I did mention on the massive update thread my new DIY streamer with no burn-in is a toss with my Zen streamer.
Just an update, after about 16 hrs, the DIY pi streamer with massive firmware update sounds like what I’d imagined a perfect anloglog rig would sounds like in my room.
There are lot more info and resolution in the mids and lower mids being revealed so effortlessly. It was there before, but now I don’t have to listen for and focus on them to hear them, it’s all there, and at no loss of resolution.
Worth a shot if you are pi streamer curious. Right now, after massive firmware and this little DIY pi, I have no desire left for a top market streamer.
They are based in Florence, thus my expectations would be higher about cosmetics: some wooden craftsman made chassis or a Renaissance inspired shape at least!
Anyhow I’m proud and so glad to know that there is another Italian manufacturer in audiophile world!
$1,000 seems to be the price the market has set with these new streamers, and at that pricepoint you can get a fantastic native software app, beautiful large screen that displays album artwork, Airplay2, connections far beyond merely RCA and i2s, Roon certification, etc. (see Eversolo for $899).
Hi, does the Volumio Rivo support DSD files? I saw info saying it supports PCM up to 768kHz via USB, but not whether it supports DSD? Thanks in advance for clarifications.
Well, I am pretty sure it does (USB not sure). But like you I am only reading from the email they sent me. I do not have first hand “user” information.
Edit: check their website, and USB outputs do DSD256 I believe.
A few of them require the purchase of an external power supply, and many others suggest it for best SQ – which adds a few hundred dollars to the price, putting it closer to the AirLens.
I don’t understand the attraction of screens on streamers. Yes, they can be pretty. But every streamer requires a phone, tablet, or computer to run it, and you see the artwork on whichever device you are using, so why pay for a potentially noisy additional screen, which you may not see depending on how far away you sit.
I2S is an excellent connection, but obviously won’t work for those who don’t have a DAC with I2S inputs. I do wonder why PSA didn’t include at least USB on the Airlens.
I wish PSA the very best with the AirLens. We’ll see how it plays out in the market.
It’s all about use case. I don’t need a screen on a streamer or a DAC for that matter since I can’t see the screen from across the room. But, if either are in a near-field or headphone setup, a screen is very nice.
Also, noisy is relative. It all depends on the build.
Made some slightly better looking stand for my pi streamer. The shot glass is to fill the empty space reserved for a super capacitor upgrade in the next couple weeks.
Don’t know what happend, but my guess is because of the latest MKII FPGA codes. The difference how my streaming setup sounds is independent of the tweaks and cable changes I made in the past year.
Just a quick connection diagram of my three streaming setups:
Hypsos power supply 5V → Pi streamer with a lot of power filtering mods -->I2S HATs —> a 8k UGreen HDMI cable cost a wopping 7 bucks going to I2S1 of MKII
iFi 12volt power supply 12V —> iFi Zen Stream → AQ USB Diamond —> MKII
generic 5v power brick from P15 —> A barebon Pi 4 with no mods —> AQ USB Diamond —> MKII
I Use Roons “transfer” function when MKII’s USB and I2S are set to Auto. That’s the quickest way for me to AB.
I’d be lying if I say I can tell the difference between the three while doing the toggling myself. Blind test… no way…
Scottie I guess to a degree it depends on how you value your trade in. If it has $600 value on the used market, and it is marketable the cost remains at $1,999.
Hi, the Volumio Rivo uses a 5v 3A switching power supply. Would I be able to use a CT Audio VDC 7 linear power supply with output voltage of 7v 2A to run the Rivo?