Ive been using this board with a RPi 3 and OSMC for about 7 or 8 years now. Playing true Hi-Res 24bit 192KHz files on this setup sounds fantastic. I would be willing to do blind comparison listening tests with this up against the likes of Chord and AudioQuest DAC's and see which sounds better.
The IQaudio DAC Pro HAT and the M.2 NVMe HAT can technically both be used with a Raspberry Pi 5, but there are important considerations regarding physical space. Both HATs need to be physically accommodated on the Raspberry Pi. The IQaudio DAC Pro HAT sits on top of the GPIO pins, while the M.2 NVMe HAT typically extends from the USB or PCIe connection, potentially occupying significant space. The layout and dimensions of the Raspberry Pi 5 and the specific HATs need to be checked to ensure that there is no obstruction. There might be a need for stacking headers or physical modifications to fit both HATs simultaneously. Hope this helps!
Personally, I didn't feel confident running it without header extensions whilst I had the official heat sink on. Not a huge issue, but without them I worry the heatsink would short a couple of the solder joints.
I'd like to have a Pi which has a HDMI (Arc) port, and balanced R/L audio outs, which connects to a TV and acts as a an audio processor....offering full parametric EQ, limiter, normalizer, in order to tune bass and treble as well as ensure quiet parts are very clear, and loud parts aren't excessively loud (often called 'Night Mode'). It'd be great because you can't tweak these kind of settings on a TV normally...in fact AV Receivers and amplifiers rarely feature fully comprehensive fine-tuning of EQ and Limiter (and Gain). I know how this could be done effectively on a Windows system, but no idea about Pi/Linux.
That’s a fantastic idea! Building a Raspberry Pi-based audio processor like you've described is entirely possible and can be a fun project. You'll need a Raspberry Pi, an external USB audio interface with balanced L/R outputs, and an HDMI extractor with ARC support for integrating with your TV. For software, you could use the Linux-based Raspberry Pi OS, along with audio tools like the JACK Audio Connection Kit for low latency audio handling, and Calf Studio Gear for the EQ, limiter, and other effects. Tools like PulseEffects are great for real-time audio control directly within a graphical interface, allowing you to adjust settings like EQ curves, normalization, and dynamics processing. Configuring everything might take some effort, especially to minimize latency and ensure the audio quality meets your expectations, but the result will be a highly customizable audio system that offers much more control than what's typically available on TVs or even some dedicated AV receivers. It's also a great way to learn more about audio processing and Linux system capabilities!
The IQaudio DAC Pro uses a 40-pin GPIO connector that is designed to plug directly onto the Raspberry Pi. If your ribbon cable has female ends, you would need a male-to-male adapter or a male-to-female cable to connect your Pi and DAC in a customizable case setup. Check the product page for more detailed specifications and compatibility: www.electromaker.io/shop/product/iqaudio-dac-pro-1
The IQaudio DAC Pro HAT and the M.2 NVMe HAT can technically both be used with a Raspberry Pi 5, but there are important considerations regarding physical space. Both HATs need to be physically accommodated on the Raspberry Pi. The IQaudio DAC Pro HAT sits on top of the GPIO pins, while the M.2 NVMe HAT typically extends from the USB or PCIe connection, potentially occupying significant space. The layout and dimensions of the Raspberry Pi 5 and the specific HATs need to be checked to ensure that there is no obstruction. There might be a need for stacking headers or physical modifications to fit both HATs simultaneously. Hope this helps!
@@Electromakerio Thanks, I'll do some more research. I was considering upgrading my Pi4 powered Volumio jukebox that uses the RPI Touch Display. I currently have an external USB storage drive, but trying to figure out if I can upgrade, using both the M.2 and DAC Pro HAT.
Great question! The miniaturization of high fidelity vacuum tubes is achieved through several advanced techniques. First, manufacturers use improved materials that can handle higher temperatures and provide better electron emission, allowing for a reduction in size without losing performance. Precision engineering is also key, as it allows for the more accurate placement of the internal components like the cathode, anode, and grid, making everything more compact. Additionally, advances in vacuum technology help to achieve a higher quality vacuum inside the tubes, which enhances their efficiency and lifespan even when scaled down. Modern thermal management techniques ensure these smaller tubes don't overheat, maintaining reliability. Lastly, some modern tubes also incorporate additional electronic components that stabilize and boost performance, helping them operate efficiently in a smaller form factor. This combination of technology and innovation allows for smaller vacuum tubes that still deliver the rich, high-quality audio that many users love!
NOBODY needs another DAC. If you need a project, build an Ethernet bridge. The Pi should get the music from the network, a connected hard drive or the Internet via LAN and output it via USB to the USB port of a DAC. And the Pi should be able to be controlled via Bluetooth from a tablet or smartphone.
Pretending I know what I’m talking about has worked well for me for nearly 6 decades now.
Welcome to the club 😎
Ive been using this board with a RPi 3 and OSMC for about 7 or 8 years now. Playing true Hi-Res 24bit 192KHz files on this setup sounds fantastic. I would be willing to do blind comparison listening tests with this up against the likes of Chord and AudioQuest DAC's and see which sounds better.
does it fit on a raspberry pi 5? thank you
Yes it does through the GPIO pins. No issues
The IQaudio DAC Pro HAT and the M.2 NVMe HAT can technically both be used with a Raspberry Pi 5, but there are important considerations regarding physical space.
Both HATs need to be physically accommodated on the Raspberry Pi. The IQaudio DAC Pro HAT sits on top of the GPIO pins, while the M.2 NVMe HAT typically extends from the USB or PCIe connection, potentially occupying significant space. The layout and dimensions of the Raspberry Pi 5 and the specific HATs need to be checked to ensure that there is no obstruction. There might be a need for stacking headers or physical modifications to fit both HATs simultaneously. Hope this helps!
Personally, I didn't feel confident running it without header extensions whilst I had the official heat sink on. Not a huge issue, but without them I worry the heatsink would short a couple of the solder joints.
I'd like to have a Pi which has a HDMI (Arc) port, and balanced R/L audio outs, which connects to a TV and acts as a an audio processor....offering full parametric EQ, limiter, normalizer, in order to tune bass and treble as well as ensure quiet parts are very clear, and loud parts aren't excessively loud (often called 'Night Mode'). It'd be great because you can't tweak these kind of settings on a TV normally...in fact AV Receivers and amplifiers rarely feature fully comprehensive fine-tuning of EQ and Limiter (and Gain). I know how this could be done effectively on a Windows system, but no idea about Pi/Linux.
That’s a fantastic idea! Building a Raspberry Pi-based audio processor like you've described is entirely possible and can be a fun project. You'll need a Raspberry Pi, an external USB audio interface with balanced L/R outputs, and an HDMI extractor with ARC support for integrating with your TV.
For software, you could use the Linux-based Raspberry Pi OS, along with audio tools like the JACK Audio Connection Kit for low latency audio handling, and Calf Studio Gear for the EQ, limiter, and other effects. Tools like PulseEffects are great for real-time audio control directly within a graphical interface, allowing you to adjust settings like EQ curves, normalization, and dynamics processing.
Configuring everything might take some effort, especially to minimize latency and ensure the audio quality meets your expectations, but the result will be a highly customizable audio system that offers much more control than what's typically available on TVs or even some dedicated AV receivers. It's also a great way to learn more about audio processing and Linux system capabilities!
My ribbon cable has both female ends...so does the IQ Audio s Male end support the input ..if iam separating Pi and DAC for a customisable case ??
The IQaudio DAC Pro uses a 40-pin GPIO connector that is designed to plug directly onto the Raspberry Pi. If your ribbon cable has female ends, you would need a male-to-male adapter or a male-to-female cable to connect your Pi and DAC in a customizable case setup.
Check the product page for more detailed specifications and compatibility: www.electromaker.io/shop/product/iqaudio-dac-pro-1
Can this hat be used in conjunction with with the M.2 NVME hat on a RPI5?
The IQaudio DAC Pro HAT and the M.2 NVMe HAT can technically both be used with a Raspberry Pi 5, but there are important considerations regarding physical space.
Both HATs need to be physically accommodated on the Raspberry Pi. The IQaudio DAC Pro HAT sits on top of the GPIO pins, while the M.2 NVMe HAT typically extends from the USB or PCIe connection, potentially occupying significant space. The layout and dimensions of the Raspberry Pi 5 and the specific HATs need to be checked to ensure that there is no obstruction. There might be a need for stacking headers or physical modifications to fit both HATs simultaneously. Hope this helps!
@@Electromakerio Thanks, I'll do some more research. I was considering upgrading my Pi4 powered Volumio jukebox that uses the RPI Touch Display. I currently have an external USB storage drive, but trying to figure out if I can upgrade, using both the M.2 and DAC Pro HAT.
A demonstration would be fun
Thanks for the suggestion. Maybe we can arrange that soon!
Q: How do they make the high fidelity vaccuum tubes to small????
Great question! The miniaturization of high fidelity vacuum tubes is achieved through several advanced techniques. First, manufacturers use improved materials that can handle higher temperatures and provide better electron emission, allowing for a reduction in size without losing performance. Precision engineering is also key, as it allows for the more accurate placement of the internal components like the cathode, anode, and grid, making everything more compact. Additionally, advances in vacuum technology help to achieve a higher quality vacuum inside the tubes, which enhances their efficiency and lifespan even when scaled down. Modern thermal management techniques ensure these smaller tubes don't overheat, maintaining reliability. Lastly, some modern tubes also incorporate additional electronic components that stabilize and boost performance, helping them operate efficiently in a smaller form factor. This combination of technology and innovation allows for smaller vacuum tubes that still deliver the rich, high-quality audio that many users love!
NOBODY needs another DAC. If you need a project, build an Ethernet bridge. The Pi should get the music from the network, a connected hard drive or the Internet via LAN and output it via USB to the USB port of a DAC.
And the Pi should be able to be controlled via Bluetooth from a tablet or smartphone.
Its a Delta/Sgma, not all that exciting
bollocks