I have a cchd957 on a cheap Chinese DDC with a xmos chip which feeds via coax into my Bifrost (OG). I power it with a linear power supply. I can't tell you how blown i was the first time i heard it. It's so impressive that i have put off buying a new dac for quite some time now. Clocks make a massive difference to the sound. I will be doing your diy streamer as my next project. That's the right way forward! Thank you for amazing videos :)
The cchd957 is my favorite so far without going too crazy expensive and complicated specially with a good dedicated power. Gglad to hear I am not the only one, also it depends on the rest of your system and taste. Have fun building. There is also joy in the process and ownership of your DIY project.
Thanks a lot for the update exactly what I have been looking for. It is a lot easier to follow a video tutorial it helps take the fear away and truly understand how to connect things together
Hello Gabby, great channel and great videos! Thank you! I am going to build this streamer exactly as you suggested it. Will be very interesting to see how the project turns out. I am starting a audio based blog and plan to write an article on the build and resulting performance. Thank you! Eric
I listened to the 2023 "London Brew" album on Tidal last night. It's a very interesting album. I guess you might call it Fusion Jazz. It's a well mixed album with a very interesting combination of instruments (piano/tuba/sax/clarinet/electric guitar and others). I might consider it a great demo album for testing/showing off a sound system. An album like this really highlights the advantages of having a top-notch streamer. Of course the rest of the system needs to be good too.
I love the "please observe safety measures". People who ever seen what a big capacitor can do will handle them as a live bomb, while the the rest are "yes, yes, sure the usual be safe b.s." 😂 for those never handle a big capacitor, I melted a screwdriver while discharging one, and I don't mean a litlle bit of damage, I mean 2-3 mm solid steal literally melted. Before that I used a tack from a measuring device an 1 cm not just melted, but literally evaporated, so we are talking very serious injury if you don't treat them with the proper respect to a big capacitor when charged.
I really do like this series but I have to say Gabi, I really do hope you add a DAC to it. I'm sure I am going to to build this streamer at the end of this series. Keep up the good stuf!
Thanks Gaby!!! For me this video was the first spot to look at audio DIY.... In this build if we plan to add both HdmiPi Pro & TRANSPORTPI AES cards, how will the clock cable (grey one) connection need to be managed from Q7 for clocking ? I am missing the option to have both so could you please clarify on this. thanks in advance.
I appreciate your your informative videos. I'm planing to make a streamer like that in the video. Iancanads's new FifoPi Q7II comes with new "ultra-low-phase noise XOs." They look quite different than the ones in your FifoPi Q7. Do you know whether these are as effective as the Accusilicons and/or Crysteks? Thank you.
hello gabster, i also want to apply this but i see on the reclocker XO1 and XO2 with something like 45 mhz and 49 mhz. the ACCUSILICON clocks do have a value, but the standard clocks do not. how do I know where the standard clocks should go if I want to put them back. thank you in advance
You can swap the clock positioning no problem as long as you have 2 clock families 45,49 But pay attention to pin 1 dot need to be on pin 1 of the socket
Nice Build , but if it's all about accurate clocking and low noise I found A Mini PC and modified a DC to DC converter and got the ripple with everything 1 millivolts rms on my scope and with USB no real clock issues because of asynchronous communication. This board beat the PI & Tinker in elimination of over all in and DC ripple or other noise ( so there other ways) DAC,Mini PC,Power under $200😅
@Gabster1 - thank you for your incredibly informative videos. Thanks to your encouragement, I completed the Ian Canada streamer project with SC Pure Clocks, and it sounds better to me than the Eversolo DMP 6 with an LPS upgrade. I am using Ropieee with the Raspberry Pi generic I2S output to the Holo Audio DAC. However, the generic I2S from Ropieee is only giving me 192kHz. I am using a dedicated HQPlayer and would like to output at a higher rate. Is there a way to configure the Ian Canada streamer to output DSD1024 and PCM 1.536MHz output? Thank you once again for supporting the audio enthusiast community.
I would love to see a build with just a dac. I don't need the streamer, but would love to use the ultracapacitors as a powersupply for a dac that is isolated from my pc to drive headphones.
Fantastic Video series Gaby, Ian should’ve done it eon’s ago. I personally need more confidence before I plonk US$700. Some comparative tests would be great, also please describe the SQ. Is there an audible uptick in SQ when paired with your Terminator dac (not sure which version you have).
Hello Sir.. Does Ian Canada have a Board with USB Output? Is there a more enclosed type of case? It is quite dusty where I live, it will be hard to clean the streamer in an open type acryclic case..
@Gabster, any idea as to why the power light of the hdmi pro does not turn on? I am having a hard time with the build, as I cannot get the streamer to output via hdmi.
Hi Gabby, great work you are doing. I have some questions: Can I volume control this flagship streamer via remote control....In using this streamer over the Aes board as a preamp to my activated loudspeakers. The digital input signal of our diy dsp adau1452 controlled hypex ncore amps is the burrbrown 1794 dac in NOS (mono) mode... Or would you prefer the ess9038 dac modul of IAN and going analog to our amps. Thanks a lot Karim from Germany
You can not control the Volume but some streaming software let you do that but at sound quality cost Your Dac is nice and great but to reach the next level you would need to get a good Analog AMP Preamp but it will get costly the ess9038 dac module of IAN with ess controller let you adj the volume but I always find a good preamp does a better job and sounds better so I would keep the Dac at max and adj with the preamp. Try turning all DSP and processing off any auto volume leveling and see if it sounds better Hope that helps.
Hi Gabby, Could you please advise, Is it possible to plan Dual Mono DAC Card along with Q7 to this stack with power connections : Pure Pi 3.3 Out -> DAC CARD & from same Pure Pi 3.3 Out -> UCConditioner MKII 3.3V IN -> UCConditioner MKII 3.3 Out -> Q7 ? Thanks in advance.
Yes that would work you still need a Opa861 and power supplies or just transformers with no extra power supplies Some people go for separate power for the Dac Like 2 linear pi with Uc conditioner I strongly suggest you see my Dac D6 video since you are building a Dac and my TD1 Dac ruclips.net/video/EPV1ON23L0Y/видео.htmlsi=1WyECwWT8cAdk9dk ruclips.net/video/y3MB5W970Ow/видео.htmlsi=scxIYM1fFjftMp2d
@@Gabster1 Thanks a lot for your prompt response. much appreciated! eventually we will plan to have better power connectivity options as upgrade steps. mean while could you please also advise...Is it going to work if we plan the power connectivity as : Pure Pi II 3.3 Out -> UCConditioner MKII 3.3V IN and From UCConditioner MKII 3.3 Out -> BOTH Q7 and Dual Mono DAC card ? hope this will not mess up any thing...please guide
Thank you, Gaby, excellent video (Part 1 & Part 2). Please clarify that the Uc conditioner is #26A. UcConditioner 3.3V (Universal) and ultracapacitors are Maxwell 2.7V 325F 1.6 mOhm Ultracapacitors Model # BCAP0325 P270 S19 (as shown in the video). Question: Why do we use 2.7V Ultracapacitors on a 3.2V battery power supply system?
Yes that is correct as of now they do not make 3.3v ultra capacitors actually you would need a 4V for safety margin so has to use 2in series capacitance drops in half and voltage rating doubles you also need a balancer Uc conditioner to avoid one going over 2.7 hope that helps I updated the description with links :)
Hi Gabby. I have just bought all the parts after watching your videos. Ive gone with the transport AES instead of the HDMI. I am now looking for an alu case that fits - if you know to one, please let me know
Start with a wood plank when you are happy with everything and it is working, lay it down and figure out what size case you need. lots of choices at mouser or Ebay some are basic cases but you can dress them up with a wood piece.
@@Gabster1 Regards the electrical cable you used, what size was it? I bought some 22 AWG solid core red and black and its too thin. I want the same gauge as you're using.
@@ccshell 22 is way too small try 16 or 14 I use silver plated wire from Ebay they are very good Quality ebay.us/qe5eor get a few different gages between 17 and 13
I also use Q7 but did not bend the pin1 on the clock. Can you tell me why it needs to be done? And this cancelling pin1, does it need to be done in both clocks?
I love the content. I just have a question, I have not heard you mention any digital input hats like Ian's receiver PI. I would like to do this build, But I need some digital inputs.
Does anyone know the total height with the super capacitors on (in cm). I am looking for an acrylic box to put on top of it for protection. my acrylic box is is 20x20x20 cm.. Will it do gabby or someone else who knows?
Hello Gaby, i was wondering if i can use my Hifiberry Dac2Hd board instead of the hdmi version that you are using..? Love the channel and builds. Grtz Filip
Please Mr Gabster, sorry to bother u, but I'd like to know using Volumio OS on Rasperry PI 4 model B 8 Giga which interface I should select due to I have bought Ian Canada Transport ultra low jitter S/PDIF? There a lot f interface but missing Ian Canada product. No sound without slecting interface for I2S DAC(settled ON - (Select DAC model: ????). Second question possible to use Crystal oscillator on FiFoPi Q7 at 90.138 MHz and an addition one at 98.340 MHz? Thanks in advance for your kind support
I'm just ordering this to build next week. How do I ensure that my equipment chain uses the superior clocks? I hate to show my ignorance but I want to see if I hear the difference. I'll be feeding the signal into a new Gustard R26.
R26 is a very nice Dac Not a 100% sure but you need to disable OS (over sampling) and it may bypass the clocks hard to tell. Also try putting the ref Clock to external see manual
Is it possible to buy the clocks from Ian Canada to create an external clock only? I already have an off the shelf streamer and DAC but would like an external clock to add. Thanks.
Hi Gabby, excellent video and extremely valuable inputs for coming projects of mine ! Currently very happily using the BNC output of an Allo Digione Signature mounted on USBridge itself battery supplied but interested to try the I2S input of my Audio-GD R27-RE (R2R) DAC. If you don't mind question concerning the clock frequencies : if I understand well they should be multiple of 22.5792 and 24.5760MHz for resp. playing multiple of 44.1 and 48 kHz streams. Is the final applied clock frequency relevant for the sound quality ? For example IAN CANADA's SC-PURE clocks can also be purchased with resp. 45.1584 and 49.1520 MHz. Thanks beforehand and good continuation !
Sound Quality is about the same on some clocks lower frequencies may sound better But very debatable I personally prefer Ian’s 45/49 combo also they support higher sampling rate then the 22/24 version Hope that helps
@@Gabster1Hi Gabi, thanks so much for your quick answer. I will probably follow your advice. Just to know & learn would 22/24 MHz clocks be sufficient up to 176/192K resolution ? Btw I also observed my Audio-gd DAC working with 90/98 MHz ones. Today I also watched your "Amazing Dac Streamer" video based on an USBridge I will probably upgrade mines on a similar way, using FifoPi7 + HdmiPiPro modules (instead of DigiOne Signature) with decent power supplies. Congratulation for your work !
Gabby. Simply love your videos. Thank you. Did you happen to measure the height of your souped up streamer? Can’t wait to view your streamer/DAC combo?
Thanks for the great video, I've a question: my DAC doesn't accept HDMI input, can I use a TransportPi MKII for coaxial output instead of HdmiPi Pro? If not, what I can use in place of (or in addition to) the HdmiPi Pro?
If I would to rank I would say Ultra Capacitors with UCpure, PurePi and UcConditioner, LinearPi or Lifepo4 with UcConditioner, Linear Pi hope that helps
@@Gabster1 Yes, that helps. Thanks! I feel somewhat reluctant to go with the big ultra caps because of cost and safety. Not used to that stuff. But I guess I will go with PurePi with UcC instead of LinearPi and UcC then.
@@Gabster1 I do have a follow up question if you do not mind. Using the big ultra caps take a lot of space so I am wonering if there are places where they are not critical soundwise? I was thinking they should not be necessary for the RaspberryPi. Are clean power critical on the "dirty" side of Q7 (5V) or is it sufficent to use them only on the clean side (3.3V)?
Next step would be to use a transformer and two LinearPi (5v and 3.3v). In that way you can get everything in one box and not need a linear power supply.
I saw a comment that said the board would support the accusilicons with pin 1 installed so I tried it and it sounds great. I can't tell for sure if it is better than before the upgrade but I think it does! Both versions definitely sound better than the raspberry pi streamer I built before as I can A/B them. The one thing that does NOT sound better are my DSF (DSD) files, they play but instead of saying they are DSD, they say they are 192 PCM files and have a background hiss. I have a Topping D90LE DAC. My other raspberry pi streamer is using a pi 4 and has a USB out.
Don't understand around 8:50 or so you say "you put the second clock in" and then at 8:58 the clock is no longer in the shot and actually is on the table. What's going on?
@@Gabster1 you compare them by leaving it in, not removing it and leaving it on the table. You clearly inserted it at 8:50 and then at 8:58 it is on the table.
@@paddle_shift I had to look at the video to see what you mean you are correct. I shot the video as I was testing different clocks many times including a small hard to see Crystek 5 series and the clips are not in proper order. Good observation a error on my part, but the idea is the same nothing will work without the clocks.
I have a Pontus 2 dac and am curious would you expect based on what you here from the Terminator, would you think upsampling would sound better, more accurate, than NOS? Thank you for your thoughts.
Thanks for this great content I own a dac with I2S in. Why do I need a HDMI board for I2S ? Doesn’t the FIFOPi Board have I2S as well? I use I2S now. Out of a micromedia Dante board build into my dac connected to a Mac as streamer. Would a raspberry Pi be a better choice?
Thank you gabs, im a total noob in this, currently I use a Rpi 3 to stream roon to my dac, Can I follow this give to use the usb output? or I need to change the HdmiPi Pro for another part?
After viewing the last video I looked at the items available from Ian Canada. If I understand IanC also has a solution to turn this into a streaming/headphone amp. Improving this with a box and screen for album artwork would be nice
Two questions please, why are the batteries necessary? If my current external DAC has usb inputs, can i use the usb outs from the rasp pi for that? Would this make the re-clocker pointless if I did that?
Hi, thank you for your fine building tips. Is there any good reason to use the ifi supply with the UCconditioner? Shouldn‘t any decent switching supply work with same result noise wise?
2 parts 1) for the rpi it is getting constant power despite the ultra capacitors that filter noise you are still getting some 2) for the fifo pi that is using batteries and disconnect Most likely yes but with very noisy power supplies the noise can transmit by proximity I demonstrated that in one of my d11 builds I believe the power supply one.
This is a great series! Thanks for posting. I am curious, based on your comments towards the end, if the clock on the streamer matters very much if you already have a good DAC. I assume that most DACs re-clock the incoming digital stream. If that’s the case, am I correct that the main value of your design is the stable power supply (to reduce noise)? I assume that jitter will be ironed out (or added) by the DAC at the analog conversion step. PS- I have a topping D90, which sounds great to my ears, streaming directly from my computer, but I have never compared it to anything else.
Correct to get the full benefit of good clocks find a DAC that does not re-clock the incoming digital stream or adj the setting to bypass them if possible.
Hi, my DAC is a heavilly modded Ayon Sigma which was optimized for USB audio. It does not have i2s and USB sounds better than AES/EBU. Any ideas for building a streamer focused on USB that would better my USBridge Signature?
I am not a big fan of usb but some people love them can not help you as I never tried any solutions with this type of streamer there may be boards that will work but I think you may loose the advantages of this platform then again not my area of expertise.
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Hey Gabby, Where did you source your ultra-caps? So far I don't find any sources for new parts, just used parts from ebay. It sounds like Ian is going to come up with a next generation uc-conditioner that uses more recent parts.
Has anyone ever figured out how to purchase items from Iancanada. I've spent a few hours trying. Computer dude I'm sure, but marketing guru NOT. I'm not sure what to do. Hope Gabby helps out I suppose.
This is a nice throw together project from parts off the web. The problem I have is the same with all audio fool stuff. Adding super caps and low thermal EMF connectors and fancy wires is not going to make it sound any better in a double blind random test of modified and unmodified kit. Even if you have access to a couple hundred thousand dollars of calibrated lab equipment with 7.5 digits of accuracy you you will still not capture any appreciable difference in signal. You will get more benefit from simply adding in some good bypass caps at the critical chips than with this exercise. This is like adding engraving to your gun and then claiming that it is more accurate because of the weight distribution shift in the weapon. It's about bragging, not .00001% distortion or femptosecond jitter improvement or any other such nonsense.
I am hoping you will continue this serie with an other video about a case. Thanks
I have a cchd957 on a cheap Chinese DDC with a xmos chip which feeds via coax into my Bifrost (OG). I power it with a linear power supply. I can't tell you how blown i was the first time i heard it. It's so impressive that i have put off buying a new dac for quite some time now. Clocks make a massive difference to the sound. I will be doing your diy streamer as my next project. That's the right way forward! Thank you for amazing videos :)
The cchd957 is my favorite so far without going too crazy expensive and complicated specially with a good dedicated power.
Gglad to hear I am not the only one, also it depends on the rest of your system and taste. Have fun building. There is also joy in the process and ownership of your DIY project.
now all we need is a pcb/kit that minimizes/removes unnecessary components so it is all one unit. Love this series!
Thanks a lot for the update exactly what I have been looking for. It is a lot easier to follow a video tutorial it helps take the fear away and truly understand how to connect things together
Thank you so much for the idea, inspiration and instructions. First DIY project up and running!
I just built this version and it sounds fantastic. Cannot wait to add a DAC on top. Thanks alot for this series.
Thank you for sharing your Experience with us
sending love and peace to everyone...
Waiting on a tutorial on installing one of the Roon read OS. Thanks!
Hello Gabby, great channel and great videos! Thank you! I am going to build this streamer exactly as you suggested it. Will be very interesting to see how the project turns out. I am starting a audio based blog and plan to write an article on the build and resulting performance. Thank you! Eric
Thank you Eric Please share your blog I would love to read it when it is ready.
For sure will share! We can look at sharing some of your videos on the blog as I think it will have good traction. Cheers@@Gabster1
Thank you for the detailed instructions! Just build it sounds good with my rockna i2s dac! Any suggestions for enclosure ? Thank you again!
I listened to the 2023 "London Brew" album on Tidal last night. It's a very interesting album. I guess you might call it Fusion Jazz. It's a well mixed album with a very interesting combination of instruments (piano/tuba/sax/clarinet/electric guitar and others). I might consider it a great demo album for testing/showing off a sound system. An album like this really highlights the advantages of having a top-notch streamer. Of course the rest of the system needs to be good too.
Thanks for the video Gabby. I'm finding this a very educational series. Keep them coming!
I love the "please observe safety measures". People who ever seen what a big capacitor can do will handle them as a live bomb, while the the rest are "yes, yes, sure the usual be safe b.s." 😂
for those never handle a big capacitor, I melted a screwdriver while discharging one, and I don't mean a litlle bit of damage, I mean 2-3 mm solid steal literally melted. Before that I used a tack from a measuring device an 1 cm not just melted, but literally evaporated, so we are talking very serious injury if you don't treat them with the proper respect to a big capacitor when charged.
I really do like this series but I have to say Gabi, I really do hope you add a DAC to it. I'm sure I am going to to build this streamer at the end of this series. Keep up the good stuf!
It is coming in the near future :) still exploring some options.
Thanks Gaby!!! For me this video was the first spot to look at audio DIY.... In this build if we plan to add both HdmiPi Pro & TRANSPORTPI AES cards, how will the clock cable (grey one) connection need to be managed from Q7 for clocking ? I am missing the option to have both so could you please clarify on this. thanks in advance.
I appreciate your your informative videos. I'm planing to make a streamer like that in the video. Iancanads's new FifoPi Q7II comes with new "ultra-low-phase noise XOs." They look quite different than the ones in your FifoPi Q7. Do you know whether these are as effective as the Accusilicons and/or Crysteks? Thank you.
hello gabster, i also want to apply this but i see on the reclocker XO1 and XO2 with something like 45 mhz and 49 mhz.
the ACCUSILICON clocks do have a value, but the standard clocks do not.
how do I know where the standard clocks should go if I want to put them back.
thank you in advance
You can swap the clock positioning no problem as long as you have 2 clock families 45,49
But pay attention to pin 1 dot need to be on pin 1 of the socket
Nice Build , but if it's all about accurate clocking and low noise I found A Mini PC and modified a DC to DC converter and got the ripple with everything 1 millivolts rms on my scope and with USB no real clock issues because of asynchronous communication. This board beat the PI & Tinker in elimination of over all in and DC ripple or other noise ( so there other ways) DAC,Mini PC,Power under $200😅
@Gabster1 - thank you for your incredibly informative videos. Thanks to your encouragement, I completed the Ian Canada streamer project with SC Pure Clocks, and it sounds better to me than the Eversolo DMP 6 with an LPS upgrade. I am using Ropieee with the Raspberry Pi generic I2S output to the Holo Audio DAC. However, the generic I2S from Ropieee is only giving me 192kHz. I am using a dedicated HQPlayer and would like to output at a higher rate. Is there a way to configure the Ian Canada streamer to output DSD1024 and PCM 1.536MHz output?
Thank you once again for supporting the audio enthusiast community.
I would love to see a build with just a dac. I don't need the streamer, but would love to use the ultracapacitors as a powersupply for a dac that is isolated from my pc to drive headphones.
It is coming in the near future :) still exploring some options. also see my D11 dac for Ideas
Do a video on how to improve/upgrade a pi2aes
Fantastic Video series Gaby, Ian should’ve done it eon’s ago. I personally need more confidence before I plonk US$700. Some comparative tests would be great, also please describe the SQ. Is there an audible uptick in SQ when paired with your Terminator dac (not sure which version you have).
Hello Sir.. Does Ian Canada have a Board with USB Output? Is there a more enclosed type of case? It is quite dusty where I live, it will be hard to clean the streamer in an open type acryclic case..
@Gabster, any idea as to why the power light of the hdmi pro does not turn on? I am having a hard time with the build, as I cannot get the streamer to output via hdmi.
Hi Gabby, great work you are doing. I have some questions:
Can I volume control this flagship streamer via remote control....In using this streamer over the Aes board as a preamp to my activated loudspeakers. The digital input signal of our diy dsp adau1452 controlled hypex ncore amps is the burrbrown 1794 dac in NOS (mono) mode...
Or would you prefer the ess9038 dac modul of IAN and going analog to our amps.
Thanks a lot
Karim from Germany
You can not control the Volume but some streaming software let you do that but at sound quality cost
Your Dac is nice and great but to reach the next level you would need to get a good Analog AMP Preamp but it will get costly the ess9038 dac module of IAN with ess controller let you adj the volume but I always find a good preamp does a better job and sounds better so I would keep the Dac at max and adj with the preamp.
Try turning all DSP and processing off any auto volume leveling and see if it sounds better
Hope that helps.
Hi Gabby, Could you please advise, Is it possible to plan Dual Mono DAC Card along with Q7 to this stack with power connections : Pure Pi 3.3 Out -> DAC CARD & from same Pure Pi 3.3 Out -> UCConditioner MKII 3.3V IN -> UCConditioner MKII 3.3 Out -> Q7 ? Thanks in advance.
Yes that would work you still need a Opa861 and power supplies or just transformers with no extra power supplies
Some people go for separate power for the Dac
Like 2 linear pi with Uc conditioner
I strongly suggest you see my Dac D6 video since you are building a Dac and my TD1 Dac
ruclips.net/video/EPV1ON23L0Y/видео.htmlsi=1WyECwWT8cAdk9dk
ruclips.net/video/y3MB5W970Ow/видео.htmlsi=scxIYM1fFjftMp2d
@@Gabster1 Thanks a lot for your prompt response. much appreciated! eventually we will plan to have better power connectivity options as upgrade steps. mean while could you please also advise...Is it going to work if we plan the power connectivity as : Pure Pi II 3.3 Out -> UCConditioner MKII 3.3V IN and From UCConditioner MKII 3.3 Out -> BOTH Q7 and Dual Mono DAC card ? hope this will not mess up any thing...please guide
Thank you, Gaby, excellent video (Part 1 & Part 2). Please clarify that the Uc conditioner is #26A. UcConditioner 3.3V (Universal) and ultracapacitors are Maxwell 2.7V 325F 1.6 mOhm Ultracapacitors Model # BCAP0325 P270 S19 (as shown in the video). Question: Why do we use 2.7V Ultracapacitors on a 3.2V battery power supply system?
Yes that is correct
as of now they do not make 3.3v ultra capacitors actually you would need a 4V for safety margin
so has to use 2in series capacitance drops in half and voltage rating doubles you also need a balancer Uc conditioner to avoid one going over 2.7
hope that helps I updated the description with links :)
Hi Gabby. I have just bought all the parts after watching your videos. Ive gone with the transport AES instead of the HDMI. I am now looking for an alu case that fits - if you know to one, please let me know
Start with a wood plank when you are happy with everything and it is working, lay it down and figure out what size case you need. lots of choices at mouser or Ebay some are basic cases but you can dress them up with a wood piece.
@@Gabster1 Regards the electrical cable you used, what size was it? I bought some 22 AWG solid core red and black and its too thin. I want the same gauge as you're using.
@@ccshell 22 is way too small try 16 or 14 I use silver plated wire from Ebay they are very good Quality
ebay.us/qe5eor
get a few different gages between 17 and 13
What would be a nice lil dac to go along with this ? I’m looking into doing my first diy dac
Hello Gabby, i am currently using a FifoPiMa with my Rpi 4. Do i need to cancel pin 1 if i upgrade the stock clocks with accusilicon clocks.
I also use Q7 but did not bend the pin1 on the clock. Can you tell me why it needs to be done? And this cancelling pin1, does it need to be done in both clocks?
also really curious about this, im using TransportPi Digi and havent bend the pin on my accusilicon clock
Oh, the manual adresses this atleast for the Q3 and TransportPi Digi the manual clearly states that clocks with "OE" pin are supported!
I love the content. I just have a question, I have not heard you mention any digital input hats like Ian's receiver PI. I would like to do this build, But I need some digital inputs.
Ian has a couple Input bords that work very well also he is about to release a new one I believe.
checkout his GitHub link and scroll down
I bought one. It is not supported by volumio. I was trying to find someone online who can give some insight into what it is compatible with.@@Gabster1
Great videos. What about a NAA with USB in and I2S out (DSD512)? Is it possible with this kind of components?
Is it poss to build the streamer & dac altogether in one unit?
Does anyone know the total height with the super capacitors on (in cm). I am looking for an acrylic box to put on top of it for protection. my acrylic box is is 20x20x20 cm.. Will it do gabby or someone else who knows?
Depends on the boards and shields used mine just under 20cm you can also put the UltraCaps on the side
@@Gabster1 thanks mate!
Hi. I have an Audiolab M DAC Plus. Am I right in thinking this would re-clock the signal, meaning there is little point in me building this?
Hello Gaby, i was wondering if i can use my Hifiberry Dac2Hd board instead of the hdmi version that you are using..? Love the channel and builds. Grtz Filip
Would also like to connect a screen for a “Now playing” feature if can manage to build this…
Please Mr Gabster, sorry to bother u, but I'd like to know using Volumio OS on Rasperry PI 4 model B 8 Giga which interface I should select due to I have bought Ian Canada Transport ultra low jitter S/PDIF? There a lot f interface but missing Ian Canada product. No sound without slecting interface for I2S DAC(settled ON - (Select DAC model: ????). Second question possible to use Crystal oscillator on FiFoPi Q7 at 90.138 MHz and an addition one at 98.340 MHz? Thanks in advance for your kind support
Helll Gabster, does the shielding and grounding videos also apply to this construction ?
Yes they do at least try connecting a ground wire to the metal Pi case
I'm just ordering this to build next week. How do I ensure that my equipment chain uses the superior clocks? I hate to show my ignorance but I want to see if I hear the difference. I'll be feeding the signal into a new Gustard R26.
R26 is a very nice Dac
Not a 100% sure but you need to disable OS (over sampling) and it may bypass the clocks hard to tell.
Also try putting the ref Clock to external see manual
@@Gabster1 Thanks so much! I'll let you know.
Is it possible to buy the clocks from Ian Canada to create an external clock only? I already have an off the shelf streamer and DAC but would like an external clock to add. Thanks.
They are bare clocks but if your clocks are 3.3v and you can take them out you could solder them in place but for a Quick answer I would say no
Hi Gabby, excellent video and extremely valuable inputs for coming projects of mine ! Currently very happily using the BNC output of an Allo Digione Signature mounted on USBridge itself battery supplied but interested to try the I2S input of my Audio-GD R27-RE (R2R) DAC. If you don't mind question concerning the clock frequencies : if I understand well they should be multiple of 22.5792 and 24.5760MHz for resp. playing multiple of 44.1 and 48 kHz streams. Is the final applied clock frequency relevant for the sound quality ? For example IAN CANADA's SC-PURE clocks can also be purchased with resp. 45.1584 and 49.1520 MHz. Thanks beforehand and good continuation !
Sound Quality is about the same on some clocks lower frequencies may sound better
But very debatable I personally prefer Ian’s 45/49 combo also they support higher sampling rate then the 22/24 version
Hope that helps
@@Gabster1Hi Gabi, thanks so much for your quick answer. I will probably follow your advice. Just to know & learn would 22/24 MHz clocks be sufficient up to 176/192K resolution ? Btw I also observed my Audio-gd DAC working with 90/98 MHz ones. Today I also watched your "Amazing Dac Streamer" video based on an USBridge I will probably upgrade mines on a similar way, using FifoPi7 + HdmiPiPro modules (instead of DigiOne Signature) with decent power supplies. Congratulation for your work !
Gabby. Simply love your videos. Thank you. Did you happen to measure the height of your souped up streamer? Can’t wait to view your streamer/DAC combo?
Thank you
You can put the ultra capacitors on the side to save height space
Thanks for the great video, I've a question: my DAC doesn't accept HDMI input, can I use a TransportPi MKII for coaxial output instead of HdmiPi Pro? If not, what I can use in place of (or in addition to) the HdmiPi Pro?
Yes you can or slightly better the transport pi AES
Is using LinearPi with UcConditioner inferior to using PurePi and UcConditioner?
If I would to rank I would say Ultra Capacitors with UCpure, PurePi and UcConditioner, LinearPi or Lifepo4 with UcConditioner, Linear Pi
hope that helps
@@Gabster1 Yes, that helps. Thanks! I feel somewhat reluctant to go with the big ultra caps because of cost and safety. Not used to that stuff. But I guess I will go with PurePi with UcC instead of LinearPi and UcC then.
@@Gabster1 I do have a follow up question if you do not mind. Using the big ultra caps take a lot of space so I am wonering if there are places where they are not critical soundwise? I was thinking they should not be necessary for the RaspberryPi. Are clean power critical on the "dirty" side of Q7 (5V) or is it sufficent to use them only on the clean side (3.3V)?
Next step would be to use a transformer and two LinearPi (5v and 3.3v). In that way you can get everything in one box and not need a linear power supply.
Thank you Gaby, great video. Do you need to cancel or bend pin one on both clocks for the fifopi Q7?
Yes you do on some clocks
Really great. Does the streamer need the network cable, or can it receive wifi?
it will work on wifi but more reliable with a network cable unless you router is near
@@Gabster1 Thanks.
The accusilicon clocks have different values, does it matter which clock you put where, and do you disable pin 1 on both clocks?
I saw a comment that said the board would support the accusilicons with pin 1 installed so I tried it and it sounds great. I can't tell for sure if it is better than before the upgrade but I think it does! Both versions definitely sound better than the raspberry pi streamer I built before as I can A/B them. The one thing that does NOT sound better are my DSF (DSD) files, they play but instead of saying they are DSD, they say they are 192 PCM files and have a background hiss. I have a Topping D90LE DAC. My other raspberry pi streamer is using a pi 4 and has a USB out.
Don't understand around 8:50 or so you say "you put the second clock in" and then at 8:58 the clock is no longer in the shot and actually is on the table. What's going on?
I had a Accusilicon in one and a Crystek in the other one so I can compare the 2 but usually you would put to the same brand
@@Gabster1 you compare them by leaving it in, not removing it and leaving it on the table. You clearly inserted it at 8:50 and then at 8:58 it is on the table.
@@paddle_shift I had to look at the video to see what you mean you are correct.
I shot the video as I was testing different clocks many times including a small hard to see Crystek 5 series and the clips are not in proper order.
Good observation a error on my part, but the idea is the same nothing will work without the clocks.
@@Gabster1 Thank you kindly, i thought i was losing my mind.
I have a Pontus 2 dac and am curious would you expect based on what you here from the Terminator, would you think upsampling would sound better, more accurate, than NOS? Thank you for your thoughts.
I can not hear a difference but in general the less processing the better.
@@Gabster1Thank you, Sir!
Thanks for this great content
I own a dac with I2S in.
Why do I need a HDMI board for I2S ?
Doesn’t the FIFOPi Board have I2S as well?
I use I2S now. Out of a micromedia Dante board build into my dac connected to a Mac as streamer.
Would a raspberry Pi be a better choice?
Thank you 🙏
The I2s in the board is for very short distance between circuits the I2s via hdmi is for a bit longer
Thank you gabs, im a total noob in this, currently I use a Rpi 3 to stream roon to my dac, Can I follow this give to use the usb output? or I need to change the HdmiPi Pro for another part?
You could use a transport pi AES and steam via coax or optical unless your Dac accepts I2S
Usb is not recommended with this system
After viewing the last video I looked at the items available from Ian Canada. If I understand IanC also has a solution to turn this into a streaming/headphone amp. Improving this with a box and screen for album artwork would be nice
i will be adding those in a future video
Two questions please, why are the batteries necessary? If my current external DAC has usb inputs, can i use the usb outs from the rasp pi for that? Would this make the re-clocker pointless if I did that?
Raspberry pi usb is very noisy
Batteries are great power for The reclocking board
Great stuff! Thanks
Hi, thank you for your fine building tips.
Is there any good reason to use the ifi supply with the UCconditioner? Shouldn‘t any decent switching supply work with same result noise wise?
2 parts
1) for the rpi it is getting constant power despite the ultra capacitors that filter noise you are still getting some
2) for the fifo pi that is using batteries and disconnect Most likely yes but with very noisy power supplies the noise can transmit by proximity
I demonstrated that in one of my d11 builds I believe the power supply one.
This is a great series! Thanks for posting.
I am curious, based on your comments towards the end, if the clock on the streamer matters very much if you already have a good DAC. I assume that most DACs re-clock the incoming digital stream. If that’s the case, am I correct that the main value of your design is the stable power supply (to reduce noise)? I assume that jitter will be ironed out (or added) by the DAC at the analog conversion step.
PS- I have a topping D90, which sounds great to my ears, streaming directly from my computer, but I have never compared it to anything else.
Correct to get the full benefit of good clocks find a DAC that does not re-clock the incoming digital stream or adj the setting to bypass them if possible.
Hi, my DAC is a heavilly modded Ayon Sigma which was optimized for USB audio. It does not have i2s and USB sounds better than AES/EBU. Any ideas for building a streamer focused on USB that would better my USBridge Signature?
I am not a big fan of usb but some people love them can not help you as I never tried any solutions with this type of streamer there may be boards that will work but I think you may loose the advantages of this platform then again not my area of expertise.
Anyone know where I can find the batteries for this? He says 3.7v at first then he says 3.2v. So is it 18650 3.2v?
Try AliExpress hard to find
C$12.44 31％ Off | Lifepo4 18650 3.2V 1800mah Rechargeable Battery Cell Brand New Long Cycle Life For Power Tool Home Appliance Solar System
a.aliexpress.com/_mLJFozs
Hey Gabby, Where did you source your ultra-caps? So far I don't find any sources for new parts, just used parts from ebay. It sounds like Ian is going to come up with a next generation uc-conditioner that uses more recent parts.
I added the mouser links for the Ultracaps in the description :)
Has anyone ever figured out how to purchase items from Iancanada. I've spent a few hours trying. Computer dude I'm sure, but marketing guru NOT. I'm not sure what to do. Hope Gabby helps out I suppose.
yayyy
Terminator is not a nos dac
This is a nice throw together project from parts off the web. The problem I have is the same with all audio fool stuff. Adding super caps and low thermal EMF connectors and fancy wires is not going to make it sound any better in a double blind random test of modified and unmodified kit. Even if you have access to a couple hundred thousand dollars of calibrated lab equipment with 7.5 digits of accuracy you you will still not capture any appreciable difference in signal. You will get more benefit from simply adding in some good bypass caps at the critical chips than with this exercise. This is like adding engraving to your gun and then claiming that it is more accurate because of the weight distribution shift in the weapon. It's about bragging, not .00001% distortion or femptosecond jitter improvement or any other such nonsense.
Subtitles? Translator?