Make your Raspberry Pi a true HiFi streamer with Pi2AES
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- čas přidán 9. 07. 2024
- Pi2Design Pi2AES is a HAT that will make your Raspberry Pi sound absolutely great. Read my written reviews with scores at iiwireviews.com/
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00:00 What is Pi2AES
01:55 Connectivity
03:41 Pricing and PSU
07:54 Sound
10:45 vs Allo DigiOne
12:30 vs SMSL SD-9
13:53 vs Bluesound Node 2i
15:34 vs Allo DigiOne Signature
16:54 Conclusion
Test system:
Denafrips Ares II DAC
Hegel H90 Integrated Amp
KEF LS50 speakers: amzn.to/2ztRg0s
#hifi #audiophile #streamer - Věda a technologie
As usual, I forgot to mention the I2S connection over an HDMI port on the side of the board. Yes, it has that one too. 😊 Also, for those of you that are wondering how can digital sources sound different, here's a good educational video about it (and a mention of the Pi2AES): czcams.com/video/Jvu_doQfAI0/video.html
Pardon for asking…What Rpi board did you end up using to trial the Pi2aes?
While most CZcams audiophile reviewers have turned into marketing channels for the manufacturers, this channel continues to put on a master class on what hifi audio equipment reviews should be.
100%, stay independent.
Yeah agree. Some well known channels have or are becoming unwatchable.
@@willmac5642 yup, I've unsubscribed from most. Worst channels in my opinion are Andrew Robinson, Josh Valour, and by far and away the worst is New Record Day. I've also recently unsubscribed from Zero Fidelity. Basically, any time a channel has the CEO or any other manufacturer representative on the video I am done with them.
@@moto-rambler Im still a big fan of Andrew Robinson, his style gets snarky reactions from a few competitors but quite like that, because it says more about them. Was blocked by one channel for what I don't know. But he's known for it
My favorites are British Audiophile(Patreon), Robinson(Patreon), iWii, 13th Note, Steve Huff
Most of them are garbage.
Another great job my friend. Is very pleasure come here at any new video because your language and approach is very light, direct and very wel founded. Luckily I purchase my P2AES just a fill days ago and it will be mine first incursion by the Pi world and I'm very anxious for listening thi in my system.
Excellent review, clear presentation and style. Thank you.
I’ve been jonesing for this review! Those were the EXACT comparisons I was looking for, personally. Again, really appreciate your attention to detail and comprehensive approach. Even better, you lead with answering the needs of those interested in a great sounding front end at a comparable budget. Answered every question, plus such a cool hack if we needed it. 🙏🏼
Bravo! Fantastic review. I have this and LOVE it!!!
Very Nice Review and explanation ..especially the Node2i
Ordered! Thanks!
Thanks a lot for your recommendations!
Great review, thank you. I'm looking forward to the release of the Mercury and, hopefully, your review of it.
The PiAES 2 is available now with upgraded features over version 1. I'm using it in my system and can honestly say it is everything what the reviewer describes here. Incredible sound quality from a small unit.
I ordered one of them. I will receive it in early November.
Great video ordered mine and anxiously waiting! Glad they decided to continue making them. One question : if I don’t have a linear power supply for my other components but get the one you recommended for the pi2aes is it still worth it ??
Our notes are the same, because your description of the sound is exactly the experience I have with my Pi2AES. The improvement in the bass and mid-bass was the most noticeable feature, then clarity. Not sure about soundstage…I never listened for the difference, so I have some testing to do!
I’m using it with an IFI LPS.
Great review! Depth (and a huge soundstage) is exactly what stands out from other good solutions in my setup, it is amazing. You should lend a DCS network bridge or something similar to give it a proper fight ;-) It would be really interesting to hear if there is more to gain, by now we know it beats everything up to 1000$-ish. Just get it a good ps first, for example a linear +-15v supply for 30v in total
I am one of the lucky ones who got hold of a Pi2AES and I got a huge improvement in sound quality when applying a 24V linear power supply (studer900 clone) and even more when I I used a separate power supply for the raspberry pi.
This is not a hack but just the way the manufacturer prescribes separated power supplies.
Fully agree with your discription of the sound quality. With a R2R DAC and a SET tube amplifier you will profit maximally of these qualities of the Pi2AES.
Literally was going to place an order this morning, got busy with work and now there sold out after this review came out. Bad timing for me. But great video. Will be looking to get one when they come back in stock in 2-3 months.
Wasn't that the last batch?
@@arbuzu yeah, I believe that they stock got enough parts in to make 90 this last batch and just became available 9/27, I do believe. The website says that they might have another batch at the end of this month, but because parts are becoming harder to find, prices will most likely go up this next batch and he may have to change out components. So you may end up spending more fore something that’s not as good.
@@arbuzu they have units back in stock this morning. Just placed my order.
Great review! What would you say are the top 3 benefits of using this setup, over something like a CCA? (Connected to the same external DAC) - is sound quality one of them?
Nice 🙂 Was holding out on getting the Digione Signature, while waiting for a review of this one 🤙 Definitely sounds like I’ll be going with the Allo (based in the sound signature + already have the Shanti).. I really would love to move to a streamer and dac that enables I-squared-s hookup at some point though!!
Place the order!, uff; thank you Srboljub I had it on my crosshair when I saw it on Goldensound Channel, pretty glad you posted this video. It will be my upgrade from a HiFiBerry Digi+ Pro volt mod connected directly to a low noise PS (similar to this 5V Hack). I have a Topping D70S with AES and IIS (HDMI) inputs.
Love the content! Could you do a setup / optimization for intermediate and advanced audiophiles on PC? Covering things like equalizer apo and profiles per headphone. Asio audio driver setup to bypass windows drivers. Setting an ideal bit rate on audio interfaces how high and why. Setup of say music bee or foobar2000 with optimal plugins and integration with your streaming platform of choice ... Lots there if you go down that rabbit hole. Haven't seen an all in one comprehensive guide from any channel on getting the most out of a PC setup as yet.
I owned the Pi2aes. Make sure you do the 5vdc power mod to bypass the 24vdc input and switcher. This source keeps up with $3000k sources with a linear power supply. Highly recommended.
Any linear PSU you recommend?
@@snowrang3r657 if you do the 5vdc mod, any decent LPS with 5v 3amp should work.
@@Grizzly1644 like the Allo Shanti?
May I know if are you able to test the Pi2AES's HDMI I2S output to DAC able to play DSD files (like 64/128/256/512) properly?
will you do a PI2AES 2.0 with I2S connection video ?
Nice, just built a rpi4, just using USB into a DAC, wondering if better cable is worth it or no difference, or a HAT. Seems alright to me, need to get a new DAC first (SMSL D1se looks good). Also only using a USB C fast charger from phone. The idea of these is to keep it simple and cheap, but lots of fun and great value.
Cheers
For long I've been thinking to ask you a comparison video from using a toslink TV out (or via USB on Android TVs) for streaming versus the Pie streamer that you regularly use. Is it so much of a difference? To me the convenience of commanding the TV via a big screen user interface of any app or service I want, be it audio or movies. Don't recent good dacs tame jitter well enough not to need a external streamer?
For anyone interested, I have been comparing the ifi ipower elite 24v to the stock switching power supply and it's significantly better. Some tracks that are obviously a bit harsh in the treble and a bit lacking in bass/lower mid bass are far easier to listen to. The pricier power supply increases detail and separation in the high end, but somehow it's less harsh and eliminates listening fatigue while increasing both bass/mid bass and control. It's just an overall more pleasant, "warmer" sound but without loss of detail. I decided to try the 24v instead of the 5v mod, but I'm really curious now. I wasn't sure I'd hear a difference with the new power supply, but it was fairly obvious to me.
Also, I removed the 5v jumper to test out a separate power supply to the pi (standard pi power supply to the pi and the ifi to the pi2AES). I did not notice a difference, but obviously it's not very convenient to A/B test as it requires unscrewing the case. It can't hurt, but don't feel like your missing something if you don't have the time to do that.
Their Lite version.. Is it comparable to this discontinued board?
I am considering this hat for my Pi as an upgrade from running a Hifiberry Digi Pro. They decided to continue making these hats for now at least. The current batch is on backorder due to Covid restrictions in China. Their Mercury streamer looks interesting. Do you have any plans on reviewing one of them?
Another question...from what I understand this pi2as hat it is only an output extension? how this is improving sound over usb output of the pi itself? and why different output hats had different sound signature and resolving resolution...they color the sound in any way over usb out? it is not just a digital signal outputting thru different connectors and protocol?
Allo Boss Dac v1.2 it is ok ? thank you
Hi. I have 2 question that I can't seem the answer to anywhere.
Does this have any audible delay in the music?
Can this be used for general audio in windows and no only foobar or roon?
Thanks to anyone who can help find the answer to this
Bluesound now makes a newer version just called the Node. It would be a Node 3, but they have decided to drop the generation number from the name. It has a new (internally balanced) DAC and may have changes to the streaming portion. The other big advantage that the Bluesound unit has - is the software interface, which is very very good.
I had a bluesound, Pi2aes puts the sound quality of bluesound to shame
@@omkazn Okay, I am using an external DAC, which sounds much better than the internal DAC.
Hi. Can this configuration use the itunes library on a windows 10 pc as a data source? Thx.
What would you suggest SMSL SD-9 or Pi2AES or Mercury considering SQ & ease to use
They have units back in stock this morning [2021-10-11]. Showed out of stock yesterday.
They state that since they sold all 90 units in 10 days, that they decided to steal some parts set aside for their upcoming product, mercury. They now have enough parts to make 100 units more of the pi2aes.
That's good to hear. I hope for a hundred more happy owners.
..did i miss something in the product line that replaces the $250 version at the same price? i only see the $800 streamer...
Do you know what the best input to use for Hugo2 with Pie2AES? (coaxial, spdif, micro-b usb, optical), thank you.
Just watched and had an idea. What about ps3 turning into an audio streamer? Would it be possible? How about installing linux operating system on ps3 and use its usb output as sound source connection
Can anyone confirm 5V Mod with Allo shanti LPS (5.2v)?
Nicely Done.
Does the raspberry pie and either one of the hats you talk about run hot & need a fan as well ?
Thanks
I don't think you mentioned which dac you were using ?
Not in my experience. They're barely warm.
My Pi runs at around 55 C with a HAT and no cooler whatsoever (not even the small passive ones)... That's perfectly good temperature for a chip.
Just another FYI. The pi2aes HAT will work with a 12vdc (2.5/3amp) supply. This certainly makes linear power supply use easier. Michael only made the HAT 24vdc, as he had a DAC output planned (which never happened).
Great info, thanks.
Stephen, in this tip the 12vdc can be plugged into Pi or directly in the P2AES HAT (with the jumper on) to supply all the system?
Cheers.
@@lucianobadoe36 Yes.
With the jumper on, I powered my hat and Pi with a 12v supply.
A quick google will show others using 12,15v LPS’s….. if you have a cheap SMPS, just run a test.
Much appreciated, thanks!
I ask to Michael, quote: "The PI2AES needs 19V minimum. 12V won't work reliably."
Hi. Top notch reviews, truly high class. Do you know if Pi2AES can run TIDAL Connect using any of the available OS:s ?
I haven't researched about Tidal connect but it's a software thing... So as soon as any of the OS-es supports it, there will be no problem on the hardware side of things and Pi2AES will work with it just fine.
@@iiWiReviews Thx! Seems they are sold out though...!
Again. I'm not sure if my positive take on it had to do something with it. 🙂 But I hope they'll make more...
Nice review, where did you purchase it?it shows out of stock in thier web site
It's back in stock now, there are 100 units more. As far as I know that is the only way to buy it.
Does it support HQPlayer NAA do you know?
So the SQ you mentioned in a early video about the PI4 being more forward, and the PI3+ being more deep in the presenation of soundfield, with the allo digiboard. Does that apply to this board?
Or did you not test that senario?
I used only 3B+ this time.
Michael is producing another batch shipping Jan or Feb 2022
I am using Pi2AES 2.0 that was upgraded to work with 5v out of the gate and has the same clocks as it’s bigger brother. I am pairing this with a Chord Qtest DAC and I am powering it both with a Jcat linear PSU. I am not repeat here everything was already said in the review, but I will focus on what I have learned.
1st. Power supply quality makes a huge difference and it is rarely given the attention that is deserved.
2nd. Quality of fiber optic matters. It is not a question of "it sounded better to my ears", cheap one are losing so much information that can’t transmit higher resolution files, and yes real glass cables sound significantly better (I am using a QeS cable). To my big surprise the cable actually had. Burn in period of about a week… I can’t understand it nor explain or. If anyone can, please tell me.
3rd. With the chain in place I was able to run a test and see id USB standard itself degrades the sound quality, i put the same file on the sd card and on an external ssd connected to usb. From the storage the file use the same exact path to the chain down to the same exact lanes used. The only difference was the usb standard use for files on ssd, and yes. The soundstage for the files on ssd were slightly narrower. I don’t think you can pick it up if you don’t A/B it but you paid for the toy, why not take fool advantage and use a 1TB sd card? I don’t even want to go in to network storage and roon because at that point you are just burning money on storage, low noise switches, psu for those switches, fiber optic around the house…. Basically 5-10k just to solve a problem that can’t be avoided entirely.
P.s.
Pi 5 came out and if that works with pi2aes 2.0 it will even solve the 1TB sd card limit because there are already pcie boards for M2. Can’t wait to test it out.
Hello and thanks for your reviews. I was wondering if you have the same results when streaming a CD (wav or flac) from the internet and when reading the same file from a local disk attached to the streamer ?
Somehow, it sounds better when local files are used. I wish that's not the case cause I love using Qobuz and Tidal for their convenience, but in the end local files somehow sound the best. Just don't ask me why, it's a mystery to me, but the same result was repeated in several highly transparent systems. In less resolving ones, they often sound the same.
@@iiWiReviews Ok, thanks for the response.
@@iiWiReviews good to know thanks.
Looking at linear power supply options for 24V, such as the SBooster, they may well cost as much as the streamer!
Many users reported that it works just fine with any PS ranging from 12 to 24V. I haven't tested it myself but as I said many confirmed it. So that makes it much easier I suppose.
I have tested with 12v, no issues works, into the HAT DC input. I did the 5vdc mod, made things much easier.
Can you control the volume through the PI2aes (and the OS installed) in a chain like this: PI2aes>DAC>power amp. No preamp!
Is it okay? Would it affect audio quality somehow to play with volume early in the chain?
Most OS-es do have a volume control and yes you could do that. However, I'm personally not comfortable with it. First of all, when software attenuates the signal it is also compressing the dynamic range. Secondly, if any sort of pop/klick sound happens between the DAC and the power amp, it would be played trough speakers with maximum volume level. For example, many DACs can make pop sounds when turned on/off or when sample rate of the music is changed. If there's a preamp after the DAC, that sound gets attenuated together with the signal, but if you use software volume in the beginning of the chain, then any sound originated later on gets fully amplified and could even damage your twitters in a worse case scenario.
@@iiWiReviews Thanks for the comprehensive reply!!! Better then to manage the volume down stream then with an integrated or preamp.
Dear friend, I love your reviews and I'm following you a long time, so first - Thank you.
I bought the SMSL-M400 because of your review and I'm happy with him.
I use a NUC as a streamer but I'm looking for something better.
I saw that the Pi2AES is no longer available anywhere.
Do you have a suggestion where to buy one or a good substitute?
Thank you very much again!
Thanks! I believe there should be a Pi2AES Lite version available now. If not you can opt for iFi Zen Stream that has equally good sound quality (review coming soon) or Pi2design Mercury if you need more expensive variation with an option to add internal NVME SSD storage (but again similar sound fidelity).
@@iiWiReviews
Thank you very much.
What is the difference between the pro and lite?
The mercury isn't available.
I will check your other suggestions.
Thank you!
I believe that lite version just omitted I2S and AES/EBU outputs. You still get BNC AES, SPDIF over RCA and optical.
@@iiWiReviews Thank you very much.
I want I2S so I will wait for the mercury.
They will start shipping in November.
May I know if are you able to test the Pi2AES's HDMI I2S output to DAC able to play DSD files (like 64/128/256/512) properly?
Unfortunately I haven't had a chance since no DAC I currently own has I2S.
@@iiWiReviews Noted, thanks for your reply.
Srboljub, you said on the Limetree Review, that you were looking for a Streamer that give you that performance level on a more affordable price... is it PI2AES that Streamer?.
Thanks, love your work!
Yes it definitely is. Similar quality but better bang for the buck.
I'm probably missing something but got to ask this: why should a digital output has to affect sound quality at all? What is this product doing? I can understand why a better clock can provide less jitter or why a less noisy circuit will prevent crapping the DAC side, but wouldn't a clean power supply to the PI and / or using USB (with those USB "cleaners") provide the same results? Doesn't it all depend on the DAC once the data is (cleanly) provided to it?
Unfortunately, not all digital outputs sound the same. As you mentioned yourself, clocks, noise floor, and jitter do make a difference that's easily audible no matter how good is the receiving part in the DAC itself.
Of course, most people are perfectly happy with Pi's USB output... But this is that next level of signal clarity, and it does lift the overall audio quality in a transparent system. That said, it's not that worth bothering with if we're talking about entry level gear. In those cases there are usually better ways to spend the money.
Good question! And here is where Allo DigiOne Signature makes a difference. Allo's hat separates sound signal from power, therefore there's no "contamination" from electrical noise. Maybe this new hat sounds as good as DigiOne Signature, but any potential differences I'm sure will be difussed by the DAC and the rest of the setup. I myself feel the concept of the DigiOne Signature is superior... but then again we fall in the subjective of how we perceive things and our personal tastes. =)
The review by Golden Sound explains this for you. czcams.com/video/Jvu_doQfAI0/video.html
@@HHTTRRNN this video is, well, golden :) thanks ! This clears out most of the questions I had 🤗
Cheers! Do you really think that the sound will be of higher definition with this Pi streamer compared with a powerful pc? At witch order of magnitude? My pc ryzen 3950x go thru adi dac then smsl da9...will be better from Pi thru dac and amp? Thank you!
Your more powerfully system, with the amd 3950x and most likely a beefy gpu, produces a lot of electrical noice and interference. Something like a raspberry pi will produce less electrical noice, leading to a cleaner audio signal. Wether you can hear a big difference, well that’s going to be heavily subjective, but utilizing a pi instead of a gaming oriented pc, your giving the audio signal the best chance possible.
@@devinmatteson I output from pc only digital signal over usb...do you think that the digital signal will be so distorted that could put the decoder from dac in trouble...losing some information because heavy correction needed? The dac show me 0 usb errors.
@@Sorin_F no, you typically won’t get any data errors with a gaming pc versus something like a raspberry pi. It’s really only the timing/jitter that will suffer from using a gaming pc over something like a raspberry pi as well as higher electrical noise being introduced into the audio chain. Dacs can composite for these two things, but not to the level that having a good source like a raspberry pi will offer. The differences in audible perception is a debatable topic, as the differences are finer than the rest of an audio chain, but if you’re after the best possible audio, having a good source is a good thing to have.
It depends on your sound card, something like an EMU 1212m from creative will blow all these Raspberry digital hats (much better dynamics, sound staging etc etc.)
Hi, how would you compare this Pi2AES to the SMSL-SD9? Which one is the better in sound quality?Thank you very much.
It's in the video, look at the time stamps.
Sorry for the oversight. Thanks again
...just ordered the P12AES kit. It's back in stock again this October 11, 2021. Thanks for your excellent review
How does this compare with allo digione signature edition?
Take a look at time stamps and find the one with DigiOne Signature close to the end of the video. That was the best I could do given the situation.
@@iiWiReviews thanks. You make an excellent work!
Hi! Do you know how a Pi4 can play SACDs with Volumio?
Downloaded as .iso
So, no longer available. The follow-up is "Mercury streamer" (appears to be only available directly @ $500)
Appears to have just been launched and is in stock. (Link in the description)
Does a Pi have to be shut-down, or can you simply turn off the power? (I'd imagine that, like any computer, it needs to be powered down)
Some OS-es can power it down but some don't have that feature so you would have to switch the power off. I don't suggest doing the second one since it can lead to SD card data corruption and having to install everything again. In my opinion, it is best to just leave it ON at all times. It consumes just ~3W in idle.
@@iiWiReviews thanks 👍🏼
You could compare w/ digione signature (close costs). I tested pi2aes versus de signature, still pi2aes is superior (but when its using i2s output). It runs much more open specially using audioquest vodka hdmi.
I use DigiOne Signature these days because it has fantastic SPDIF output (and my favorite tube DAC uses that connection). With GentooPlayer installed it is my favorite device to use as a Roon bridge and SPDIF connection.
@@iiWiReviews Nice, yesterday I tried Pi2AES vs Digione Signature (coaxial only). Digione had a better sound. But my actual DAC have i2s, so... Pi2AES all the way. My digione streamer have a ifi power supply (dirty side) powerbank (clear side) and I divided the raspberry board from de digione... its sounds came way better doing this. I encourage you to do so.
Hi, What highest bitrates this pi2aes can play
192/24 is the limit that R-Pi can pass to any HAT using I2S pins that all HATs use. That's also the highest commercially available bitrate so I find it perfectly fine.
@@iiWiReviews Thanks !
Hey man, if you want to push the performance even further, get allo usbridge signature and put it underneath pi2aes instead of a pi. A little pricey and less OS compatible, but the sound with LPS is worth it.
Wow, that's a next-level "mutant" combo right there. 😆 I believe it's doing what you say because USBridge is tuned for lower noise than the general R-Pi board, and it stands to reason it pollutes the Pi2AES less. But also, I believe that the new Pi2Design Mercury is going to do just that out of the box, cause it's going to optimize the whole device around a compute module instead of using the whole Raspberry Pi board. I'm keeping a close eye on that one.
@@iiWiReviews yeah, scary beast 😅 PSU swap makes more noticeable improvement, but it shaves some noise from rPi power controllers and radio.
I wish the new streamer did that, but when I checked a while ago, it was planned to use switching power regulators (which can be fine I guess), while usbridge sig has linear regulators all over the place. Also, new streamer would have a controller for internal storage (like ssd), which is not my first choice either. Because of a power noise of the storage device. And I prefer to have a dedicated server upstream in the network. A bit better for sound as well.
Anyway, I bet Michael would make a great product that would sound great and be much more convenient for a user.
My bad, Separate Ultra-Low Noise LT3042 LDO’s (linear power regulators) will be used in the Mercury for powering oscillators and some switchers on the power input
How do I know what all these words mean in terms of music: warm, bright, darker, forward, musical, etc. is there a book or guide or any website article explaining all these words?
Topping Dx3 pro+ review would be cool
Update: they now only make a "lite" version of this (no IS² and cannot be powered separately) for $250. For EU $50 shipping, add ~20% sales tax and charges and you're heading for 400 €\$
The lite version would be fine for me, but not at this price...
Mercury V3 Streamer is now US$599
Its sold out im so sad
From other youtube clip
Measurement show that This is almost bit perfect zitter free so there could be no more improvement in terms of signal quality
Game over
Every time I see a new notification for one of your videos I secretly hope that it will be one of your awesome reviews of the Topping D90SE DAC! :) - Please, please, please!! - And in case you missed that: PLEEEEEASE!!
Sold out already :(
Great review. Did you delete my previous comment??
Thanks! I haven't deleted any comments on this video so far... or in the past week or so on any video for that matter. I rarely moderate anything except racist talks and measurement zealots that just come here to state that we are all delusional and imagining things we can not possibly hear. 😏
But I have to say, comments are usually so decent and polite, there is rarely a reason for me to intervene. It seems I'm blessed with decent and nicely mannered viewers. 😇
@@iiWiReviews No worries. I did post a comment last night but this morning it was gone. Weird. Maybe my bad. All I was saying was the Pi2AES is indeed a great product and Michael Kelly who designed it is a top bloke so deserves a shout out for bringing a digital transport of this calibre to the masses and for offering fantastic support too. I think you would have to spend a lot more to beat it. Long may his brand continue to bring us brilliant and affordable products and long may you continue to get the word out is such a balanced and honest way 👍
@@iiWiReviews Igor.....
What a palaver!
Glad I got mine before the price increase. All in I got board, case, power supply and pi for $240.
Yes it's all too expensive now, I just use USB and got rpi4 4gb, SD card, case US$75. Are better USB cables, ifi filters or power supplies worth it for RPI?
@@G-rig6969 I also have a second rpi4gb in another room connected with a Helm Bolt ($99usd) and it sounds great. I use the stock rpi power supply but have tested between the iFi 5v with little difference. I use a quality analog 3.5mm to RCA but nothing outrageous.
@@harrybaque5502 Cheers sounds like a good setup. Haven't bothered with any special power supplies, hats or cables, concluded mostly a waste of money. Happy with the normal setup. Hats would be fun to tinker with I guess ;)
test it with raspberry pi zero
sold out
Too bad. I wish Mike Kelly would keep it in the product line and make a batch once in a while.
@@HHTTRRNN Mike and his son have limited facilities so they have to focus on one product only. I am eagerly waiting for the Mercury Streamer.
Why is this board so much more expensive than the actual computer. Somewhat defeats the purpose of Pi for being an affordable platform for me.
Not sure about the actual bill of materials, but being an electrical engineer myself I'll just share my train of thoughts on this matter. R-Pi is mass-produced stuff. They can drive production cost much lower, operate with lower margins cause it's sold in millions, and still be able to cover for R&D and turn the profit. This HAT is a niche product produced in quite small batches, a couple of hundreds at a time, and cost goes up quickly when the scale of production goes down. Also, parts in these types of audiophile products are most likely picked with more care (higher quality oscillators, lower tolerance resistors, and capacitors, etc). All of this piles up and this kind of niche product can never achieve a low price that hyperproduction of computers, phones... can.
The Raspberry Pi by itself is not meant to be an audio device, it's a small computer. The HATs discussed here are circuits that significantly improve audio streaming quality and performance. Yes, the price increases, but still far cheaper and much better quality than a lot of popular alternatives such as Node or Sonos connect.
@@iiWiReviews Exactly!