Article: DIY Music Server and Streamer for the Audio Hobbyist

[sonodynesrp205]

16 hours ago, bobfa said:

I do not think it is designed for that.    Tell me what you are trying to accomplish and maybe I can help.

I have my music on external hdd. I have never used a NAS or any servers before. I have to learn in that direction.

 

regards,
Simon

[bobfa]

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

[sonodynesrp205]

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

[jkelly]

Bob,

 

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

 

Jeff

[bobfa]

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

 

[skikirkwood]

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.

[bobfa]

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!

[bobfa]

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.  

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[The Computer Audiophile]

19 minutes ago, bobfa said:

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.  

 

 

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

 

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. 

 

 

 

 

[bobfa]

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.  

 

 

[sjj]

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

[bobfa]

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.

[longinc]

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.

[bobfa]

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.

[sjj]

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.

[bobfa]

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.

 

 

 

 

[audiobomber]

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/

[bbosler]

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

[Kal Rubinson]

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.  

[audiobomber]

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.

[bobfa]

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.

[bbosler]

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 🙂

[sb6]

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

[bobfa]

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.

 

 

[audiobomber]

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.