Jump to content
  • bobfa
    bobfa

    DIY Music Server and Streamer for the Audio Hobbyist

     

     

    Over the last six years, I have been using Homebrew, Commercial, and purpose-built music servers and systems.  Most of my journey has been documented here in a rather helter-skelter fashion.  In 2021 I have settled down on what I think is a great starting place for the technician hobbyist. It is now my goto system that, to my ear, sounds FABULOUS!

     

    This should not scare anyone away; it is not hard to set up!   I claim no invention rights here.  I studied, I played, I built, and I am listening…

     

    There are a few things you will need to get started:

     

    A PC, or Mac computer,  If you are on Linux, you are already halfway there!.  You will need a good internet connection to download software and, of course, connect to music services in the cloud. The computer will need to have an SD card reader as we will be using MicroSD cards.

     

    Some familiarity with the terminal programs, SSH, Ping, and;  yes, there may be evil, dreaded command-line work here.  Again NO FEAR, please!  Your favorite search engine will help you through this.  As well, there are a lot of folks here on the forum that will help.

     

    You will have to spend some money on hardware; you will need a bit of temporary space to assemble goodies!

     

    NOTE:  All of my servers and streamers are connected by Ethernet.  I have a phobia about using wireless in audio systems.  You may have to learn how to route, hide cabling in your house!    It is not that hard to do in “most homes.”  You may need a network switch to accommodate this.

     

    Here are examples of systems I am using:

     

    I will assume that you have a DAC, some amplification, and speakers or headphones!  Nothing extravagant!  I am using a Topping D10Bal into a pair of in-expensive powered studio monitors as a system in my basement.

     

    • Pi4 in a passively cooled case
    • Topping D10Bal $150
    • Schiit Audio USB cable
    • Two Balanced cables $150 (I used Mogami Gold) Save money for now and use Amazon Basics
    • Two Powered Studio speakers Total $400. Mine are older M-Audio BX5a models!
    • A power strip to plug the system into.

     

     

     

    IMG_1506.jpg

     

    IMG_1482.jpg

     

     

     

    My headphone system is An Allo USBridge Sig with Shanti supply to a Schiit Lyr-3 with Multibit DAC in my office.  I like the Massdrop HD6xx headphones for the money spent.  There is a Transparent HP USB cable and Puritan Audio Laboratories AC cables.  This also lets me play with a bit of tube-rolling!  I have a Teac CD player connected to the unbalanced inputs of the Lyr-3 for the fun of it.

     

     

    IMG_1512.jpg

     

     

     

    This system is a bit more on the advanced side!  In my Living Room is what I call my “Performance Listening” system with a pair of Heavenly Soundworks Five Seventeen speakers on their stands with IsoAcoustic isolators under the speakers.  A Pi4 is powered by an Allo Shanti supply with a LUSH^3 cable to a MUTEC MC-3 + USB DDC.  I am still fussing over AES cables, but there is a Mogami one on the system for now;  I need three meters, and that is a budgetary problem.

     

    AC power is all Puritan Audio Laboratories.  I am using their standard cables for the speakers and the Shanti.  The wall to the PSM156 and from the PSM156 to the Mutec is their Ultimate cables.

     

     

    IMG_1511.jpg

     

     

     

     

     

    My LMS server is a Pi4 8Gb with a 4TB SSD onboard, powered by a Farad Super 3 LPS.  The server sits next to my NAS.  There is a Puritan power cord to a Transparent P2 on the AC side of things.

     

     

    IMG_1508.jpg

     

     

     

     

     

    Bob’s Rules

     

    • As  I mentioned above, I do not use wireless networks for the infrastructure.  The control systems are acceptable on wireless; iPhone, iPad, laptop, etc.
    • Over multiple iterations, I have found that separate server and streamer designs make for the best sound and are the most flexible. I am continuing that here.
    • I treat the system as an appliance,  the master music files are stored elsewhere, and copies are kept on the server.
    • I have used file servers and NAS devices and abandoned them as part of the playback system to reduce network traffic and server compute loading.
    • In the long run, Power Supplies can make an essential difference in sound quality.  I find that supplies with super-capacitor outputs; fascinating.
    • Interconnect cabling also makes a difference.
    • I work hard to eliminate fans.
    • Software is the king of sound quality.  It breaks sound quality by just being there.  The less of it, the better.
    • Finally, support Open Source software.  This project runs on it! FOSS forever, baby!

     

     

    The Hard Part

     

    Now comes the challenging part of this problem: Sourcing Components.  With everyone buying face masks and TP, the pandemic, economic turmoil, and parts shortages getting what we need for this project can be a problem.  In this case, Amazon is not your friend as the markups there have been rather painful.  Look around first.

     

     

    The Server Hardware

     

    • $75 Raspberry Pi 4 (I use one with 8BG RAM, but I think 4GB will be fine)
    • $15 Start with a 5.1v 3.5A wall wart supply.  It will be fine for now.
    • $15 Get a 32GB MicroSD card.  Samsung, SanDisk are two brands I trust,  From a reputable supplier.
    • $??? 2.5 in SSD for music storage
    • $30 GeekPi Storage Expansion

     

     

    I am using the case that fits the daughterboard I purchased.  You can use just about anything.  Make it passive cooling to eliminate fans.

     

    ***I am using a daughterboard for my server that holds a 4TB SSD.  The Pi4 attaches to the top of the board, and the SSD goes on the bottom.  This board has a barrel connector to power both devices.  That has been working well for me, but I am using a different power supply.  To start with, a simple USB — SATA interface will do.  This is the board I am using: GeeekPi Raspberry Pi 4 SATA Storage

     

    Here is my YouTube presentation on the server setup:

     

     

     

     

     

    The Streamer Hardware

     

    $55 Raspberry Pi 4 4GB.

    $15 Start with a 5.1v 3.5A wall-wart supply.

    Get a 32GB MicroSD card

    Get a case of your choice, passively cooled.

     

    I am in the middle of testing a couple of HAT boards, so the case issues are not settled yet.

     

    At this point, the streamer is USB out only.  My primary listening system, the Heavenly Soundworks Five Seventeen speakers, does not have a USB in.  I will talk about this in a bit.

     

    Looking around the Internet here in the USA, I like the following suppliers: CanakitPiShop

     

    *** You may have to buy from multiple suppliers to get two Pi4’s ***

     

     

    The Software, all of it!

     

    Hang on to your hats, folks; this is a lot of observation, some assumption, and a few wild-ass guesses.   

     

    What I think I know from observations.  When software is running, it draws power, and it makes more electrical noise in the computer; Study EMC and RFI and TEMPEST. How does any of this affect sound quality?  I say badly.  Bob’s axiom:  Less software means less noise.

     

    What this means to me is eliminating as much software as possible.  No to Windows, No to MacOS, no to Roon, Audirvanna, and the like.

     

     

    To make digital music work we need some software.  Let me talk about operating systems for the Raspberry Pi, my computer of choice for this task.  In my review of the Allo USBridge Sig, I tried several OS variants for sound quality, useability, and some flexibility.  To name a few, Moode, Volumio, Ropee, Ropee XL, Diet Pi, and a couple of others.  Some are dedicated players; some are just streamers.  With this hardware, you can do the same evaluations I did, at the cost of your time, a few microSD cards, and some internet bandwidth.  There is a lot of fun to be had.  And a little bit of pain.

     

    What I discovered this summer is PiCorePlayer which is built on Tiny Core Linux.  PCP is a version of Tiny Core Linux designed explicitly for the Raspberry Pi to run Squeezelite players, and you guessed it, Logitech Media Server.  Oops, I gave away the punch line.

     

    Tiny Core Linux runs in RAM, and a desktop system is less than 16Mb!  Read their concepts here: http://tinycorelinux.net/concepts.html

     

    Oh well, let me finish with a bit more.  PiCorePlayer is a headless OS.  You do not use a keyboard, mouse, and display.  See their website for more info: https://www.picoreplayer.org.  By default, it is set up to be ethernet-connected and respond to a web browser's commands using the URL. http://pcp.local.  One of the core tenants for better sound is running the OS in RAM and loading the music tracks there for playback.

     

    PiCorePlayer started as Squeezelite only but has recently been updated to install LMS (Logitech Media Server ).  In case you are wondering, I have done some basic testing. I can make the whole system sound better by keeping LMS on a separate Pi4.

     

     

    Why LMS and Squeezelite?

     

    I have a lifetime license for Roon, Two Euphony OS licenses, a year of Audirvanna Studio, and two  Windows 10 Pro licenses.  Why would I not use any of the above on all the hardware I have hanging around?  Because I have NEVER BEEN ABLE to make it sound as good or be as stable as two tiny Raspberry Pi 4 computers!  My theorem is that there is just too much software running in any of those other systems.  When LMS and Squeezebox were developed, there was not a lot of overhead to spare in the processing system.  The code was simpler!

     

    There is more to the story.  That is the time and effort that many people have spent developing and maintaining the open-source software projects keeping this code running on all the newer hardware.  There is a very active forum for all of the software I am using.

     

    https://forums.slimdevices.com

     

    This is the Squeezebox forum, and the PiCorePlayer folks have a little corner there too!  Sorry not everything has as much Style as Audiophile Style

     

     

    The Setup Process

     

    I would start with getting all of the “stuff” you need in one place—the Pi 4 hardware, a couple of spare network drops, your laptop or desktop computer.  For Mac or Windows, download a copy of Balena Etcher software used to write the operating system on the microSD card for the Raspberry Pi.  The OS I am using for this is PiCorePlayer.  Download the 64 Bit version for the Pi4

     

    The team over at PiCorePlayer has documented the process for flashing the MicroSD card.  I suggest you follow their process:  https://docs.picoreplayer.org/getting-started/

     

    Carefully insert the microSD card into one of the Pi 4’s, then connect ethernet and power.  You will see the red LED come on and, for 15 seconds or so of the green disk activity LED flashing.

     

    Open a web browser on your computer and enter the URL http://pcp.local.  The user interface for PiCorePlayer should show up.  Look around, but relax for now.  You can unplug the first Pi and set up the second Pi the same way.

     

    Time for a celebration!  The hard work is done.  Oh, wait, you want to play music…. Well, I guess there is more to do.

     

    Before I restart the narrative, I want to give you some links to hang on to.

     

    http://tinycorelinux.net

     

    https://www.picoreplayer.org

     

    https://docs.picoreplayer.org

     

    https://forums.slimdevices.com

     

    https://forums.slimdevices.com/forumdisplay.php?27-Logitech-Media-Server

     

     

     

    Now that you know that both of your Pi4 computers are up and running, I suggest you connect them to their actual operating locations.  Put the streamer in the system hook up network, USB, and Power.

     

    Find a nice safe corner for the LMS Pi 4 and hook it up to network and power.

     

    If you open http://pcp.local  on your computer web browser, you will see two tabs with the two different machines ready to be worked on.

     

    It is configuration time.  I could tell you that I spent weeks figuring out all the nuances, but that would be a fib.  Yes, I poked around a lot, but I also started using the internet to help me.

     

    So here we go:

     

    I like to name my devices both for display in LMS and for web access.  In the Squeezelite settings, change the name of your player as you see fit.  Click the save box to save changes.

     

    In the Tweaks, menu set the hostname to something you will remember and click the save button.

     

    Before I go on, I want to thank @seetooyou for pointing me at a couple of targeted websites about PiCorePlayer.

     

    See more here: https://audiophilestyle.com/forums/topic/64086-a-short-introduction-to-tiny-core-linux/?tab=comments#comment-1161667

     

    Klaus, the author of soundcheck-audio on blogger, has written an audio streaming series that takes up the reasons for the Pi, setup process, and much much more.   This is my PCP setup bible.

     

    The main blog is here:  https://soundcheck-audio.blogspot.com

     

    This first segment is an introduction to the reasons for using the Pi4: https://soundcheck-audio.blogspot.com/p/soundchecks-tass-intro.html

     

    Background and setup of PiCorePlayer as a streamer: https://soundcheck-audio.blogspot.com/p/in-part-2-of-project-i-address-setup-of.html

     

    Setup of Logitech Media Server Klaus does not show layout on PiCorePlayer.  https://soundcheck-audio.blogspot.com/p/the-streaming-server.html

     

    Squeezelite settings for PiCorePlayer.  Note that in a later post, a couple of the settings suggested here change.  https://soundcheck-audio.blogspot.com/p/in-part-3-of-audio-engine-series-id.html

     

    This is a well-thought-out segment on networking, with testing using iperf and more.  This is a good read, but running Ethernet on modern hardware should eliminate a lot of the mess.  Go here if you have issues with your network, want to use wireless, etc. https://soundcheck-audio.blogspot.com/p/the-net.html

     

    This is the beginning of the advanced setup.  I would hold off on this and make sure that you have working music playback first: https://soundcheck-audio.blogspot.com/p/the-rpi-audio-streaming-series-advanced.html

     

    This is the next advanced segment talking about soundcheck’s custom Squeezelite version.  You will want this for sure.  Read this and wait just a bit for more on sKit below: https://soundcheck-audio.blogspot.com/p/the-engine.html

     

    This is an extensive section on sample rate conversion.  I would suggest you avoid this if you are getting started: https://soundcheck-audio.blogspot.com/p/the-converter.html

     

    This is the segment that stopped me from hunting for the perfect LMS control point app.  Material Skin and any old web browser, WINS.  This is a must-read and setup:https://soundcheck-audio.blogspot.com/p/the-controller.html

     

    This is a guide to DSD streaming. Two out of the three streamers I have will not play DSD.  I am segmenting the few albums I have out and ensuring I have PCM versions:  https://soundcheck-audio.blogspot.com/p/the-rpi-audio-streaming-series-dsd.html

     

    This segment was written in August of ’21 and is the core to making PiCore Player Streaming sing.  This is only about the client, not LMS!  You could trust Klaus and a lot of other folks and start and finish here.  Do everything in this little article to your PCP-based Squeezelite player, and you should be pleased: https://soundcheck-audio.blogspot.com/p/the-skit-pcp.html

     

     

    Next, there is an exciting series of posts and software on a non-English forum that Google Translate will get you through it.  I am still learning to understand what is going on here.

     

    https://www.stsd99.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?p=20179#p20179

     

    I have yet to test the different software variants suggested here.  It is high on my “round-to-it” list.

     

     

    AC Power

     

    I have done a lot of structured and unstructured testing of power supplies.  As I said above, I am happy with Super Capacitor output supplies.  UpTone LPS-1.2, Allo Shanti, and Farad Super 3 are all in the stable!   For example, I started on the LMS server with the Canakit standard wall-wart supply.  I then migrated to an HDPLEX 200W LPS.    With the change over to using the MUTEC MC-3 USB in the Living Room system, I have moved the FARAD Super 3 to the server and put a Shanti on the Pi4 up there.

     

    I have several more experiments in the works that will require adjusting my power supply configurations.

     

    I would like you to recognize that I understand the emotional challenge of using an $800 power supply on a $75 computer.    Right now, I would put a Farad Super 3 on every Streamer.   Yet the Allo Shanti at around $160 is pretty amazing.  I want to re-wire the outputs of the Shanti supply with better and shorter DC cables to see how that improves power delivery and sound quality.

     

    My system with the powered speakers in the basement is running the Canakit wall-wart supply.  I will upgrade it to a Shanti or an HDPLEX 200 to see what that does one day.  Who says you cannot have a lot of fun using powered speakers!

     

    This wraps up my journey into using the Raspberry Pi 4 as my music compute hardware.    I have a lot of ideas to play with and learn about.  I am still looking at power supplies and some cabling things.   I am testing three devices with either SPDIF or AES out to see how they compare with each other.  I am very interested in the CM4 and some of the boards on the market or under development:  https://www.pi2design.com/coming-soon.html

     

     

    One More Thing

     

    An Amateur Radio Supplier, DX Engineering, has developed and sells their DX Engineering ISO-PLUS Ethernet RF Filter.  You insert one on each end of a network run to your streamer, for example.  A pair is $49.99, and a ten-pack is $239.99.  They come with pigtails to hook them up.  Get your system stable and yourself comfortable with the sound.  Then stick a pair of these in!

     

    https://www.dxengineering.com/search/product-line/dx-engineering-iso-plus-ethernet-rf-filters/part-type/network-devices?fr=part-type&SortBy=BestKeywordMatch&SortOrder=Ascending&autoview=SKU&keyword=iso%20plus

     

    Several of us here on Audiophile Style find these improve the Sound Quality of our systems.  I have them set up on all three of my streamers.

     

     

    IMG_1479.jpg IMG_1480.jpg

      

     

     

     

    The following are four PDF documents that contain my settings :

     

    1. LMS Settings
    2. LMS Tweaks 
    3. Squeezelite Settings 
    4. Squeezelite Tweaks

     

     

     

     




    User Feedback

    Recommended Comments



    My system setup is a raspberry pi 4 with LMS running and an SSD attached.  Then a second pi4 as the streamer.    The system sounds really good just using the little raspberry Pi DC supplies.  Get some better supplies and wow.

     

    You could start out with one Pi doing both LMS and Squeezelite.

     

    In the USA you can buy a Pi kit with everything you need for around $100.  Check out canakit and others.

     

    Follow the the instructions on PiCorePlayer OS setup.  

     

     

    I should do a YouTube video on this.

     

    bob

    Share this comment


    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    12 minutes ago, bobfa said:

    My system setup is a raspberry pi 4 with LMS running and an SSD attached.  Then a second pi4 as the streamer.    The system sounds really good just using the little raspberry Pi DC supplies.  Get some better supplies and wow.

     

    You could start out with one Pi doing both LMS and Squeezelite.

     

    In the USA you can buy a Pi kit with everything you need for around $100.  Check out canakit and others.

     

    Follow the the instructions on PiCorePlayer OS setup.  

     

     

    I should do a YouTube video on this.

     

    bob

    Thank you for info

     

    regards,
    Simon

    Share this comment


    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    Bob,

     

    Have you tried or heard of anyone using a Pi Juice battery pack to power a Pi during playback?

     

    Jeff

    Share this comment


    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    I may have read about it somewhere. But  no I have no knowledge. 
     

     

    Share this comment


    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    I enjoyed reading your article Bob. You can never have enough Raspberry Pi streamers around the house. I have 4 or 5, using Schiit Modi, Topping D10S and Allo Boss DACs. They all sound great but I think my new Topping is the best of the bunch.

     

    I have enjoyed adding touchscreen displays to some of the Pi's to get back the old UI of my Squeezebox Touch, which is what got me into the LMS ecosystem.

     

    Worth pointing out that while the material skin plug-in for a browser-based control of your Pi's works great, it's worth checking out the iPeng mobile app, pictured below.

    IMG_A5C1C67C84A3-1.jpeg

    IMG_3372.jpg

    IMG_3373.jpg

    Share this comment


    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    I have played with using the little displays and building into various cases.  A lot of fun.  I have iPeng on my iPad and iPhone.  I just like to use the web browser on my Mac, etc…  Also no cost…. IPeng is worth the fee.

     

    Thanks for sharing the pictures too!  Nice setups!

    Share this comment


    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    Working on "Bob's Rules"

     

    Getting the core infrastructure in the home is high on the requirements list. Over the past several years, I have tested Enterprise (Ubiquity) and Mesh networks (EERO, ASUS, NETGEAR ORBI) to understand the systems I purchase, install and operate for months at a time.  My network is complex as I integrate two homes in the system (My in-laws live next door), my wife and I both work from home.  We average 55 devices on the network. This stuff has to be as perfectly reliable as possible.

     

    Over the years, I have found optimal placements for Access Points/Mesh Nodes.  Today WiFi 6 has arrived, and it works pretty darn well.  The Mu-MiMo antennas and new software improve throughput and coverage.  

     

    IMG_1550.thumb.jpeg.7a603e3576053ef15ae07f45b85efc75.jpeg

     

    Today, I have a set of three Asus ZenWiFi Mini AX devices running the house.  The main router is in the Living Room at the core, center of the house.   A second Mesh node is on the second floor with a wired backhaul.  The third Mesh node is next door with wired backhaul, but the AI Mesh prefers the 5GHZ wireless backhaul channel!  At $229 from Best Buy locally, these things are a genuine bargain.

     

    What does this have to do with DIY Audio?  Well, everything as we need the network to stream.  As I indicated in the article, I love Ethernet cables.  After much cajoling, I have started a new set of experiments.  And since everyone else is out of the house for the day, I get to play stereo and work!

     

    Over the weekend, I moved the LMS server into the Victrola to start this testing.  This also puts the power supply on the PSM-156 AC filter!  

     

    I listened to the system some yesterday, and I am not sure I was happy with where things were SQ-wise, but the testing was limited!  Today I changed both of the Raspberry Pis to WiFi.  They are 15 feet from the Router/Access Point in the same room.  I have not conducted performance testing yet.  I am just listening to music.

     

    Things seem just a bit more relaxed and open.  A couple of tracks seemed more detailed.  There is more clarity in the vocals and just a bit more depth in the imaging.  Listening to some jazz right now, and it feels more intimate.

     

     

    So with any DIY project, never stop testing and learning; you might be surprised; I am, and in a good way.  I think that "Bob's Rules" may need a tweak.  That will take more time.

     

    RJF

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Share this comment


    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    1 hour ago, The Computer Audiophile said:

     

    Thanks Bob! Yes, the network is the backbone of everything now and many people don't realize how important it is. I talked to ASUS about getting one of its mesh WiFi 6 systems for testing. I wanted to compare it to my full wired (fiber/copper) network. Alas, supply chain issues and the world put my plans on hold :~)

     

    I much prefer wired because it always works and removes ambiguity. However, I fully understand many people can't run wires where they are needed. 

     

    Any more info you have to offer is welcomed. 

     

     

     

     

    I have so many questions about how well WiFi will work for this.  A single system of server + streamer + mesh node in the same room should have no issues.  I have two other streamers in the mix, but I have never run them in parallel to the server.  I can only be in one place at a time!

     

    I am not sure of my network testing process here.  

     

     

    Share this comment


    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    Bob, have you noticed if your LMS server and it’s h/w, power or tweaks influence the SQ when streaming from Qobuz?

    Share this comment


    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    2 hours ago, sjj said:

    Bob, have you noticed if your LMS server and it’s h/w, power or tweaks influence the SQ when streaming from Qobuz?

    Yes!  Most of the tweaks are on the Squeezelite endpoint software.  LMS is pretty standard but has my best power supply on it.

    Share this comment


    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    Hi @bobfa,

     

    Thank you for writing this article, and "showing the the way". Very generous of you. I am intrigued by the quality of sound one can get from a Raspberry pi based server+streamer system, and you seem to have hit on a gem of an approach of "less is more". Before I jump in and try and build one of these for myself, I'd like to ask: To put things into perspective, can a raspberry pi based system rival the sound quality from commercially available systems (e.g. SOTM, Auralic, Sonore etc). I primarily stream off internet services (Qobuz, Tidal) and don't play off locally stored files. Given my use case, can a raspberry pi system rival a $2-$3k or more $ commercial streamer? (and i assume you will probably need a higher quality LPS than the allo shanti to do that). I figured you would be a good person to ask this question since (based on your past postings) you have tried many commercial systems and  built more complex/expensive server/streamer DIY builds. Granted the $cost of entry into experimenting with the RPi is relatively low, but it does take some time commitment, and I'd like to get a sense of its sound quality potential before committing the time. Thanks again for your many contributions to the community.

    Share this comment


    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    9 hours ago, longinc said:

    Thank you for writing this article, and "showing the the way"

    I have been asked a couple of times to compare this to other streamers/servers. The ONLY direct comparison I have is an Antipodes DX that was here for backup and software update. The 3.1 Antipodes software seems to have improved that device a lot! How does it compare to my Pi+Pi system? They are neck in neck. The Antipodes DX is a no-brainer to set up; well, so is the Pi. 

     

    For me, this is an adventure: Jumanji Audio!  

     

    Here is the Commitment:

     

    Assuming you have a PC or MAC and a spare ethernet cable for setup. OH, and GREAT WiFi at home! The kit has everything you need!  
     

    I want you to go MAX in this experiment.  For $250, I want you to buy two CanaKit MAX 4GB Pi 4 kits:

    https://www.canakit.com/raspberry-pi-4-starter-max-aluminum-kit.html

     

    On your home computer, follow the original instructions to download and flash the SD cards for the two Pi 4s.  They will get identical software loads of PiCorePlayer.    Then configure the two Pi4s for your home WiFi. Put the Pi's in-situ, hook-up power, and the USB to your DAC.  The pi connected to the DAC needs to have Squeezelite turned on, and the other Pi needs LMS.

     

    If all of this is mumbo-jumbo to you then please do not stress yourself out and start this.

     

    ----------------------

     

    I will elaborate more when I have some time.  Off to work!

     

    Bob

     

    OH with different software you might just do interent only streaming with only one Pi.  The software has to support the right protocols.  Not a lot different from starting with a commercial solution.  

     

    I am always looking for something that sounds better too. I have just found a nice little niche that sounds great.

    Share this comment


    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    Not sure if anyone else noticed this. I installed the DX Engineering ISO-PLUS Ethernet RF Filters on my system today and noticed what seemed to be some of the midrange was at a much lower volume to the point where it was difficult to hear in some tracks. I removed the filters and everything sounded normal.

    Share this comment


    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    I have made a couple of changes to the system that have helped my sound quality a bit.  Some more detail here, a bit tighter bass, just a bit more control.

     

    Of course, there is always a bit of story!  I closed my Audio Sales business and have been winding things down from that.  I changed from Comcast Business to Xfinity Home and, wait for it, I am now using their Xfi router and generation 2 Mesh devices.  I have been locating the main router in my Living Room for proper placement in the home.  Yes, I am renting a router, but that is $5 cheaper a month than paying for Unlimited Bandwidth!

     

    With the Wi-Fi 6  router within 12 feet of the stereo I moved both the LMS Server and the Endpoint onto Wi-Fi.  I was surprised with the sound quality improvements.  About two weeks in, there have been no observed network issues.

     

    The second change I made was an oversight on my part.  I had not turned off cross-feed and volume controls in LMS for the system.  And yes, it has improved SQ a bit. 

     

    What is next?

     

    I have a Pi2AES on order, and I am still on a power supply quest.  This week I have my two Allo Shanti supplies running things.  I am going to swap a Farad 3 around this weekend.  I am studying 24v supplies for the Pi2AES, so this will take a while yet.

     

    And finally, there is the great AES cable hunt.  I listened to a Valhalla 2 this past week, and it did nice things, so I will keep looking.  Maybe try BlueJeansCable?  Moon Audio?  Any suggestions welcome are welcome.

     

     

     

     

    Share this comment


    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    23 minutes ago, bobfa said:

    IAnd finally, there is the great AES cable hunt.  I listened to a Valhalla 2 this past week, and it did nice things, so I will keep looking.  Maybe try BlueJeansCable?  Moon Audio?  Any suggestions welcome are welcome.

    I recommend the inexpensive, built like a tank, Yorkville "Studio One" XLR pro interconnects. I borrowed a friend's crazy expensive Cardas Golden Reference XLR cables and preferred the Studio Ones for their neutrality. I could hear no advantage of the Cardas over the pro cables. 

     

    http://accessories.yorkville.com/cables/microphone/studio_one/

    Share this comment


    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    please don't throw things at me,  in my experience properly constructed digital cables do not affect sound quality. Geistnote makes high quality , professional grade cables found in many high end studios. They are properly constructed, well, built , and reasonably priced. 

     

    https://geistnote.com/cable-assemblies/digital/110-aes-ebu-xlr/

     

    feel free to trash me but I do not care to debate the topic

    Share this comment


    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    57 minutes ago, audiobomber said:

    I recommend the inexpensive, built like a tank, Yorkville "Studio One" XLR pro interconnects. I borrowed a friend's crazy expensive Cardas Golden Reference XLR cables and preferred the Studio Ones for their neutrality. I could hear no advantage of the Cardas over the pro cables. 

     

    http://accessories.yorkville.com/cables/microphone/studio_one/

    AFAIK, these are not specified (by inference or specifications) for AES/EBU digital connection use.  

    Share this comment


    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    44 minutes ago, Kal Rubinson said:

    AFAIK, these are not specified (by inference or specifications) for AES/EBU digital connection use.  

    Sorry, I didn't catch that it was for digital use.

    Share this comment


    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    9 hours ago, bbosler said:

    please don't throw things at me,  in my experience properly constructed digital cables do not affect sound quality. Geistnote makes high quality , professional grade cables found in many high end studios. They are properly constructed, well, built , and reasonably priced. 

     

    https://geistnote.com/cable-assemblies/digital/110-aes-ebu-xlr/

     

    feel free to trash me but I do not care to debate the topic

    Next time you are in the Chicago area ping me.  I would love to demonstrate some things to you.  Many Things!!  @Kal Rubinson You are also invited.

     

    And thank you for the link to Geistnote.  I will check them out.

    Share this comment


    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    On 11/27/2021 at 7:44 PM, bobfa said:

    Next time you are in the Chicago area ping me.  I would love to demonstrate some things to you.  Many Things!!  @Kal Rubinson You are also invited.

    let me coordinate with Kal and we'll be over 🙂

    Share this comment


    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    Thanks! And I love those doorstops to minimize chassis vibrations. I use Jeweler's blocks but I like the look of yours much better.

    Share this comment


    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    Over the weekend, I re-jiggered the Streamer and the Server into a single Rack-o-Pi!  I used the GeekPi 4 high Pi Cluster rack.  While I was assembling it I shot some video and then uploaded it all to YouTube.  I hope I did not ramble too much.

     

     

    Share this comment


    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    On 11/27/2021 at 10:11 AM, bobfa said:

    With the Wi-Fi 6  router within 12 feet of the stereo I moved both the LMS Server and the Endpoint onto Wi-Fi.  I was surprised with the sound quality improvements.  About two weeks in, there have been no observed network issues.

    i suggest the next step should be to connect the Pi to a wi-fi access point (wi-fi to ethernet bridge). This will preserve the perfect galvanic isolation of wi-fi, and shutting off the digitally noisy wi-fi radio in the Pi will improve sound quality. 

    Share this comment


    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    24 minutes ago, audiobomber said:

    i suggest the next step should be to connect the Pi to a wi-fi access point (wi-fi to ethernet bridge). This will preserve the perfect galvanic isolation of wi-fi, and shutting off the digitally noisy wi-fi radio in the Pi will improve sound quality. 

    Interesting idea.  But you have to power that device and connect it to the Pi.  Does that not introduce other problems, and noise?  You have to power the AP, the Ethernet cables will pick up noise???  So many things to think about. 

     

    I have two Pi4's in the design LMS/Squeezelite.  

     

    I will think about how to try this...

     

     

    Share this comment


    Link to comment
    Share on other sites




    Create an account or sign in to comment

    You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

    Create an account

    Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

    Register a new account

    Sign in

    Already have an account? Sign in here.

    Sign In Now




×
×
  • Create New...