Dummies Guide to Pi2AES! Throw away your PC or laptop.

Discussion in 'Digital: DACs, USB converters, decrapifiers' started by purr1n, Jan 29, 2020.

  1. TheloniuSnoop

    TheloniuSnoop Friend

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    Power supply question: What is the minimum current this thing can run on? I see the Mean Well outputs 1.67A, but will it work with a lower current? I'm thinking of converting an unused Sigma 11. Thanks.
     
  2. Clemmaster

    Clemmaster Friend

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    It’s not about current, it’s about power.
    The Pi2AES uses a dc-dc switcher to convert the input DC (24+ V) to 5V. Those have fairly high efficiency and, unlike linear voltage regulators, they don’t waste power as (Vin - Vout) x I.

    Without USB devices attached, the Pi3b+ + Pi2AES works fine with 5V/~1A, that’s 5W.

    With a DC-DC conversion efficiency of ~85%, you need a 5.9W power supply. That’s 24V/0.245A.
     
  3. TheloniuSnoop

    TheloniuSnoop Friend

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  4. sbaf217

    sbaf217 New

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    Hey all,
    Just joined the thread. Recently upgraded my Yggdrasil A2 to Unison in one system, and ordered a Pi2AES to front end a second system. Wanted to say thanks for all the good info that's been posted here so far and was curious if anyone had a rec for the different inputs on the LKS MH-DA004 DAC? AES/BNC/Coax all available, but only experience i've had is the Coax through Eitr...any input or thoughts would be appreciated!
     
  5. famish99

    famish99 Friend

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    Just use whichever connection is most convenient for you, but Michael has already said earlier in the thread which connector is "best" on the pi2aes. I'd say the improvements going to the Pi would be more noticeable on the Yggdrasil.
     
  6. YMO

    YMO Chief Fun Officer

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    I'm still very happy by using moOde on my PI box. Plus if you use Roon you can just do the quick five minute install of the Roon Bridge within moOde. I get both UPnP and Roon at the same times. Plus with support for other renders (Squeezebox and Airplay), it should be the borderline jack of all trades.

    I'm personally not a fan of the UI of moOde, so I just use BubbleUPnP for the interface.
     
  7. Michael Kelly

    Michael Kelly MOT: Pi 2 Design

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    Just to clarify, “best“ is based on your own subjective listening. So play with all of them, and ultimately decide what you like. Sounds like a fun Covid sheltering project!

    Michael
     
  8. sbaf217

    sbaf217 New

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    Thanks. Well, guess I'll snag a few budget cables and try then...if all the outputs are active, I could probably just hook all of them up and A/B/X by cycling through the DAC inputs. Anyway, cant wait for it to get out to me and will rejoin on the software convo when it's time to get going!
     
  9. Michael Kelly

    Michael Kelly MOT: Pi 2 Design

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    All outputs are active simultaneously. Have fun. :)
     
  10. dubharmonic

    dubharmonic Friend

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    [​IMG]

    The kit arrived today! It only took about 20 minutes to get set up using moOde 6.4.2. It's even easier than I expected. AirPlay works perfectly! Impressions coming soon.
     
  11. mtavares

    mtavares Acquaintance

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    Hi,

    After more than 2 weeks, I am returning to confirm that the Pi2AES improves with the "burnín" period and that it is a great streamer solution. It surpassed my expectations.

    Michael, very good job.

    In the meantine, with the support of a friend that work with 3D printing, we developed a case for it.

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    The AES and RCA caps on the inputs did not improve the sound quality. It is much more to protect against corrosion and dust.

    Stay safe,

    QJA

    Marcos
     
    Last edited: Apr 17, 2020
  12. FlySweep

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    I WANTS IT. HOW,
     
  13. Baten

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    Images not loading for me :(
     
  14. Metro

    Metro Friend

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    They load for me. Is your computer blocked from access to Google Photos (where they are hosted)?
     
  15. Baten

    Baten Friend

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    Not that I know. I mean I can access Google photos, I just don't get access to the linked ones. All I see is this
     
  16. Metro

    Metro Friend

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  17. Baten

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    Still the same :D but I'm sorry, starting to pollute the thread with this stuff. Just wanted to see what it looked like.
     
  18. Mindbender

    Mindbender Acquaintance

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    I see the same "N/A" icon as well. Different PC's, different networks. No pictures.
     
  19. mtavares

    mtavares Acquaintance

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    @Metro

    As you have Friend status, can you make me a personal favour? Download these pictures and publish them as a file. It will be easier to everyone.

    Thanks,

    QJA

    Marcos
     
    Last edited: Apr 18, 2020
  20. YMO

    YMO Chief Fun Officer

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    No AirPlay issues? I'm only asking because I want @shotgunshane to get on the program sooner or later, lol.
     

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