Hi Michael, I'm writing from Italy. Thank you for this lovely review. I'll most likely purchase this DIY DAC after watching your videos. I believe that besides sound quality, the number of inputs, the finish case (without having a Frankenstein in the living room...), and OS independence are crucial. I hope to make a good purchase to get back to enjoying different and high-quality music. I haven't bought CDs in years and I've been relying on RUclips and various streaming services, which aren't very engaging even when connected to my old - but glorious - budget home stereo system (NAD 3020i/Focal Chorus 714s). Great job!
I have had the Volumio Rivo for about a week it has in my opinion completed my sound system to a level that for the first time I describe it as "Sophisticated". The Rivo probably beets this kit on sound, based purely on the volume of capacitors and signal management refinements, and in the long term it can save you a lot of money by including free Volumio premium for life. If I had any idea that there was a steamer nearly as good as the Rivo I could assemble without a soldering Iron frankly I would have bought it. I probably will never use most of the premium benefits as I only listen to music. I have in one week discovered the draw back with cristal clear sound, Albums I have loved for over 40 or more years can be "sound bombed" by someone tunelessly tapping on a bit of metal or something. Age 9 I discovered "Dark side of the moon" so by the time "Animals" came out I was one of those waiting for it's release . I have probably played Animals more often than any other Album. I can't remember if it was a remastered recording of "Dogs" but throughout most of the track way in the background presumably Nick Mason is tapping out the time signature on a closed Hiab. Even having listened to this album at hearing damaging levels in my youth I have never heard it before.
PS I accepted the Rivo look ,but this kit looks good and gives you track info though the DAC would be extra baggage. Do you recommend any Streamer 'only' Audio file kit's?
I picked one up last March and agree, it's a very nice unit at a great price. I have had trouble getting the right screen to show the track data, so can you point me in the right direction to remedy this? I really like the Audiophonics site, and appreciate their quick support, communications and extraordinarily fast shipping from France to the US.
If it was just the streamer - and not also a DAC, I would be interested. I already have a DAC I love - the Geshelli J2S with Sparkos SS3602 op-amp. Is Volumio any more stable, these days?
Can it be use like a preamp ( i am french, i ask you to be sure i understand). Just with a power amplifier, please? And aop can be change, to change the song (ther is two dip8)? Third question, do you know if the topping d50s have a better song? Thanks
Does the Pi heat up if you stream music ? Are you able to listen to the music on the Net or anywhere ? Can you make a video on the accessories for Pi like a DAC and how they perform, compared to the stand alone ones ?
Hey K S! The Pi doesnt get too hot while streaming however I do recommend a case thats well ventilated. I have made several videos on the Pi here in RUclips, you should check them out.
I'm wanting to stream from mediamonkey on my laptop to a raspberry pi as a receiver which sends signal via usb to a dedicated dac. Does anyone know of a solution?
The streaming market has changed, with the Wiim Mini and Pro, the $99-$150 range is covered and for about $500 you can get the bluesound node. No reason to do DIY in todays world.
Hi Michael, I'm writing from Italy. Thank you for this lovely review. I'll most likely purchase this DIY DAC after watching your videos. I believe that besides sound quality, the number of inputs, the finish case (without having a Frankenstein in the living room...), and OS independence are crucial. I hope to make a good purchase to get back to enjoying different and high-quality music. I haven't bought CDs in years and I've been relying on RUclips and various streaming services, which aren't very engaging even when connected to my old - but glorious - budget home stereo system (NAD 3020i/Focal Chorus 714s). Great job!
Best DIY kit I have seen. From. Reputable company too. Thanks for sharing.
It's phenomenal!
The best in the same range, with similar app but better stability is the ifi audio zen streamer. Amazing good value for the price. Jeff
I have had the Volumio Rivo for about a week it has in my opinion completed my sound system to a level that for the first time I describe it as "Sophisticated".
The Rivo probably beets this kit on sound, based purely on the volume of capacitors and signal management refinements, and in the long term it can save you a lot of money by including free Volumio premium for life.
If I had any idea that there was a steamer nearly as good as the Rivo I could assemble without a soldering Iron frankly I would have bought it. I probably will never use most of the premium benefits as I only listen to music.
I have in one week discovered the draw back with cristal clear sound, Albums I have loved for over 40 or more years can be "sound bombed" by someone tunelessly tapping on a bit of metal or something.
Age 9 I discovered "Dark side of the moon" so by the time "Animals" came out I was one of those waiting for it's release . I have probably played Animals more often than any other Album.
I can't remember if it was a remastered recording of "Dogs" but throughout most of the track way in the background presumably Nick Mason is tapping out the time signature on a closed Hiab. Even having listened to this album at hearing damaging levels in my youth I have never heard it before.
PS I accepted the Rivo look ,but this kit looks good and gives you track info though the DAC would be extra baggage. Do you recommend any Streamer 'only' Audio file kit's?
Any suggestions if I only need a streamer transport? Are there diy kit for that purpose? Thanks.
I picked one up last March and agree, it's a very nice unit at a great price. I have had trouble getting the right screen to show the track data, so can you point me in the right direction to remedy this? I really like the Audiophonics site, and appreciate their quick support, communications and extraordinarily fast shipping from France to the US.
Your music seems very J.M.Jarre influenced. Very nice. Love to hear more.
Can you plug in another monitor in the rear panel HDMI port for an additional Full Volumio display?
I'd love to see a product that takes that one last step and features optical disc playback via USB. That would be the ultimate for me!
This has playback via Volumio
The BEST youtuber ever!?
I really enjoy his channel!
@@mikecampbell5856 thanks my friend!
I would love to think so lol 😆
why no link to buy Audiophonics Evo-Sabre,?
If it was just the streamer - and not also a DAC, I would be interested. I already have a DAC I love - the Geshelli J2S with Sparkos SS3602 op-amp. Is Volumio any more stable, these days?
Volumio has been behaving well since their last few updates. Audiophonics does have streamer only options on their website. Check out the RaspDac Mini
Hi!
Thanks the video,its super!
I have one question, with the box can i play tidal connect and spoty connet?
Thanks!
Best regards!
Can it be use like a preamp ( i am french, i ask you to be sure i understand). Just with a power amplifier, please? And aop can be change, to change the song (ther is two dip8)? Third question, do you know if the topping d50s have a better song? Thanks
Really interesting
It's an amazing device!
Made one and agree🎉
Glad you liked it! 👍
With what streamer from a manufacturer would you compare this streamer?
Does the Pi heat up if you stream music ? Are you able to listen to the music on the Net or anywhere ? Can you make a video on the accessories for Pi like a DAC and how they perform, compared to the stand alone ones ?
Hey K S! The Pi doesnt get too hot while streaming however I do recommend a case thats well ventilated. I have made several videos on the Pi here in RUclips, you should check them out.
Amazon Music already streams @ CD quality, so how much better would this be?
I'm wanting to stream from mediamonkey on my laptop to a raspberry pi as a receiver which sends signal via usb to a dedicated dac. Does anyone know of a solution?
i just need a streamer without a DAC but with i2s output.
What DAC are you running?
I wonder why so few streamers support Amazon Music HD service...
Perhaps licensing issues with Amazon? I will investigate this further and perhaps come back with a video about it.
Looks decent until you see the new Cambridge MXN10 at $499 which is roon ready with ESS Sabre DAC and StreamMagic mobile app support.
I'd be willing to bet a large sum of money that the Audiophonics would be sonically superior. I have NEVER heard a streamer this smooth.
Playing Puscifer = 1000% more credibility!
Thank you 🙏
cool project but way too expansive..
The streaming market has changed, with the Wiim Mini and Pro, the $99-$150 range is covered and for about $500 you can get the bluesound node.
No reason to do DIY in todays world.
There's a sense of accomplishment with DIY, I find it fun. I will be reviewing the WiiM Pro in the coming weeks!