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

I say give it a try and tell us how it sounds.

 

I also picked 30v vs 5v with my "old" diy ps, for the reason it was a touch more energetic and dynamic. I could hear it every time I switched, though I had to listen carefully for differences. I don't think it's about the Hypsos or noise or cleanness (stomach feeling: readiness/availability of electrons or something like that... just the image I get).

I wonder what would happen above 30v

But agree, the optimal voltage can be a narrow band.

 

The PI2AES can operate up to 48V.

 

I'm having a problem with my Pi2/RPi4 using Volumio, and not being that tech savvy, I thought I would ask here before I take the unit out and smash it with a hammer. I should add that I'm using the 7" display. Also Spotify and Qobuz.

First, Volumio would load, but without Qobuz. Rebooting didn't help as it has in the past. When I tried to bring up Spotify, it would act like it was loading but was very slow, and would stop just before it finished loading. The last time I tried to boot it up, it got as far as the 'volumio login:' and would freeze.

I decided to reflash the card, but first had to download Volumio onto my new laptop. I tried four times last evening to do that, but each attempt said that the download was corrupted. I finally got it to download today, but the screen still freezes at the same spot. It also freezes using my backup card.

Thanks in advance for any help you can send my way.

 

On the surface this looks like one of these:

You're downloading a corrupt version of Volumio. Find a different source to download from.

The Volumio version you're using has bugs. Look for a different one.

Your card is corrupt. Try a different card.

 

Thing is, everything was working perfectly for months, then trouble out of the blue. I did use a different card with no luck.

Maybe my Pi went deep six. Dunno. Thanks though.

 

Before you decide to smash your pi2/rpi4 with your hammer why not try use a brand new card or USB flash drive and put moode in?

it might be the Pi (that’s relatively inexpensive to get a new one). Hopefully it’s not the pi2aes, it’s been always sold out and back order!!!

best of luck

Deric

 

At what point did it say that the download was corrupted? Upon opening the downloaded file? Or it flashes the card and then verifying fails? It's unusual to have to retry more than once, and indicates something is very wrong. I think either the card or the card reader on your laptop might be bad. Try formatting the card first, and do not do a quick format.

Your Pi had nothing to do with failure to download and flash the card. That step needs to be completely successful.

 

PI2AES Production Update - 10/02/2021

The first 50 sold out quickly so we put the final 40 (we're keeping 10 back for support needs) in the store today. We still estimate deliveries will happen starting by the end of October. Not sure what we are going to do after these sell. Costs went up a bit and a few parts were harder to get. We would likely have to redesign around them if we decide to keep the PI2AES in production. And our price would need to go up again, so we'll see.

As to the status of Mercury, there is no change. As mentioned before all development is done and has gone very well. The plan is still to offer 50 Mercury Streamers with 4GB DRAM and 0GB SSD, and an additional 50 with 8GB DRAM and 1TB SSD. Price is planned for $499 for the 4GB/0GB and $749 for the 8GB/1TB. Full documentation and ordering info will be provided this week.

Many thanks for your continued patience from the Pi 2 Design team, and stay safe!

 

I got this email from Volumio last Thursday:
_______________________________________________
Dear Volumioer,

Currently, Volumio users are experiencing issues with different streaming services, like Qobuz, Tidal and Spotify. This issue is caused by an expired certificate that provides encrypted communication over the internet.

This issue applies to all 2.xxx versions and is addressed in the latest version 2.915.

Please update your device as soon as possible by going to
Settings -> System -> System Updates and press Check Updates.

By doing so, everything will be back to normal.
________________________________________________

Hope this helps. I had no trouble updating to 2.915 myself.

 

Hmmm. I have paid for a year sub but didn't get the email. Looks like I won't be renewing with Volumio.

Thanks for that info. It explains a lot.

 

I'm optionally registered on their mailing list. That might be why you didn't get an email if you are not registered there. Also check your spam folder.

 

I got most of it up and running. I hadn't installed Volumio on my laptop, so that did the trick. The bad news is that Spotify is MIA. I have installed the plugins, but it doesn't appear anywhere else.

I logged into Qobuz, no problem. IIRC, the Spotify app on my old laptop had an icon in the lower right corner to click on to connect to Volumio. Icon still there, but no Spotify option. Did Volumio and Spotify part ways?

BTW, thanks to all who have chimed in with suggestions.

Well it seems that none of my songs on Qobuz will play after all.

 

Make sure that you are logged into your Spotify account in Volumio: Settings > Plugins > Installed Plugins > Select "Spotify > Settings" and make sure that you are logged in. If you are, there should be only one option, which is to "logout". If not, that is your problem and you need to log in there.

 

FYI @Woland started a volumio configuration thread.

https://www.superbestaudiofriends.org/index.php?threads/volumio-streamer-configuration-tips.11017/

 

Finally up and running again. Sounding spectacular as usual. I got rid of the touch screen/case and went back the standard case, so I'll be selling those.

Thanks to all for the help.

 

I'd like to try a 30V power supply, but don't want to spend $1,000+ on a Hypsos LPS. Can I try this one for $15?
https://www.amazon.com/PK-Power-30V-Adapter-FranMar-Model/dp/B01NCN9JT8
Or what specifications do I need to look for?

 

Looks fine assuming you have a 220V source. It does not have universal input voltage.

 

Hadn't seen this shared yet, so wanted to share this recent review of the Pi2AES on YouTube:

.

This reviewer is awesome, and has reviewed other streaming products on his channel before. I have really enjoyed his reviews thus far, and he focuses much more on the sound and how it compares than many other audio-focused channels (i.e., marketing channels). The Pi2AES compared favorably to the Allo DigiOne, SMSL SD-9, and the Bluesound Node 2i. Congrats Michael and team!

 

Or does it? The first item in the "About this item" description says:

• Input Volt Range: 100-240V (Worldwide Compliant) Output: 29.5V 2A