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

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

  1. Justin S

    Justin S Friend

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    My understanding is that different interfaces on your DAC can sound different depending on their implementation and quality. I am not an engineer, but have witnessed differences between interfaces in a number of DACs.

    The Pi2AES sounds great in my system (P2AES -> AES -> LIM -> stuff). I mucked about with all kinds of things (including a Mac Mini, an Allo DigiOne, Singxer DDC, a little intel SBC, Intona usb reclocker, and an Allo USBSig). I perceive the Pi2AES as an improvement on these other transports. The feed from the PI2AES has presented without any issues across many DACs I've had in my system: better imaging, more fluid presentation, elimination of bite-y high frequency issues (esp with the BF2). To boot, the flexibility of the PI is great.

    I, also, will be curious to hear about how your testing with the PI2AES goes with I2S.
     
  2. dericchan1

    dericchan1 Acquaintance

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    I agree, the pi2aes is simply a no nonsense gem of a device that just sounds great with whatever dac I put it with, be it coax, BNC, AES.

    Sad part is it’s so good I have no incentive to upgrade to the new Mercury!!! Lol
     
  3. Don Ivey

    Don Ivey New

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    Let me be clear about somethiing, I love my Pi2AES's (own two), and I don't think I've heard anything under $1000 that can touch it. And, I don't yet own a Gustard, just doing research, and from that I've gotten the impression it is rather bass heavy. I've used one Pi2AES with I2S out to a PS Audio DSJr. DAC, and the sound is incredible. I'm just concerned that the Pi in combo with the Gustard may accentuate the bass to a degree I won't be happy with (I'm not a basshead). Anyway, that's where I'm coming from with this question/concern.
     
  4. rlow

    rlow A happy woofer

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    So you’re just completely speculating that a particular DAC, that you don’t actually own yet, will be too bassy sounding paired up with a Pi2AES? Why?? Digital transports can’t make that big of a difference to the sound. So unless the Gustard itself is a very bass boosted DAC (again, unlikely) then the Pi2AES can’t really do what you’re concerned about.
     
  5. Don Ivey

    Don Ivey New

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    Yep, just speculating. Have you never done that?
     
  6. Justin S

    Justin S Friend

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    Ooooo. I would politely interject that you might want to do a bit of reading around here - it's unlike other forums. Many of the members here are very (very) experienced and interested in qualitative and comparative observations - and are also able to triangulate things based on known reference points. The Gustard is not a well documented DAC here - though if you can find members who have this DAC, it would be the best place to start an investigation on its potential interaction with the PI2AES.

    I have learned a metric f**k ton here, read as much as you can and you'll likely find a good location for your questions.
     
  7. Don Ivey

    Don Ivey New

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    Actually, that was my original intent in posting here. Thanks.
     
  8. dericchan1

    dericchan1 Acquaintance

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    Pi2aes is simply a ultra low noise digital interface or transport that transfer your digital tracks (data) to your dac for d/a conversion and processing in a ultra low noise, low jitter(accurate clock) fashion. As much as people use subjective terms to describe how a pi2aes sound like, it won’t alter your digital track to make your bass stronger or weaker or mids and highs….. it’s all about lower noise/jitter in transporting digital data.

    if you notice changes in bass, mids, highs, it will likely be either your dac or the track itself.
     
  9. Don Ivey

    Don Ivey New

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    Thanks @dericchan1, that makes sense to me. Appreciate the explanation.
     
  10. albert cheung

    albert cheung New

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    I have a gustard x26 pro. Do i need a special hdmi cable to connect to the pi2aes or will any generic hdmi cable work?
     
  11. Michael Kelly

    Michael Kelly MOT: Pi 2 Design

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    No special cable needed. Almost any HDMI cable will work, but I would get one that has good reviews around durability. Also I recommend a thin/slim design so it doesn't drag your PI2AES off the shelf!
     
  12. LetMeBeFrank

    LetMeBeFrank Won't tell anyone my name is actually Francis

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    Not sure what wires inside the cable I2S uses but this video should give you a good idea which cables are quality and which are junk.

     
  13. Don Ivey

    Don Ivey New

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    I'm curious as to what cable you're using now to connect the two, and also how you like the combination. If you've used the Gustard with any other streamer, have you noticed any differences in the sound quality versus it's use with the Pi2AES? Thanks.
     
  14. albert cheung

    albert cheung New

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    I am presently using a progenitor to the kimber orchid cable (aes/ebu cable). I like this combo. I had a ifi zen streamer that i was going to replace the pi2aes. I could not get the ifi to work in the room where i have the gustard. I could not get the wifi to work . This room is know to have poor wifi reception. Funny the the raspberry 4 i am using with the pi2aes has no problem with the wifi. I bought the ifi used and sold it for the same price.I am listening now via the i2s via a generic 2m hkmi cable which i had lying around. It sounds very close to the aes imput. I feel the aes has more air, detail and is clearer. The i2s has better bass. Maybe if i had a better quality hdmi cable this could change.
     
  15. uncola

    uncola Friend

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    It’s important for i2s cables to be As short as possible
     
  16. eder.pereira

    eder.pereira New

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    Hi!
    I just received my first Pi2AES. I installed Moode Audio on the SD card and put it to play through the I2S connection.
    Its playing but channels reversed. My DAC is PSAudio Direcstream SR.
    @Michael Kelly , Is there any way I can fix the channels?
    At the moment I decided to invert the XLR cables but I didn't want to keep it for a long time because I use others DAC inputs.

    Thanks!
     
  17. Michael Kelly

    Michael Kelly MOT: Pi 2 Design

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    sorry, but the pinout is fixed. :(
     
  18. rhythmdevils

    rhythmdevils MOT: rhythmdevils audio

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    They are. I love my Pi2AES, I have 3 of them now and your presence on this forum is really wonderful. Always rooting for your company.

    I just got my parent's a Pi2AES so they can stream music in high quality to their speaker rig. :)
     
  19. AukePauke

    AukePauke Acquaintance

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    With picoreplayer there is a option to swap channels: (beta) main page - extras - asound - swap channels.

    Never tried myself.
     
  20. Ksaurav402

    Ksaurav402 Friend

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    Which LPS is the recommended one for Pi2AES. I have the early release Pi2AES which takes 12v and above. I do have Ultracaps LPS 1.2 from Uptone audio but since it is capable of 1.1A only at 12v so I’m reluctant to use it. I am still on Pi3B+ board.
     

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