....
Title: Re: My journey to my multi room audio setup /Stand alone digital audio player
Post by: jambam on May 15, 2014 at 10:48 PM
Great ....

So I just updated an earlier diagram to put in the second audio source

(http://i1083.photobucket.com/albums/j385/jambam_03/Presentation3_zps9663b95c.jpg)

Here you have the vortexbox pc and the pogoplug with external Harddisk as a source ..  But of course both of these can also be players as long as the necessary soundcard or usb Dac is connected and configured ..

In the Gui of the controller  you can set up which player is connected to which source .

The Vortexbox and Pogoplug with external Hard drive , also can serve as NAS drives , so they can also serve your movies if they are stored on the drives


Title: Re: My journey to my multi room audio setup /Stand alone digital audio player
Post by: jambam on May 16, 2014 at 10:57 AM
Now here are the GUI grabs for multi source and multi player setup
(Remember All of these must be connected to the same network)

I am using Squeezepad controller app for the Ipad

(http://i1083.photobucket.com/albums/j385/jambam_03/973ce954-c128-4cd5-a636-7d925e5726a3_zps4de61595.jpg)
The Sources/Servers

a:) 192.168.1.150:9000 (is the vortexbox PC) not sure why the Ip address instead of the name is displayed on this app
b:) alarm  (pogoplug with external Harddisk

The Players

1. Vortex player - the softplayer in the vortexbox pc
2. Z86's Ipad -- the plugin for the squeezepad ipad app to enable playback on the ipad
3. PogoPlug_LMS_server -- the softplayer on the Pogoplug (squeezelite) w/c is running LMS and has the external Hard disk
4. PogoPlug_player -- standalone player of a 2nd pogoplug device




(http://i1083.photobucket.com/albums/j385/jambam_03/0b89ba3f42efd1dcb15c5751ffaae0d3_zps62ac8d2f.jpg)
Here is the snapshot of the selection menu on changing the association



(http://i1083.photobucket.com/albums/j385/jambam_03/e6a4933cda06057aefac1f2ae7ae1c8b_zpsfb980b90.jpg)
After the change ( The leftmost option)

The vortexbox PC has now 3 players associated to it, namely  Pogoplug_LMS_player , Vortex Player and the IPad.

And the alarm (pogoplug with hard disk) has only the PogoPlug Player..



I hope I was able to show it clearly ... Just post if you have clarifications


Title: Re: My journey to my multi room audio setup /Stand alone digital audio player
Post by: JoeyGS on May 16, 2014 at 05:29 PM
Great presentation jambam!

If I connect an external hard drive to my pogoplug,  is there a file/folder format structure which needs to be followed so that the music files can be seen by the player?
Title: Re: My journey to my multi room audio setup /Stand alone digital audio player
Post by: jambam on May 16, 2014 at 11:48 PM
Thanks Joey ..

For your particular case you can start at step 2 skip 3 and 4 then do the  initial portion of step 5 of the  guide below.

In step 5 you just need to insure that you are able to have the external hard disk recognized , you can stop just right before installing LMS , as it is already installed in your USB flash drive. or if you wish you can proceed to install the latest version .



http://rustybytes.com/2011/02/16/setup-your-pogoplug-as-a-squeezebox-server/
Title: Re: My journey to my multi room audio setup /Stand alone digital audio player
Post by: jambam on May 21, 2014 at 03:04 PM
This time lets try some MPD (Music Player Deamon) based players .. I am trying out Rune Audio , which I believe is derived from Volumio ...Both are tweeked linux based players and used with  embedded hardware like raspberry pi,cubox  .. etc

(http://i1083.photobucket.com/albums/j385/jambam_03/Picture_zps15917d1b.png)

I am using the beaglebone black in my system..

Here's something I worked on just to make a proof of concept .. Its a wireless (not really portable ) player.

(http://i1083.photobucket.com/albums/j385/jambam_03/f674cfa5-b337-4e53-8567-3ddf4165872d_zps033af16e.jpg)

The black box with the open circuit board is the beaglebone black , the blue colored box is a wireless client dongle ( converted nano router)  to the right are 2 power banks , one for the wireless client and the other for the beaglebone ... It would be more compact really if I used one of the dual output power banks..

To the left of the beaglebone is a Sabre Es9023 usb dac driving an AKG550 can ... It's not the best match but it's more than usable .. The K550 even though it is quite large is efficient ,  the setup can definitely benefit from an amp.

Source is a Pogoplug with an external Harddisk , showed earlier..  Control is thru any tablet or smartphone with the required free App..

RASPBERRY PI I2S DAC: WHY THIS SOUNDS SO GOOD


In the DIY community there is a lot of activity on the raspberry Pi with a I2S connected Dac , with it you bypass usb , coax or spdif connections and hence the most direct path for digital music ..

I havent decided yet which I2S DAC to buy for the raspberry pi but maybe a PCM5102 dac as I have a number of the ES9023 around.

Below is a link if your interested to read on

http://volumio.org/raspberry-pi-i2s-dac-sounds-so-good/ (http://volumio.org/raspberry-pi-i2s-dac-sounds-so-good/)
Title: Re: My journey to my multi room audio setup /Stand alone digital audio player
Post by: jambam on Jun 09, 2014 at 03:22 PM
Here a commercial product that works similar to the pogoplug/Beaglebone project ..


http://www.sotm.sonore.us/SOtM1.html (http://www.sotm.sonore.us/SOtM1.html)
Title: Re: My journey to my multi room audio setup /Stand alone digital audio player
Post by: JoeyGS on Jun 09, 2014 at 05:44 PM
It's a little expensive. Do you have one?

Here a commercial product that works similar to the pogoplug/Beaglebone project ..


http://www.sotm.sonore.us/SOtM1.html (http://www.sotm.sonore.us/SOtM1.html)
Title: Re: My journey to my multi room audio setup /Stand alone digital audio player
Post by: jambam on Jun 09, 2014 at 06:03 PM
It's a little expensive. Do you have one?


Yup its expensive , but if you read about it in the other forums , hardware wise it is similar to a pogoplug with a linear power supply , software wise it's has a more refined interface , would be nice to compare the sound if I had one ...
Title: Re: My journey to my multi room audio setup /Stand alone digital audio player
Post by: JoeyGS on Jun 10, 2014 at 05:10 AM
Ok. Will check with the local dealer if they have a unit for audition.

Yup its expensive , but if you read about it in the other forums , hardware wise it is similar to a pogoplug with a linear power supply , software wise it's has a more refined interface , would be nice to compare the sound if I had one ...
Title: Re: My journey to my multi room audio setup /Stand alone digital audio player
Post by: jambam on Jul 02, 2014 at 03:27 PM
I found this comment post on Computer audiophile w/c reviews the SOtM sMS-100 and looks like  hardware wise a repackaged  popoplug (jives with my suspicion) , with sonic orbiter software from small green computer

It also has suggestions to get better sound off our inexpensive device..

(http://images.computeraudiophile.com/graphics/2014/0609/thumb.jpg)

http://www.computeraudiophile.com/content/585-sotm-sms-100-mini-server-review/comments5.html#comments

Pogoplug PCB used in SMS-100, and so SMS-100 is DIY capable ( by software based on USB Flash duplication )

(http://img.briedenredaktion.de/_bild_1395833763.jpg)

(http://www.hack247.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/pogo4(1).jpg)


PogoPlug II review | Linux User & Developer - the Linux and FOSS mag for a GNU generation
Title: Re: My journey to my multi room audio setup /Stand alone digital audio player
Post by: JoeyGS on Jul 07, 2014 at 12:47 PM
This is good news for Pogoplug users! (including me ;D)

So you have to reprogram the Pogoplug to have the capabilities of the sms-100?
Title: Re: My journey to my multi room audio setup /Stand alone digital audio player
Post by: jambam on Jul 09, 2014 at 11:38 AM

Yes , but I don't think we can just get the Sms-100 firmware .

 If your use is only squeezebox , you're already all set .. Additional functionality like DNLA , airplay , or MPD of course can be programmed too .

The review advises a completely isolated usb dac for great sound , so with your ifi usb and dac you should be set already  :)
Title: Re: My journey to my multi room audio setup /Stand alone digital audio player
Post by: kulapong on Jul 09, 2014 at 04:15 PM
This is a nice thread...gusto ko rin sanang gawin pag me time or retired na...pero still...i was thinking...
whenever i use my IPOD 120GB, phone, touch, ipad and my NMT/HTPC full of FLAC and 320 mp3... parang feeling ko ang hirap pumili ng songs na gusto ko... parang mas trip ko pa rin pumunta sa dedicated room ko, where all my Vinyl/Cassette tapes/CDs are stored... titingin pataas, pababa, kaliwa, kanan...tas kung ano man ang mahawakan ko...specially sa vinyl (bias eh  he he) will look at vinyl cover... then ilalabas... ikakabit sa turntable, bagsak karayom... uupo..magkakape habang nag yoyosi......   parang mas "EXCITING" compare sa push button   O0


or aging na lang ba talaga ako??   he he
Title: Re: My journey to my multi room audio setup /Stand alone digital audio player
Post by: JoeyGS on Jul 09, 2014 at 04:54 PM
For me, the digital source is not a substitute for the CD/Vinyl as they still rule!  But what's nice is that there are new titles and music that's not available in CD or Vinyl.  Also, with a wireless capability, I was able to set-up a headphone system which wirelessly access my music server without having to duplicate the playlists in another storage device.  So at times when I feel tired ..... due to age din ...... I donot have to open up my main system with all the manual procedure and just switch on the music server and the headphone dac/amp/router and enjoy the music.


This is a nice thread...gusto ko rin sanang gawin pag me time or retired na...pero still...i was thinking...
whenever i use my IPOD 120GB, phone, touch, ipad and my NMT/HTPC full of FLAC and 320 mp3... parang feeling ko ang hirap pumili ng songs na gusto ko... parang mas trip ko pa rin pumunta sa dedicated room ko, where all my Vinyl/Cassette tapes/CDs are stored... titingin pataas, pababa, kaliwa, kanan...tas kung ano man ang mahawakan ko...specially sa vinyl (bias eh  he he) will look at vinyl cover... then ilalabas... ikakabit sa turntable, bagsak karayom... uupo..magkakape habang nag yoyosi......   parang mas "EXCITING" compare sa push button   O0


or aging na lang ba talaga ako??   he he
Title: Re: My journey to my multi room audio setup /Stand alone digital audio player
Post by: kulapong on Jul 09, 2014 at 06:04 PM
For me, the digital source is not a substitute for the CD/Vinyl as they still rule!  But what's nice is that there are new titles and music that's not available in CD or Vinyl.  Also, with a wireless capability, I was able to set-up a headphone system which wirelessly access my music server without having to duplicate the playlists in another storage device.  So at times when I feel tired ..... due to age din ...... I donot have to open up my main system with all the manual procedure and just switch on the music server and the headphone dac/amp/router and enjoy the music.



agreed...di bale pag nag retire ako...ang isi setup ko

Pasig House database of digital music to Tagaytay house (pinag iipunan pa yung bahay he he)

So, ano ba kailangan ko:
1) audio setup
2) internet
3) jacket/yosi at maraming kape

paano kung gusto kong makinig ng vinyl sa tagaytay... ahh dapat akong maghanap ng juke box tas yung mga buttons..gawin kong electronic? sino bang meron noon he he

PEACE!
Title: Re: My journey to my multi room audio setup /Stand alone digital audio player
Post by: JoeyGS on Jul 11, 2014 at 11:27 AM
Yes , but I don't think we can just get the Sms-100 firmware .

Have you tried the new version of Fedora/Vortexbox?  I hear it is able to handle DSD.

Is there a firmware update for pogoplug to handle DSD?  I currently can't play DSD thru the pogoplug.



 If your use is only squeezebox , you're already all set .. Additional functionality like DNLA , airplay , or MPD of course can be programmed too .

The review advises a completely isolated usb dac for great sound , so with your ifi usb and dac you should be set already  :)
Title: Re: My journey to my multi room audio setup /Stand alone digital audio player
Post by: jambam on Jul 14, 2014 at 02:17 PM
The newer squeezelite ( player program in the pogoplug)  can handle dsd , but I am not sure if the current distributions of the compiled program has the switch for DSD enabled ..  If not it's  just a more involved step to compile it yourself to create a dsd capable version.
Title: Re: My journey to my multi room audio setup /Stand alone digital audio player
Post by: jambam on Nov 19, 2014 at 05:54 PM
For Raspberry Pi owners

http://volumio.org/volumio-1-5-best-volumio-audiophile-player-ever/
Title: Re: My journey to my multi room audio setup /Stand alone digital audio player
Post by: jambam on Jan 23, 2015 at 03:22 PM
Got some new additions to try with my setup courtesy of some our fellow pdvd  members

1. Hiface usb to spdif interface ..
(http://i1083.photobucket.com/albums/j385/jambam_03/3F0C9500-E12C-4F10-860B-64BF3CDEA8F4_zpstz5rp3jw.jpg)


2. SmL Sa-36a Amplifier  , pictured with my sabre usb dac (main components is same as the odac)
(http://i1083.photobucket.com/albums/j385/jambam_03/0BB2F1BA-9064-41DC-ABF7-A52301C2F346_zpstofzblim.jpg)


Testing the SA-36 with the sabre usb dac
(http://i1083.photobucket.com/albums/j385/jambam_03/CE8A5FD0-E00A-4639-AE7E-9E278E171CE8_zpsfb8vgbwy.jpg)

Functionally I have something like the cocktail audio,olive one or blusound system mentioned here in the audio sources section. Really depends how  i configure

Title: Re: My journey to my multi room audio setup /Stand alone digital audio player
Post by: JoeyGS on Jan 23, 2015 at 05:41 PM
Nice!
Title: Re: My journey to my multi room audio setup /Stand alone digital audio player
Post by: jambam on Feb 18, 2015 at 05:35 PM
Just Got the Raspberry Pi 2 yesterday

(http://i1083.photobucket.com/albums/j385/jambam_03/6f12c14a-954a-420c-b4e2-a662278e66e5_zpsa0b01015.jpg)






Also got it running with Arch linux and running "Squeeze on Arch".

(http://i1083.photobucket.com/albums/j385/jambam_03/12d71621-d927-4246-879a-09589010f0de_zps59d7d2b0.png)
This is the storage configuration screen where you can

1.) mount local drives e.g. removable usb hdd
2.) networks shares for use in LMS
3.) Share the local files via SMB to the network for use by Jriver or other apps

This is running under arm v7 , to maximize the new processor ...

I also have the pogoplugs running the same "Squeeze on Arch" , just doing more testing before I separate this (Headless Audio Server/Renderer) to a new Thread
Title: Re: My journey to my multi room audio setup /Stand alone digital audio player
Post by: JojoD818 on Feb 18, 2015 at 09:33 PM
Congrats! 8)

Is there a way for the RP to work with Android tabs too? My iPad has long been sequestered by my youngest and I am only left with Android based devices.

Title: Re: My journey to my multi room audio setup /Stand alone digital audio player
Post by: jambam on Feb 19, 2015 at 12:14 AM
Congrats! 8)

Is there a way for the RP to work with Android tabs too? My iPad has long been sequestered by my youngest and I am only left with Android based devices.


Thanks, and  yes it works with Android too ,1st option  my aging nexus 7 2012 is both a client and a controller , it's a 1 usd app to enable playback w/ LMS is my memory serves me .. (last Pic in my First post)

Another option is by enabling samba on the RPi , it will allow you to play the music using the app ES explorer or other audio playback apps that can connect via smb ( there are plenty and free)
Title: Re: My journey to my multi room audio setup /Stand alone digital audio player
Post by: JojoD818 on Feb 19, 2015 at 12:32 AM
I initially thought of setting up a RP with a small monitor, but connecting a keyboard and another mouse made me think I was just building another PC though just smaller.

I think making it a server and using an android tab would get me somewhere. Though I still don't have the slightest idea of how to set it up or where to start but I guess that's where the fun is, in the challenge.

The thing is RS has it on back order status only, E14 seems to be pricing it too far off from RS price.
Title: Re: My journey to my multi room audio setup /Stand alone digital audio player
Post by: jambam on Feb 19, 2015 at 01:42 AM
Headless is the way to go , with a smartphone or a tablet as a controller (or a client). Its a very neat digital setup

Yes RS actually tried to bump off my order , I had to call them several times to insure I get it .. One thing in my testing earlier was the usb ports could not support the power needed by a usb hard disk...

I am certain that will not be an issue for you , but it does clutter  the setup a bit ..

I started the project w/ the Rpi initially until I saw the pogoplug , with so many people working with the Rpi there are lots of resource on the web to do what you want ..As long as your comfortable w/ the linux cmd line , it will be fun learning experience.

I was struggling for 2 weeks to get Squeeze on Arch on the pogoplug running , but the learning paid off as I was able to do the RPi 2 in an afternoon, with most of the time taken by downloads and compiling.
Title: Re: My journey to my multi room audio setup /Stand alone digital audio player
Post by: JojoD818 on Feb 19, 2015 at 06:42 PM
Headless is the way to go , with a smartphone or a tablet as a controller (or a client). Its a very neat digital setup

Yes RS actually tried to bump off my order , I had to call them several times to insure I get it .. One thing in my testing earlier was the usb ports could not support the power needed by a usb hard disk...

I am certain that will not be an issue for you , but it does clutter  the setup a bit ..

I started the project w/ the Rpi initially until I saw the pogoplug , with so many people working with the Rpi there are lots of resource on the web to do what you want ..As long as your comfortable w/ the linux cmd line , it will be fun learning experience.

I was struggling for 2 weeks to get Squeeze on Arch on the pogoplug running , but the learning paid off as I was able to do the RPi 2 in an afternoon, with most of the time taken by downloads and compiling.


Yeah I guess it would be best to go "headless" for my application. I just want it to be delegated as a dedicated playback setup.

Fortunate for you, but unfortunate for me as I belong to those who were bumped off to at least end of March or April even, duh. E14 on the other hand seems to sell it much much higher than RS.

As for the USB power I have my own power plant setup for that, the RP will get it's own power supply and all other power hungry devices will be given their own source of juice.

My diy CNC runs off Ubuntu, before that, I do have a bit of experience in the linux environment but I'd belittle that since that was a long time ago. Though the experience did paid off when I built my CNC. Now I want to dive into another "unknown realm" so to speak - if I can get my hands on an RP2.

Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player
Post by: jambam on Feb 26, 2015 at 04:21 PM
Using an Arm Based computer and Open sourced Software , here is my base system for a digital music system ..

(http://i1083.photobucket.com/albums/j385/jambam_03/Slide1_zpseoou8mb1.jpg)

OS is Arch Linux with SOA ( Squeeze on Arch) as main software.

As it Stands now the sound is as good as the usb Dac that is connected to it , compatibility with the dac always needs to checked but most UAC2 capable devices , or those that connect to an apple pc without a driver should be fine .
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player
Post by: JoeyGS on Feb 27, 2015 at 01:29 PM
This is good news jambam .... DSD capability and more connectivity!  Congrats!
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player
Post by: JojoD818 on Feb 27, 2015 at 02:33 PM
The drooling never stops... oh please be out of back order status... ;D
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player
Post by: jambam on Feb 27, 2015 at 06:40 PM
LMS 7.9 with DSD serving capability viewed from "Ipeng 8" on ipad

(http://i1083.photobucket.com/albums/j385/jambam_03/27FC088C-9825-46CC-90A9-7675AF79F116_zpssygi9m0u.png)


Some screen grabs of the configuration interface

(http://i1083.photobucket.com/albums/j385/jambam_03/bb471a7c-cf3f-4441-a536-67a23f714e4e_zps8jphfq9m.png)


The Squeezelite setup page

(http://i1083.photobucket.com/albums/j385/jambam_03/14F0EA9C-F492-429C-B1D8-990A8B35FD9C_zpsm2oc3qad.png)

Name the player/setup the audio output / enable DoP if supported by your soundcard ....etc
Title: Testing Wireless
Post by: jambam on Mar 10, 2015 at 02:56 PM
(http://i1083.photobucket.com/albums/j385/jambam_03/A8026123-8965-4E78-87AF-BECE6B02859E_zps7qurjyxc.png)

I tried wireless , I had some issues with a pocket router , but using my main router ok naman
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player
Post by: jambam on Mar 19, 2015 at 10:11 PM
Here is a new Renderer for JRiver and minimserver 


Quote
In a way, this device can be considered the poor man's Auralic Aries (Review Link ) or SOtM sMS-100 Mini Server (Review Link )
http://www.computeraudiophile.com/content/625-geek-speak-how-build-upnp-dlna-openhome-renderer-less-100/comments6.html#comments
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player
Post by: JoeyGS on Mar 19, 2015 at 10:25 PM
Would the BB be better than the Pogoplug?
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player
Post by: jambam on Mar 24, 2015 at 03:52 PM
Would the BB be better than the Pogoplug?

As a renderer/player Should be just as good , best would be to compare the 2 and maybe include the Rpi2 in the comparison . I could make it so they all run the same linux software for LMS to minimise differences . Power supply upgrades is a big factor, so the amount of tweaks you do will ultimately determine.

Another option is bypassing usb all together were a number of options are already out for the Rpi for an I2S connected Dac ,

For audio server duty the pogo plug would be better because of the built in PSU w/c supports usb powered Hard Disk.

If you can provide 2 or 3 same usb dacs and cables , I can provide the base player/renderer hardware for a shootout...

We just play the same music on all the players simultaneously, and switch between them using line level inputs of a preamp

I would suggest a base comparison first using the OEM power supplies .

After determining the platform (pogo vs BBB vs RPi) we can proceed with the choice of software. (LMS vs MPD .. others), also wired vs wireless
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player
Post by: rochie on Mar 24, 2015 at 04:40 PM
I tested last weekend my RPI/Volumio vs netbook/daphile using the same USB DAC, and I found out that the netbook/daphile has more detailed SQ(but not day and night comparison) compared to the RPI/volumio, but this was expected because I was only using a wallwart power supply for the RPI/Volumio, next project would be a 2amp regulated PSU for the RPI and will do another round of a/b testing. I also had a BBB lying around will try to setup another headless player on it and include it on the a/b testing. 
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player
Post by: jambam on Apr 07, 2015 at 03:20 PM
A quick and temporary connection to test ...



Raspberry PI with I2S connected dac

(http://i1083.photobucket.com/albums/j385/jambam_03/5E8A3663-401A-4410-8818-5AA8223D4D3F_zpsc4iglxtg.jpg)

Bypassing usb does improve the sound..
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player
Post by: JoeyGS on Apr 11, 2015 at 10:33 AM
Hi jambam,

Stumbled into this:  JRiver Id    http://jriver.com/Id/ (http://jriver.com/Id/)

The JRiver Id can be used in a 4inch square Intel NUC, INtel USB stick computer, USB stick, and Raspberry PI.  Looks interesting and may be easier to maintain with the JRiver interphase than the squeezelite/LMS

From wiki Jriver: 
The JRiver Id is a network media player. The Id (rhymes with hid) plays high quality audio from a computer anywhere on the network. It can be controlled with a smartphone as a remote, using Gizmo (for Android), JRemote (for iOS), or any standard DLNA Controller.

The Id provides an easy connection from a computer to a sound system, even when they are at opposite ends of your home.

(http://jriver.com/Id/images/NUC2820.jpg)

(http://jriver.com/Id/images/IdPiBaked.jpg)
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player
Post by: Superman on Apr 11, 2015 at 10:40 AM
NICE! :D
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player
Post by: jambam on Apr 11, 2015 at 11:36 AM
Hi Joey,

Thanks

Yes there is a Jriver distribution for ARM Linux , I have seen the beta a month back and it's available for download.

 http://yabb.jriver.com/interact/index.php?topic=95578.0

I believe it is free for limited time use  before official release , then you have to buy  a license.

I am not that familiar with J river , what do you think is the advantage over LMS ?
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player
Post by: JoeyGS on Apr 13, 2015 at 09:58 AM
I am not sure yet if it will be more convenient wrt maintenance.  The JRiver Id provides you an OS, the music player and the firmware which can easily be installed in either an Intel NUC based system (an other PCs) or into a PI.

Am still reading thru the forum discussions.

Hope fully they can also make an installation package for other Arm based systems.
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player
Post by: jambam on Apr 15, 2015 at 12:20 PM
Yup as the Jriver is a commercial product it must make life easier ... But I am reluctant to spend for the license and I have several players so that adds up to a lot for me .


Any way  the best thing for me is now I can say that DSD playback works even over wireless

(http://i1083.photobucket.com/albums/j385/jambam_03/1EC8C87C-D025-4B9D-9448-903362A4B4C9_zpsmeb7jtwl.png)

Playing an Sacd Rip of Fourplay


(http://i1083.photobucket.com/albums/j385/jambam_03/50636AEC-E80C-47FE-B099-EED76BF90C26_zpspwyh74vt.jpg)

Using an LHS geek out 450 to test DSD , works wonderfully over wireless at 801.11g .. Cpu utilization was a low 6%


 this is the best of the Dacs I tried so far and the absolute sound review is a testament to it ,  but after my test this goes to the market   :-[ :-[

Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player
Post by: JoeyGS on Apr 15, 2015 at 03:21 PM
The LHLab Geek Out is a very good dac. That's what I am using now as a dac for the SQ and DSD capability.  But still using my iFi iCan to drive my 250ohm headphone .... very good combo IMO.
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player
Post by: JoeyGS on Apr 15, 2015 at 03:23 PM
BTW,  have you compared SQ output between LMS and DLNA configurations?
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player
Post by: jambam on Apr 15, 2015 at 04:55 PM
The LHLab Geek Out is a very good dac. That's what I am using now as a dac for the SQ and DSD capability.  But still using my iFi iCan to drive my 250ohm headphone .... very good combo IMO.
Is this with your pogo plug ?

BTW,  have you compared SQ output between LMS and DLNA configurations?

I really did not do critical listening but just set up to make sure it worked , I played using MPD (rune audio) on the Beaglebone Black and squeezelite (SoA) on the pogo plug , and there was no difference I could tell , in the limited time I tried it.

As the GO450 came with V1.5 for the firmware I have no volume control over DSD material using Linux based players . So my AKG550 can was playing it quite loud . It's good you have the iCan so you can control the volume .

Anyway having 2 of the same DACs opens up possibility for blind A/B testing of players
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player
Post by: JoeyGS on Apr 15, 2015 at 05:55 PM
Is this with your pogo plug ?

Currently the pogo plug has taken the backseat as it has to be reprogrammed.  I have on loan the SMS-100 and so far so good.  I had to have something working as passing days gives me lost opportunity of enjoying the music with my head-fi set-up.

The Pogoplug is not far behind in sonics as compared to the SMS-100.  Can be seen as same in performance.  Pogoplug can be a main in maintenance especially if one is not well versed in Linux.

My music server is not on Jriver/Windows Server 2012 and its better.  Good thing the SMS-100 easily pairs with it thru DLNA.


Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player
Post by: jambam on Apr 15, 2015 at 06:27 PM

The Pogoplug is not far behind in sonics as compared to the SMS-100.  Can be seen as same in performance.  Pogoplug can be a main in maintenance especially if one is not well versed in Linux


If you get a chance to open both units , you will notice that what sets them apart is the PSU , which JojoD can do something about ..

There is a very high probability , you can take the flash drive from the sms-100 and plug it in your pogo plug and have all the functionality of the sms-100.

yes , adding features and capability to the pogo plug is a pain , but once you get to the latest one (software) that should go away..
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player
Post by: JoeyGS on Apr 16, 2015 at 12:08 AM
Is the latest software for the Pogoplug now available? would like to try that.......
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player
Post by: jambam on Apr 16, 2015 at 01:56 PM
Is the latest software for the Pogoplug now available? would like to try that.......

Yup just need some common time
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player
Post by: jambam on May 02, 2015 at 01:02 PM
Nothing really new but this should get more people trying this ..


http://www.computeraudiophile.com/content/638-geek-speak-raspberry-pi-hifi-here/ (http://www.computeraudiophile.com/content/638-geek-speak-raspberry-pi-hifi-here/)


(http://i1083.photobucket.com/albums/j385/jambam_03/5E8A3663-401A-4410-8818-5AA8223D4D3F_zpsc4iglxtg.jpg)
This is a variation of using i2s directly connected dac , but using the original raspberry pi B
Title: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player
Post by: jambam on Jun 13, 2015 at 01:37 PM
(http://i1083.photobucket.com/albums/j385/jambam_03/389A5DCC-5146-445D-9CE4-E27797D2C545_zpsegorxcnq.png)


(http://i1083.photobucket.com/albums/j385/jambam_03/785B7934-DE56-4D08-B0BE-E47FB8D5A663_zpse2kqtz4g.jpg)

Testing something new

USB streaming input of the Xmc-1
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player
Post by: ti on Jun 13, 2015 at 05:09 PM
@jambam

may local seller na po ba nung hifiberry addons? parang gusto ko rin maglaro nun.

TIA
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player
Post by: jambam on Jun 22, 2015 at 09:46 AM
Wala akong alam  local seller I got mine via eBay which took 5 weeks for me to get it
Title: Re: My journey to my multi room audio setup
Post by: bennjude19 on Jun 25, 2015 at 08:39 PM

My Brother has a spotify account (a commercial streaming service) and it works very well with squeezebox , I can have access to his account as long as only one person is using it at any time .

(http://i1083.photobucket.com/albums/j385/jambam_03/photo_zpsa1024807.jpg) (http://s1083.photobucket.com/user/jambam_03/media/photo_zpsa1024807.jpg.html)
Acessing Spotify's Top 100 R&B tracks , while playing my own playlist


Hi bro, I'm also using Vortexbox as my music server. Patulong naman how to configure LMS para magamit ko yung spotify account ko (possible ba?)... medyo nahilo na ako sa configuration hehe...tia
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player
Post by: jambam on Jun 26, 2015 at 11:06 AM
Sure what you do is

1. Go to the plugins tab of squeezebox
2. Un check the default spotify plugin from Logitech. To disable it
3. Choose the 3rd party spotify plugin by Triode and configure
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player
Post by: bennjude19 on Jun 26, 2015 at 11:36 AM
Sure what you do is

1. Go to the plugins tab of squeezebox
2. Un check the default spotify plugin from Logitech. To disable it
3. Choose the 3rd party spotify plugin by Triode and configure


Thanks bro jambam, it's now working :D
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player
Post by: bennjude19 on Jun 28, 2015 at 07:44 AM
Some query again bro jambam re: spotify plug-in by triode
1. I got this error message and spotify ain't workin' any work-around solution to this?
    " Spotify Error: General Transient Error"
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player
Post by: jambam on Jun 29, 2015 at 12:41 AM
Under configuration tab of the spotify plugin there is a test function , can you pls try it .
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player
Post by: accastil on Jun 29, 2015 at 01:02 AM
I have this in mind:  iphone6 to bluetooth adapter(with dgtal coax out) to regular musical fidelity DAC then finally to the preamp and so on. Will this work?
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player
Post by: accastil on Jun 29, 2015 at 01:06 AM
I have this in mind:  iphone6 to bluetooth adapter(with dgtal coax out) to regular musical fidelity DAC then finally to the preamp and so on. Will this work?
im referring to this BT adapter, btw. ....http://img.dxcdn.com/OverviewImage/YB01314/sku_302918_1.jpg
http://www.dx.com/p/wireless-bluetooth-v4-0-music-receiver-adapter-w-digital-optical-coaxial-3-5mm-stereo-output-302918#.VZAo-FLXfv4
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player
Post by: jambam on Jun 29, 2015 at 09:23 AM
Yes it should work , As a means to play your music stored in your phone . but don't expect lossless quality over Bluetooth , as Bluetooth applies its own compression .



Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player
Post by: JoeyGS on Jun 29, 2015 at 10:04 AM
Ethernet or Wifi is still the way to go for hi-res palyback
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player
Post by: dm1179 on Jul 07, 2015 at 09:48 AM
Guys, not sure if I am on the right thread so please bear with me.

I am looking for a simple, entry-level Audio player with LCD display that is AC powered. I need something fixed in the living room. I will connect this to my AV receiver. Is there an equipment similar to Cocktail Audio X10/X12/X30 but without the power amplifier and speaker out jacks as I won't be needing those parts (and only adds to the cost)? Budget is P25k or less, if possible.

I have the following equipment that can be used as player and each provide its own issue.

1. Desktop - No built-in LCD display (need to turn on the monitor).
2. Laptop - I don't need the battery and keyboard. I don't need it portable.
3. Tablet - I don't need the battery. I don't need it portable.
4. Portable DAP - I don't need the battery. I don't need it portable.

TIA.
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player
Post by: JoeyGS on Jul 08, 2015 at 06:17 AM
Contact Victor Sow - 0917-855-0668

Another thing, why not connect the power supply of your monitor into your desktop CPU so that when you power up the CPU, the monitor also turns on.......


Guys, not sure if I am on the right thread so please bear with me.

I am looking for a simple, entry-level Audio player with LCD display that is AC powered. I need something fixed in the living room. I will connect this to my AV receiver. Is there an equipment similar to Cocktail Audio X10/X12/X30 but without the power amplifier and speaker out jacks as I won't be needing those parts (and only adds to the cost)? Budget is P25k or less, if possible.

I have the following equipment that can be used as player and each provide its own issue.

1. Desktop - No built-in LCD display (need to turn on the monitor).
2. Laptop - I don't need the battery and keyboard. I don't need it portable.
3. Tablet - I don't need the battery. I don't need it portable.
4. Portable DAP - I don't need the battery. I don't need it portable.

TIA.
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player
Post by: dm1179 on Jul 08, 2015 at 06:49 AM
@JoeyGS: Thanks for the reply.

My desktop is small, ITX based using an SFX PSU. There is no extra AC power outlet. It is actually connected to a Sony 48" LED TV as monitor. I don't want to turn on the TV every time I want to listen to music or browse/select songs. I prefer the convenience of built-in LCD like in the Cocktail Audio but minus the unnecessary hardware (power amplifier, speaker jacks).
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player
Post by: jambam on Jul 08, 2015 at 07:25 AM
your best bet would have been one of the discontinued squeezebox models , anyway that is why there has been a number of Squeezebox replacement projects on the net ..

I have a suggestion , why not use the Itx desktop as a headless player, no need to power up the TV , using an extra HDD or SSD as default boot , with the vortex box software .  Control will be thru your smartphone or tablet.

if you want to use the ITX desktop as a PC then just turn on the monitor and select boot on the other hard disk.

I would think you have everything available already and would not need to spend any money with the above workaround.
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player
Post by: sientobente on Jul 08, 2015 at 09:06 AM
Guys, not sure if I am on the right thread so please bear with me.

I am looking for a simple, entry-level Audio player with LCD display that is AC powered. I need something fixed in the living room. I will connect this to my AV receiver. Is there an equipment similar to Cocktail Audio X10/X12/X30 but without the power amplifier and speaker out jacks as I won't be needing those parts (and only adds to the cost)? Budget is P25k or less, if possible.

I have the following equipment that can be used as player and each provide its own issue.

1. Desktop - No built-in LCD display (need to turn on the monitor).
2. Laptop - I don't need the battery and keyboard. I don't need it portable.
3. Tablet - I don't need the battery. I don't need it portable.
4. Portable DAP - I don't need the battery. I don't need it portable.

TIA.
You can use your laptop or desktop pc. Then use the tablet as a remote. To ensure that you don't need to turn the monitor/lcd on, out the music player app on your startup. Both are applicable for Mac and Windows. So that everytime your computer boots up, it launches those apps automatically.

For Windows I use Foobar. For Mac OS, I have JRiver and VLC. All have remote apps available for iOS or Android.
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player
Post by: dm1179 on Jul 08, 2015 at 11:41 AM
@jambam & sientobente: Thanks for the reply guys and sorry for the confusion.

Although I have the 4 equipment I listed, I don't want to use any of them for this project. I listed them to show you the options I already considered and the issues with them.

It seems there is no other alternative to Cocktail Audio available now in the market? Within the same price range or lower, that is. :(
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player
Post by: mbtorn on Jul 08, 2015 at 05:51 PM
Check out Cambridge Audio streamers like Stream Magic 6, Minx XI or the previous NP30 Sonata. Also, Pioneer N30 or N50. These are digital music streamers that match your requirements.
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player
Post by: disturbed on Jul 08, 2015 at 05:55 PM
@jambam & sientobente: Thanks for the reply guys and sorry for the confusion.

Although I have the 4 equipment I listed, I don't want to use any of them for this project. I listed them to show you the options I already considered and the issues with them.

It seems there is no other alternative to Cocktail Audio available now in the market? Within the same price range or lower, that is. :(


olive one? though it has an amp and speaker out..but the rest meet your reqts
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player
Post by: JoeyGS on Jul 09, 2015 at 09:04 AM
Better yet just use Networked Media Tanks (NMT) - choose the ones with led displays
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player
Post by: dm1179 on Jul 09, 2015 at 03:41 PM
@mbtorn: Thanks for the reply. I checked out those models and they are digital music streamers (like you mentioned) and do not have built-in HDD. The Pioneer N30 looks interesting with its built-in LCD display. I can connect an external HDD via USB.

@disturbed: Thanks for the suggestion. Olive One looks nicer/sleeker than Cocktail Audio X10/X12 for me so I can overlook the amp/speaker out part. Magkano ito locally?

@Courage: Thanks sa PM and pointing out that Cocktail Audio X40 has no amp/speaker out. I agree that it is the perfect equipment for my need, except for the price. :(
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player
Post by: Courage on Jul 09, 2015 at 04:23 PM
@mbtorn: Thanks for the reply. I checked out those models and they are digital music streamers (like you mentioned) and do not have built-in HDD. The Pioneer N30 looks interesting with its built-in LCD display. I can connect an external HDD via USB.

@disturbed: Thanks for the suggestion. Olive One looks nicer/sleeker than Cocktail Audio X10/X12 for me so I can overlook the amp/speaker out part. Magkano ito locally?

@Courage: Thanks sa PM and pointing out that Cocktail Audio X40 has no amp/speaker out. I agree that it is the perfect equipment for my need, except for the price. :(

Sir,

A small form factor/mini pc desktop is a good alternative. You dont actually need a monitor and a keyboard for you to use this as your daily music source. You will need a DAC though unless you wanted to use the headphone jack then RCA to amp. If you use Jriver/Foobar as a player, you can use Jremote for Jriver and MonkeyMOte HD for foobar as a remote apps to control your music. RD Client is also available if in case you need to remote your PC. This is my current setup actually. Mas madali kasing mag manage at mag remote ng mga songs vs looking at the tiny LCD on the player. I do have a Marantz audio player pero mas gusto kong gamitin yung PC setup due to difficulty of searching for tracks when using the small LCD.
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player
Post by: disturbed on Jul 09, 2015 at 04:50 PM

@disturbed: Thanks for the suggestion. Olive One looks nicer/sleeker than Cocktail Audio X10/X12 for me so I can overlook the amp/speaker out part. Magkano ito locally?

Locally not sure..if you can source one outside of Philippines..much cheaper than your budget.
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player
Post by: dm1179 on Jul 09, 2015 at 05:43 PM
Locally not sure..if you can source one outside of Philippines..much cheaper than your budget.

I can get one in HK kaya lang mas mahal siya. Prices according to my source:

Cocktail Audio X40 = HK$ 15,800
Cocktail Audio X30 = HK$ 10,400
Olive One = HK$ 7,680
Cambridge Audio Stream Magic 6 = HK$ 7,098
Cambridge Audio Minx Xi = HK$ 6,600
Pioneer N-50 = HK$ 6,380
Cocktail Audio X12 = HK$ 5,200
Cocktail Audio X10 = HK$ 3,580

Meron din pala ang Sony pero with amp so similar to Cocktail Audio X30.

Sony HAPS1/B 500GB Hi-Res Music Player System = US$ 998 (Amazon)

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/715ZuQtWW%2BL._SL1500_.jpg (http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/715ZuQtWW%2BL._SL1500_.jpg)
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player
Post by: mbtorn on Jul 09, 2015 at 06:36 PM
You can buy Olive One direct at a much lower price:

http://www.myoliveone.com/Shop
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player
Post by: sientobente on Jul 10, 2015 at 02:43 AM
I can get one in HK kaya lang mas mahal siya. Prices according to my source:

Cocktail Audio X40 = HK$ 15,800
Cocktail Audio X30 = HK$ 10,400
Olive One = HK$ 7,680
Cambridge Audio Stream Magic 6 = HK$ 7,098
Cambridge Audio Minx Xi = HK$ 6,600
Pioneer N-50 = HK$ 6,380
Cocktail Audio X12 = HK$ 5,200
Cocktail Audio X10 = HK$ 3,580

Meron din pala ang Sony pero with amp so similar to Cocktail Audio X30.

Sony HAPS1/B 500GB Hi-Res Music Player System = US$ 998 (Amazon)

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/715ZuQtWW%2BL._SL1500_.jpg (http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/715ZuQtWW%2BL._SL1500_.jpg)

I had been home auditioning the Cocktail Audio X10 and X12 for the past 2 weeks. If you have high-res files that go up to 24/192, skip the X10 since the optical out is limited to 24/96. The X12 on the other hand does not look as sleek as the X10. It looks like a 2-DIN car radio. But if you can ignore the aesthetics it should just be perfect. The reason why a remote app is still important is because, it is difficult to see what is on the 4.3" LCD screen if you are seated 10 feet away.
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player
Post by: dm1179 on Jul 10, 2015 at 03:48 PM
@sientobente: Okay lang kahit wala remote app for me. I am no couch potato anyway. Still looking around for other options. Thanks for the reply.
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player
Post by: dm1179 on Jul 10, 2015 at 04:07 PM
Ang ganda neto. :) Grabe nga lang ang presyo. :(

Astell&Kern AK500N -- The Ultimate MQS Network Audio Player

Body Material: Aluminum
Display: 7inch WXGA(1280 x 800) Touchscreen
Supported Audio Formats: WAV, FLAC, WMA, MP3, OGG, APE(Normal, High, Fast), AAC, ALAC, AIFF, DFF, DSF
Sample rate: 8kHz ~ 384kHz(8/16/24bits per sample)/DSD Native: DSD64(1bit 2.8MHz) / DSD128(1bit 5.6MHz)
CD Ripping audio format: WAV, FLAC
DAC: Cirrus Logic CS4398 x2 (Dual DAC)
Storage: SSD MLC 1TB/2TB/4TB(RAID 0,5)
Digital Out: AES/EBU x1, BNC x1, Coaxial x1, Optical x1
Digital Input: AES/EBU x1, BNC x1, Coaxial x1, Optical x1
Analog Out: Balanced(L/R) x2, RCA(L/R) x2
Fixed output level: 3V(RCA, Balanced)
Variable output level: 7.5Vrms(RCA) / 10Vrms(Balanced)
Channel Separation: > 135dB @ 1kHz
USB: Type A(Host) x2, Type B(Device) x1
USB DAC: UAC(USB Audio Class) 2.0 / DSD64, DSD128, PCM
Network: Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n(2.4GHz) & Ethernet 10/100/1000, DLNA(DMS, DMC, DMR)

Performance
Frequency Response: ±0.02dB (Condition: 20Hz~20kHz) / ±0.4dB (Condition: 10Hz~70kHz)
Signal to Noise Ratio: 118dB @ 1kHz, 10V
THD+N: < 0.0008% @ 1kHz, 10V / < 0.001% @ 10Hz~20kHz, 10V
    
Battery   
Capacity: 10,400mAh / 7.4V(normally) / Li-ion Battery
Continuous Playback Time: Up to 7 hours (MUSIC : FLAC, 16bit, 44KHz Volume 37, EQ Off, LCD Off)
Charge Time: About 3 hours

http://www.astellnkern.com/ (http://www.astellnkern.com/)

(http://www.audiovideohd.fr/i/imgs/20750-2.jpg)

(http://d2rxstqtpnd7ny.cloudfront.net/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/650x/040ec09b1e35df139433887a97daa66f/a/s/astell_kern_ak500n.jpg)
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player
Post by: DTNS on Jul 10, 2015 at 05:50 PM
subscribing to this thread.

PS

my dream music servers: ;D
http://www.aurender.com/page/audiophile (http://www.aurender.com/page/audiophile)
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player
Post by: jambam on Jul 11, 2015 at 11:41 AM
(http://i1083.photobucket.com/albums/j385/jambam_03/Slide1_zpscwdvnan5.jpg)

To keep this on topic here is my actual system.

1 Dedicated plug as a server 24/7 and 3 as players on demand .

I changed all the OS to ARM Linux and Squeeze on Arch. The software updates which allowed me to use the usb inputs on more devices , allowed me make the system a lot simpler by taking out the usb to spdif converters .

 Anyone in the house can access the music stored in the HD (as squeezebox client or as SMB shares) and the spotify account . I have tested 4 clients playing music at the same time .

The ethernet  connections are wired , except for the tablets/smart phones
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player
Post by: Dts_raw on Jul 11, 2015 at 12:14 PM
Nice setup..

Ako gamit ko (Headless Audio Player) RPi2 with usb hdd > YMPD/Pi Motion.

waiting for Pi-DAC+ Full-HD audio card (in transit), try ko kung mag improve un sounds.
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player
Post by: Courage on Jul 12, 2015 at 07:07 PM
I can get one in HK kaya lang mas mahal siya. Prices according to my source:

Cocktail Audio X40 = HK$ 15,800
Cocktail Audio X30 = HK$ 10,400
Olive One = HK$ 7,680
Cambridge Audio Stream Magic 6 = HK$ 7,098
Cambridge Audio Minx Xi = HK$ 6,600
Pioneer N-50 = HK$ 6,380
Cocktail Audio X12 = HK$ 5,200
Cocktail Audio X10 = HK$ 3,580

Meron din pala ang Sony pero with amp so similar to Cocktail Audio X30.

Sony HAPS1/B 500GB Hi-Res Music Player System = US$ 998 (Amazon)

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/715ZuQtWW%2BL._SL1500_.jpg (http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/715ZuQtWW%2BL._SL1500_.jpg)

Pasok na pasok to sa requirement mo sir..

http://www.ultrahighendreview.com/sony-hap-z1es-high-resolution-media-server/
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player
Post by: JoeyGS on Jul 13, 2015 at 12:05 AM
Nice set-up ED!

(http://i1083.photobucket.com/albums/j385/jambam_03/Slide1_zpscwdvnan5.jpg)

To keep this on topic here is my actual system.

1 Dedicated plug as a server 24/7 and 3 as players on demand .

I changed all the OS to ARM Linux and Squeeze on Arch. The software updates which allowed me to use the usb inputs on more devices , allowed me make the system a lot simpler by taking out the usb to spdif converters .

 Anyone in the house can access the music stored in the HD (as squeezebox client or as SMB shares) and the spotify account . I have tested 4 clients playing music at the same time .

The ethernet  connections are wired , except for the tablets/smart phones
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player
Post by: jambam on Jul 13, 2015 at 06:49 PM
Thanks Joey
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player
Post by: rgbautista on Mar 05, 2016 at 07:22 PM
Bookmarking topic.  :-)
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player
Post by: bogart.2006 on Mar 14, 2016 at 01:31 PM
I've read through the posts here and I came up with an idea on how to build my own.  Kindly confirm if the setup is correct.

Pogoplug will be plugged in ethernet in study.  USB drives fed through Pogoplug.  In AV room, I will have a Squeezebox connected to ethernet lan.  Squeezebox analog outs to receiver/integrated amp.  Songs played through iphone, ipad as controller.  Tama po ba?

If tama, will these components run out of the box without modifications?  Kasi i read somewhere that the Pogoplug daw needs modification pa to act as a music server
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player
Post by: jambam on Mar 14, 2016 at 10:10 PM
Hi Bogart ,

First it is recommended you have the E02 version of the pogoplug.. You then have to modify the software and install a variation of linux , arch linux in my application .

Once you have linux running you decide which flavor of server , player you wish to install . I choose squeezebox , but MPD is also a possiblity .. Its possible that a single pogoplug will be your server (source of files to playback) or Nas with squeezebox software or just dishing out samba shares, or upnp device for jriver.

If you have the original squeezebox yes you just connect the analog output . Alternately yoy can make your own squeezebox player  ( A raspberry pi or another small board computer  .. output  option depends on how you configure it)

note that the iphone or smart phone , tablet , can be your player and your controller at the same time...

Its a fun project if you enjoy that sort of thing
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player
Post by: bogart.2006 on Mar 15, 2016 at 07:23 AM
Hi Bogart ,

First it is recommended you have the E02 version of the pogoplug.. You then have to modify the software and install a variation of linux , arch linux in my application .

Once you have linux running you decide which flavor of server , player you wish to install . I choose squeezebox , but MPD is also a possiblity .. Its possible that a single pogoplug will be your server (source of files to playback) or Nas with squeezebox software or just dishing out samba shares, or upnp device for jriver.

If you have the original squeezebox yes you just connect the analog output . Alternately yoy can make your own squeezebox player  ( A raspberry pi or another small board computer  .. output  option depends on how you configure it)

note that the iphone or smart phone , tablet , can be your player and your controller at the same time...

Its a fun project if you enjoy that sort of thing

Ok, so quite a few tinkering involved to get it to work.  Is this something that's easy to do?  I'm not that familiar with computers, but am pretty good at following instructions if there's a step by step guide somewhere on how to configure to Pogoplug :-)

For the player, I'm thinking of buying the squeezebox from online sites abroad, figured it will be worth shipping as even the Raspberry Pi, I would have to get from abroad anyway
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player
Post by: jambam on Mar 15, 2016 at 11:34 AM
Ok, so quite a few tinkering involved to get it to work.  Is this something that's easy to do?  I'm not that familiar with computers, but am pretty good at following instructions if there's a step by step guide somewhere on how to configure to Pogoplug :-)

For the player, I'm thinking of buying the squeezebox from online sites abroad, figured it will be worth shipping as even the Raspberry Pi, I would have to get from abroad anyway

I had to mix and match info from different sources , and there is no one stop tutorial I used , they maybe but I did not see it , there are some simpler methods like just downloading and  writing to sd cards for the Rpi, but in using the pogoplug which is a rare find nowadays if Bnew , there is not as much new development..

The squeezebox has been discontinued so only NOS or used should be available  .. The pogoplug solution was ideal for me as it allowed me to limit my purchase cost.. In fact for the price of a single squeezebox bnew I was able to implement my whole system
Title: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player
Post by: bogart.2006 on Mar 18, 2016 at 11:05 AM
Thanks for the reply bro. Ordered my components already and excited to start building it. I ordered a RPi and a DAC. Still haven't decided what to run, but since medyo noob ako, I prefer the easy ones to install like Rune or Volumio. Squeeze di ko pa na-check.

If I plan to run a NAS, will any Pogoplug work or do I need the E02? Ang mahal kasi ng NAS eh
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player
Post by: jambam on Mar 19, 2016 at 07:39 PM
An alternative to the E02. Pogoplug is the series 4 pogo.   Which maybe a bit easier to find..I think you could buy an eo2. Off eBay..
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player
Post by: bogart.2006 on Mar 19, 2016 at 09:25 PM
An alternative to the E02. Pogoplug is the series 4 pogo.   Which maybe a bit easier to find..I think you could buy an eo2. Off eBay..

If I get the series 4 pogo, plug and play na ba? Meaning i just plug it in my network with an external drive and the volumio can detect it and pull files off of it?
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player
Post by: jambam on Mar 19, 2016 at 10:23 PM
Sorry it won't be that simple .. But there are online instructions on how to do it .  In fact another member just bought an E02 and is making his own system
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player
Post by: bogart.2006 on Apr 08, 2016 at 01:52 PM
Sorry it won't be that simple .. But there are online instructions on how to do it .  In fact another member just bought an E02 and is making his own system

FYI, decided to go with a Raspberry Pi and a NAS.  Still waiting for the orders to arrive, but quite excited :-)
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player
Post by: jambam on Jun 28, 2016 at 05:16 PM
Its been some time that I have not posted .

So I just got this

(http://i1083.photobucket.com/albums/j385/jambam_03/Mobile%20Uploads/DSC_0063_zpslcj9uep3.jpg)[/URL]


And using the chrome cast bridge plugin in LMS

(http://i1083.photobucket.com/albums/j385/jambam_03/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_0015_zpshjkd64uo.png)

It is just another client "chrome Audio"  in my system
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player
Post by: JoeyGS on Jun 28, 2016 at 05:50 PM
Nice! Also have one of this and the Chromecast for Video which I am using for iFlix

Check if there is a firmware upgrade for hires audio.

Its been some time that I have not posted .

So I just got this

(http://i1083.photobucket.com/albums/j385/jambam_03/Mobile%20Uploads/DSC_0063_zpslcj9uep3.jpg)[/URL]


And using the chrome cast bridge plugin in LMS

(http://i1083.photobucket.com/albums/j385/jambam_03/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_0015_zpshjkd64uo.png)

It is just another client "chrome Audio"  in my system
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player
Post by: bogart.2006 on Jul 23, 2016 at 08:56 PM
Finally found the time to work on the project. Used RuneAudio on a Raspberry Pi with Hifiberry DAC powered by SML SA-60 on Mordaunt Short Speakers. Configured the Rune to link to my Spotify Premium and access me media library on my NAS.

(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160723/b170f4a5241ac73a69ff6696c46cbf67.png)


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player
Post by: banting312 on Aug 15, 2016 at 09:44 PM
Hi,

Is anybody using a USB DAC with RPi3? I am planning to build a headless music player (runeaudio) that will stream flac files from my network. The RPi will be connected to a Schiit Modi 2 Uber via USB (since I can't find a local source for the hifiberry digi+), then the Schiit to a JDLabs BabyG. What issues should I expect with this setup?

Thank you very much!
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player
Post by: jambam on Aug 16, 2016 at 05:29 AM
A USB dac for the Rpi should not be a problem..  You can also try volumnio for software.

Sent from my E6633 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player
Post by: bogart.2006 on Aug 16, 2016 at 07:34 AM
A USB dac for the Rpi should not be a problem..  You can also try volumnio for software.

Sent from my E6633 using Tapatalk

Sir, any notable differences between Volumio and Rune?  I tried them both and the interfaces are more or less the same

Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player
Post by: jambam on Aug 16, 2016 at 08:34 PM
They are more alike than different. At one time the group responsible for Rune created the early Ui for volumnio. Before they spun off. 

One feature before of Rune was you had a choice of optimizations that may affect audio quality.. I personally have not tried it..

There are also a few more audio specific apps for the rpi out there.   I will post a linkbbit if I am able to track down the summary I saw at one time

Sent from my E6633 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player
Post by: bogart.2006 on Aug 17, 2016 at 07:27 AM
They are more alike than different. At one time the group responsible for Rune created the early Ui for volumnio. Before they spun off. 

One feature before of Rune was you had a choice of optimizations that may affect audio quality.. I personally have not tried it..

There are also a few more audio specific apps for the rpi out there.   I will post a linkbbit if I am able to track down the summary I saw at one time

Sent from my E6633 using Tapatalk



Thanks bro.  Quite happy with the Rune, but willing to try out other apps as its easy to set up and install
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player
Post by: banting312 on Aug 17, 2016 at 02:00 PM
A USB dac for the Rpi should not be a problem..  You can also try volumnio for software.

Sent from my E6633 using Tapatalk



Thanks for the reply, good sir.
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player
Post by: bogart.2006 on Oct 10, 2016 at 07:58 AM
They are more alike than different. At one time the group responsible for Rune created the early Ui for volumnio. Before they spun off. 

One feature before of Rune was you had a choice of optimizations that may affect audio quality.. I personally have not tried it..

There are also a few more audio specific apps for the rpi out there.   I will post a linkbbit if I am able to track down the summary I saw at one time

Sent from my E6633 using Tapatalk



Sir, sorry to follow up...  but do you have the link?  Having some issues connecting Rune via wifi.  For whatever reason, it prefers a wired connection vs. wifi :-(

Looking at other options to install
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player
Post by: jambam on Oct 10, 2016 at 08:46 AM
I tried finding it but no luck at the moment .

But you can try these

Volumio
RuneAudio
SqueezePlug
PiCorePlayer
SOA (Squeeze on Arch)
PiMusicBox

I have tried the first 5 and there are more out there ..

 You can also try using the I2S connection rather than USB for connecting a  DAC , In my experience the I2S connection  a cleaner output , but you would need a compatible dac
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player
Post by: bogart.2006 on Oct 10, 2016 at 10:07 AM
I tried finding it but no luck at the moment .

But you can try these

Volumio
RuneAudio
SqueezePlug
PiCorePlayer
SOA (Squeeze on Arch)
PiMusicBox

I have tried the first 5 and there are more out there ..

 You can also try using the I2S connection rather than USB for connecting a  DAC , In my experience the I2S connection  a cleaner output , but you would need a compatible dac


Thanks sir... already using I2S connection since I have a Hifiberry DAC on my RPi

Will try your recommendations above and update which one works the best

Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player
Post by: bogart.2006 on Oct 20, 2016 at 08:14 AM
Sir, sorry to follow up...  but do you have the link?  Having some issues connecting Rune via wifi.  For whatever reason, it prefers a wired connection vs. wifi :-(

Looking at other options to install

Just to update you sir...  I got the Rune wifi to work with another router.  It wouldn't originally connect with a Linksys router, but eventually did on a TPLink one.  Who would have thought?
Title: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player
Post by: jambam on Oct 20, 2016 at 02:17 PM
HI my guess is that the security setup (wep,wpa or wpa2) on your linksys vs tp-link is the issue.   As most of the protection protocols for wifi on these Linux players are coded to a single type.

Edit the linksys wifi protection setup to match your setting in rune

Sent from my E6633 using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player
Post by: bogart.2006 on Oct 21, 2016 at 06:56 AM
HI my guess is that the security setup (wep,wpa or wpa2) on your linksys vs tp-link is the issue.   As most of the protection protocols for wifi on these Linux players are coded to a single type.

Edit the linksys wifi protection setup to match your setting in rune

Sent from my E6633 using Tapatalk

Ok lang sir, I'll just use the TPLink Router :-)
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player
Post by: jambam on Nov 08, 2016 at 10:47 PM
Another software to try is Max2play for the Rpi...  Its an OS where you can install Squeezelite and LMS
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player
Post by: jambam on Feb 05, 2017 at 11:17 PM

Just got a pm from a fellow member who wanted to do a direct connection from his phone playing Spotify to a Dac.. versus sending audio via Bluetooth..

As I had all the components ,  I tried it..

Phone -> otg cable -> USB dac with optical output -> mini spdif connector  -> optical cable ->. Opt input of dac ( emotive xda -2)

Most important element is the phone should support USB audio output

(http://i1083.photobucket.com/albums/j385/jambam_03/IMG_0092_zpsufft4bwz.jpg)
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player
Post by: accastil on Feb 06, 2017 at 07:29 AM
Just got a pm from a fellow member who wanted to do a direct connection from his phone playing Spotify to a Dac.. versus sending audio via Bluetooth..

As I had all the components ,  I tried it..

Phone -> otg cable -> USB dac with optical output -> mini spdif connector  -> optical cable ->. Opt input of dac ( emotive xda -2)

Most important element is the phone should support USB audio output

(http://i1083.photobucket.com/albums/j385/jambam_03/IMG_0092_zpsufft4bwz.jpg)
  ty bro. Where to buy the adapter inbetween usb and optical connector? Do they also have usb to coax dgital connector?
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player
Post by: olats on Mar 27, 2017 at 11:22 PM
You can do Spotify with Runeaudio. You just use phone as controller.

Sent from my E6883 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player
Post by: bogart.2006 on Mar 29, 2017 at 03:42 PM
You can do Spotify with Runeaudio. You just use phone as controller.

Sent from my E6883 using Tapatalk



May bug yata ngayon ang RuneAudio. Walang spotify :-(
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player
Post by: bogart.2006 on Jul 21, 2017 at 12:34 PM
Update ko lang ito

Switched to Volumio.  They released an app for iPhone which makes it easy to control the player.  Very satisified
Title: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player/ (now with Tidal HiFidelity Streaming)
Post by: jambam on Sep 23, 2017 at 11:18 AM
Its been a long time since I updated ... Actually my pogoplug server has been untouched for sometime ,  but very stable.

I have a vpn and also smart DNS service , and one service I have not tried was the new Hires /Lossless format streaming sites .. Which are quite expensive .($19.99 monthly for the Tidal hifi service )

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170923/71c9ed6eaa07190797437791310ce82f.jpg)


(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170923/811d0a47bedf7e47b26ff4046bc45de0.jpg)

But you can sign up for a free trial . So with a Tidal account and a 3rd party plugin via ickStream

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170923/ba829fedff0eb79522d2634b5005fc15.jpg)

Here it is using the ipeng app as player and controller .

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170923/f2f423f6c4fb87668919c95e923c5935.jpg)

I have only browsed Tidal's offerings sparingly as , my main intent was to get it working first with LMS. Maybe someone can post suggestions on tracks to listen to.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player/ (now with Tidal HiFidelity Streaming)
Post by: JojoD818 on Nov 02, 2017 at 09:07 AM
I still dream of a rpi+touchscreen+volumio source setup.
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player/ (now with Tidal HiFidelity Streaming)
Post by: bogart.2006 on Jul 31, 2018 at 08:08 AM
Its been a long time since I updated ... Actually my pogoplug server has been untouched for sometime ,  but very stable.

I have a vpn and also smart DNS service , and one service I have not tried was the new Hires /Lossless format streaming sites .. Which are quite expensive .($19.99 monthly for the Tidal hifi service )

But you can sign up for a free trial . So with a Tidal account and a 3rd party plugin via ickStream

Here it is using the ipeng app as player and controller .

I have only browsed Tidal's offerings sparingly as , my main intent was to get it working first with LMS. Maybe someone can post suggestions on tracks to listen to.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk


sir, how's the sound quality of Tidal compared to say Spotify Premium?
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player/ (now with Tidal HiFidelity Streaming)
Post by: bogart.2006 on Jul 31, 2018 at 08:09 AM
Volumio's having issues again with Spotify... still connects but you're no longer able to see your saved playlists
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player/ (now with Tidal HiFidelity Streaming)
Post by: rochie on Jul 31, 2018 at 10:58 AM
Volumio's having issues again with Spotify... still connects but you're no longer able to see your saved playlists
I just noticed that my spotify mobile app is just recently upgraded. so maybe spotify made some changes on their API that's why Volumio is having issues again. let's wait for few days Im sure the devs of the plugin is already aware of that.
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player/ (now with Tidal HiFidelity Streaming)
Post by: alvinbaronsia on Jul 31, 2018 at 11:17 AM
sir, how's the sound quality of Tidal compared to say Spotify Premium?
Lossless vs Lossy. If you can easily and consistently tell the difference between ogg/mp3 vs flac, then  that's your answer.
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player/ (now with Tidal HiFidelity Streaming)
Post by: accastil on Nov 27, 2018 at 03:43 PM
Lossless vs Lossy. If you can easily and consistently tell the difference between ogg/mp3 vs flac, then  that's your answer.

I wanted to subscribe for Tidal or Deezer but worried that the availability of tracks may not be as vast as spotify's...I am also skeptical that the difference will be worth the subscription mark up as ill be using bluetooth5.0 and aptX-HD as a medium.

thoughts please....
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player/ (now with Tidal HiFidelity Streaming)
Post by: jambam on Nov 28, 2018 at 12:27 AM
I wanted to subscribe for Tidal or Deezer but worried that the availability of tracks may not be as vast as spotify's...I am also skeptical that the difference will be worth the subscription mark up as ill be using bluetooth5.0 and aptX-HD as a medium.

thoughts please....
I believe there is a trial available , which would best answer your query whether worth it or not
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player/ (now with Tidal HiFidelity Streaming)
Post by: at_sunset_blvd on Nov 28, 2018 at 06:19 AM
about TIDAL I've been trying to Sign-Up but to no avail, there's always this message that "the service is not available in our country". My DAP only stream for TIDAL thats why I dying to try its service.

Any tips how you guys were able to sign up?
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player/ (now with Tidal HiFidelity Streaming)
Post by: accastil on Nov 28, 2018 at 09:13 AM
I believe there is a trial available , which would best answer your query whether worth it or not

yup, that is the plan. Im just awaiting for my online order of bludento HD and pocophone F1.
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player/ (now with Tidal HiFidelity Streaming)
Post by: jambam on Nov 29, 2018 at 10:03 AM
about TIDAL I've been trying to Sign-Up but to no avail, there's always this message that "the service is not available in our country". My DAP only stream for TIDAL thats why I dying to try its service.

Any tips how you guys were able to sign up?

You need to sign up for tidal at a country where it is available . Cost differ by location too just like Spotify where it is $10 in the USA and 128 peso monthly here.

Tidal I heard was cheapest in Thailand , but not available for signup here in the Philippines.

Send me a PM


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player/ (now with Tidal HiFidelity Streaming)
Post by: alvinbaronsia on Nov 29, 2018 at 05:36 PM
I wanted to subscribe for Tidal or Deezer but worried that the availability of tracks may not be as vast as spotify's...I am also skeptical that the difference will be worth the subscription mark up as ill be using bluetooth5.0 and aptX-HD as a medium.

thoughts please....

My thoughts, if it was just a matter of Spotify vs. Tidal, I would say that I'd rather just use spotify as it is cheaper, easier to navigate, and they have a larger library). I can actually tell difference between Tidal and Spotify, BUT, only at my listening room with my equipment and with my test tracks. Give me a new song and i won't be able to tell at the first listen.

That said, lossy/spotify in combination with bluetooth is not so good, and I'd rather use flacs or tidal if I need to use bluetooth. LDAC is better though, but I only have headphones that use that codec.

I know that bluetooth is very convenient, but why not just use a streamer? And no disruptions also if you receive messages on your phone.

about TIDAL I've been trying to Sign-Up but to no avail, there's always this message that "the service is not available in our country". My DAP only stream for TIDAL thats why I dying to try its service.

Any tips how you guys were able to sign up?

I asked my brother to make me an account. I believe in some facebook groups, they do group subscribings or something like that.
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player/ (now with Tidal HiFidelity Streaming)
Post by: at_sunset_blvd on Nov 29, 2018 at 07:39 PM
You need to sign up for tidal at a country where it is available . Cost differ by location too just like Spotify where it is $10 in the USA and 128 peso monthly here.

Tidal I heard was cheapest in Thailand , but not available for signup here in the Philippines.

Send me a PM

I asked my brother to make me an account. I believe in some facebook groups, they do group subscribings or something like that.

Ok thanks Guys for the tips, would give it a try when in another country
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player/ (now with Tidal HiFidelity Streaming)
Post by: taloy on Nov 29, 2018 at 07:43 PM
check out deezer Hifi though only 16-bit/44.1khz(flac cd quality) 250php/month....now support chromecast audio and windows and mac desktop app.
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player/ (now with Tidal HiFidelity Streaming)
Post by: alvinbaronsia on Nov 30, 2018 at 12:39 AM
check out deezer Hifi though only 16-bit/44.1khz(flac cd quality) 250php/month....now support chromecast audio and windows and mac desktop app.

Oh wow! Thanks for the info. I thought Hifi was only available for desktop. Will download now.
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player/ (now with Tidal HiFidelity Streaming)
Post by: taloy on Dec 01, 2018 at 04:12 PM
btw streaming thru your smartphone(android or ios) music quality is only 320kbps but if you cast to chromecast audio(using toslink) then hifi quality is there...hifi quality can be had in windows and mac desktop app. too.. i dump spotify(1.5 yrs. as premium subscrb..) for this service.
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player/ (now with Tidal HiFidelity Streaming)
Post by: alvinbaronsia on Dec 01, 2018 at 06:54 PM
Yep. Can't get rid of spotify as my family is already deeply invested in it, but I can get rid of tidal which I'd rather spend on new equipment.

Already have it and my initial thoughts: 1. missing the artist radio of spotify, 2. quality is very good but I occasionally have "skips" which never happen in tidal, 3. must've reinstalled the app a couple of times before the cast button came out.

Overall, so far so good and despite the skips, i can tolerate this in exchange for saving 750 a month.
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player/ (now with Tidal HiFidelity Streaming)
Post by: accastil on Dec 02, 2018 at 07:51 AM
btw streaming thru your smartphone(android or ios) music quality is only 320kbps but if you cast to chromecast audio(using toslink) then hifi quality is there...hifi quality can be had in windows and mac desktop app. too.. i dump spotify(1.5 yrs. as premium subscrb..) for this service.

Bro, if not spoty, then what server r u pulling tracks from? Tidal? Deezer? Then stream via wifi on chromecast into a better dac?
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player/ (now with Tidal HiFidelity Streaming)
Post by: taloy on Dec 03, 2018 at 07:07 AM
my setup to get deezer HiFi work are the ff.
1. deezer hifi macbook desktop app since macbook does not support chromecast protocol so i used audio cast app(https://www.wmacapps.com/audio-cast-for-chromecast).
2. i used toslink for my chromecast audio then to my stereo amplifier's spdif IN and it really sounds great. the quality of it is somehow cd quality or better, it depends what wifi protocol you are using mine is 802.11ac.

3. btw chromecast audio supports up to 24 bit/96 khz only.

deezer Hifi is quite pricey 250php/month but im happy with it.
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player/ (now with Tidal HiFidelity Streaming)
Post by: accastil on Dec 03, 2018 at 09:03 AM
bro, where did you buy an optical cable with 1 end having 3.5mm optical and the other end as the usual toslink?...or did you use an adaptor at one end?

ill be using Samsung galaxy S7E to stream music into CCaudio and then connect the CCA into a musical fidelity DAC via optical cable. if I have the tracks downloaded into the phone instead of streaming it, can I still use the WIFI connection?
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player/ (now with Tidal HiFidelity Streaming)
Post by: taloy on Dec 03, 2018 at 11:09 AM
here you go bro..
https://www.lazada.com.ph/-i215366787-s279585921.html?urlFlag=tru

yes you can still wifi..
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player/ (now with Tidal HiFidelity Streaming)
Post by: alvinbaronsia on Dec 03, 2018 at 02:12 PM
bro, where did you buy an optical cable with 1 end having 3.5mm optical and the other end as the usual toslink?...or did you use an adaptor at one end?

ill be using Samsung galaxy S7E to stream music into CCaudio and then connect the CCA into a musical fidelity DAC via optical cable. if I have the tracks downloaded into the phone instead of streaming it, can I still use the WIFI connection?

Technically speaking, the samsung is only a controller; it basically will tell the CCaudio to stream and play the tracks you select in your phone. If you have spotify and downloaded tracks on your phone, the CCaudio will stream again and ignore the downloaded data in your phone. If you meant you have standard flacs or mp3s on your phone, you can set it up as a music server and via your upnp app, and CCaudio will stream them.
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player/ (now with Tidal HiFidelity Streaming)
Post by: accastil on Dec 04, 2018 at 08:52 AM
Technically speaking, the samsung is only a controller; it basically will tell the CCaudio to stream and play the tracks you select in your phone. If you have spotify and downloaded tracks on your phone, the CCaudio will stream again and ignore the downloaded data in your phone. If you meant you have standard flacs or mp3s on your phone, you can set it up as a music server and via your upnp app, and CCaudio will stream them.

could this be the reason why I normally hear audio stuttering even if im playing downloaded deezer tracks? I used to think that downloaded tracks should be transported via Bluetooth from the phone to the audio system......hence, assuming the download is flawless, playtime should be flawless and independent of the wifi signal.
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player/ (now with Tidal HiFidelity Streaming)
Post by: taloy on Dec 04, 2018 at 09:08 AM
using smartphone deezer app cast to CCaudio sucks...their app usually lost connection to CCaudio after 2 mins. of playing you might as well try their desktop app. it's much more stable.
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player/ (now with Tidal HiFidelity Streaming)
Post by: Audionuts on Dec 04, 2018 at 09:31 AM
Try using this connection Chromecast Audio via Ethernet Lan cable

https://www.lazada.com.ph/products/ugreen-ethernet-adapter-for-chromecastamazon-fire-stick-2-and-micro-usb-tv-sticks-micro-usb-to-rj45-ethernet-adapter-with-usb-power-supply-1meter-i144280359-s166806494.html?spm=a2o4l.searchlist.list.2.3c40350epf0Lij&search=1
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player/ (now with Tidal HiFidelity Streaming)
Post by: alvinbaronsia on Dec 04, 2018 at 10:06 AM
I'm using that as well as 5v3a power. Deezer still occasionally hiccups. Its really deezer.
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player/ (now with Tidal HiFidelity Streaming)
Post by: accastil on Dec 04, 2018 at 11:04 AM
using smartphone deezer app cast to CCaudio sucks...their app usually lost connection to CCaudio after 2 mins. of playing you might as well try their desktop app. it's much more stable.
bro, im using deezer on phone transported to arcam rblink Bluetooth DAC, not CCA on wifi.
maybe it is really deezer, regardless if its wifi/cca or bt/rblnk.
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player/ (now with Tidal HiFidelity Streaming)
Post by: taloy on Dec 04, 2018 at 12:22 PM
as i said deezer mobile app is really infested with bugs lol...you might as well download the desktop app it is much more stable from there you can cast in any u want either thru BT or wifi but for me casting using wifi sound much better and i cud cast my HiRes flac files too since wifi does not downscale my flac files unlike BT w/c is not suitable for HiRes files except sony's LDAC.
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player/ (now with Tidal HiFidelity Streaming)
Post by: accastil on Dec 04, 2018 at 01:07 PM
as i said deezer mobile app is really infested with bugs lol...you might as well download the desktop app it is much more stable from there you can cast in any u want either thru BT or wifi but for me casting using wifi sound much better and i cud cast my HiRes flac files too since wifi does not downscale my flac files unlike BT w/c is not suitable for HiRes files except sony's LDAC.

clear. thanks. ill try to DL desktop version of the deezer app instead. the stuttering sound is really annoying.
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player/ (now with Tidal HiFidelity Streaming)
Post by: accastil on Dec 05, 2018 at 08:19 AM
i hooked up the CCA last night but using only the stock 3.5mm analog cable. id say the internal DAC is sufficient. tonight ill be using a Toshiba toslink going into musical fidelity DAC and tube buffer...i sure hope for an improvement from last night's....although im already happy as it is already.

the only pending action for me now is to configure the phone as the music server and as usual, i am going to need guidance from members here with more experience on this.

thanks for the help peeps. :)
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player/ (now with Tidal HiFidelity Streaming)
Post by: marudo on Dec 05, 2018 at 01:31 PM
i hooked up the CCA last night but using only the stock 3.5mm analog cable. id say the internal DAC is sufficient. tonight ill be using a Toshiba toslink going into musical fidelity DAC and tube buffer...i sure hope for an improvement from last night's....although im already happy as it is already.

the only pending action for me now is to configure the phone as the music server and as usual, i am going to need guidance from members here with more experience on this.

thanks for the help peeps. :)
IMHO Madaming options for making your phone as server.

1. Bubble Upnp (paid), Android only
2. Linn Kazoo (free)
3. Ipeng (paid)


Headfi setup ba ito? Hndi kasi magndang DNLA server ang phone. Baka magkaroon ng latency @ your end when u cast it via wifi, LAN or bluetooth.

Try using a powerful PC for managing your song and use your phone as UPnP renderer. Mas mgnda ang performance nya. Powerful PC will provide a robust database performance.

If you opt for PC as music server, here are ur choices (Mac, Win, Linux) and like to recycle a not-so-old intel PC. I tried the ff


1. Minimserver (free)
2. Roon core (paid) - excellent remote and indexing ($100/yr and $499/lifetime)
3. Plex Media Server (paid)
4. Soundstage (cheaper alternative to Plex)
5. Squeezelite and Logitech Media Server (free).. it is my prefered free music server
6. Daphile (free).. you can use it as a player however making it a server is a bit tricky

If you like hardcoding or a linux geek
you can try the ff:

1. Gerbera
2. Snappy


.. best part is they are free.. you will do a little voddoo in the linux shell to configure these

If you are on a budget and would like to tinker a little try raspberry pi. I use the ff:

1. Picoreplayer (free). I configure this RPi as a Samba Server as well as built in Logitech Media Server

2. Volumio (free). You can activate LMS plugin and you can point any storage device and HDD as your musuc storage.

Just name your poison.
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player/ (now with Tidal HiFidelity Streaming)
Post by: accastil on Dec 05, 2018 at 02:50 PM
IMHO Madaming options for making your phone as server.

1. Bubble Upnp (paid), Android only
2. Linn Kazoo (free)
3. Ipeng (paid)


Headfi setup ba ito? Hndi kasi magndang DNLA server ang phone. Baka magkaroon ng latency @ your end when u cast it via wifi, LAN or bluetooth.

Try using a powerful PC for managing your song and use your phone as UPnP renderer. Mas mgnda ang performance nya. Powerful PC will provide a robust database performance.

If you opt for PC as music server, here are ur choices (Mac, Win, Linux) and like to recycle a not-so-old intel PC. I tried the ff


1. Minimserver (free)
2. Roon core (paid) - excellent remote and indexing ($100/yr and $499/lifetime)
3. Plex Media Server (paid)
4. Soundstage (cheaper alternative to Plex)
5. Squeezelite and Logitech Media Server (free).. it is my prefered free music server
6. Daphile (free).. you can use it as a player however making it a server is a bit tricky

If you like hardcoding or a linux geek
you can try the ff:

1. Gerbera
2. Snappy


.. best part is they are free.. you will do a little voddoo in the linux shell to configure these

If you are on a budget and would like to tinker a little try raspberry pi. I use the ff:

1. Picoreplayer (free). I configure this RPi as a Samba Server as well as built in Logitech Media Server

2. Volumio (free). You can activate LMS plugin and you can point any storage device and HDD as your musuc storage.

Just name your poison.
thanks bro. this is too much info for me at the moment. hehe.

i am actually downloading tracks from spotify and deezer servers into my phone and those are the files that i am referring to be played directly into the streamer and not from the app servers)….i was informed this isn't possible :(

at this time i haven't planned on having a dedicated local music server yet. i am still happy with the Deezer hifi quality though pissed with the occasional skips. i am more fond of standard and pop music than the usual jazz/instrumental/vocals used for testing hifi systems. in fact, old OPMs are my thing recently :)….hence, tidal wont make me happy or probably having a dedicated local music server since i would presume that the songs i long for wont be having hi-fi versions at the moment.

for the same reason, i am keeping my active wireless speakers until these music genre im currently into becomes a mainstream for hi-fi playback. (24bit/96KHz or above).

my system transmits only at 16bit/44KHz from its hub into the active/wireless speakers. this is good enough for me at the moment.
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player/ (now with Tidal HiFidelity Streaming)
Post by: accastil on Dec 05, 2018 at 02:58 PM
i believe 5G will be the enabler for the higher resolution tracks from app servers hence making 24bit/96KHz the mainstream or even higher.

active wireless systems by that time would also advance in parallel. it will be fun. i hope we wont be needing memory banks by then....meaning data transmission will be flawless (no more skips and hiccups).

Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player/ (now with Tidal HiFidelity Streaming)
Post by: marudo on Dec 05, 2018 at 05:30 PM
thanks bro. this is too much info for me at the moment. hehe.

i am actually downloading tracks from spotify and deezer servers into my phone and those are the files that i am referring to be played directly into the streamer and not from the app servers)….i was informed this isn't possible :(

at this time i haven't planned on having a dedicated local music server yet. i am still happy with the Deezer hifi quality though pissed with the occasional skips. i am more fond of standard and pop music than the usual jazz/instrumental/vocals used for testing hifi systems. in fact, old OPMs are my thing recently :)….hence, tidal wont make me happy or probably having a dedicated local music server since i would presume that the songs i long for wont be having hi-fi versions at the moment.

for the same reason, i am keeping my active wireless speakers until these music genre im currently into becomes a mainstream for hi-fi playback. (24bit/96KHz or above).

my system transmits only at 16bit/44KHz from its hub into the active/wireless speakers. this is good enough for me at the moment.

I see. Minsan wala din sa tidal yung mga OPM n gusto ko.. in terms of sonic quality, I prefer Qobuz.. buy stuff in qobuz. as well as HD tracks..

Matagal p mga lumang OPM bago maging available s hires.. as in remastered to hires. ripped vinyl will sound different pero its useless..

be careful s ripped tidal tracks.. not sure s spotify and deezer.. pag naripped na s tidal, prang naka equalize for "loudness" war..

basta ba available yung track n gusto mo. kahit d sya hires.. masaya ka pa din.

I mean kahit naka airport or cast yung track mo.. ok pang pala.. 16/44 nmn.. so wlang lagging yan..


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player/ (now with Tidal HiFidelity Streaming)
Post by: marudo on Dec 05, 2018 at 05:38 PM
i believe 5G will be the enabler for the higher resolution tracks from app servers hence making 24bit/96KHz the mainstream or even higher.

active wireless systems by that time would also advance in parallel. it will be fun. i hope we wont be needing memory banks by then....meaning data transmission will be flawless (no more skips and hiccups).

hopefully.. 3G and 4G nga palpak na ang globe at smart.. im positive s 3rd telco.. Mislatel.. pero may drawbacks ang 5G.. ewan ko kung totoo.. s Norway.. nangamatay daw mga ibon during testing..

quick fix.. go LAN.. hiccup free..
i

I think active wireless will highly appeal to millenials and city folks.. hardcore audiophiles will still prefer separates.. better DACs.. preamps.. twaekable kc ang separates.. I dont like the sound signature and dynamics of Class D amps.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player/ (now with Tidal HiFidelity Streaming)
Post by: accastil on Dec 06, 2018 at 08:33 AM
I see. Minsan wala din sa tidal yung mga OPM n gusto ko.. in terms of sonic quality, I prefer Qobuz.. buy stuff in qobuz. as well as HD tracks..

Matagal p mga lumang OPM bago maging available s hires.. as in remastered to hires. ripped vinyl will sound different pero its useless..

be careful s ripped tidal tracks.. not sure s spotify and deezer.. pag naripped na s tidal, prang naka equalize for "loudness" war..

basta ba available yung track n gusto mo. kahit d sya hires.. masaya ka pa din.

I mean kahit naka airport or cast yung track mo.. ok pang pala.. 16/44 nmn.. so wlang lagging yan..


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

yes, music matters more to me than the SQ kaya ill be happier with deezer at the moment kaysa sa hi-res na jazz/instrumental/vocals music.

the only issue i have now with deezer is yun nga skips. nkk irita.
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player/ (now with Tidal HiFidelity Streaming)
Post by: accastil on Dec 06, 2018 at 08:49 AM
hopefully.. 3G and 4G nga palpak na ang globe at smart.. im positive s 3rd telco.. Mislatel.. pero may drawbacks ang 5G.. ewan ko kung totoo.. s Norway.. nangamatay daw mga ibon during testing..

quick fix.. go LAN.. hiccup free..
i

I think active wireless will highly appeal to millenials and city folks.. hardcore audiophiles will still prefer separates.. better DACs.. preamps.. twaekable kc ang separates.. I dont like the sound signature and dynamics of Class D amps.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

can you advise how i can go wired LAN given my set up:

phone - chromecast -(optical wire)- dac -(rca)- tube buffer -(rca)-  wireless hub for speaker -(kleer wireless technology)- speaker.

the only part in this link with ethernet provision is the wireless audio hub for the speakers.
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player/ (now with Tidal HiFidelity Streaming)
Post by: accastil on Dec 06, 2018 at 09:37 AM
hopefully.. 3G and 4G nga palpak na ang globe at smart.. im positive s 3rd telco.. Mislatel.. pero may drawbacks ang 5G.. ewan ko kung totoo.. s Norway.. nangamatay daw mga ibon during testing..

quick fix.. go LAN.. hiccup free..
i

I think active wireless will highly appeal to millenials and city folks.. hardcore audiophiles will still prefer separates.. better DACs.. preamps.. twaekable kc ang separates.. I dont like the sound signature and dynamics of Class D amps.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

scary. if birds could die, im sure effect to humans wont be negligible.
ive been to full separates as in all power supplies are in separate chassis, amps are monoblocks, DACs are outboard with outboard buffers. i couldn't agree more...the dynamics of these systems will shock a newbie :)

i guess ive gotten old to flip that much qty of switches ON and OFF and recently found fun in bits and Hz of the digital domain.

most of all, the convenience and availability of music in this domain is hard to beat. tinamad nako mag abang ng for sale LP and CDs bearing the music i want to listen to. tinamad na din tumayo ng upuan habang nakikinig para magpalit ng plaka or tugtog sa plaka. haha
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player/ (now with Tidal HiFidelity Streaming)
Post by: marudo on Dec 06, 2018 at 11:05 AM
can you advise how i can go wired LAN given my set up:

phone - chromecast -(optical wire)- dac -(rca)- tube buffer -(rca)-  wireless hub for speaker -(kleer wireless technology)- speaker.

the only part in this link with ethernet provision is the wireless audio hub for the speakers.
U can consider changing chromecast ng mga streamers. they have LAN.. very noisy ang chromecast.. nka fiber connection k bro?

mdmi maggndang streamers in the market. they provide a better control on the THD of the device. mas mggnda ksi conditioning ng output stage nila compared s chromecast.  u can add a linear power supply to the streamer and attain d analog sound u want too.

actually I ditched my tube buffer because contrary to the belief of many.. hnd lhat ng tubes nagbbgay ng mala analog na sound. it just exacerbate the noise. nsa OPAMP ang sikreto. with my current setup.. I get a better cymbals decay, blacker sound, deep base and a very organic raspy voice

optical I think hanggang 96khz/24 bit..
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player/ (now with Tidal HiFidelity Streaming)
Post by: marudo on Dec 06, 2018 at 11:07 AM
yes, music matters more to me than the SQ kaya ill be happier with deezer at the moment kaysa sa hi-res na jazz/instrumental/vocals music.

the only issue i have now with deezer is yun nga skips. nkk irita.
so kaya mas okay skn ang spotify.. max nya is 320 kbps @ 44.1/16.

Stable ang spotify.
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player/ (now with Tidal HiFidelity Streaming)
Post by: marudo on Dec 06, 2018 at 11:11 AM
scary. if birds could die, im sure effect to humans wont be negligible.
ive been to full separates as in all power supplies are in separate chassis, amps are monoblocks, DACs are outboard with outboard buffers. i couldn't agree more...the dynamics of these systems will shock a newbie :)

i guess ive gotten old to flip that much qty of switches ON and OFF and recently found fun in bits and Hz of the digital domain.

most of all, the convenience and availability of music in this domain is hard to beat. tinamad nako mag abang ng for sale LP and CDs bearing the music i want to listen to. tinamad na din tumayo ng upuan habang nakikinig para magpalit ng plaka or tugtog sa plaka. haha
yep.. not an LP fan. Im in to convinience also in terms of music format. pero pagdating s setup.. hangga't maari, gusto ko separates... given space and money..
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player/ (now with Tidal HiFidelity Streaming)
Post by: jambam on Jun 20, 2019 at 11:35 PM
(https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0072/6899/1049/products/3_900x.jpg?v=1559762478)

https://www.arylic.com/collections/frontpage/products/up2stream-wifi-audio-receiver-module-dlna-airplay-analog-output


Trying this one next ..
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player/ (now with Tidal HiFidelity Streaming)
Post by: accastil on Jun 21, 2019 at 11:24 AM
(https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0072/6899/1049/products/3_900x.jpg?v=1559762478)

https://www.arylic.com/collections/frontpage/products/up2stream-wifi-audio-receiver-module-dlna-airplay-analog-output


Trying this one next ..
what is that bro? what is the advantage over aptx-HD on Bluetooth 5.0 in terms of SQ?
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player/ (now with Tidal HiFidelity Streaming)
Post by: jambam on Jun 21, 2019 at 12:41 PM
This device is actually is going to be an update to my multi room audio setup .

As Chromecast audio has been discontinued . This could be. A substitute . This could also replace my pogoplugs

 for better  sq  I prefer hd streams over WiFi  vs Bluetooth. 

Sent from my Redmi Note 5 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player/ (now with Tidal HiFidelity Streaming)
Post by: lithium_deuteride on Jul 19, 2019 at 04:21 PM
Am using my MacBook Pro as a streamer, connected by USB to my Chord DAC and playing Tidal via Roon.  Sound is very good especially for MQA tracks.  Would like to realize an  SQ improvement by taking the MBP out if the chain and replacing it with a dedicated streamer.  Any recommendations?  Am looking at buying the Bluesound Node 2i from Amazon as it is relatively cheap ($500).
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player/ (now with Tidal HiFidelity Streaming)
Post by: alvinbaronsia on Jul 20, 2019 at 11:08 AM
Am using my MacBook Pro as a streamer, connected by USB to my Chord DAC and playing Tidal via Roon.  Sound is very good especially for MQA tracks.  Would like to realize an  SQ improvement by taking the MBP out if the chain and replacing it with a dedicated streamer.  Any recommendations?  Am looking at buying the Bluesound Node 2i from Amazon as it is relatively cheap ($500).

What sound quality improvement are you expecting? I don't really feel any significant difference between my bluesound node 2, chromecast audio, raspberry pi with digiberry, and surface pro, used as streamers. I feel that maybe the bluesound sounds slightly cleaner, but it's probably psychological.

OT: Does Chord support MQA already? I thought he was anti-MQA.
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player/ (now with Tidal HiFidelity Streaming)
Post by: lithium_deuteride on Jul 20, 2019 at 06:11 PM
Eliminating the supposedly noisy Macbook w/ a dedicated streamer should in theory improve SQ.  Right now I don’t find the MacBook noisy but you never know until you hear an improvement right?

When I play Tidal, Roon identifies MQA tracks as MQA.  Not sure if that means my Hugo TT2 is MQA ready.  BTW, MQA tracks do sound better to my ears.
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player/ (now with Tidal HiFidelity Streaming)
Post by: lithium_deuteride on Jul 20, 2019 at 06:15 PM
I read the Bluesound Node 2i improves a lot compared to the Node 2.
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player/ (now with Tidal HiFidelity Streaming)
Post by: alvinbaronsia on Jul 21, 2019 at 01:40 AM
Eliminating the supposedly noisy Macbook w/ a dedicated streamer should in theory improve SQ.  Right now I don’t find the MacBook noisy but you never know until you hear an improvement right?

When I play Tidal, Roon identifies MQA tracks as MQA.  Not sure if that means my Hugo TT2 is MQA ready.  BTW, MQA tracks do sound better to my ears.

So upgraditis it is hehe.

MQA is a standard of recording, encoding and decoding music, so technically speaking, if Rob Watts doesn't decode the music to the MQA standard, then it's not MQA. Any DAC can still play MQA files, but it won't "sound" MQA as it may not follow MQA standards. So the MQA files you hear that sound better, is better because the music was converted to 24/48 and not because it's MQA per se, and of course, the Hugo is a nice DAC.

I read the Bluesound Node 2i improves a lot compared to the Node 2.

Let me know how it turns out against the MBP.






Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player/ (now with Tidal HiFidelity Streaming)
Post by: alvinbaronsia on Jul 27, 2019 at 12:05 PM
My friend just asked me to compare in depth the Chromecast Audio and his CXN, and I take back what I said about streamers not making a lot of difference. After volume matching, the CXN is definitely cleaner sounding and immediately noticeable... the pace is also very slighlty slower and vocals and midrange have a little more body, highs are more extended and have a little more bite.
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player/ (now with Tidal HiFidelity Streaming)
Post by: bogart.2006 on Jul 29, 2019 at 09:45 AM
question sa mga experts natin...

currently, i'm running my plex server installed on my seagate personal cloud. medyo di maganda ang user experience kasi mabagal siya. may lag when scrolling through the library and playing songs. akala ko nung una, it was just the system reading the media library. pero mabagal pa din after it has cataloged the HDD.

would the performance improve if i use another device as the plex server? something with higher specs than the NAS? Eto lang kasi yung specs ng Seagate NAS ko: 

CPU           Marvell ARMADA 370 88F6707 A1 SoC @ 1.2 GHz   
RAM   512 MB Samsung K4B4G1646D

I was thinking of replacing it with a Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+

CPU:  Broadcom BCM2837B0, Cortex-A53 (ARMv8) 64-bit SoC @ 1.4GHz
RAM:  1GB LPDDR2 SDRAM

If I use that, will the performance improve? 

By the way, I only use it for music, not for videos
 
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player/ (now with Tidal HiFidelity Streaming)
Post by: istan on Jul 29, 2019 at 11:48 AM
Try ssd?
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player/ (now with Tidal HiFidelity Streaming)
Post by: bogart.2006 on Jul 29, 2019 at 12:32 PM
Try ssd?

you mean for the network storage? actually, if you're just accessing yung music files direct, mabilis naman. pag pinadaan mo through the Plex server, dun bumabagal
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player/ (now with Tidal HiFidelity Streaming)
Post by: sultan72 on Jul 29, 2019 at 02:12 PM
Eliminating the supposedly noisy Macbook w/ a dedicated streamer should in theory improve SQ.  Right now I don’t find the MacBook noisy but you never know until you hear an improvement right?

When I play Tidal, Roon identifies MQA tracks as MQA.  Not sure if that means my Hugo TT2 is MQA ready.  BTW, MQA tracks do sound better to my ears.

both tidal and roon can do the first mqa unfold up to 24/96 so it will work with most dacs.
i find qobuz to sound better and best of all it does not need any proprietary encoding/decoding to play hires music.
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player/ (now with Tidal HiFidelity Streaming)
Post by: alvinbaronsia on Jul 29, 2019 at 06:03 PM
both tidal and roon can do the first mqa unfold up to 24/96 so it will work with most dacs.
i find qobuz to sound better and best of all it does not need any proprietary encoding/decoding to play hires music.


If you have an all MQA system (streamer and DAC), is it supposed to sound the same as all MQA systems? It is a standard right, so the sound should be standard as well? So in that case, my bluesound Node 2 should have the same sound signature as a full Meridian MQA system? Not including THD improvements due to higher quality parts of course.
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player/ (now with Tidal HiFidelity Streaming)
Post by: sultan72 on Jul 30, 2019 at 02:45 PM
If you have an all MQA system (streamer and DAC), is it supposed to sound the same as all MQA systems? It is a standard right, so the sound should be standard as well? So in that case, my bluesound Node 2 should have the same sound signature as a full Meridian MQA system? Not including THD improvements due to higher quality parts of course.

i don't have an "all MQA system" so i wouldnt know for sure. am no expert just an enthusiast but i know dacs and streamers have their own sound mqa or not, well to my ears anyway.
for 24/96 tracks (in general, it really depends on how it was recorded or mastered), i prefer the sound of qobuz parang mas "lively" vs tidal na it sounded "veiled" or dull. very subjective and others may hear differently.
ang importante lets just enjoy the music and whatever gears we have.


Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player/ (now with Tidal HiFidelity Streaming)
Post by: lithium_deuteride on Jan 31, 2020 at 08:38 PM
I installed the SOtM pair of sMS-200ultra and sPS-500 power supply.  Sounds great in my setup. Big leap in SQ after a week of burn in.  Digital music has truly come a long way.

Just wondering if one can use the PLDT Fibr modem as a switch or is it better to give that role to the router as is the usual?
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player/ (now with Tidal HiFidelity Streaming)
Post by: scoob on Sep 25, 2020 at 11:05 PM
Please recommend a music server/player for a Windows PC.  Currently using Jriver (trial) and malapit na magexpire.  Preferably free but willing to pay (<PHP5K).
Requirements:
1. User friendly
2. No need to add any hardware
3. Plays hi-res music (flac, dsd)
4. Can be controlled using phone (iPhone).

Thanks in advance. 
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player/ (now with Tidal HiFidelity Streaming)
Post by: noob on Sep 26, 2020 at 08:14 AM
Please recommend a music server/player for a Windows PC.  Currently using Jriver (trial) and malapit na magexpire.  Preferably free but willing to pay (<PHP5K).
Requirements:
1. User friendly
2. No need to add any hardware
3. Plays hi-res music (flac, dsd)
4. Can be controlled using phone (iPhone).

Thanks in advance. 
am using foobar 2000, it is free
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player/ (now with Tidal HiFidelity Streaming)
Post by: jh@meeh on Sep 26, 2020 at 08:45 AM
Audirvana
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player/ (now with Tidal HiFidelity Streaming)
Post by: at_sunset_blvd on Sep 26, 2020 at 11:42 AM
Audirvana

(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1600x1200q90/921/WqMCLe.jpg)
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player/ (now with Tidal HiFidelity Streaming)
Post by: scoob on Sep 26, 2020 at 12:57 PM
Thanks, i will try Audirvana.
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player/ (now with Tidal HiFidelity Streaming)
Post by: noob on Sep 26, 2020 at 06:34 PM
in the later posts of this thread: https://www.pinoydvd.com/index.php/topic,173856.0.html
 they recommeded Musicbee (free daw).
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player/ (now with Tidal HiFidelity Streaming)
Post by: saltuhin on Sep 26, 2020 at 09:06 PM
musicbee is free. maganda ui, may phone remote, customizable display, magaling kumuha album art. coming from foobar mas gusto ko ito.
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player/ (now with Tidal HiFidelity Streaming)
Post by: scoob on Sep 27, 2020 at 06:48 AM
in the later posts of this thread: https://www.pinoydvd.com/index.php/topic,173856.0.html
 they recommeded Musicbee (free daw).
Salamat sir, nageffort ka pa talaga to look into old posts. Appreciate it. Will try musicbee din.
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player/ (now with Tidal HiFidelity Streaming)
Post by: scoob on Sep 27, 2020 at 06:52 AM
musicbee is free. maganda ui, may phone remote, customizable display, magaling kumuha album art. coming from foobar mas gusto ko ito.
I also use foobar before. I find it not so user friendly. I spent a lot of time googling to learn how to use it. Unlike JRiver and Audirvana madaling kapain.
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player/ (now with Tidal HiFidelity Streaming)
Post by: scoob on Oct 25, 2020 at 09:03 PM
I'm looking for an app (for iPhone) that I can use to turn on and off my Windows 10PC.  I tried iShutdown and Off remote by bridgetech but i can't make any of the 2 to work.  Any recommendation?
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player/ (now with Tidal HiFidelity Streaming)
Post by: laukong on Nov 07, 2020 at 05:40 PM
I'm looking for an app (for iPhone) that I can use to turn on and off my Windows 10PC.  I tried iShutdown and Off remote by bridgetech but i can't make any of the 2 to work.  Any recommendation?

wake on lan and Panic's Prompt
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player/ (now with Tidal HiFidelity Streaming)
Post by: lithium_deuteride on Dec 14, 2020 at 05:10 AM
Please recommend a music server/player for a Windows PC.  Currently using Jriver (trial) and malapit na magexpire.  Preferably free but willing to pay (<PHP5K).
Requirements:
1. User friendly
2. No need to add any hardware
3. Plays hi-res music (flac, dsd)
4. Can be controlled using phone (iPhone).

Thanks in advance. 

IMO, nothing beats Roon.  $120 per year.
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player/ (now with Tidal HiFidelity Streaming)
Post by: lithium_deuteride on Jan 28, 2021 at 05:24 AM
I set-up an Intel NUC as my new Roon server running ROCK (Roon Optimized Core Kit).  This replaced my 2010 MacBook Pro which takes forever to boot up then initiate Roon.  Same SQ level as far as I can tell, the only advantage being I can keep the NUC powered on 24/7 (electricity consumption being negligible), providing instant access to my music.
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player/ (now with Tidal HiFidelity Streaming)
Post by: alvinbaronsia on Jan 28, 2021 at 10:52 AM
I set-up an Intel NUC as my new Roon server running ROCK (Roon Optimized Core Kit).  This replaced my 2010 MacBook Pro which takes forever to boot up then initiate Roon.  Same SQ level as far as I can tell, the only advantage being I can keep the NUC powered on 24/7 (electricity consumption being negligible), providing instant access to my music.

OT: replace your macbook pro hdd with an ssd, boots up in 20 seconds or less. WIth the classic aluminum look, it gives new life to your macbook.
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player/ (now with Tidal HiFidelity Streaming)
Post by: JoeyGS on Jan 31, 2021 at 12:56 PM
Try Daphile ... headless, wireless device control, free, will work on old PCs, sounds good to me

I'm looking for an app (for iPhone) that I can use to turn on and off my Windows 10PC.  I tried iShutdown and Off remote by bridgetech but i can't make any of the 2 to work.  Any recommendation?
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player/ (now with Tidal HiFidelity Streaming)
Post by: jh@meeh on Jan 31, 2021 at 01:07 PM
I set-up an Intel NUC as my new Roon server running ROCK (Roon Optimized Core Kit).  This replaced my 2010 MacBook Pro which takes forever to boot up then initiate Roon.  Same SQ level as far as I can tell, the only advantage being I can keep the NUC powered on 24/7 (electricity consumption being negligible), providing instant access to my music.

Try to use Iso Regen by Uptone Audio and SOTM USB Card.
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player/ (now with Tidal HiFidelity Streaming)
Post by: bogart.2006 on Feb 01, 2021 at 05:23 PM
uso ngayon sa AP ang headless audio player
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player/ (now with Tidal HiFidelity Streaming)
Post by: lithium_deuteride on Feb 05, 2021 at 09:27 PM
Try to use Iso Regen by Uptone Audio and SOTM USB Card.

I use SOTM gear - a switch and a network bridge with its own psu.
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player/ (now with Tidal HiFidelity Streaming)
Post by: lithium_deuteride on Feb 05, 2021 at 09:33 PM
Here's a pic:

(https://i.imgur.com/edk3Lvr.jpg)
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player/ (now with Tidal HiFidelity Streaming)
Post by: JoeyGS on Mar 19, 2021 at 01:54 PM
I have been using a headless player via PC solely for audio use since 2015 and I feel its one of the best way to enjoy a good digital source.  Once you have solved the jitter and noise filtering plus the re-clocking, then, you will need a good DAC which every year there is a new product ..... hehehehe


uso ngayon sa AP ang headless audio player
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player/ (now with Tidal HiFidelity Streaming)
Post by: jambam on Mar 24, 2021 at 04:28 PM
I have been using a headless player via PC solely for audio use since 2015 and I feel its one of the best way to enjoy a good digital source.  Once you have solved the jitter and noise filtering plus the re-clocking, then, you will need a good DAC which every year there is a new product ..... hehehehe

The pogoplug which i used to start this thread still works  .Sotm actually built a product around the same hardware for a time .. Nice to see an experiment go mainstream
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player/ (now with Tidal HiFidelity Streaming)
Post by: bogart.2006 on Apr 08, 2021 at 10:47 AM
The pogoplug which i used to start this thread still works  .Sotm actually built a product around the same hardware for a time .. Nice to see an experiment go mainstream


i built my headless audio player using your posts sir. it's been 6 years na yata and I'm still using the same system. nagpalit lang ako ng software from using Rune originally, to Volumio when Rune had issues a few years back
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player/ (now with Tidal HiFidelity Streaming)
Post by: jambam on Apr 08, 2021 at 05:13 PM
i built my headless audio player using your posts sir. it's been 6 years na yata and I'm still using the same system. nagpalit lang ako ng software from using Rune originally, to Volumio when Rune had issues a few years back

Thats really nice to know sir
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player/ (now with Tidal HiFidelity Streaming)
Post by: darkangel69 on Apr 09, 2021 at 05:45 AM
Been a long time just a lurker :-D
Good thing there is a thread about his here at pdvd.
Built one headless audio player using an HP thin client which I upgraded to 8gb ddr3 ram and plugged in a 120gb SSD at first then later on replaced it with a 240gb SSD. Mine has a daphile which is a bit perfect linux distro. Back then (6years ago) I was using an LG Hifi Plus DAC and the sound was great to my taste. That DAC has a ESS Sabre (forgot which model).
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player/ (now with Tidal HiFidelity Streaming)
Post by: geriboy on May 03, 2021 at 11:12 AM
Good day! Hindi ko po alam kung tama po yung thread na ito to post my question. Pakisabi na lang po if I should make a separate thread. Thank you!

I currently have a Cambridge CXN as my audio source, almost 100% of the time I get music from Spotify or Tidal. I use my Android phone to connect to CXN, spotify, and tidal using their respective apps (Cambridge stream magic, spotify connect, tidal connect).

I have an old netbook (Intel Atom processor, 2gig ddr2 ram, 120GB SSD, windows 7 32bit) that I used before as a music source, connected to an external DAC (LH Labs Geek Pulse XFi) via USB. Gamit ko ay JRiver to play some FLAC files im its SSD. It also has Spotify installed in it.

I plan on using the netbook again, and use an external DAC via USB (not the CXN). Gusto ko sana that my netbook would "act/function" as the CXN: able to play music in spotify and tidal, and I am able to use my Android phone to access my netbook para sa spotify, tidal, and my FLAC files.

Ganito po yung connection na gamit ko: PLDT Fibr modem -> netbook via LAN cable -> USB DAC -> amplifier/speakers

Ano po ang kailangan ko gawin? Thank you very much! Stay safe, everyone!

Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player/ (now with Tidal HiFidelity Streaming)
Post by: jambam on May 03, 2021 at 12:25 PM
Good day! Hindi ko po alam kung tama po yung thread na ito to post my question. Pakisabi na lang po if I should make a separate thread. Thank you!

I currently have a Cambridge CXN as my audio source, almost 100% of the time I get music from Spotify or Tidal. I use my Android phone to connect to CXN, spotify, and tidal using their respective apps (Cambridge stream magic, spotify connect, tidal connect).

I have an old netbook (Intel Atom processor, 2gig ddr2 ram, 120GB SSD, windows 7 32bit) that I used before as a music source, connected to an external DAC (LH Labs Geek Pulse XFi) via USB. Gamit ko ay JRiver to play some FLAC files im its SSD. It also has Spotify installed in it.

I plan on using the netbook again, and use an external DAC via USB (not the CXN). Gusto ko sana that my netbook would "act/function" as the CXN: able to play music in spotify and tidal, and I am able to use my Android phone to access my netbook para sa spotify, tidal, and my FLAC files.

Ganito po yung connection na gamit ko: PLDT Fibr modem -> netbook via LAN cable -> USB DAC -> amplifier/speakers

Ano po ang kailangan ko gawin? Thank you very much! Stay safe, everyone!



Yes sir ganyan na lang .Spotify and tidal within themselves allow remote control of playback , basta within the same network  . As long as your cellphone app can see the same app in your netbook . your good to go
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player/ (now with Tidal HiFidelity Streaming)
Post by: geriboy on May 03, 2021 at 02:36 PM
Yes sir ganyan na lang .Spotify and tidal within themselves allow remote control of playback , basta within the same network  . As long as your cellphone app can see the same app in your netbook . your good to go

Thank you sir jambam! Try ko po ito. Akala ko I need to install a new program, or install a new OS (Linux based system).
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player/ (now with Tidal HiFidelity Streaming)
Post by: scoob on May 03, 2021 at 03:44 PM
I think you need the JRiver remote installed in your android phone to control playback of the flac files in your netbook’s hard drive.
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player/ (now with Tidal HiFidelity Streaming)
Post by: Weng! on May 03, 2021 at 04:36 PM
My cheap streamer. RPi4 + Innomaker HAT DAC using BB PCM5122 chip. Future mod is to use an affordable stand-alone USB DAC with the likes of Ifi or Topping e30 :)

(https://i.ibb.co/vZmCzfG/20210420-212541.jpg)
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player/ (now with Tidal HiFidelity Streaming)
Post by: geriboy on May 03, 2021 at 05:35 PM
I think you need the JRiver remote installed in your android phone to control playback of the flac files in your netbook’s hard drive.

Thank you sir scoob
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player/ (now with Tidal HiFidelity Streaming)
Post by: geriboy on May 03, 2021 at 07:03 PM
Another question: ano po ang mas maganda - netbook with Intel Atom processor, or a Raspberry Pi unit po?

Thank you!
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player/ (now with Tidal HiFidelity Streaming)
Post by: CMac on May 11, 2021 at 03:56 PM
Replying not for the purpose of this thread but just the usability comparison. Depends on the atom processor but they usually have more compute power than an RPi.
Netbook with Windows - safe, full support (errors can be easily googled), more software available. In short, less headaches imo.
RPi - low power, discreet and just plain cool. Not to mention that you get to feel like Hacker Potter typing sudo waka-waka remotely via terminal.
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player/ (now with Tidal HiFidelity Streaming)
Post by: geriboy on May 11, 2021 at 06:39 PM
Replying not for the purpose of this thread but just the usability comparison. Depends on the atom processor but they usually have more compute power than an RPi.
Netbook with Windows - safe, full support (errors can be easily googled), more software available. In short, less headaches imo.
RPi - low power, discreet and just plain cool. Not to mention that you get to feel like Hacker Potter typing sudo waka-waka remotely via terminal.


Thank you very much sir!
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player/ (now with Tidal HiFidelity Streaming)
Post by: JoeyGS on Jul 06, 2021 at 03:04 PM
Geriboy,  checkout Daphile .... it's an OS streamer and needs little resources to run on even old computers.  https://www.daphile.com
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player/ (now with Tidal HiFidelity Streaming)
Post by: noob on Jul 06, 2021 at 04:37 PM
Yes sir ganyan na lang .Spotify and tidal within themselves allow remote control of playback , basta within the same network  . As long as your cellphone app can see the same app in your netbook . your good to go

Is there a way also for remote apple music streaming? Thanks
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player/ (now with Tidal HiFidelity Streaming)
Post by: geriboy on Jul 06, 2021 at 05:15 PM
Geriboy,  checkout Daphile .... it's an OS streamer and needs little resources to run on even old computers.  https://www.daphile.com

Thank you sir Joey!
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player/ (now with Tidal HiFidelity Streaming)
Post by: bogart.2006 on Jul 07, 2021 at 07:32 AM
Is there a way also for remote apple music streaming? Thanks

interested to know if meron na. Mahirap to integrate it kasi madamot si apple with the SDK

Right now, I just use airplay to volumio. Yun Lang up to cd quality lang. But noticeably better than Spotify Premium
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player/ (now with Tidal HiFidelity Streaming)
Post by: accastil on Apr 12, 2022 at 04:18 PM
Pardon the ignorance..ive been reading and most article points to mac mini being a better pc based streamer vs laptops in general. Is this true? Can someone with A/B experience shed light please. Thanks a lot.

Im currently using lenovo laptop (i7 8th gen 16g ram 256ssd) and wondering if a 2012 mcmini with i7 16g ram 256ssd sound better.
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player/ (now with Tidal HiFidelity Streaming)
Post by: alvinbaronsia on Apr 13, 2022 at 01:31 PM
Pardon the ignorance..ive been reading and most article points to mac mini being a better pc based streamer vs laptops in general. Is this true? Can someone with A/B experience shed light please. Thanks a lot.

Im currently using lenovo laptop (i7 8th gen 16g ram 256ssd) and wondering if a 2012 mcmini with i7 16g ram 256ssd sound better.

Do you have an external DAC? If yes, the differences would be very minimal if any. I don't have a macmini, but can't tell the difference between my HP, Surface Pro, Macbook air, macbook pro, when streaming to an external DAC. Unless you can't upgrade your room treatment or other components anymore, just stick with your laptop.
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player/ (now with Tidal HiFidelity Streaming)
Post by: lithium_deuteride on Apr 14, 2022 at 05:18 AM
Same experience here.  It’s really about the DAC.  I switched from a MacBook direct to DAC setup to a NUC to streamer (SOTM network bridge) to same DAC.  The SQ difference is not very big -  just more convenient since the low power NUC is always on, eliminating boot up time and the oftentimes buggy software handshakes.
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player/ (now with Tidal HiFidelity Streaming)
Post by: accastil on Apr 15, 2022 at 10:12 AM
Same experience here.  It’s really about the DAC.  I switched from a MacBook direct to DAC setup to a NUC to streamer (SOTM network bridge) to same DAC.  The SQ difference is not very big -  just more convenient since the low power NUC is always on, eliminating boot up time and the oftentimes buggy software handshakes.
Thanks bro and Baron..so, does it follow that dedicated streamers going through an external DAC(thats better from whats built in the streamer) is also a waste?
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player/ (now with Tidal HiFidelity Streaming)
Post by: alvinbaronsia on Apr 15, 2022 at 07:39 PM
Thanks bro and Baron..so, does it follow that dedicated streamers going through an external DAC(thats better from whats built in the streamer) is also a waste?
If you're asking if there will be a big difference in sound and sound quality, then I would say yes. Measurement buffs will cry foul as bits are bits, and shouldn't affect the sound. For me, I do hear some minor differences but my tests were not blind and wasn't too big of a difference for me to spend on. But streamers are more than just the sound quality; for me, it's more of the convenience, and I ultimately settled with the Node as I like the BluOS interface (multi service playlists) and didn't need the hassle of setting up a server (Roon).
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player/ (now with Tidal HiFidelity Streaming)
Post by: accastil on May 16, 2022 at 07:56 AM
Ill stick to a laptop based source and currently feeding a ddc to a dac to a buffer before the amp. Ive no plans of changing any gear....how to optimize the laptop via Tweaks, settings, added apps? Is there still a room to improve from these?
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player/ (now with Tidal HiFidelity Streaming)
Post by: JoeyGS on May 24, 2022 at 06:49 PM
HI Allan. 

What OS and player are you using?

For laptops, it is beneficial if you can prevent the fans from running as this adds noise and affects the sound quality output.  If the laptop is used solely for audio application, the OS needs to be very simple and should not run any resources or application not related to audio.  For windows, resources needs to be switched off and apps not relating to audio application should not be installed.  That's why it is simpler to to have linux based OS and audio application as it needs very little resources which does not make the processor run hot and there will be no need for the fan to operate.

Desktop PCs (including NUC fanless types) are easier to build for better audio quality. But still, the key is to make is fanless.  Second, you can have a linear power supply which in my experience is also largely a contributor in making quality of sound (or should I say the digital audio output) to be purer and uncontaminated by noise/jitter.  Fanless NUCs are also good but needs a linear power supply.

Now, when you get to have the digital audio signal or output to be clean and pure, then you need a good external DAC to convert it to analogue.  The type of DAC will now depend on you as there are several options out there.


Ill stick to a laptop based source and currently feeding a ddc to a dac to a buffer before the amp. Ive no plans of changing any gear....how to optimize the laptop via Tweaks, settings, added apps? Is there still a room to improve from these?
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player/ (now with Tidal HiFidelity Streaming)
Post by: Own7 on May 24, 2022 at 07:12 PM
wow. i did a quick experiment pitting my aurender vs my wifes
laptop as a streaming only device connected both to my chord
dave/m scaler. no contest. not even close. aurender is much better.

bigger, wider deeper soundstage, darker/blacker back ground, more
detail and better dynamics and best of all, its much easier to use.

conclusion? there's a good reason why audiophile are using dedicated
streamer and is selling very well, because it's better and its not even close.

fyi. i used tidal as my source.
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player/ (now with Tidal HiFidelity Streaming)
Post by: accastil on May 24, 2022 at 10:09 PM
HI Allan. 

What OS and player are you using?

For laptops, it is beneficial if you can prevent the fans from running as this adds noise and affects the sound quality output.  If the laptop is used solely for audio application, the OS needs to be very simple and should not run any resources or application not related to audio.  For windows, resources needs to be switched off and apps not relating to audio application should not be installed.  That's why it is simpler to to have linux based OS and audio application as it needs very little resources which does not make the processor run hot and there will be no need for the fan to operate.

Desktop PCs (including NUC fanless types) are easier to build for better audio quality. But still, the key is to make is fanless.  Second, you can have a linear power supply which in my experience is also largely a contributor in making quality of sound (or should I say the digital audio output) to be purer and uncontaminated by noise/jitter.  Fanless NUCs are also good but needs a linear power supply.

Now, when you get to have the digital audio signal or output to be clean and pure, then you need a good external DAC to convert it to analogue.  The type of DAC will now depend on you as there are several options out there.


Hi joey, thanks. Im using windows10 via audirvana.
This means it can still get better sq by switching OS into Linux.
Ive disabled/switched off all non audio related apps and functions in the laptop using the control panel but not sure if thats enough to keep the fan still.
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player/ (now with Tidal HiFidelity Streaming)
Post by: accastil on May 24, 2022 at 10:16 PM
wow. i did a quick experiment pitting my aurender vs my wifes
laptop as a streaming only device connected both to my chord
dave/m scaler. no contest. not even close. aurender is much better.

bigger, wider deeper soundstage, darker/blacker back ground, more
detail and better dynamics and best of all, its much easier to use.

conclusion? there's a good reason why audiophile are using dedicated
streamer and is selling very well, because it's better and its not even close.

fyi. i used tidal as my source.
I also believe in streamers offering better sq than pc. However, id like to retain my dac and ddc chain after the streamer/transport. Problem is, the only way for this to happen is for the streamer/transport to have a usb output...what are the options available for me?
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player/ (now with Tidal HiFidelity Streaming)
Post by: Own7 on May 24, 2022 at 10:52 PM
I also believe in streamers offering better sq than pc. However, id like to retain my dac and ddc chain after the streamer/transport. Problem is, the only way for this to happen is for the streamer/transport to have a usb output...what are the options available for me?

well what is your dac? does it have digital out? balance or rca? bnc out?
most dacs do have those connections. its your stramers thats usually limited
with digital out rca or usb 3.0. for me it's usb all the way as it can read/decode
high resolution audio and sound way better than digital analog.
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player/ (now with Tidal HiFidelity Streaming)
Post by: accastil on May 25, 2022 at 07:27 PM
well what is your dac? does it have digital out? balance or rca? bnc out?
most dacs do have those connections. its your stramers thats usually limited
with digital out rca or usb 3.0. for me it's usb all the way as it can read/decode
high resolution audio and sound way better than digital analog.
My dac offers i2s for dgtal out while rca, xlr for analog out.
My ddc can only accept usb in but can output coax, toslink, bnc...do u know a streamer with usb out and is compatible with audirvana?
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player/ (now with Tidal HiFidelity Streaming)
Post by: accastil on May 26, 2022 at 07:16 AM
I have been using a headless player via PC solely for audio use since 2015 and I feel its one of the best way to enjoy a good digital source.  Once you have solved the jitter and noise filtering plus the re-clocking, then, you will need a good DAC which every year there is a new product ..... hehehehe


Hi joey. Exactly How did u get rid of jitter and improve on reclocking? R u using nuc or a mac mini? My method is via aq jitterbug+ddc+pc control panel settings towards audio-only application....is this all or ami still missing something? Still Linux os?
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player/ (now with Tidal HiFidelity Streaming)
Post by: Blackstar on May 26, 2022 at 01:58 PM
bookmarking...
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player/ (now with Tidal HiFidelity Streaming)
Post by: JoeyGS on Jun 14, 2022 at 02:39 PM
Hi Alan.  I am using an assembled fanless PC with an outboard linear powersupply.  The PC casing is also crucial since it has a heat sink which will manage the CPU temperature in the absence of the CPU fan.   In order to evade the jitter from the mother board, I bypassed the internal USB of the motherboard and installed a USB card with the OCXO Clock so that the digital signal will not be transmitted into internal USB bus.  And when the digital signal goes out of the PC, I used iFi's iPower which will supply clean power into the USB line while transmitting the digital signal into the DAC via USB.   Some of the tweaks for the PC includes better SATA cables for the memory drive connectors.  I use Samsung SSDs for the OS and the Music storage separately.  Internal RAM used is 16GB to minimize memory access which allows cooler operation of the CPU.  If possible, do not use mechanical hard drives since it has vibration/moving parts and also consumes more power.  As of now, I also am using Daphile as my music software as it is Linux based and operates headless (w/o a monitor).  A headless PC is better than running it with a monitor connected to it.  A monitor consumes power and also makes the video card work which can also be a source of jitter and adds to the resources that the CPU will process.

Jitterbug is fine but it uses the motherboard USB bus and powersupply.

Hi joey. Exactly How did u get rid of jitter and improve on reclocking? R u using nuc or a mac mini? My method is via aq jitterbug+ddc+pc control panel settings towards audio-only application....is this all or ami still missing something? Still Linux os?
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player/ (now with Tidal HiFidelity Streaming)
Post by: CMac on Jun 19, 2022 at 11:30 AM
The main star of the chain will be the apps feature of remote control via network. Everything else works like your normal source-amp-speaker setup. Not rocket science imo. I always read the same recommendations in different audio sites that usually complicates things (measureable but maybe more placebo). All the convenience has already been provided by the music app.
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player/ (now with Tidal HiFidelity Streaming)
Post by: ndotcom on Nov 14, 2022 at 03:58 PM
Hello, binasa ko from start pero hilo lito pa rin ako please in the simplest form kindly post a guideline/steps/procedure from zero using Raspberry Pi.

Pasensya if naulit na yung tanong or request, if ever please point me to it.

At dahil sa nagmahal na rin Raspberry Pi 3/4 pwede na ba gamitin Orange Pi
https://www.lazada.com.ph/products/orange-pi-pc-h3-quad-core-1gb-with-usb-power-cable-i413240079.html

Maraming salamat.
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player/ (now with Tidal HiFidelity Streaming)
Post by: bogart.2006 on Dec 02, 2022 at 11:38 AM
Hello, binasa ko from start pero hilo lito pa rin ako please in the simplest form kindly post a guideline/steps/procedure from zero using Raspberry Pi.

Pasensya if naulit na yung tanong or request, if ever please point me to it.

At dahil sa nagmahal na rin Raspberry Pi 3/4 pwede na ba gamitin Orange Pi
https://www.lazada.com.ph/products/orange-pi-pc-h3-quad-core-1gb-with-usb-power-cable-i413240079.html

Maraming salamat.

i'm using Volumio OS now. may instructions on their website on how to install the OS.  kaya lang, not sure if the RPi OS will work on the orange Pi
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player/ (now with Tidal HiFidelity Streaming)
Post by: at_sunset_blvd on Feb 04, 2024 at 09:26 PM
anybody have any tips, my Cambridge CXN v2 connects to the Stream Magic app on my IPAD, but doesn't play. (before walang problema, just late last year this started acting up).
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player/ (now with Tidal HiFidelity Streaming)
Post by: RastaSega on Feb 05, 2024 at 02:49 AM
it doesn't play only when you use your ipad?
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player/ (now with Tidal HiFidelity Streaming)
Post by: at_sunset_blvd on Feb 05, 2024 at 09:08 AM
it doesn't play only when you use your ipad?

same w/ the phone, the Stream Magic app connects the posters on both phones & streamer deck appears but it doesn't play. I tried to search online for solutions, but to no avail. all versions are fully updated. There's one suggestion I cross though, reverse to old version of the TIDAL app. I don't even know how to do that.
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player/ (now with Tidal HiFidelity Streaming)
Post by: bogart.2006 on Feb 23, 2024 at 08:54 AM
Last year, started using the Wiim Mini and quite happy with it.

I still have the Pi which runs Volumio, but find myself always using the Wiim kasi may Tidal Connect
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player/ (now with Tidal HiFidelity Streaming)
Post by: gambit21 on Feb 23, 2024 at 10:43 AM
i concur sir, the wiim mini is a steal for its price and capabilities.  i have it hooked up to my rme adi dac, and got much better sonics as compared to the wiim's on-board dac.
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player/ (now with Tidal HiFidelity Streaming)
Post by: bogart.2006 on Feb 24, 2024 at 08:34 AM
i concur sir, the wiim mini is a steal for its price and capabilities.  i have it hooked up to my rme adi dac, and got much better sonics as compared to the wiim's on-board dac.

yeah, same here. using external dac din
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player/ (now with Tidal HiFidelity Streaming)
Post by: RastaSega on Feb 26, 2024 at 10:39 PM
same w/ the phone, the Stream Magic app connects the posters on both phones & streamer deck appears but it doesn't play. I tried to search online for solutions, but to no avail. all versions are fully updated. There's one suggestion I cross though, reverse to old version of the TIDAL app. I don't even know how to do that.

I just checked mine, and true enough I'm having the same problem as you are. Bad trip. Spotify works well, Tidal ayaw mag play.
Title: Re: Audio Server /Headless Audio Player/ (now with Tidal HiFidelity Streaming)
Post by: at_sunset_blvd on Feb 27, 2024 at 06:01 AM
I just checked mine, and true enough I'm having the same problem as you are. Bad trip. Spotify works well, Tidal ayaw mag play.

If you solve yours , please share on the process