The device is not Roon Ready yet. It is in the process of certification and I do not have an estimated date as to when that will complete. The PecanPi+ DAC is Roon Tested however. Once Roon Ready certification is completed I will make that announcement.
You can always put together something that will be better if you are setting the bar at 2x GUSTARD R26 R2R $1,500 Pi 2 Design - Mercury Streamer V3 $600 $2,100 and would surpass anything mentioned for many/most in the audio community Beat that for $2,100…I don’t think so For the $$$ the Orchard Audio is a excellent value and I have the Orchard PecanPi+ Streamer DAC which I consider to be excellent Nice that there are great brands/people like Orchard Audio
Yea, I’ve just learned that you gotta a least double the cost to even have a chance of making a worthwhile jump. Most times there just lateral moves that maybe do some things better and some things not so much. Right now the PS Audio DirectStream is the Gem of the system. Getting ready to have some upgrades dropped in it. 🤩👌👍🏼
Great review James! I also got one of the prototypes, and Leo sent me the (replaceable) chip for the new filtering setting. Agreed it is a nice step up!
Yes, as you've surely seen (I HAVE seen....and stop calling me Shirley :-) they are in DIP-8 sockets like opamps. I have a medical forcep that is perfect to take them out. Used to use it to opamp roll some time ago.....VERY easy
Agree Leo makes great stuff and is great to work with. I have the original PecanPi but don't use it because volumio is far too buggy. When I sit down to listen to music the last thing I want is to have to become a software tech to get it and keep it going. That was a $500 unit. At the new prices it really should get away from raspberry pi architecture
I still have and run the burr brown based Pi and love it. 😊. Keeping it updated can get fussy sometimes for sure. For me, well worth the work… 😊😊. But I’m ROON based so most issues are negated.
@@abxaudiophiles Thats the one I have too. I tried to go to Roon to get away from Volumio but that also was fraught with technical issues. I literally have the most basic home network and couldn't get it to work. I've adopted Wiim Pro streamers with upgraded power supplies and separate DACS and functionality is seamless. If Wiim can do it on a $125 streamer I think Orchard Audio at $1200 should too.
I'd REALLY love to see how Leo's newest streamer compares to Black Ice Audio's Aries WiFi streamer/DAC/preamp that Z reviews paired with Leo's amp. That little beauty is the only thing holding me back from purchasing Leo's streamer. Both are such juicy and delicious offerings.
Hands down my favorite dac and streamer combo for the price. At $1499 its a no brainer in my mind. It will last someone a LONG TIME!! Until you're willing to spend thousands on seperate dacs and amp and find the right combination. This will serve you very well for a long long time.
Naw, PecanPi doesn't have even Apple Airplay, whereas Eversolo DMP-A6 (I use as a streamer only and Denafrips Pontus II 12th-1 dac and Denafrips Iris 12th ddc) has Airplay and native Apple Music (for hires lossless). Like you, I've also upgraded the Eversolo's power to a LPS. Eversolo's also a music server (up to 4 TB) that I save songs to. Eversolo has 2 wifi antennas, and 1 bluetooth antenna. Eversolo has a graphic equalizer. PecanPi's back panel doesn't seem like it even has output USB or optical or coax for an external DAC.
@@abxaudiophiles Yes but if we want to compare the sound quality of the internal dacs, the Pecan is $1500 so you should compare that to the higher Eversolo DMP-A6 MASTER edition $1300 (and add a $280 LPS=$1580 for a fair $ comparison), not the Eversolo basic DMP-A6 $850 (which is really meant for people like me who use an external DAC).
@@mrpmj00 PecanPi+ AKM4499 - $750. 👌👌. Same as the premium minus the screen. Betters the $1500 ladder Schuman, ARES II, Bifrost 2, J2S with upgraded op amps.
@@abxaudiophiles Hi, thanks for responding. But taking out the screen makes the comparison even less relevant, and still doesn't have native Apple Music, or even Airplay. Let's take the Apple Music analogy to a car, I live in the US and I want the driver's seat on the left side, I don't care how good a British right-sided driver's seat car is because I want to sit on the left side. The Ares II is $950 in USD, not $1500 in Singapore Dollars.
@@mrpmj00 I’m referring to sound quality and performance. Not feature set and function. Both great tools to accomplish a goal. Personally I’m goin with orchard audio for the best sound quality possible compared to others discussed here. To some features are more important that sound, and that’s cool too. Cheers. 🍻
So I'm considering the Premium + and the DirectStream Mk i w/bridge as well. I run sub in my system and I'm curious as to how much of a SQ difference there is between the 2? And...how easy are the functions of each streaming platforms? (Was keen on trying A8 until I saw this video BTW)
Honestly, the OA PecanPi+ Ultra is one of the absolute best takes on an AKM chip DAC I have heard. Considering that the Directstream MKI was a $6,000 DAC and the Media Bridge II was another $1,000, it is kind of hard for me to put them in the same category. The DirectStream MKI and MBII at $1700ish is the most insane deal available in 2024 (IMHO), and I will be hard-pressed to remove my DSD MKI from my primary system. So much so, I just ordered the Air Lens streamer the other day to pair with my DSD.. Neither has a stand-alone app for streaming, so you will need a 3rd party app or ROON to integrate. I went to ROON last year and never looked back, but there are many options. Hope that helps. PS - I still own the Pi+ Ultra and probably will for a long time. Cheers
@@abxaudiophiles Thanks and yes that helps a bit...decisions, decisions. I don't have ROON currently so Volumio or another will be required with both, that sort of evens the playing field. I've located a PS DSD for a less than 1700......do you currently have a streamer connected to your DS or does it stream well on it's own? (if streamer or pre amp required for best performance w/DS it may push me towards OA Premium+) Or maybe reconsider the A8...any thoughts on this?
@@theoallen100 - You can get the DSD with the MBII streamer for around $1700, That is the DAC and Streamer.. It is a no brainer - tmraudio.com/components/d-a-converters/ps-audio-perfectwave-directstream-dac-mk1-d-a-converter-bridge-ii-1/?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjww5u2BhDeARIsALBuLnMMT0BirW0dzsjD2UV57TrY1gUhPvKIt1lqdZSevtH82VUxEKQWRxAaAphlEALw_wcBtmraudio.com/components/d-a-converters/ps-audio-perfectwave-directstream-dac-mk1-d-a-converter-bridge-ii-1/?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjww5u2BhDeARIsALBuLnMMT0BirW0dzsjD2UV57TrY1gUhPvKIt1lqdZSevtH82VUxEKQWRxAaAphlEALw_wcB
@abxaudiophiles that makes sense, I guess if I'm understanding it right, I could then get just a streamer with a platform I like and run it with this dac and not have to do volumio?
@@theoallen100 - Both the Pi+ and DSD can be stand alone dacs, so yea technically you could. My thought always is, why buy a streamer dac when you are going to buy a separate streamer?. Seems a waste of funds. If you are looking for a streamer DAC with all the bells and whistles, stand alone app, and tons of integration, look at the Eversolo A8. If you are only concerned about sound quality and performance, and don't mind using an app like ROON, Volumio or others as a controller to integrate your QObuz, Tidal, stored files etc. then I would say DSD/MBII or PI+. But you can also buy the Pi+ in its base form too and save a bunch of money and it is a fantastic DAC! Now if you are looking at getting separate dac and streamer, then that is different. In that case the list of things on the market right now that will match the DirectStream MKI DAC are REALLY small..... It is my opinion that for the $1700 that is being asked for the DSD with the MBII included is an unbeatable combination currently. My end of day recommendation must be - Get the DSD/MBII and get comfortable with a third party app like ROON, Audirvana, or others. You will not find a DAC and streamer combo out there under $3,000 that will better the DSD/MBII on the retail market. I have the $2,200 Lumin U1 mini streamer in house right now and the MBII destroys it in all ways possible. Remember, the DSD/MBII was like $7,000 retail many moons ago.. Cheers. And at the end of the day, I personally choose to go with the DirectStream MKI and Air Lens streamer.
I understand this does not have a remote. I do not want to use a preamp, but I do want remote volume control. Is there a way to do that with this unit?
For pure audio quality the best sigma delta chip based dac with a streamer/renderer included, nothing beats Gustard a26 under $3k. There are dacs that are better under $3K, but those are r2r ladder dacs.
GM ❄️☕️ from Toronto This looks damn interesting 🤔..tho I’ve already got a DAC that I’m very happy with.( new Denafrips Ares 12-1) tho I’m using the Wiim Pro as the WIFI streamer …my others half isn’t going to let me drill and pass cat cable to the audio stack … I’d consider this Orchard Streamer..without the DAC 🧐 Oh, yea ..IFI power supplies are great . Btw, I run Amazon Music HD …so how’s does it handle that 🤔🤔
@@abxaudiophilesThanks ..but I was thinking if I wanted to upgrade the streamer ..it’s a short list…same thing for the DAC ..Denafrips Venus or HaloMay. LUMIN steamer only ..if I can do the wiring (without a divorce) ..but it’s such a specific piece. I’ve got great redirect for Orchard and look forward to what the future brings.
I did. Comparing just streamers I’d say the ARCE takes the edge in spacial artifacts and imaging. But Leo’s DAC’s are so good, I had trouble finding a DAC to pair with the ARCE that would overall better the Pi+ premium.
@04:48 to 05:21 - “I think, I think, I don’t know, I think”…..why are you doing this video? As much as I like Leo and Orchard Audio’s products…. This review of his products doesn’t leave me with much confidence.
![ROSÉ(로제) - APT. (Band VER.) (With. 이영지) [더 시즌즈-이영지의 레인보우] | KBS 241129 방송](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/IW8qaemx74g/mqdefault.jpg)
The device is not Roon Ready yet. It is in the process of certification and I do not have an estimated date as to when that will complete.
The PecanPi+ DAC is Roon Tested however.
Once Roon Ready certification is completed I will make that announcement.
Thanks Leo…. I will say, my ROON core instantly recognized the Pi+ SP, and worked perfectly with ROON. But as Leo says, not certified yet.
Is it possible to have Volumio and Roon on the unit?
@@marybethheydt8099Not at this time, but this will be possible in the future.
Just ordered mine yesterday, excited!!
Well done!!! 😊😍😍👌🫡
You can always put together something that will be better if you are setting the bar at 2x
GUSTARD R26 R2R $1,500
Pi 2 Design - Mercury Streamer V3 $600
$2,100 and would surpass anything mentioned for many/most in the audio community
Beat that for $2,100…I don’t think so
For the $$$ the Orchard Audio is a excellent value and I have the Orchard PecanPi+ Streamer DAC which I consider to be excellent
Nice that there are great brands/people like Orchard Audio
Yea, I’ve just learned that you gotta a least double the cost to even have a chance of making a worthwhile jump. Most times there just lateral moves that maybe do some things better and some things not so much. Right now the PS Audio DirectStream is the Gem of the system. Getting ready to have some upgrades dropped in it. 🤩👌👍🏼
@@abxaudiophiles Completely agree
My next DAC
Mola Mola Tambaqui DAC
$13,500.00
Great review James! I also got one of the prototypes, and Leo sent me the (replaceable) chip for the new filtering setting. Agreed it is a nice step up!
Nice!! I’ve got the chips to! Did you install? Was it easy
Yes, as you've surely seen (I HAVE seen....and stop calling me Shirley :-) they are in DIP-8 sockets like opamps. I have a medical forcep that is perfect to take them out. Used to use it to opamp roll some time ago.....VERY easy
killer product hats off to Leo!
I agree. 🫡😊😍
Agree Leo makes great stuff and is great to work with. I have the original PecanPi but don't use it because volumio is far too buggy. When I sit down to listen to music the last thing I want is to have to become a software tech to get it and keep it going. That was a $500 unit. At the new prices it really should get away from raspberry pi architecture
I still have and run the burr brown based Pi and love it. 😊. Keeping it updated can get fussy sometimes for sure. For me, well worth the work… 😊😊. But I’m ROON based so most issues are negated.
@@abxaudiophiles Thats the one I have too. I tried to go to Roon to get away from Volumio but that also was fraught with technical issues. I literally have the most basic home network and couldn't get it to work. I've adopted Wiim Pro streamers with upgraded power supplies and separate DACS and functionality is seamless. If Wiim can do it on a $125 streamer I think Orchard Audio at $1200 should too.
I'd REALLY love to see how Leo's newest streamer compares to Black Ice Audio's Aries WiFi streamer/DAC/preamp that Z reviews paired with Leo's amp. That little beauty is the only thing holding me back from purchasing Leo's streamer. Both are such juicy and delicious offerings.
Agreed. 👍🏼
Hands down my favorite dac and streamer combo for the price. At $1499 its a no brainer in my mind. It will last someone a LONG TIME!! Until you're willing to spend thousands on seperate dacs and amp and find the right combination. This will serve you very well for a long long time.
Heck yes Kelly. 👍🏼
Naw, PecanPi doesn't have even Apple Airplay, whereas Eversolo DMP-A6 (I use as a streamer only and Denafrips Pontus II 12th-1 dac and Denafrips Iris 12th ddc) has Airplay and native Apple Music (for hires lossless).
Like you, I've also upgraded the Eversolo's power to a LPS.
Eversolo's also a music server (up to 4 TB) that I save songs to.
Eversolo has 2 wifi antennas, and 1 bluetooth antenna.
Eversolo has a graphic equalizer.
PecanPi's back panel doesn't seem like it even has output USB or optical or coax for an external DAC.
@@mrpmj00 Heck yea! Ones all about the features, ones all about the sound. 👌
@@abxaudiophiles Yes but if we want to compare the sound quality of the internal dacs, the Pecan is $1500 so you should compare that to the higher Eversolo DMP-A6 MASTER edition $1300 (and add a $280 LPS=$1580 for a fair $ comparison), not the Eversolo basic DMP-A6 $850 (which is really meant for people like me who use an external DAC).
@@mrpmj00
PecanPi+ AKM4499 - $750. 👌👌. Same as the premium minus the screen. Betters the $1500 ladder Schuman, ARES II, Bifrost 2, J2S with upgraded op amps.
@@abxaudiophiles Hi, thanks for responding. But taking out the screen makes the comparison even less relevant, and still doesn't have native Apple Music, or even Airplay. Let's take the Apple Music analogy to a car, I live in the US and I want the driver's seat on the left side, I don't care how good a British right-sided driver's seat car is because I want to sit on the left side.
The Ares II is $950 in USD, not $1500 in Singapore Dollars.
@@mrpmj00 I’m referring to sound quality and performance. Not feature set and function. Both great tools to accomplish a goal. Personally I’m goin with orchard audio for the best sound quality possible compared to others discussed here. To some features are more important that sound, and that’s cool too. Cheers. 🍻
Great review. I don´t use Roon, i use Tidal, do i have to pay the monthly fee to use Volumio Premium with the Orchard Stream Premium?
@@pgbeas3324 nope. 😉👌
So I'm considering the Premium + and the DirectStream Mk i w/bridge as well. I run sub in my system and I'm curious as to how much of a SQ
difference there is between the 2? And...how easy are the functions of each streaming platforms? (Was keen on trying A8 until I saw this video BTW)
Honestly, the OA PecanPi+ Ultra is one of the absolute best takes on an AKM chip DAC I have heard. Considering that the Directstream MKI was a $6,000 DAC and the Media Bridge II was another $1,000, it is kind of hard for me to put them in the same category. The DirectStream MKI and MBII at $1700ish is the most insane deal available in 2024 (IMHO), and I will be hard-pressed to remove my DSD MKI from my primary system. So much so, I just ordered the Air Lens streamer the other day to pair with my DSD.. Neither has a stand-alone app for streaming, so you will need a 3rd party app or ROON to integrate. I went to ROON last year and never looked back, but there are many options. Hope that helps. PS - I still own the Pi+ Ultra and probably will for a long time. Cheers
@@abxaudiophiles Thanks and yes that helps a bit...decisions, decisions. I don't have ROON currently so Volumio or another will be required with both, that sort of evens the playing field. I've located a PS DSD for a less than 1700......do you currently have a streamer connected to your DS or does it stream well on it's own? (if streamer or pre amp required for best performance w/DS it may push me towards OA Premium+) Or maybe reconsider the A8...any thoughts on this?
@@theoallen100 - You can get the DSD with the MBII streamer for around $1700, That is the DAC and Streamer.. It is a no brainer - tmraudio.com/components/d-a-converters/ps-audio-perfectwave-directstream-dac-mk1-d-a-converter-bridge-ii-1/?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjww5u2BhDeARIsALBuLnMMT0BirW0dzsjD2UV57TrY1gUhPvKIt1lqdZSevtH82VUxEKQWRxAaAphlEALw_wcBtmraudio.com/components/d-a-converters/ps-audio-perfectwave-directstream-dac-mk1-d-a-converter-bridge-ii-1/?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjww5u2BhDeARIsALBuLnMMT0BirW0dzsjD2UV57TrY1gUhPvKIt1lqdZSevtH82VUxEKQWRxAaAphlEALw_wcB
@abxaudiophiles that makes sense, I guess if I'm understanding it right, I could then get just a streamer with a platform I like and run it with this dac and not have to do volumio?
@@theoallen100 - Both the Pi+ and DSD can be stand alone dacs, so yea technically you could. My thought always is, why buy a streamer dac when you are going to buy a separate streamer?. Seems a waste of funds. If you are looking for a streamer DAC with all the bells and whistles, stand alone app, and tons of integration, look at the Eversolo A8. If you are only concerned about sound quality and performance, and don't mind using an app like ROON, Volumio or others as a controller to integrate your QObuz, Tidal, stored files etc. then I would say DSD/MBII or PI+. But you can also buy the Pi+ in its base form too and save a bunch of money and it is a fantastic DAC!
Now if you are looking at getting separate dac and streamer, then that is different. In that case the list of things on the market right now that will match the DirectStream MKI DAC are REALLY small.....
It is my opinion that for the $1700 that is being asked for the DSD with the MBII included is an unbeatable combination currently. My end of day recommendation must be - Get the DSD/MBII and get comfortable with a third party app like ROON, Audirvana, or others. You will not find a DAC and streamer combo out there under $3,000 that will better the DSD/MBII on the retail market. I have the $2,200 Lumin U1 mini streamer in house right now and the MBII destroys it in all ways possible. Remember, the DSD/MBII was like $7,000 retail many moons ago..
Cheers. And at the end of the day, I personally choose to go with the DirectStream MKI and Air Lens streamer.
Thanks James!
You’re welcome Ben. 😍🙌
I understand this does not have a remote. I do not want to use a preamp, but I do want remote volume control. Is there a way to do that with this unit?
Yes, you just use the volume control on the app on your phone and max the volume on the Pi. 😊🫡
Yes, you use the volume control from the app on your phone.
Can it be done using the Roon app?
@@Nickhifi88 yes
@@Nickhifi88 Yes. Room as well. 😊🫡
For pure audio quality the best sigma delta chip based dac with a streamer/renderer included, nothing beats Gustard a26 under $3k. There are dacs that are better under $3K, but those are r2r ladder dacs.
We have the Schuman ladder DAC ($1500) and paired it with more than a few streamers. Both Kelly and I much prefer the PecanPi+ Streamer Premium.
Great review.
Thank you sir.
Will it run Apple Music HiRez bit perfectly?
I’m not sure there. I’d reach out to Leo. Sorry.
GM ❄️☕️ from Toronto
This looks damn interesting 🤔..tho I’ve already got a DAC that I’m very happy with.( new Denafrips Ares 12-1) tho I’m using the Wiim Pro as the WIFI streamer …my others half isn’t going to let me drill and pass cat cable to the audio stack …
I’d consider this Orchard Streamer..without the DAC 🧐
Oh, yea ..IFI power supplies are great .
Btw, I run Amazon Music HD …so how’s does it handle that 🤔🤔
I think in your case, I’d stay where I’m at. I don’t think it has Amazon yet and to me the DAC is what makes it really special.
@@abxaudiophilesThanks ..but I was thinking if I wanted to upgrade the streamer ..it’s a short list…same thing for the DAC ..Denafrips Venus or HaloMay.
LUMIN steamer only ..if I can do the wiring (without a divorce) ..but it’s such a specific piece.
I’ve got great redirect for Orchard and look forward to what the future brings.
Wow. End game for some. Nice review James.
Glad you enjoyed it!! End game for some for sure. 😊😊👍
Did you ever get a chance to compare the Denafrips streamer to this pecan?
I did. Comparing just streamers I’d say the ARCE takes the edge in spacial artifacts and imaging. But Leo’s DAC’s are so good, I had trouble finding a DAC to pair with the ARCE that would overall better the Pi+ premium.
@@abxaudiophiles between the two, which one is more laid-back in the high frequency.
@@Temmple Most all Denafrips products will be rolled of just a smidge. 👌
How does it compare to the A8? Thanks!
@@marybethheydt8099 sound quality - better, features - not
Will this do Amazon Music?
Not at this time. But this is something that is in the works. I cannot provide a definitive date when this feature will be available.
Hopefully soon. 👍👍
I wish it had I2S output
Some will say. 👌.
Seriously, I barely bought the DMP- a6
It’s how this game plays out sometimes 🤣🤣🤣. PS - I still love my EverSolo
Is it available in Europe?
You would have to reach out to Leo to see. I would assume so. Sorry not much help. 🤣🤣
Yes. Do note however it ships from the US and your are responsible for any customs fees.
@04:48 to 05:21 - “I think, I think, I don’t know, I think”…..why are you doing this video? As much as I like Leo and Orchard Audio’s products…. This review of his products doesn’t leave me with much confidence.
@@wokthetalk3079
Well, I still run it today.
Confidence restored.
Sorry that 30 seconds of the review wasn’t ideal for you. 🤣🤣