A beginner's guide to Raspberry Pi streaming

[@DarkoAudio]

Hey there ADVANCED RPi users! What OS are you running and for what purpose e.g. Tidal, Qobuz, Spotify Connect, AirPlay, Roon ?

[@OriginalgEd]

RoPieeeXL with the Allo Digione feeding a Naim Dac via BNC from Roon or Spotify. (you need the XL version to provide DLNA,Airplay and Spotify Connect) I was previously using dietpi which gives you the ability to install a wide range of software (inc. Roonbridge and Spotify Connect) and this OS is preferable if you want to do more with the Pi than simply using it as an audio endpoint (for example, to run Pihole). I also have a Pi with hifiberry AMP+ installed inside an old valve radio which acts as a wireless Roon/Spotify endpoint with simple internet radio streaming via a re-purposed remote control. Makes for a nice low-fi kitchen playback device.

[@MadLabZ]

As an advanced user with extensive hands on time and personal everyday use I will break down my personal favorite operating systems, also before covering any operating system details I have always use ETCHER to "Burn" the os image to micro sd. Raspberry pi 3 B+: For movie and tv streaming (including internet archive gaming / rom's) I always use LebreElec "just enough os for KODI" once Kodi is installed there are a plethora of repo's out that will satisfy most of your audio & visual needs (My two favorite Kodi addons would be CCloud for TV and Exodus for TV and Movies on demand). LebreElec has been running on my Pi 3 B+ for about 4 months now without any issues and performs great both using Ethernet and or WiFi, I would suggest using a decent "AIR MOUSE remote" with keypad on back fir an enjoyable user experience. Raspberry Pi Zero W: Not so great as a tv streaming device as it lacks the physical computing power of its larger brothers or sisters (Pi 2,3,4's) etc, but works well for game rom emulation using (RETRO PI Os) and plays most game consoles up to and including SNES very well (in retro pi I have found that (snes9x 2002) for snes rom emulation works best at the moment and I have not experienced any game breaking performance issues. Octo print "os" is also a very handy os for raspberry pi if your into 3d printing and want remote control, remote video streaming of prints, and wireless upload of gcode to you 3d printer (Please cross reference your 3d printer, firmware, etc before hand for compatibility)

[@lithiumnk]

Audiolinux ramroot roon bridge (pi4b 4gb) in Metrum Amber.

[@jankampling3574]

Volumio (AirPlay, NAS, works with my Smart Home Hub [Home Assistant]). I will try another Pi with HifiBerry OS and Room Correction with the HifiBerry DAC+ DSP.

[@bexi85]

Pcmstreamer for Windows real-time audio streaming.. KZbin, Roon, games..

[@smakfootball874]

John, it is great when you explain and break down issues for those of us who are eager to learn more. Your beginner’s guide to DACs was fantastic. Please keep them coming sir. Brilliant work.

[@n.lyndley.9889]

I have a wealth of audio experience, but Raspberry Pie baking has eluded me thus far. Thank you John, you've demystified it.

[@aarong1012]

This video convinced me to put together a Raspberry Pi and Allo Digi 1. I love the sound quality it provides but I also loved the DIY/tinkering to get it up and running, way more fun than just a plug and play box. Thanks John!

[@conradbraganza]

Yep motivated now.. I am heading down this path

[@sshimel]

What kind of DAC are you running with this?

[@dimas.8300]

I got interested in this and was searching for a good explanation and you were the only explaining it for a real beginner like me.

[@aleemkhusro3268]

thank you for making the audiophile world easier to understand for those who are new.

[@ScottGormanscottgorman]

Thanks John. You’re the reason I began down the Pi path in Nov18 with your DigiOne Signature video. It totally changed my music listening experience and opened my eyes to the quality a Pi can bring to audio. I’ve improved my system with a quality coax cable and speaker cables.... all because of the DigiOne. I finally have an excellent reference point. I would certainly like to see more videos like this one were you expose your audience to other Pi options and ways to improve ones setup. I think it’s definitely a niche area that’s suits your particular presentation style and commentary. Thanks again.

[@AlexMercadoGo]

This is the classiest Raspberry Pi video I’ve ever seen.

[@shaunpaulwallace]

Seconded!

[@uNine-qb8gt]

Especially since it's not one of those million videos that's like "DeSKtOp RePlAcEmEnT Finally?!?!?!"

[@richardtrussell8220]

Great you’re spreading the word on this John, I’ve been using Rpie streaming for a while now, it’s fantastic. The best I’ve heard for pure sound quality is the Allo USbridge Signature running Moode operating system, controlling it for Quobuz and local streaming with MconnectHD on my iPad. Amazing value for money.

[@Grrrr3FKAGrrrrGrrrrGrrrr]

Hi Richard, Are you getting mConnect to work gaplessly with Qobuz?

[@andrewcale6100]

Did you also try Moode with Tidal? Do you still use the Tidal app or somehow run it through the Moode app?

[@richardtrussell8220]

Hi, yes, Quobuz works gapless, I haven’t tried a Tidal.

[@richardtrussell8220]

Andrew, on the Moode web config page, you enter your Tidal/Quobuz username and password.

[@Phoenix_1991]

This was one of your best videos in my opinion. Please continue the good work sir.

[@asteriskesque]

I own a Pi 3b with the Allo Boss DAC you show here. It's OUTSTANDING. I actually like the acrylic case for the Pi & Boss DAC because it's clear, which makes it a conversation piece rather than just another piece of gear, especially since my Pi does lots of other things.

[@MisterQueeb]

You’re original Raspberry Pi video where you nearly burnt your house down is what got me into the Pi and I haven’t looked back since. Thanks

[@shahidyt]

Joe Inabox mr too, the battery pack case I got became faulty, so I got a “Waterproof 4x18650 Battery Storage Case Box Holder Pack For Bicycle Light” from eBay, looks better and has been solid so far and I have 3 LEDs to show me how much power is remaining

[@Unpreeeedictable]

John, as someone who is Raspberry Pi curious but was somewhat mystified by the platform, you have provided an exceptionally well thought out explanation of this very interesting corner of audio. I always thought you had to be a "computer guy" to use these, which I am not. I may still give it a shot though as a bit of a challenge for myself. When it comes to digital audio, you are my go-to guy.

[@DarkoAudio]

That was my aim for this video: to take the 'computer guy' out of the picture.

[@Unpreeeedictable]

@@DarkoAudio Mission accomplished.

[@robertmarshall6638]

Love this channel. Great presenter. Relevant information without the normal blah, blah, blah. Very refreshing.

[@eddypronk9274]

Errors in digital transmission do exist. They can result in dropouts. A metallic sound can be the result of configuration. The software mixer may mix in some other channels that should be switched off. Jitter or dropouts sound so bad that you would know, there is something very wrong in the connection or transmission. "Sounds a bit smoother than USB" is hard to digest. If you use software to do volume control then you can compromise the quality if you use a smaller part of your 16 or 24 bit resolution and therefore loosing headroom. The USB interface can send the volume as a parameter, but toslink can't. So if you want your phone or other device to control the volume then USB actually "sounds better". If you are just interested in playback and don't do further processing the just stick with 44.1 or 48kHz and 16 bits. No person passed a double blinded test to favour anything higher than CD quality.

[@matthougas928]

For me it’s not about HEARING a difference between bit rates but rather about making sure that my equipment doesn’t fold it down to a lower bit rate. I’m just trying to keep my streams consistent, I’m more worried about a balanced signal now lol

[@sarundayo]

The real strength of the Pi is its versatility. One is not locked into a pre-built box but rather can expand its use to whatever suits your needs.

[@timmooney7528]

There are other brands and flavors of single board computers, but RPi has the biggest development community and widest variety of applications and peripheral hardware.

[@andreab5185]

@@timmooney7528 and this is the recipe to make it successful.

[@viperocco]

Dude, thanks. Out of all the videos regarding this subject matter, yours is tolerable.

[@alexrichardson6461]

Dear John. Thank you so much for your videos. I really enjoy your straightforward, compact and very informative talks with excellent demos, at just the right level (for me).

[@franciskwok3515]

Bravo, John. A follow-up deep dive into Pi+DAC sonic comparisons would be entirely justifiable and appreciated.

[@reza.khan74]

Thanks for saying that there is a difference in sound when it comes to digital output. I thought that I was going crazy with many people in hardware sites insisting that digital signal output are just made up of ones and zeros.

[@AysahSpades]

Never even considered a Pi/HAT solution...That is dope. Thanks for the vid!

[@TheDukeBoX101]

I've been watching your channel lately and I love it. A) Prices are in Euro always a plus but you're honest about everything. Sometimes a lot of audiophile channels talk down to you and you go away more confused than you come into it! Keep up the good work!

[@realmoisesarevalo]

my favorite part of this tutorial is when you look over your shoulder when typing in your password. comedic genius!

[@Michael-ng6iv]

This is pure gold, you have convinced me to take the plunge. I’m on the first rung of the audiophile ladder. I’m currently using a laptop for Tidal streaming. I was considering investing in the Pro-ject stream box S2 ultra, but at £599.00 for a Volumio box, I struggled to justify it.

[@webkuma]

I wish I saw this two years earlier, lucky those who are new to this because now they can get this information in an enjoyable video. Anyway, it was a pleasure to watch, because I use Allo DigiOne. I'm thinking about Chord Mojo or maybe Pro-Ject Pre Box S2 Digital instead of Marantz PM6006 internal DAC. I'm glad there is Darko.Audio which makes this journey way more enjoyable, so thank you!

[@bigdallyc]

So I decided to build a raspberry pi streamer... how fortunate to wake up to this video from my favorite hifi channel!

[@alsayers]

I learn more on your channel than any of the others.

[@LifeCraftingProgram]

I love this video and appreciate knowing that the streaming process can be simplified and done at low cost. However, for me, the Roon Nucleus is a better path for me since the cost aspect is not a big factor and I much rather spend my time exploring and discovering music than fiddling with tech components. If I was 25 rather than 70, I might go for this. lol.

[@michelangeloguarise2106]

John, let me congrat for the super informative feat you did. Very informative, unbiased, crystal clear. I think your contribution is very beneficial for the HiFi community as a whole. I remember when I started RaspyFi in 2013 (the predecessor to Volumio). I was the first to see in the PI some potential for audio and the first to create an ad-hoc distro for it (showoff mode off). So many people laughed at me, back then. Many said that the PI was just a toy, and Hi-Fi needed much more serious and beefy equipment. Some years later, it's great to see how this little toy is making HiFi a little bit funnier and a little bit more democratic. As they say, time is a gentleman.

[@allroundlaie]

Thank you very much for Volumio and your committment! Big respect dear Michelangelo!

[@mastaboog749]

Glad I found this, it's been like 10 years since I've effed with a raspberry pi and I before it wasn't for music streaming but seeing what people have done with these it totally has made me think it's totally worth a look.

[@datoall1648]

Once again John you have come to my rescue, only this week have I been rearranging my system just to come away slightly disappointed with the final product and facing a large outlay on new and better equipment, this is to me a good way to try another setup. Thanks for the good work.

[@BasvanHeelRoseboom]

I use the Pi as a NAS to store the music and via LAN its streaming on my streamer. Os is openmediavault and minidlna plugin and works great with hi-ficast app.

[@martinkelly4152]

Thanks for this John. I've wanted to know more about the Raspberry Pi as a streamer for sometime now. And, as a beginner, I found this very informative.

[@yangarzon8994]

I am a big fan of pi transport. They perform so good for less than 100 $. Love the fact that it is very simple when read and follow instructions to install the SD card. And then it just work right away

[@Nevalti]

I have been using a Rpi with JRiver MC24 software (i.e.an idPi) for a couple of years. It sounds pretty good via my Benchmark DAC2. Having watched this excellent video, I tried a DigiOne HAT, again into my DAC2, and was staggered at the difference. It is NOT subtle. It was the most obvious demonstration of the different sound - from the same digits, that I have ever heard. Keep up the good work John.

[@DrGIzmoBRad]

John, Thank you for inspiring me to jump into Raspberry Pi streaming pool. I just completed an easy to use streaming media hub for my livingroom audio system. I started off with your review of the Justboom DigiHAT streaming platform. It prefectly integrates with my existing Meridian Director DAC that Steve Guttenberg recommended a few years back. Per your instructions, I installed JustBoom's version of Volumio using Etcher to create the RasPi OS. Justboom's online hint to connect a Cat 6 Ethernet cable from the RasPi to my router got me up and running the rest of the way. A 64GB USB drive filled w/ FLAC, and Volumio's access to internet radio sources provide the input content through the RasPi/Digi HAT on the S/PDIF side of the Meridian DAC. On the DAC"s USB side of the fence sits my Android phone w/ an OTG cable. An app called USB Audio Player Pro (UAPP) fully supports the DAC's asynchronous USB interface. I discovered that not only does UAPP host Qobuz and Tidal, but it's specifically optimized to do so with noticable improvements in audio quality over the generic streaming service UI's. So in just 3 weeks (my Covid19 Quarantime so far) I've managed keep my sanity and create an inexpensive ($120) yet high end multiplexed streaming audio hub. Your website and KZbin advise was invaluable. Cudos also to the expertise provided by UAPP and Justboom to iron out the varied wrinkles along the way.

[@nickwhitear2678]

Hello there, this was a great video and enthused me enough that I went out and built a streamer. I had an old Raspberry 2B knocking about and stuck a HifiBerry Digi+ Pro HAT on it. Downloaded Volumio's free system and now have a set up I am really pleased with. It runs through an Audolab DAC-Mini into an old Cyrus 7 amp and biggish B&W speakers ( forgot the series number). All my music files are on an SSD that connects to the Raspberry's USB . . and thats it. I am sure there are much higher end ways of doing this but I am spending the cash I saved on more music. Thank you for a practical video that actually means something rather dancing on the head of some critical pin like so many others. Keep it coming !

[@mdlindc]

Dear John. Sending a HUGE thanks for this video. I was just talking to a friend the other day about his Raspberry Pi and how it could possibly used as an audio streamer. Your video is right on time and the content is clear and understandable, as always. I am a big fan of your channel and have been sharing it with others.

[@phildodd9942]

Your tutorial is FANTASTIC, with lots of information and suggestions for us to consider. One aspect of the Pi needs to be discussed. The latest Pi, the Pi 4 launched not long ago, was found to overheat unless it was used with either a heatsink, heatsink/fan, or a case that is itself a heatsink. The original "official" plastic red/white case by itself was not sufficient. This was even when the Pi was not running any apps, but just idling. The Pi Foundation have since updated firmware to reduce the amount of overheating, but for anyone buying a Pi, search out the videos on the "Explaining Computers" KZbin channel, where there are a number of discussions about the various cooling options available. Many of these cooling options could mean that a HAT could not be used at the same time. The earlier Pi 3B ( which I have ) would "benefit" from extra cooling for some uses, and almost certainly the Pi 3B+ would too. So as well as choosing one of the options in John's excellent tutorial video above, also investigate as to whether or not you will need extra cooling, and whether this will affect the audio hardware option that you choose. As this network streaming is new to me, I can't offer any further recommendations, but do a bit of research as to the subject of "cooling" before taking a final decision. Thank you and good luck with your setup !

[@cameronblithe1705]

probably noteworthy for some is that the 2i will connect wirelessly to your network (this for me is crucial) and does also do MQA for any format snobs.

[@NJKinsella]

Great video John, I'm curious on your opinion on using the raspberry pi to deliver digital music to a dac vs using a Chromecast audio?

[@tiennghiem9713]

Just found your Channel, my setup is Raspberry PI + Schiit Modi 3 + Spotify, Volumio, I rediscover the joy of listening the streaming music, thanks John from Montreal, Canada. Next step is Spotify to Tidal

[@StevePilgrim2013]

Just outstanding! What a terrific bridge between audiophile knowledge and Raspberry Pi hacking! Thank you for such a clear explanation & very nice production values in your video.

[@ranischchristopher]

Anytime John touches the board of the Raspberry Pi I can literally feel the electrostatic discharge :D

[@DarkoAudio]

Ummmmm... zeeeeee- z$$$$$$" d$$$$$$" d$$$$$P d$$$$$P $$$$$$" .$$$$$$" .$$$$$$" 4$$$$$$$$$$$$$" z$$$$$$$$$$$$$" """""""3$$$$$" z$$$$P d$$$$" .$$$$$" z$$$$$" z$$$$P d$$$$$$$$$$" *******$$$" .$$$" .$$" 4$P" z$" zP z" / ^

[@HouseofRecordsTacoma]

@@DarkoAudio you must have had that grounding strap on your wrist n'est pa.

[@WiiNV]

@@DarkoAudio L😂L

[@jimfarrell4635]

First computer I built ( when the world was young) I had read somewhere that the best way to ground yourself was to stand in bare feet during the build. It took me all night standing on bare feet on a cold stone kitchen floor to complete the PC. Coincidentally or not I got a grotty chest infection and had to take a week off work. If I ever find out who put that egregious piece of crap advice on the internet we will have words. Course I was stupid, or naive, enough to believe it.

[@BigJonkulous]

@@jimfarrell4635 I built my first PC in my carpeted living room while wearing socks. I missed the grounding memo... but all went well!

[@jabroni1498]

Great comparisons. Would love to see comparisons at the even higher end too, to see how it stands up. IE Mytek Brooklyn Bridge or Auralic Altair vs Allo digi one + a higher end dac. Is there a point where the raspberry pi stops being scaleable to higher end hifi systems? All good hypothetical questions i think.

[@mml8006]

Zeb Brown Agree - would be great to hear how they stack up against dedicated streamers e.g. LUMIN D2

[@appeltaaart]

@@mml8006 Nice video, I have been using Volumio on Raspberry Pi's for many years and have now arrived at the Allo Piano 2.1 plus Allo Kali, which is the best I have had so far. Please note that high end companies like Bryston use Raspberry Pi's in their new BDA-3.14 streamer that have exceptional quality at an exceptional price (approx eur 5.000), thats how scaleable the Raspberry Pi is.

[@conkerman01]

Thanks John. Looking for low profile options for a bedroom system. These are inexpensive enough to experiment with.

[@kbeast98]

Squeeze Ctrl is the best android app for squeezebox. I use a pi with HiFiBerry Digi+ Pro (blows the DigiOne away IMO). Then i also use a screen with touchscreen to mimic the sb touch and its awesome. Full 24 bit 192k hi res.

[@StephenSweet]

Thanks for an excellent video. It follows a path that I’ve already trodden, but it’s good to have my thinking and choices validated. I use Volumio on the Pi and it’s probably worth mentioning that Volumio has the ability to use Tidal and Qobuz as sources ( for a fee). That way, local and cloud-based streaming is done with the same interface and hardware.

[@Talyessin63]

Having just built my own NUC and installed ROCK, I'm now trying to figure out how to get a headphone jack "onto" my NAD M10 (yes I've watched your NAD/NAIM video). You've given me some more things to explore at my local IT store. I can possibly now use my Burson Audio headphone amp :-) Thanks John. Cheers from lockdown, Melbourne Australia

[@rwilldare]

For anyone thinking about Raspberry Pi streaming but not sure you can get a real good idea of what it is like by flashing the PC (X86/X64) version of Volumio to a USB/thumb drive and booting your PC from this drive. The hardest part (and it is not hard) is you that have to go into your PC's BIOS to boot from the USB drive. These Raspberry Pi operating systems are so small they run on the USB drive and don't effect the rest of your PC at all. You will be able to see how Volumio works, what it looks like, how to control it with your phone/tablet, how it connects to your hi-fi, etc..

[@starbase218]

Even though I am inclined to believe differences in the quality of a digital signal should not matter, I did find the video useful. I’m looking at what to buy. I have a NAS with about 3500 tracks. I use Spotify as well but I’m leaning towards looking to both Apple music (because it integrates better into my Apple ecosystem) or Tidal or Qobuz for the quality. I don’t see myself paying a subscription or even 700 dollars for something like Roon. I sometimes think I still want physical media. I no longer have CDs but lately I’ve been thinking of getting an old Philips CD304 II that is built like a tank. It has a coax output. I have good speakers and a power amp (a preamp too but that’s all analog). The question is, what do I put in the middle. I’m a software engineer so would have no problems setting up a Pi, but I don’t want to have to run updates all the time myself. Plus I am looking for, say, a stylish solution. I was thinking of the NAD AMP1, NAD C658 (but that’s expensive), Bluesound Node 2 or 2i, Yamaha WXC-50 or Yamaha R-N803D. The reason for looking at Yamaha is that audiosciencereview.com seem to indicate they have excellent measured performance, which should at least guarantee that the designers have done their homework. But the app is important too.

[@maxwang2537]

One more like from me. I have a raspberry pi gathering dust. This video opens the door of music streaming to me with much fun and the lowest cost. Thanks. So I ordered a DAC to team up with the pi.

[@Kbaum752]

I just started using my DFB with my Pi. Sounds great, but I'll put in a Digi one when they are available. Volumio is a great interface,. Very stable. I was using my phone and streaming from its USB C port to my old dacmagic which also sounded great, but would not take advantage of higher resolution files. Thanks John

[@shazadirani]

I just got gifted a RPi board, can't wait to get working on it. This video has been real simple and helpful. Great work. 🍻🍻

[@ficeto]

Just a small clarification: the Pi does not have DACs. It uses PWM for the onboard audio. Not recommended for anyone looking for any sort of quality.

[@DarkoAudio]

Useful info!

You can also attach a screen and there are projects to pull the album art from spotify or tidal. I have a little 3inch square screen that displays what's being played over my Sonos system. I also have mopidy and icecast installed so in these covid times I can cast over the net and friends can listen and control what's being played so we can listen to music while not being able to hang out.

[@jcgh22]

👍 would love to see more beginners guides. Was lucky to find your channel (and webpage) by chance and been learning a lot with your content. Love high quality audio but did not know much about it. Thanks!

[@PeterHebert]

This is a great video - simplifies a confusing space. I'm really enjoying the content on your channel and website.

[@SlowMenThinking]

Been having a lot of fun with Raspberry Pi and streaming. Ended up making a Server and Player setup loosely based on the Squeezebox/LMS setup. The server is using a 8Gb Pi4 and a SSD. The player is using a Pi Zero W. Ended up rolling my own software combination So the server can have it’s Music can be uploaded from the network or downloaded from the server. The LMS setup is quite a bit better than the Slimp3 days. The real revelation was using the Pi Zero as the playback via USB using a mostly competent DAC by FX-Audio the plan was to get a digital output card for the Zero in the end it did not need it, Just my Scottish self not spending money I do not need to spend! While testing I ended up trying 2 different DAC’s as well as 2 different recording interfaces, the ones I use for recording music The Pi 4 had timing issues with the more expensive recording interface. The lesser quality interface preformed very well better than expected, The consumer based DAC’s had no issues I could even use them for mixing/mastering. The aps for the phones are a welcome change too...

[@elsuperpollo2273]

Even if this video is 4 years old, I'm going to use this for my television, here in America. I'm done with roku streaming services in 2024. Cheers!

[@treehouse722]

I like the "Beginner's Guide" series idea, and I think it'd be appealing even to those of us who are not beginners. Still interesting, and you do learn a thing or two. Here, for example, I didn't know and wouldn't have expected the Allo's digital outs to be better than the BS ones. So there's always something to learn.

[@spda242]

Great Episode 👍 I would welcome an episode focused on streaming software, what are the Pros/Cons with streaming softwares you have tested? A great software is as important as the sound.

[@רונןוקנין-ש2ז]

It is a pleasureto listen to you'r detasiled explanation

[@tomd5678]

That's a really good practical guide. Shows people what to expect

[@laika25]

Now I managed to watch it from beginning to end. Got it. Thanks! (The comparison/option B in the form of Bluesound node at the end, is key. Yey.)

[@reelskap]

Hey John. Enjoy these beginner guide videos. I understand the difference in quality between MP3 and hi res. What I don’t understand is the best transmission thru a network. It would be great if you explained in a video how a Tidal Master for example gets downgraded if you use Bluetooth or Airplay or stream it wireless. Then you add in the noise thing like from this video and it gets confusing. Thanks.

[@MadMathMike]

I'm not sure how I came across this video, but I'm glad I did! I'm familiar with the RaspberryPi (I made an arcade cabinet with one), but I've always wanted to know more about the audio HATs and how they're meant to interact with other audio components. Thank you so much for posting this video. Subscribed.

[@Z-u-m-a]

Good job John. I read in to these but glazed over when another language appeared. This is really helpful.

[@joecotter6803]

Nice video but no mention of alternative power supplies which give immediate benefit and are easy to use. I think all of the Pi solutions benefit.

[@DarkoAudio]

They probably do but this is a *beginner's* guide.

[@redradoa]

Again a well produced and informative video. Great work. Thank you!!

[@scotthartman6088]

One of my favorite Darko videos! Already subscribed, so looking forward to more. Scott

[@OutpostH]

Hi John. Enjoying your presentation style. TBH I was expecting aloof audiophile snobbery, but you are making the subject friendly and accessible. I have a £10 Raspberry Pi Zero with a Phat DAC slung in a plastic box held together with hot glue connected to a reclaimed Canford Audio rack monitor. I use a bit of software called MoOde which I can listen to Internet radio. It sits there most days just playing lounge/ambient stations. I think the point with the Raspberry Pi is that it's fun to get your hands dirty. If you don't like the Pi being a DAC then turn it into a mini media centre/retro games machine/desktop pc. Keep up the good work.

[@vitormatiasjr]

John thank you for showing some gear. It saved me a lot of time to search for audio gears.

[@briantooze3415]

Great introduction John. I understand the hardware as I use a Raspberry Pi for other applications. What confuses me is the actual streaming process. Please could you do a beginners guide to streaming, specifically on how you would stream music stored on a PC to the Raspberry Pi.

[@markcptza]

Brian Tooze once you install something like ropieee.org/xl/ on your Pi, it will appear as a speaker you can connect/stream to via Apple AirPlay etc.

[@alfagtv533]

I'm so far down the proverbial digital rabbit hole i can barely see the light anymore. Still, i enjoyed watching this, and think you're doing a great job of humanizing the various aspects of FBP, file based playback. All the best!

[@wimdebok]

Very nice avideo and a good introduction to raspberry pi - audio streaming. Certainly for me, someone trying to find his way in the wonderful world of the PI.

[@vooveks]

Good video. Just for comparison, I bought a Yamaha WXAD10 about a week ago for £125 and it’s pretty good. No digital out though. It does Airplay, bluetooth, all the main streaming sites etc. It sounds good but can be a bit flakey with WiFi and the app occasionally, but not enough to get really annoying (yet). I think it’s pretty good value, all in all. There’s a Burr Brown chip in there so it’s not an audio slouch.

[@barryjoyce4372]

Hi John, Loving the channel do you have any videos on the new Raspberry Pi 4? I want to create a DAC and would prefer to purchase 4 verses the 3 model.

[@alferro3149]

This video made me dig into the old hi-fi accessories box... and an old Google Chromecast Audio jumped out. I've forgotten about it. I've plugged it into my Rega DAC and a power bank. UNBELIEVABLE! £30?!?! The sound of this little thingy is dynamic, dense, full of detail. It must be the best value Hi-fi component ever.

[@athurV1]

John , thank you for the options u have outlined , u r always resourceful and great communicator , keep up your great work that u like , take care.

[@mac9327]

This video came just when I started to get interested in it. Thanks, John!

[@christianfarley8553]

Hello John, I bought the Shiit modi3 today. The price in Germany is about 160 € from the english distributor of Shiit. Maybe 10 € or 15 € can be saved if the modi3 is imported directly from the US. I remark this only, because you said a lower price in several videos.

[@chodgetx]

really enjoy your videos. I use the Node 2i in my main room and most of the house because it's user-friendly for the whole family and I think it sounds great. I think this RPie version would be great for non-wired locations like a remote family room, the garage or even outside via wifi. Was considering a new (Schitt?) DAC for the Node but not sure I'll gain much for the added cost and complexity. Have the Schitt Mulibit in my office on a macbook and love it.

[@walterbrown2179]

Holy cow! I have been trying to find something to do with my Raspberry Pi, and looking for a solution to stream audio from my local NAS, Spotify, etc. I can't thank you enough! I know what I'm doing this weekend! Yay!

[@walterbrown2179]

Since I have everything on a NAS and have Plex setup, I tried Rasplex first. It was ok, but I had some extra microSD cards sitting unused, so I then tried Volumio. That did it! That's exactly what I was looking for. And, the headphone out option was fine for the rest of the weekend, but I order a Schitt DAC and wow!!! Thank you for the in-depth vid on RPi and the options for software, hardware, and how to get a great sounding streamer for my sound system!

[@therealchickentender]

Fantastic breakdown. I've enough project, though I enjoy DIY tinkering and have an a/v and tech background.... but somehow have never messed around with Pi, though I've used one a great many times in offices where coworkers wouldn't stop talking about them. This is an excellent primer I'll point folks to (and quite timely considering the Sonos debacle of the past weeks).

[@nervouscough7115]

Great video. Very educational! I have a Node2i and I completely agree with your observations. Thank you

[@MichaelLivingston-me]

What a useful video! You really did a public service on this one. Thank you for creating and posting it.

[@Beati3]

Thank you for discussing the quality of the sound even briefly. People hesitate to discuss it - possibly to avoid all the strong opinions. I'm waiting for an iQuando Dac+ because they had stock. I have a 3B+ spare. As I recently setup ROCK on a NUC - I also had lying around - I'm interested to hook it up to an endpoint wired into the network. My iPad Pro plugged into a Topping MX5 via USB works, but Roon has a tendency to crash on my iPad Pro. I'll be interested to see how Ropieee stacks up against the iPad.

[@TomReinerDE]

Super helpful. Now I know what to do one of the next weekends.

[@tremot7143]

Great video on PiFi! And digital audio is all about 1s and 0s, in an ideal world. Depending on how data is sent, transported and received before being converted into audio, it can sound very different. Issues like data loss, timing and power being sent with the digital data have a significant impact. I think most of it is possible to resolve with a good endpoint, which seperates power from the data, reclocks and so on. But best to start of with a clean signal in any case!

[@AlbaTech]

Thanks for the informative video. I had to watch it a few times to unpack all the information. This has given my listening enjoyment a boost for a reason you didn't really touch on. I've been streaming music since about 2013 through a Marantz NA7004 - which offered a lot of options at the time. But the user interface and iOS app were, and are, terrible. Marantz haven't updated the firmware in years, meaning that I am tied to the old control app that also hasn't been updated in years. And I don't think the newer app is all that either. Anyway, having watched you video I was inspired to change my Pi3+ from minimserver duties to the Volumio OS. It has been a joy to use a modern app (£2) to browse my NAS files. And using the Pi as a transport into the Marantz DAC has brought an improvement to the sound. I am now looking into Allo DigiOne upgrades. Keep up the good work.

[@jsbach6529]

What could possibly be better than a cuddly, koala bear-like dude with a modern, eclectic taste in music talking about audio in a stylish, intelligent, music-first manner - with a British accent no less ?!! Had this been around years ago, online porn would surely have failed.

[@martinkammerer9376]

Your videos are really good. Seriously! As always, a fantastic speech. This video opens my mind because I`m thinking to buy a streamer like the Bluesound Node 2i but I`m not sure.

[@rolandrohde]

I used to use the RPi for Streaming and it qas great, as long as you used something like the Hifiberry DAC...but since support of Streaming Services was rather spotty I gave up on it an now use the (sadly discontinued) ChromeCast Audio instead...

[@tomascarlsson961]

Great video! I’ve been using a pi 3 for some time with an ad on digital output board. I use squeezebox (and iPeng). This is connected to my home theatre receiver in the living room. I have a separate stereo system in my den where I have an original squeeze box touch so it was great to be able to add the pi to my existing “infra structure”. Had I got in to digital audio now I would probably have gone for Roon instead, but if it ain’t broke... My least favorite part of the “project” was assembling the wonky acrylic case. That metallic case looks nice. I might try to get one of those just for esthetics.

[@davemangelsdorf]

This video is a wonderful public service. There is NO question in my mind that the future of streaming is RP. The SPDIF quality of a good HAT is miles ahead of anything in its price range. Coupled with a good linear PS and you have an audiophile solution. I would only add that if you are adventurous enough to do the Raspberry PI, than you should also look at a Roon Core on a NUK. Same basic procedure as the Pi. You wind up with a world class Roon core for $350.00 that rivals the Roon’s own Nucleus that sells for $2400.00. John, you should do a vid on flashing ROCK on a NUK. Thank you again.

[@steveneastburn923]

Thanks for the help, I was able to make a roon end point quickly. I enjoy your videos and look forward to more.

[@dougswinford389]

I can’t say I’m not interested in these kinds of videos, because like to tinker with the hardware and the software !! Well done Sir 👍👍 Keep the videos coming ✌️✌️

[@preiter20]

I really like the sound of my Rasp Pi3+ with a Hifiberry DAC+ Pro into my Carver preamp and Carver amp going to Elac Debut speakers in a smaller room in my house. I am running RuneAudio on the Pi right now but I am contemplating building a Roon server and buying the subscription. Great overview!

[@rjzlwop3153]

Thank you so much I am so intrigued and now I am much more interested in learning how to build one of these and add it to my receiver so that I can have sweet awesome affordable sound thank you very much for sharing I am a huge fan of you now