A value that's Impossible to beat

[@OrchardAudio]

We just released PecanPi DAC Rev 3.0. It adds an S/PDIF input allowing it to be used completely standalone without an Rpi.

[@whattheyhidfromus7452]

can you connect another dac to the pecan pi?

[@OrchardAudio]

@@whattheyhidfromus7452 To the PecanPi Streamer, yes to any of the 4 USB ports.

[@whattheyhidfromus7452]

@@OrchardAudio thank you for your reply I will be buying one soon

[@jungtarcph]

Great. there are so many great hat DAC, but the software is so buggy and ruin the experience - looking at you Volumio !

[@kimbalxyz2]

I very seldom ever subscribe to any channels, but I have to yours ! I am still up at 3:00 AM watching your videos, I should be in bed. You have helped me to understand about the Raspberry Pi and now about PecanPi. Thanks for taking the time to be so informative, I have learned a lot !

[@bolobos]

Thanks for all the budget streamer vids!

[@OrchardAudio]

Thank your very much for your time and making the video.

[@eddylam224]

As an owner of e Pecan Pi, I totally agree with your assessment. I'm using it on my study desk w e vista spark II & PSB P3... and it's making me crave better imaging, richer body & 'blacker background" in my main system. Will be bringing it to other friends to run listening tests. I have the Allo Digione [RP 3B w cheap power] + Ares II in my main system. Will be switching in the Pecan Pi this weekend to find out what kind of mileage I'll be getting. Will come back again next week with the findings to see if we have similar conclusions :D

[@OrchardAudio]

Thank you for business and support.

[@galessi1226]

Sooooo how did the pecan pi do, compared to the Ares?

[@giulianof8687]

Any news?

[@NeilBlanchard]

The current Bluesound Node has a redesigned DAC, and probably sounds better than the Node 2i, but probably not as good as the Pecan-Pi. The thing that separates the Node - is the BlueOS which is much better than most interfaces.

[@willmac5642]

I have a node for streaming purposes but maybe using a pi4 w Moode wd be acceptable.

[@tdjonline6926]

I'm in the market for a replacement to my Slimserver Squeezebox (a curse on Logitech for killing this great product). With the fancy box this is the same price as the Bluesound Node which by all appearances is a far superior product. I'm really reluctant to spend $300 on a DAC that is limited to pi use plus it is my understanding that Bluesound can decently handle Amazon HD which I will probably be using (in addition to a large local library of FLAC files and internet radio).

[@Thiago_TS_BR]

You were very well succeded in the effort to precisely place the sound quality of this device against others. It's nit an easy task and you convinced me 👍 Thanks.

[@chuckdiewald2422]

Great review! I have the PecanPi and it sounds great. I built mine with the hat board and case, but there are completely assembled versions available.

[@OrchardAudio]

Thank you for your business and support.

[@danielcramer9600]

Excellent review as always. (I bought the Verum headphones on your recommendation and am very happy with them.) However, where the Bluesound Node 2i scores in spades, especially when compared to all other streamers that one might afford, is access to sites like Idagio which specialise in Classical music without the limits of Chromecast. I use mine linked to my AKM 4490 DAC which overcomes the limitations of the standalone 2i.

[@titan90000]

Another great video and review. I have been hoping that you were going to review this Pi DAC.

[@Ravenblues]

This only works in North America , if you're not in NA your pockets need to be deep with shipping and import deposits. It is possible to build a nice stack with cables for around 700 euros, and slap on a relatively cheap. A pie with a digital output would do just fine, even a pie zero would do for streaming. . With all of the import costs added this would be the same price or cheaper and allow you to fine tune the sound to your liking via component choices and give you more flexibility overall. This is the problem with most NA based products, they only have good price/performance within a narrow region.

[@moto-rambler]

Fantastic review. Keep 'em coming.

[@przemekprzemkowy3811]

Great review, I really like your style - keep on going 🤩

[@TheVoicefrombelow]

I'm a little bit confused about what this product offers. The Pi hat is a dac + volume control + headphone amp. Is the streaming part handled entirely by the raspberry pi itself rather than the hat? In that case what's the difference between this, and using a hatless raspberry pi as a streamer into some other comparable dac? How does it provide the sonic benefits that one normally gets from a dedicated streamer in terms of jitter control and eliminating noise?

[@OrchardAudio]

The Rpi handles all of the streaming, the PecanPi DAC is just a DAC that also has pre-amp type functionality along with a headphone amplifier. The PecanPi DAC internally has full re-clocking to a Crystek clock that almost completely eliminates any jitter. It also has 3 built in very low noise linear regulators. In many cases it outshines standalone DACs at the same price. 130dB SNR and 124dB dynamic range is hard to come by at any price.

[@pavlo687]

They are up to $350 for the DAC now. $200 for the black box which includes RCA outputs. $30 for power supply. After tax and shipping, you would now be looking at $600 if you already have a RPi 3 or 4 (which I do presently using the HiFiBerry Pro - wish you would review it).. HiFiBerry has a new one out for $110 called the HIFIBerry HD, but I've seen no reviews on it. At $600, I'd have to think hard about getting the Denafrips Ares or the Musician Draco or the SMSL M400. Have you heard anything about the little Cayin RU6 R2R dongle DAC? Love your reviews! Wife is working on getting a transfer to Poland and us leaving USA. I'm native USA, but she is from Ukraine. Culture is blown here. We love Slovenia too! Where are you?

[@willmac5642]

Bought the board today and will get 9v ipower X. Will make a small case from 3-6mm corian

[@OrchardAudio]

Thank you for your business and support.

[@andrea585ny]

Are you the guy who made the Philharmonic BMRs out of corian? :)

[@davidr529]

Great review as always! How does the DAC compare to other higher end Dacs you have reviewed such as the D70s? In the UK, the orchard costs £650 whereas I can get a d70s for £649.

[@iiWiReviews]

I find D70s slightly livelier and better sounding if you pair it with a clean digital source such as Pi2AES...which does increase the price. If you connect D70s directly to a PC (which is electrically noisy) PecanPi Streamer will most likely take a win.

[@davidr529]

@@iiWiReviews thank you !

[@PreacherwithoutaPulpit]

@@davidr529 You can always get a Topping D10 or similar DAC which will convert your USB to Coax or Optical to get rid of that noise on the cheap if you're okay with 24/192. In the states they can be had ranging from just $85 regular versions to $139 for the balanced version if you'd need balanced out for something else. The DAC's in them are pretty decent and some are very recent revisions. I believe it's the ES9038K2M or Q2M sorry working from memory. The main thing is those little DACs are a very good way to convert USB to Coax/Optical/RCA or Balanced outs depending on the unit and completely remove USB noise from your chain. I realize I'm posting this a couple months after your question but I really like this guys reviews and information and I'm just trying to be helpful...

[@juliancrun]

Thank you very much for the video, I am a big fan of the raspberry pi as a hifi, I really like to try things on it.

[@zsvrljuga1]

Really good review!!!

[@koraypars1]

I know that this is an old video and I already have a PecanPi which kills so many of the handsome looking commercial DACs. Strangely I am on my way to buy another one for my second system but I wonder if you have ever saw or tried TauDac? Well... The response from the creator is super slow and orchard audio is a complete, super nice and supportive organisation but... You know... TauDac is itching me with its lundahl output transformers etc... Did you ever compered this DAC to the best of show? I mean PecanPi?

[@PreacherwithoutaPulpit]

I've found that I really don't think I like the Burr Brown sound if the iFi Zen Dac V2 is a good example. I'm not being argumentative I'm really interested in your opinion. I had the iFi Zen DAC V2 with the iFi Zen Can with the 4.4mm balanced jumper, so I was running it balanced. I used it with an assortment of headphones from the lowly PC37x/38x, HD58X, HD560s, HD6XX, Phillips SHP9500/9600, HiFiman HE4XX, X2HRs and even the KOSS KPH30i's as well as a half dozen IEMs up to Legacy 3's and Moondrop Starfields. In all cases once I replaced the Zen stack with the EX5, based mainly on your review/recommendation it was like I was no longer listening to my music underwater. It just lifted a veil I didn't even know was there. The thing is I really don't like sharp highs/semblance, I actually find them quite painful. I can't explain why I like the sound of the EX5 compared to the Zen Stack because from what I understand it should be the opposite. To me it really was like listening to music underwater while listening to the Zen Stack once I had something else to compare it with other than my old DAC X6 I'd been using for years. I trust your knowledge and opinions when it comes to audio equipment so any help you could provide would be amazing. I was able to get the Topping A30 Pro amp from ebay for a really good deal in like new condition and I'm considering picking up the D30 Pro to go with it and selling the EX5 or giving it to the wife. Do you think that combo would be a good fit for me as I do know for certain that I like a big sound stage and I also have a pair of the Harmonicdyne Zeus on their way for that reason. Sorry for the book of a post on an older video but like I said I trust and value your opinion. I want to thank you for your time if you read all of this and especially if you could give me a suggestion or two on what DAC would fit will with the A30 Pro. Oh I also picked up a Topping D10 type dac just to be able to convert USB to Optical to get rid of any possible USB noise from my aging motherboard that's close to 10 years old at this point. Again thank you and once I'm in a better position financially, (done buying audio gear for another 3 years or so), I plan to support your channel in some way...

[@iiWiReviews]

I haven't heard Zen DAC V2 but the original one was a typical warm sounding DAC with laid back midrange. I'm guessing you don't like that character much. Anyways, D30 pro/A30 pro combo is better than both mentioned to my ears. I'm using that combo as we speak and I'm not in a rush to change it for anything more expensive. It has power, very neutral signature, and is quite spacious sounding. But if you like even more airy sound with a bit more spark in the upper registers, I found SMSL SU-8s to pair really well with A30 pro too. I believe each of these combinations can serve you for a long time without feeling limiting to any headphones in any way. Cheers!

[@OrchardAudio]

Our holiday sale is coming up, sign up for the mailing list on our website to get exclusive offers.

[@kiault7263]

i love your reviews! could you please review the HifiBerry DAC2 Pro XLR? it seems very similar to the PecanPi, but is significantly cheaper.

[@vibes1952]

hello, hoping you can help. Hi, PI2AES dummy here. I'm working my way through this dummies guide. I'm up to about page 20. I thought I'd send this out in case there is an 'easy' fix that someone else has gone through. PI2AES, Topping D90, Volumio Everything works fine when using a USB connection and Volumio. Unfortunately, I've not been able to get the Topping D90 and PI2AES working with COAX, Optical or HDMI. I keep get the dreaded error Failed to open "alsa" (alsa), Failed to open ALSA device "Volumio" No such device From what I read, it seems to be not picking the correct DAC when I go through set up with I2S enabled in startup section. If I set it to NO I2S, the Topping D90 is found and if chosen USB works. If I enable I2S, and I choose 1 of many DACs that show up in drop down, I keep getting ALSA error, I've tried Generic I2S Dac, Allo Digi One +,Allo Katana, HiFiBerry Dac, DAC Plus, PI2 Design 502DAC, etc always getting the ALSA error. Never get Pi2AES and Topping D90 to sink up, (side note, same symptoms when I use my RME ADI-2 Dac). I know I'm a dummy, I'm working through the pages. Help, Please advise, I'm not offended to be called dummy (I'm old, been called worse). I'm using free version of Volumio. Do I need paid version of Volumio. Ultimate step would get this working with Roon. UPNP Renderer enabled, Sharepoint sync enabled, DLNA Browser enabled. Volumio version 3.3.1 System Version 3.179 Released Mon 20 Dec All plugIns enabled . I've checked updates (have latest). Ideas. advise looking to get past ALSA and hopefully able to use a different connection other than USB. I have stepped through enabling various interfaces on Topping D90 (same with RME). OK, that's it.

[@markj4066]

Another great review. I will stick with my Allo BossII. But you did tempt me just a leetle! LOL

[@iiWiReviews]

Each of them is great at their price. No need to change it if you're happy with it.

[@2ridiculous41]

I run an Allo Digione signature into a Pro-Ject Pre Box S2 Digital and on to an Elekit 8200 and have been thinking about how DACs hav really improved over the 4 or 5 years I have had the project. Sooner or later...

[@JBSCHAFFNER]

Have you tried geekworm dacpi kit yet? Case, dac with rca and headphone amp for $42

[@mariodrv]

Because its a great platform - and not only for the price.

[@anandshah71]

How do you power off the Pi easily without having a monitor keyboard mouse

[@indranilmitra6535]

How is it compared to boss2 in terms of sound?

[@bryanharpel2612]

Do you have a video of connecting streamer to denafrips area 2?

[@josemariagarcia295]

Hi, you didnt mention bluesound node, is a better product just for 550 usd. What do you think about it?

[@CosmicKnight1]

Your reviews are answering so many questions for me, thank you! I would very much appreciate your thoughts between rpi4+Orchard hat vs rpi4+ifi zen dac?

[@iiWiReviews]

I haven't heard the new Zen V2 but if we're talking about the original Zen DAC then PecanPi is definitely more resolving and more energetic sounding, with better layering too. It's basically a notch or two above it in terms of overall sound fidelity.

[@niclasekwall]

I love your videos, thank you so much for showing us Pi user what we want:) Is it possible to compare the sound of PecanPi to the Allo BOSS2 that you reviewd?

[@iiWiReviews]

Boss 2 is very clean and natural sounding. PecanPi has a bit bolder bassline and richer midrange. It has that kind of dense and full sound that remind me of R2R DACs and that I personally like.

[@niclasekwall]

I will remember what you did.

[@kobusjonck9362]

Great review! I use the node 2i for a DAC and streamer and wanted to upgrade with the Topping E50. Do you think the PecanPi is a better option? Then I can sell the node 2i or use it in a second system?

[@cobar5342]

Thanks for a great video

[@Philo1]

Hi Srboljub, you didn't mention what power supply you used with it. I just got mine ordered, do you think it will sound better with a linear power supply (than with the stock impulse one ) ? Thanks for really helpful reviews .

[@iiWiReviews]

I used it with a cheap switching PS and with iFi iPower. It reacts positively to a better one, every streamer or DAC does. In my experience there is no exception to that rule.

[@clarkejones8090]

Another excellent review. Another product that intrigues me. Partly because of the D.IY. process and looks. I have a question: if one's headphones have Balanced design/inputs could one connect directly on to the (what looks lie XLR) outputs of the Pecan Pi ? If yes , then that would be neater, as you wouldn't have to use those Single-ended adapter cables that stick out. Cheers.

[@iiWiReviews]

These are 3-pin XLRs. One for each stereo channel. Headphones use 4-pin XLR for both channels. So you would still need an adapter from two 3-pins to one 4-pin. 🙃

[@clarkejones8090]

@@iiWiReviews Ah. Thank you Srboljub.

[@OrchardAudio]

@@iiWiReviews Correct.

[@OrchardAudio]

@@clarkejones8090 If you need help selecting an appropriate adapter feel free to reach out.

[@clarkejones8090]

@@OrchardAudio Thanks very much.

[@kornelhegedus8266]

You are the best!

[@bopro76]

I would like it to have input like optical... Like your video!

[@imagrisso]

I have not purchased a DAC yet. How would this compare to Pi2AES and Gustard X16 with IS2. I have a SMSL DA-9 amp based on your recommendation. Thanks!

[@KarthikSktk]

If you have the budget for pi2aes and the x16, just go for it.. along with the DA9 that you already have, it should be a sweet sounding system

[@tudosobreimobiliario2473]

Hi. Love your reviews!! I have a Loxjie d30 and Sennheiser HD600. I find the combination good but a little agressive on the upper frequencie range (maybe i´m too sensible). I often have to reduce the volume in some tracks as i get annoyed with some drum beats. I want to change a bit in sound signature..more laidback. Im considering the Pecanpi. The DAC must be great and having Headphone Amp is a bonus. Do you think ithis will give me a little more "analogue like" sound? Or do you think is better to save some more and buy something like the Ares II plus a good amp and dont look back? I guess i want to know if the Pecanpi DAC will sound more like R2R than like DeltaSigma if you know what i mean... Thank you!!

[@wyup]

Can the PecanPi work as a standalone usb dac for the Pc? Also, how would it compare as a headphone amp to a E50/L50 combo with low impedance headphones?

[@OrchardAudio]

Hello, it cannot function this way. However if you are DIY savvy you can get a USB to I2S converter and make something like this.

[@OrchardAudio]

The new version of the DAC has S/PDIF input so this is very easy to do now.

[@galessi1226]

When you use this set up, were you using Volumio as an operating system?.....And does this version allow you to use WiFi to connect to your network...or is the pi4 WiFi disabled, as in the preconstructed unit?....( it is my understanding, that in the all in one unit , you need to buy a wi fi to Ethernet adaptor....but not in this set up?)

[@iiWiReviews]

I used RoPieeeXL this time as I use it most often since it's very simple and does what I need. This way you can use Pi4's Wi-Fi, no need for external dongles unless you're in a need of stronger module for longer distances. That said, even a very long Ethernet cable produces cleaner sound in my opinion. I'm guessing that WiFi module is emitting a lot of EMI interference when active. This might be different with the external one but I haven't tried that.

[@OrchardAudio]

To get the specified performance the WiFi that is built into the RPi needs to be disabled. To elaborate The Rpi's built in 5G WIFI interferes much less than the build in 2.4G one.

[@riccitone]

Lol! Now I'm over informed - if there is such a thing. Already have an allo digione connected to a Toppings D70s, and am loving it. But also considering getting a Pi2AES (to connected via I2S) based on your review of that....oy vey... Thank you so much for such detailed reviews on all these great (even superior) alternate ways to go!

[@iiWiReviews]

I'd keep the D70s and just add Pi2AES.... That is pricey but somewhat better combination in my opinion.

[@t.s.nishanthts3286]

Purely from only network streaming capability and leaving aside dac capabilities of pecanpi, which sounds better based on purely network streaming? this pecan pi or pi2aes.?? could you elaborate please it would help me…

[@iiWiReviews]

I can't separate PecanPi's streamer from the DAC part cause PecanPi doesn't have digital outputs. So you can either use it as an all in one Streming DAC, or find a pure digital streamer such as Pi2AES.

[@t.s.nishanthts3286]

@@iiWiReviews thanks for the reply…. i have a schiit Bifrost 2 multibit dac, and i have ordered pi2aes to go with Bifrost 2, so i wanted to know if sound quality wise is pecan pi a drastic improvement in sound compared to pi2aes(when paired bifrost2/modi multibit)…. any inputs regarding differences in sound from you will be helpful thanks

[@iiWiReviews]

If you already have a Bifrost 2 then Pi2AES is the way to go. That combo will most likely outperform PecanPi. Great combo, enjoy it! 👍

[@toxotis70]

Is there any hat for pi that only output audio from usb? I have already a good Dac.

[@iiWiReviews]

Not that I know of. USB is a part of the Pi itself and best/cleanest USB output implementation is on Pi4. The next thing to achieve better USB out is to go to something such as iFi Zen Stream (based internally on Pi module).

[@toxotis70]

@@iiWiReviews is airplay supported with raspberry pi via usb?

[@OrchardAudio]

@@toxotis70 It is supported with Volumio for sure. Other software package may support that as well.

[@constantinosh9489]

If possible pls try to review the allo digione signature

[@saverioricchiuto5386]

Search for his Allo USB Bridge Signature video, and you’ll find it there.

[@246Drew]

How close or far is the sound quality of the PecanPi vs the Allo BOSS 2?

[@iiWiReviews]

I can't put that into numbers but in my main room setup with Hegel H90 and KEF LS50 with plenty of free space, good cabling too... I feel that PecanPi sounds better enough to fully justify the price difference. It's more revealing, dynamic, and full-bodied...and I would personally pay that difference. If we're talking about more entry level system (let's say 200-400 per component) the difference might be less noticeable or in some cases very hardly noticeable. That's why it is really difficult to answer these type of questions with confidence. But in well tended systems difference should be easily noticeable.

[@246Drew]

@@iiWiReviews completely understand your comments and comparison. Very much appreciate it. 😎 Any plans for DigiOneSig and\or ifi Zen Stream reviews?

[@iiWiReviews]

I'm still looking into possibilities of getting a Zen Stream... A friend of mine might get one and in that case he would loan it to me.

[@OrchardAudio]

We our having our annual Pi Day sale today. See website for details.

[@jackmcclure9623]

Why is it hard to buy in stock

[@kornelhegedus8266]

Is it possible to buy this in europe?

[@iiWiReviews]

I believe it can only be ordered directly from the manufacturer. If anybody has different info, please feel free to share.

[@OrchardAudio]

I ship worldwide.

[@Knowdis96]

Too complicated and expensive. Would like to hear about what would be an upgrade from the E1DA. And maybe a entire desktop system with the E1DA; headphones or iem. Love your videos.

[@Knowdis96]

Wait. Was going to bail but then you started talking about the sound. Hmmm maybe this is an upgrade from the E1DA?

[@nonchalantd]

♥

[@rlwings]

What's with this new trend of companies selling only circuit boards as audio equipment? - Seems kinda cheap and silly of them. - I guess it's like sushi. Houses are being sold without kitchens! Lol

[@galessi1226]

They sell a beautifully finished one.... And then , for people who already have a pi.....they sell the add on board....

[@iiWiReviews]

As mentioned in the video, this is a DIY variant but there is a fully assembled aluminium (correction, it's steel) enclosed PecanPi Streamer that you can purchase too. DIY variants and plastic cases are meant for people who enjoy tinkering with these kind of stuff and saving some money in the process.

[@OrchardAudio]

@@iiWiReviews It is actually a steel case not aluminum.

[@OrchardAudio]

@@galessi1226 Thank you. The fully finished units are full assembled with software installed, and ready for use.

[@iiWiReviews]

Thanks for correcting me. I guess I'm so used to aluminum that it never crossed my mind it could be anything else. 😊

[@jackf498]

orchard audio is f54CING out their mind with their happy hoarse shit pricing.

[@RazvanMGH]

300 dollars for a rpi top board?! Ha, ha. Nice try. Just buy the pi 4 board + fiio e10k for line level and and a Ifi zen can.

[@iiWiReviews]

PecanPi is so much better DAC than e10k that they're not even in the same league. But to each their own I suppose.

[@RazvanMGH]

@@iiWiReviews I don't doubt that it is a better dac. My point is that is too much for a rpi hat when it means that you are stuck with it. There are as good USB options (soncoz qxd1 for exame) that you can replace down the road.