Pi2 Design Idiot-Proof Ready-To-Go RPi/AES Streamer

Discussion in 'Digital: DACs, USB converters, decrapifiers' started by Michael Kelly, Jan 16, 2021.

  1. Michael Kelly

    Michael Kelly MOT: Pi 2 Design

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    12V power input to allow for lower cost linear supplies (we will ship a Meanwell switcher by default)
    NDK Clocks, WM8804 and AES drivers use separate low noise LDO's off the 12V rail, switchers used for CM4 and SSD only
    Jitter tested at ~20% lower than PI2AES
    I2S over HDMI now uses PS-Audio Pinout
    M.2 2280 SSD for optional storage
    No Assembly!
    Metal Case (acrylic will still be an option)

    Was that less than 100? Do I win a prize? ;)
     
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  2. Zachik

    Zachik MOT XMEMS

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    Yes. My order! (but you already know that from our emails...) ;)
     
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  3. Qstik

    Qstik Acquaintance

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    Feature request for next generation of Mercury:

    Internal switches for selection of I2S over HDMI format, like those of Singxer SU-2
    [​IMG]
     
  4. Michael Kelly

    Michael Kelly MOT: Pi 2 Design

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    This would add more circuitry and potentially more noise to the output. In addition, you will find that with few exceptions most I2S over HDMI capable DAC’s have flexible inputs as you have shown here. Therefore having flexible outputs on mercury or PI2AES is redundant.
     
  5. bobfa

    bobfa Acquaintance

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    WAY EXCITED. EMAIL SENT! (oops shouting). Do you want my credit card now? Who needs a case!?? I will put it in my Victrola!


    https://audiophilestyle.com/ca/bits...711v3-2020-his-masters-voice-reimagined-r888/

    I have a small group of folks here in DuPage County who will be VERY interested in this.

    Did I say email sent?

    Bob
     
  6. Michael Kelly

    Michael Kelly MOT: Pi 2 Design

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  7. bobfa

    bobfa Acquaintance

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    I hope that people get the real sweet spot that the Mercury fills. It steps out of the DIY world into the packaged product world. But it delivers that in the affordable realm! It lets you pick a way of operating you would like to use. It allows power supply upgrades, and so much more.
     
  8. crenca

    crenca Friend

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    I must have missed it...have you settled on an MSRP @Michael Kelly?
     
  9. Michael Kelly

    Michael Kelly MOT: Pi 2 Design

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    Yes. $499 for the beta units. A bit back in this thread is a list of benefits over the PI2AES.
     
  10. Aklegal

    Aklegal Friend

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    Well here I thought I would never replace my Pi2AES....
     
  11. Josh Schor

    Josh Schor Friend

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    Hello, trying to connect with the person in Jackson Mi who offered to help me set up the new streamer if I got one. If you read this please PM me as I am planning on doing this in Feb when they become available
    best
     
  12. uncola

    uncola Friend

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    Interested in this, but confused about BNC being labeled single ended AES. Isn't BNC usually used for spdif? I haven't seen BNC used for aes but I admit I don't have much pro audio gear knowledge.

    I've been tired of my streaming computers fan noise lately :(

    Edit:. I see AES over BNC actually is a standard that exists
     
    Last edited: Jan 22, 2022
  13. Michael Kelly

    Michael Kelly MOT: Pi 2 Design

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    Beta Update - We are picking up 10 CM4AES boards on Tuesday. We plan to send out the PayPal invoices by weeks end to those who signed up, so make sure we have your info. Just a reminder that the price is $499, no shipping charge. We are also expecting the metal cases to arrive by weeks end, so we may be able to offer either metal or acrylic. Let us know your choice on that as well.

    P.S. Updated HW Reference Manual on the web as well.
    https://www.pi2design.com/uploads/4/8/5/3/48531975/cm4aes_hw_ref_manual_p7_0.pdf
     
    Last edited: Jan 22, 2022
  14. Zachik

    Zachik MOT XMEMS

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    M.2 SSD should be "2280" (not 2282). FYI ;)
     
  15. Michael Kelly

    Michael Kelly MOT: Pi 2 Design

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    I keep missing that, thanks!
     
  16. Scott Kramer

    Scott Kramer Friend

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    Why did you choose NDK NZ2520SDA in CM4 vs the NDK NZ2520SD (no "A") in the Pi2AES, or does the Pi2AES have the "A" version?
     
  17. Michael Kelly

    Michael Kelly MOT: Pi 2 Design

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    the A version is the latest and what ships from the factory. It is lower jitter, but mostly in the higher, non-audio band. Otherwise it’s the same as the non-A. I think the last batch of 100 PI2AES’s have the A. Certainly going forward it will be A.
     
  18. Josh Schor

    Josh Schor Friend

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    Michael I had trouble with poor wifi in the Pi2aes that was built for me. can I use a usb wifi antenna with the Pi2aes? or is the mercury just better for wifi. I have to use wifi for my streaming. would like to try one again and I need strong wifi.
     
  19. dasman66

    dasman66 Self proclaimed lazy ass - friend

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    Remember that wifi on a Pi2aes system is coming from the raspberry pi... not the HAT. IOW, any antennae/USB network adapter that works with the Pi will work with the Pi2aes.
     
  20. Michael Kelly

    Michael Kelly MOT: Pi 2 Design

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    Mercury will have superior Wi-Fi directly from the CM4. On the raspberry pi there is a printed circuit antenna that is relatively weak and fixed in place. The Wi-Fi on the compute module has a U.FL antenna connection that we will use to bring to an external SMA Jack. We will ship with a relatively good external antenna. This also has the benefit of significantly reducing any Wi-Fi interference on the internal circuitry because the antenna is nowhere near the critical circuits.
     

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