GentooPlayer

[Wladimir]

Hey guys,

any ideas why I'm not getting sound when activating parametric EQ? Looks like the song just can't start..
Done the steps in tutorial (alsaequal.html) , running v6.8 / 100 / Kernel 5.15.36-MIN-NOGRAPH-EUP+ , not working with two USB DACs.

Funny thing is that I'm getting sound when I activate graphic EQ (just the quality goes down a LOT), but I can't access it, because my command shell is always hidden.. (Or where can I access it?)

Thanks for any suggestions!

[Wladimir]

Hi there,

could you please help me find a command, how to deactivate USB ports on RPi4? I'm now running a HAT (Audiophonics DigiPi+I2S) and don't need them anymore.

Btw, it took me quite a while just to realize that the Diretta Target can output only to USB, so frustrating... Or is there a way to set it up to output via another interface, like my HAT?

Thanks! :)

[Wladimir]

Do I understand it correctly that only when I buy the Diretta target license, I will be able to change the output of my Gentooplayer device? (From USB to add-on S/PDIF HAT)

[Wladimir]

2 hours ago, antonellocaroli said:

No, it must also work without a licence but only with file 44100

Clearly if the system doesn't see your Hat dac, it won't see it diretta either, so the question is:
Does the system see your Hat dac? (you can see it in system info)

Yes yes, I'm using it normally via Squeezelite-R2, just the Diretta ASIO configurator doesn't see it, only USB and it says "limited", so I thought it's the trial limitation:

[Wladimir]

37 minutes ago, antonellocaroli said:

I don't know how asio works on windows, but on linux with direct-alsasync (on the host PC), when you have multiple audio outputs to manage, you have to choose AlsaSync-Multi, otherwise only the first device is seen....

Have you tried unplugging the usb dac and rebooting?

Wonderful, that worked, so only one device connected -> that makes it default.
Tomorrow then begins testing, how much influence has a low-mid-highend LAN cable with Diretta.

Last question for now - anyone can think of a workaround, how to stream Deezer from Windows to Diretta target, or is it too much to ask for? Thanks!

[Wladimir]

Amazing, that way I can have everything from PC to my Gentooplayer/RPi4 via Diretta and it sounds very good indeed.

Just a little troubleshooting for next guys trying this - in my case ASIO bridge was "recording" in 48kHz by default, so it needs changing to 44kHz to work with Diretta trial.

Great community 🤩

[Wladimir]

Well it sounds like Diretta is more or less immune against quality of the LAN cable, which was honestly quite unexpected for me.

 

I've made a shootout between a €1k+ highend audio-special vs my €50 superbly sounding profi IT vs el-cheapo noname Cat.5. And to my surprise, the differences were extremely small, only apart from the noname one (but even that one didn't ruin the experience, which is a big win).

However, my audio chain is not completely finished yet and I might have a one temporal bottleneck, so this could change in the future.

 

Nevertheless, before with the Squeezelite (RPi4) / LMS (PC/WIN) setup, there have been rather large differences between LAN cables, they really could make or break the sound for me (in my experience/setup, YMMV). 

 

So conclusion for me is that buying Diretta is like buying a perfect TOTL LAN cable for a bargain price. Because the sound is noticeably more pleasant with the Diretta, even when using that €1k+ cable...

[Wladimir]

Hey guys, I'm trying to get a new preview ASIO driver from the Diretta, but the link they sent me, didn't work and now they're not responding for a few days.

Could anybody provide me some download link for the newest ASIO driver please?

[Wladimir]

14 hours ago, DomieMic65 said:

in the case of the RPi4 Diretta Host/Target system on which of the two is the best to install the CLTO kernel?

I would guess on the target.. 🤔

Well if you're using SYNC mode, then I'd dedicate CLTO version also to host..

[Wladimir]

1 hour ago, DomieMic65 said:

SYNC mode??

Dunno if RPI4 host can even handle it, on Fidelizer Nimitra2 it allocates between 30-40% of its CPU horsepower

[Wladimir]

Hi, I'm wondering, if there is a way how to make the Rpi (4) work with 100mbit LAN cable, which is using just two pairs of wires (pins 1-3, 6)? Because when I connect it to my gigabit switch, it doesn't even communicate, apparently it wants to use all wires, which are not there, as is described here: https://forums.raspberrypi.com/viewtopic.php?t=309452

 

Any ideas/workarounds how to make it work?

 

Thanks 🙏

[Wladimir]

2 hours ago, falco henri said:

A la rentrée je vais commander l holo spring 3 level 2... Je vais le comparer à un delta sygma de très bonne facture un audio GD D77.... Sur un très bon préampli audio GD et le superbe ampli de puissance audiophonics lpa 400 Purifi... Qui est d une neutralité absolue ! Et des colonnes triangle haut de gamme... Je vous ferai mon retour histoire s il vaut vraiment le coup où il est surfait 👍😉

I can tell you right away, as I had the same exact model home for a few weeks. It is greatly overrated indeed. 

Yes it does a lot of things very well, but it's impossible to get a truly neutral sound from it, even with high-end accessories (filter, cord, interconnects, wall socket, fuses, you name it...). 

 

At first, you get the "wow" effect, but from longer listening, you slowly get fatigue. But if you really want to try, then at least get some proper feet for it, as the default are really subpar. I was using Ultra pads from AAI.SK and they helped magnificently to get a more neutral/coherent and natural sound, but still not completely. 

 

Sorry if I hurt someone's feelings, but from my experience it's just another hyped "chi-fi class"  The number of units sold as second-hand speak volumes.. 

[Wladimir]

6 hours ago, falco henri said:

H wlad.

What IS your dac now ,? 

Hi Falco :) 

Currently I'm enjoying Lessloss Echos's End Reference edition, just recently refurbished with their latest Firewall modules.

My previous (and now backup) DAC is RME ADI-2 DAC (v2, AKM chip) powered by iFi iPower Elite 15V.

 

Before I had bunch of other delta-sigma DACs.

 

From my limited experience and current understanding of the fundamental differences between these two topologies, I consider Delts-Sigma DACs as more sensitive to the power you feed them and R2R on the other hand more resilient. 

 

But as with everything, it's hard to generalize, everything is about actual implementation. 

[Wladimir]

Hi guys, so when you were commenting about different kernels, I got intrigued and did my experiments, so I'm posting my findings now.

 

My Gentoo is running as Diretta target on Pi4, based on PurePi platform and the rest of the build is ShieldPi, Isolator II, FifoPiMa w Accusilicon clocks powered by 2x 325F Supercapacitors (UcConditioner) and output is handled by TransportPi AES.

 

Preceding network chain is carefully designed from several daisy-chained mid-fi switches, powered by LPSs with upgraded fuses treated by Q45T, connected with 14AWG or star-quad 20 AWG cables. And most of all, special care went to vibration control of all the switches and their supplies. Diretta host is Fidelizer Nimitra2.

 

In my system I was preferring RT-EUPRCU-CLTO version and was happily living with 6.1.1. The sound I'm getting with it is captivating, even intoxicating. After every track I throw at it, I want to make a standing ovation and shout BRAVO 🙌

 

So yesterday I tried 5.15.93 and was expecting already mentioned musicality, but what I heard was just more bloated / smeared and atmosphere-less sound (in comparison to 6.1.1, not overall :) ) Switching back to 6.1.1, I'm getting back that more focused / spacious / holographic sound again. Not a world of difference, but easily noticeable and appreciable. 

 

Then 6.1.37 is even more precise, revealing and surprisingly intense (!), I even have to turn down the volume to be on the same level of loudness (but I don't wanna haha).

This one sounds like the EQ of all bands went up a bit - bass digs deeper, highs are higher and perhaps the most prominent are upper-mids now, so that could explain why someone didn't stand the perceived harshness.

 

But the kernel isn't doing the sound harsh, it's just revealing the faults in your system more - probably power supply or resonance related, could be also wrong cabling. In my system - zero harshness, can listen louder than ever before and loving it.

 

As always YMMV & each system is different, etc ;D

Kudos to developers for such an ongoing progress 👏

[Wladimir]

@mavwong

Yes exactly, endgame is just when we put an end to this, otherwise it's endless (but fun) journey 😁

 

Also as you said, the most important issue is the electric side of the signal, which is

THE largest challenge to clean across the whole frequency spectrum, also including the high-freq pollution generated by the all-encompassing wifi's, cell towers, etc.

Unfortunately, it seems/sounds that this HF pollution is entering into audio systems via all cables, not just AC line, so that's why we have these innovative (often also overpriced) cables/tweaks made with high-end materials/approaches to reject/or otherwise deal with this unwanted phenomenon that causes resulting distortion. The trick is to try and find some that are working and don't colour the sound (also not being a rip-off at the same time is a welcomed bonus haha).

 

Another very important field, often under-rated or completely neglected, is the vibration control of all audio devices, INCLUDING digital ones. For me as an IT raised guy, it first sounded like a complete BS, until I heard it for myself (as it almost always is the case with new things right...).

 

For me it started with amp, then DAC, then routers/switches and finally their PSU's. I get that many won't like what I'm going to say, but it seems/sounds like there exist some other "vibrational" property of the electrical signal, either serving as a power supply or digital data, which if it's carefully carried through the entire chain, results in a remarkably pristine, sensational and holographic music universe. Well any words are not enough to describe such an experience, I myself couldn't believe that it's ever possible to get the sound and experience of listening I'm now getting.

 

Also contact cleanness and the RIGHT treatment play a major role, but I'm better not starting this right now 😆

 

On a more topical matter, right now I'm trying RPi 3b (v1.2) with Gentoo and just finished the kernel comparison on this latest 37 version. Here are my observations:

 

NOR is giving me the most pleasant, clean and perhaps neutral tonality. But lacks a bit on the bottom end and spatial cues / holographic sensation. I would say it's a safe bet for those looking for ease of listening with as little harshness as possible.

 

RCU is for me characteristic of adding the mass at the bottom, but otherwise nothing special about it.

 

EUPRCU is the place when the magic unfolds for me, that invitation to the holographic universe of being inside the music... It just doesn't have the best tonal balance as the NOR had, BUT that could still be due to some fault I have in my chain somewhere upstream.

 

Disclaimer: Everything written above is IME with complete honesty, so YMMV and DYOR before commenting what is or isn't possible 😃

 

[Wladimir]

Always happy to share my observations if I have conditions to conduct a proper comparison :)

 

Now I just noticed that I've missed the EUPNOR variant, so I jumped at it and right off the bat I can tell that for me it's the most transparent and precise of them all. In other words, it provides the best separation and spatial information.

 

It also has the bottom weight of the RCU - MAYBE not as grunty as that, but it's at least very close and it perhaps might be just my imagination, or that the bass is simply cleaner with EUPNOR (which I feel is closest to the truth).

 

The best part is that the upper mids (~3-5kHz) forwardness (that I had with EUPRCU) is not present anymore, so the whole tonal balance is more for my liking.

 

I should add that this applies to my current setup with RPi3b v1.2, non-CLTO with Profile2 selected (which according to documentation assigns the priorities according to the kernel defaults).

 

Btw has anybody experimented with all the new profiles? I only tried profile 3-4 (using just 2 CPU's), but it didn't yield any subjective improvements, more to the contrary.. If anyone has any more experience, I would be grateful for sharing 🙏

[Wladimir]

On 10/15/2023 at 5:00 PM, Badd99 said:

@antonellocaroliI am a bit surprised I can't find anyone talking about all the abbreviations in each kernel. Your guide basically talks about St versus RT but fails to talk about rcu, nor, eup, eup-100, ctlo, ect. As someone who always wants to understand what I am doing, because understanding what sounds better is a far better for learning, I was hoping you could give more information.

 

Also what changed to make them "ultra"? Is rt13 vs rt15 just the real time patch version? 

Hi Bad99,

 

I'll tell you my understanding of the kernel versions acronyms, a lot of "deciphering" went into it.

 

EUP - euphory guaranteed

100 - 100% transparent

NOR - normalizing tonality

 

Ofc as always, YMMV.

I hope you'll enjoy it as much as I do 😁

[Wladimir]

Hey guys, anyone here using Diretta with Jplay femto renderer?

 

Seeking some help setting up, thanks 🙏

[Wladimir]

5 hours ago, jeep972 said:

Hi @antonellocaroli,

 

With the new key, and gp update to script 184, it seems to me that my system is different. It's subtle, but nonetheless notable. It doesn't sound as good as before. The soundstage width and depth are less. Sibilants appear on the voices. the gain provided by twk 6.6 has disappeared. I am disappointed and taken aback by this change. I use usbridge signature. kernel 6.1.54 EUP 100 NOR.

I would suggest to check your cabling. The issue you described sounds like one of your ethernet cables got near some AC or DC cable, but could be anything really.

[Wladimir]

Hey music lovers, today I've been switching between the kernel versions (with Rpi3b nonplus) and to me it sounds like the 6.6.x family is most of all appearing to play LOUDER. I didn't really find it more detailed or expanded, however I did find the upper mids / lower treble to be more emphasized than the other regions, thus that perhaps MIGHT appear to some as more detailed/nuanced than the previous versions.

Has anybody a similar observation with comparing the 6.6 vs 6.1 kernels or everyone else hears 6.6 as clearly technically superior?

[Wladimir]

Hmm, I actually found the 6.6.8 the least fitting for my Rpi3 target, perhaps because it wasn't even meant to sound the best or maybe because of the missing CLTO version. Anyway, after several back and forth attempts, I reverted back to 6.1.54, because it's the most balanced sounding for me/my system.

One more question for all - who has compared Rpi5 to Rpi3 as Diretta Target without using USB out, so with some add-on/HAT output board? Thanks 👍

[Wladimir]

3 hours ago, DomieMic65 said:

Hi to all!

After the latest updates the power led on one of my rpi4s (2gb - Diretta target) does not turn off.

On the other (4gb - Host) it does!

Both with 6.6.2 kernels and GP8.40

I've tried enabling and disabling from twk various but didn't change the behavior! I also tried different kernels

Anyone with the same issue?

Thnx 

Hi 👋

Yes, on Rpi3 with 6.6.x kernel family , power LED still on. Still a test kernel, so I thought it wasn't even worth mentioning, but you're not alone :)

[Wladimir]

I'm happy to report that I have a new favorite kernel for my Rpi 3B 😁

Coming from 6.1.54 (EUP100NOR-CLTO), this newest 6.6.8 (EUP100, even without CLTO yet) brought for me only positives : surprisingly blacker background (with many benefits that comes with it) and also a slightly deeper/better quality bass. I also find it tonally balanced / not annoying in any way. 

Will there be a NOR version or is every non-RCU version automatically a NOR? And is CLTO in the making? ☺️

[Wladimir]

Overnight update neatly done 🙏

One quick question regarding the kernel switching - if I just download a new kernel version, but don't select new one or restart, does the previous still remain or is there a new default loaded right away? Systeminfo is reporting that the old one is still active.

Thanks ✌️

[Wladimir]

@Auke
Thanks for sharing your comparison and notes. It aligns with my experience as well, namely that EUP (as I attached a personal definition for this acronym: "Euphory") brings spatiality / atmosphere not present with any other version. 
And with the "100" is also better sounding for me, just can't provide any notes to that, differences weren't huge though.

But currently for my Rpi3B (non plus ultra haha), I'm sticking with test kernel 6.6.8, as this gives me more favorable tonal balance and especially superb quality subbass/rumble, which I'm very fond of. Drawbacks compared to the 6.1.73 (CLTO) are little less details and sparkle up top (just marginally), but it's a price I'm gladly willing to pay for the more enjoyable tonal balance and vastly superior bass performance (in my system anyway, so YMMV..).