Allo USBridge networked audio adaptor: very good!

[@SomaliCoastguard]

I'm delighted to see you review the USBridge and your views on it. I've been using one for three weeks now and have been delighted by it but without any previous experience with such devices to compare it to couldn't help but wonder whether the extra money for a microRendu would have been money well spent. Your review has satisfied me that I should stop fretting about that and just carry on enjoying the music. I also have to say well done to Allo for producing such a great product at a reasonable price and for having a European distribution set-up; mine was delivered in the UK just three days after my order.

[@gfresh42]

I'm in the exact same situation, and couldn't have said it better myself. I got dual power supplies from Allo, and was surprised what a difference it made. I heard a rumour that Allo is going to come out with an upgraded power supply, so I'll be looking forward to that.

[@wouterdutoit2315]

Great review Hans! I just wanted to say that I could not get the Audioquest Dragonfly Red with v1.0.6 firmware(Latest MQA version at time of writing) to work with the Usbridge. The Allo engineers are currently working on the problem though.

[@hansdelange130]

Nice review Hans ;). As of Dietpi release v156 there is a webbased GUI to make things easier (roon etc.)! Although for me tinkering around (putty) is part of the fun :)

[@RealYethal]

Hello Hans Small correction. The DietPi does not require connecting a monitor or a keyboard for setup. It can be managed remotely using SSH.

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

May I relay all questions re. SSH to you?😟 then I won’t mind mentioning ssh

[@RealYethal]

Sure, no problem@@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel

[@sharagan]

Hello Hans, thanks for the new idea, you got me hooked :) One question, would it also be possible to simply hook up an external drive to the Allo instead of feeding it via an Ethernet cable and would the audio output to the DAC have the same quality? I am asking, because you mentioned in the video, that the Ethernet connector is separated from the USB ports. Thanks in advance for your input.

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

Yes, if you have the Volumio software installed (specify on order), you can just connect a drive to one of the USB ports of the Sparky and operate it from a smartphone, tablet of a browser in a computer. See my review of Volumio. The link is above here.

[@andreasbrekeling]

Hi Hans, I have 2 questions. Did you test / have experience using the ALLO Bridge as NAA (= Network Audio Adapter) for HQ-player as stand-alone or as part of Roon? I have read that DietPi is now supporting the NAA function too? The second question is what kind of Ethernet and USB cable did you the test SotM Ultra and the Allo Bridge in your equipment 1, 2 and 3 ? Did you used the SOTM cable dCBL-CAT7 ethernet cable for instance for the SotM and used the same cables for at Allo Bridge too? With other wordt apples for apples. In awaiting your reply. Best regards, Andreas from the Netherlands (too)

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

The term NAA is loosly used, so I'll be specific. I tested it using Roon (indeed it is a part of DietPi) and using Volumio. No sound difference BTW. I have used normal CAT7 cables for review of all streamers.

[@crosti87]

hallo Hans, I'm interested in all usbridge, what do you raccomando between Volumio and DietPi? actually I'm using volumio on raspberry but I don't know DietPi.

[@savriend]

Hi Hans, great review. I learned a lot watching your video's. I was wondering, are you planning to review the new Allo USBridge Sig?

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

Yes, probably next month.

[@dainawilburn9710]

Hi Hans, I've got one pretty large issue with all of this, as it relates to MQA. I might could or should submit this on one of your MQA videos, but since you mentioned installing two of the software players that I own and have used over the last several years in this particular video and since I now own the Allo USBridge, along with the Project PreBox S2 Digital, I thought I should bring this up, as two plus weeks of searching and corresponding on forums and working with tech support has brought no resolution to this issue. You said you installed Squeezelite on the Allo, and in another video you have left me with the impression that you were able to play MQA files through this software. Through correspondence like this one, I asked you if owning a DAC that decoded and rendered MQA, like the Pro-Ject, would preclude the need for special player software, (like Roon, or even the Tidal Desktop app), and I specifically asked if the Allo USBridge running Squeezelite could play full MQA back. I certainly thought that you indicated it could. After 2 weeks, I will say that the answer is apparently no. Not Tidal Files or files in my own library, like the MQA files I downloaded from the website 2L. It fails completely to identify and play these back. I have quadruple checked my settings and they are set correctly. A very helpful Allo Support Tech was able to verify from looking at my own output and from playing the same files on his local rig that neither Squeezelite or Volumio can play back MQA files directly. In fact, Volumio has delayed the MQA/Tidal thing until they are more fully funded with their new MyVolumio app, which is an app that is payed for, as opposed to the regular free Volumio app. They have announced that Qobuz is now supported and Tidal/MQA is coming. Meanwhile, some very knowledgeable folks in the Logitech Media Server forum are helping me to track down what is causing this issue as they also have verified my settings too, but feel I should still be able to play back the MQA files, and are making some other suggestions. Both the Volumio website and the LMS forum cite the legal and technical hurdles required to make this happen, and how difficult it will be for an open source project such as theirs to do it on their own. Roon, Amarra and Audionirvana charge for their players and have the clout to make this happen, and so they do, I suppose, but I am not a fan of Roon and haven't tried the others. I was under the impression Hans, from our communication, that as long as the player was able to play back bit perfect audio, it would be able to pass MQA. This does not appear to be all that is needed. But I will ask, here, if there is anyone who is using my specific set up or one very much like it who has been able to get MQA files to play correctly. Again, my setup is AlloUSBridge feeding a Pro-Ject Pre Box S2 Digital. I haven't mentioned Tech Support for Pro-Ject (Sumiko in the US) - they are far behind the learning curve. I didn't think of this, but Digital Boxes like these are not their main product line and it really, really shows. They have been no help. The PreBox S2 Digital was created by John Westlake for Pro Ject, on contract but has since moved on. In a recent post he said he will release one more free bug fix update, after which he plans to offer an unofficial update at a nominal cost. That troubles me but right now, I'd just like to play MQA, if I can. I could really use anyone's help, as I chose this path for express purpose of at least getting to play back/try out MQA files. As of today, I've still never heard one. I'm fairly savvy, at least I thought, having been streaming in some fashion or another for almost 20 years now. I still own a Squeezebox, I own a Raspberry Pi and the Allo. The Allo is, for me, my large system and is the only I care about getting Hi Rez from. Best.

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

A lack of understand on how MQA works might be the biggest hurdle here. ANY streamer that is able to deliver 24 bit 44,1/48 kHz BITPERFECT to a DAC like the Pro-ject that is able to decode and render MQA will work. Even 10 year old products. There is NO licence involved and nothing has to change in Volumio, PiCorePlayer, MPD or any other system. I have all tested it here. Licence is only coming into play if the software wants to do the decoding, like Roon, Amarra and Audirvana. Then you could suffice with render-only MQA DAC's like the AudioQuest Dragonflies. And do high-res up to 96 kHz on regular DAC's. But since you have a DAC that does both the decoding and rendering, you don't need the software to do the decoding. I will try to make some time to setup my USBridge to replicate your situation but I can't do this overnight. In the mean time watch the following videos: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y3a6hpynjJqbma8 and kzbin.info/www/bejne/eaCuaJpje9ytkJY

[@longdaysandhardworkatramra8260]

Hi Hans, I have an issue i have been trying to work out and i have watched most of your raspberry-pi videos to work it out but am still confused. I have a DAC that only accepts up to 48khz through asynchronous USB , it does have toslink and sp/dif but my laptop has neither, i am looking for a way to get 96khz and 192khz to stream into the DAC, but i haven't got the budget to just buy a different laptop or a newer DAC that supports the new faster USB speeds. I'n guessing your book would have the information but considering the videos are still leaving me a bit baffled i don't think it would help me.

[@Egrusonii]

what type of music files did you use for the tests? I found that playing files with higher sampling rates tan CD quality (like 24/192) I get like a high tone added to the music, oddly enough if I use the usb3 port on the sparky it works well with any sample rate. I'm using the provided wall-wart, but i don't think that using a better power supply solves the problem, because if the PS were the problem i would get the noise regardless the usb port used. right ? Thank you

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

I used all kinds of files including 192 kHz and DSD and had no trouble. Might be that your DAC doesn’t interfaces well with the ALLO or there is a software problem. Or a faulty board of course.

[@roquesoprano913]

Hans would you tell me wich OS have to request in the usbridge ? I only use Flac files in Foobar2000 , and Spotify premium? (maybe Jriver or Audirvana in future)

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

If I don't use Roon (Ropieee), I use Volumio.

[@roquesoprano913]

@@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel Thank you very much !

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

👍🏻

[@danielkaminski7962]

Please test combo allo isolator + hifiberry digi+pro ifi ipower by bnc vs allo digione by bnc look like its 2 best spdif solution for SBC.

[@Csaboo]

Hi Hans, thank you for another informative review! I've purchased a Chord 2Qute recently and I'm feeding it with the Allo DigiOne through SPDIF. Would it make sense in your opinion to switch to USB using the USBridge? Some owners of this DAC claimed on forums that USB is the best input to use...

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

I have no hands-on experience with the 2Qute, so I can't say for sure. But in general with equipment in this price bracket USB Audio Class 2 - like the DigiOne - does give better audio quality.

[@Csaboo]

Did you mean DigiOne or USBridge? You wrote USB so I'm a bit confused.

[@karolyrab8646]

@@Csaboo Szia Csaba Miközben a videókat néztem az Allo Usbridge-ről, beleütköztem a kommentedbe. Tudom, már 3 éve történt, azért gondoltam megkérdezem, hogy időközben szert tettél e egy Allo Usbridge-re? Ez a téma így, 3 év elteltével érint engem. A cél ugyanaz, egy Chord 2qute-ot szeretnék meghajtani vele a "füles" rendszeremben. Ha esetleg igen, én csak a tapasztalatodra lennék kiváncsi az Allo Digione ellenében. A nagy rendszeremben pi/pi2aes van, ahol is az aes kimenetet használom az Yggdrasil-hoz. Válaszod előre is köszönöm. Üdvözlettel Károly

[@SteveHorne]

If my DAC supports both USB and S/PDIF, and I was going to use either the USBridge or the Allo Signature, which would be a better choice?

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

It all depends on how well USB and SPDIF are implemented in your DAC. My guess would be that USB is the better option.

[@victorcheung2868]

I bought the Allo usbridge too. Can I set up my Allo without monitor and keyboard?

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

As said in the video, you do need to connect a keyboard and monitor for installation. After that, both both become obsolete.

[@victorcheung2868]

Thanks for you reply . I actually found a way that you don’t need a keyboard and monitor .

[@吹波堂]

@@victorcheung2868 How to install without keyboard and monitor?

[@alkerion75]

Hello Hans. What do you think about the new Mac Mini USB output sound quality vs Allo USB Bridge or SMS200 Ultra? Thank you

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

I have not reviewed the new Mac Mini but my guess is you're far better off using the SMS200 Ultra. Or, rather, I would bet a good bottle of single malt Scotch whisky on it.

[@alkerion75]

@@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel Thank you for your quick answer. :-)

[@longdaysandhardworkatramra8260]

one thing i did get from the video is that the digi+ boards for raspberry-pi have a 44,1 and 48khz "clock oscillators", would that mean they don't receive 96and 192khz?

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

No, they run at a multiple of 44.1 and 48 kHz and those frequencies are devided by a lower integer to get higher sampling rates. Working this way results in a better clock signal than using a single frequency and divide that to 44.1 or 48 kHz of their multiples.

[@jeanbond6503]

Great review as usual Hans. How do you compare the Aries Mini versus the Allo USBridge regarding only the audio quality from the usb output ? Thanks

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

If the quality of the USB output is the only criterium, I would go for the Allo USBridge. Keep in mind that the Aries Mini also offers software and an app (iOS only). If you go for the Allo, you have to use an app like piCorePlayer or Volumio or the Roon Bridge.

[@jeanbond6503]

I feel (very well) aware of the differences between The Mini and the USBridge because of your HB reviews. I am looking for a small "audiophile" DLNA renderer controled by JRemote and Spotify for my set N°2 :) I have JRiver running on a remote PC Server The Aries mini could be the most compact solution with its internal Dac (but not the best audio quality) I have an "old" Teac UD 501 that could be re-used with the aries ... or with the USBridge. Aries recently annonced they have Spotify connect available ...and USBridge has RaspSpotify it remains to know how easy can you switch from Jriver to Spotify on each device. The best solution would probably to have a USBridge + 2Qute Chord (Compact + Audio quality) and resell the Teac Dac. ? (but it is quite more expensive) My set 2 is located in my kitchen for pleasent listenning ... (Set 2= Nytech CTA 252 + Jean Marie Reynaud Micromega + Silent PC with origeane TouchScreen running Windows 10 optimized => (to be replaced)) Thanks again Hans for sharing your audio feelings

[@MichaelGreco]

Thanks so much for the video! Do you know if you could stream using roon to decode then this device plugged into a dragonfly or ifi idsd black label for rendering? From limited research I can't find much on the subject

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

Yes, you can.

[@ClassifiedBrief]

Just to clarify do you think the allousb is better or worse overall than the more expensive sotm 200? I understand the sotm 200 ultra is what you have now and think is by far the best, but what about the basic 200 vs allousb? Trying to decide which to buy.

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

In absolute sense the SOtM is better, whether that will be audible depends on your situation.

[@ClassifiedBrief]

I have a 25k USD system....but I dont have the funds for the ultra atm. Thinking about a used 200 for 350 USD or the 150 USD usballo.

[@audiostuff2947]

Hello Hans. do you have any recommandation using the usb brige ( with dietpi OS installed ) as endpoint/renderer besids with roon? I´m looking for application to use the usb bridge hooked up via router to laptop ( as mediaserver) , to play my audio files. Any advise? Thx&regards

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

I would go for the Squeezebox emulation. You need to install Logitech Media Server (LMS) on the laptop (support.logitech.com/en_us/article/6026) and have DietPi install SqueezeLite on the USBridge.

[@audiostuff2947]

LMS and Softsqueeze install is done & Squeezlite in enabled on Dietpi ( via Putty SSH). Further advise how do I get the USB Bridge ditected from my Laptop ? It´s shown up via IP in the router menü .....Or is an Monitorscreen needed to be attached to the USB Brigde to do so? Thx PS: I slowly begin to understand why it´s a pain in the ass

[@audiostuff2947]

Logically the USB Bridge It must be recognized by LMS I guess?

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

@@audiostuff2947 It should be recognized automatically. Goto forums.slimdevices.com for support.

[@bratsson]

Hello. When will you try the Singxer SU-1 USB bridge with I2S output/input on a nice dac?

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

Sure, if you send me one.😃 I don't know how to get a review sample from them.

[@bratsson]

The Hans Beekhuyzen Channel hehe well I was planning to buy one when you have reviewed it and said it's the best thing you've ever heard 😎 I'm supporting you thru patreon, 1$ month. So in 10 years or so you can take that money and buy one 😂👍 Thanx for great reviews Hans.

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

Be careful with internet hypes. You might better wait the 10 years to be sure😄. Thanks for your support👍🏻

[@pierrefalgayrac1040]

USBridge + U-XMOS192 on coax (digital In) Emotiva BasX MC-700 = no sound. Why ?

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

Apart from the usbridge I don’t know your equipment so I really cannot say.

[@pierrefalgayrac1040]

U-XMOS 192 is USB digital interface from Audiophonics (France ), out up to 24/192. Emotiva BasX MC-700 is digital preampli with DAC. S/PDIF coax accept stereo audio at sample rates up to 24/192. USBridge sees XMOS (command lsusb).

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

I know what they are but I have no experience with them.

[@IvicaMarusevic]

USBridge manual suggests power supply of 3A and Ifi is rated at 2.5A. You did not run in to problems with Ifi supply?

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

I didn't talk about the iFi power supply, I did mention the iFi USB reconditioners.

[@IvicaMarusevic]

Thank you for the reply, but at 3:0 in this video you say "I use Ifi wallwart" and picture appears so I thought you have actually used it

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

Sorry, I tried to answer too many comments in too little time. I did not use the iFi power supply but I did use the sBooster BOTW that is 5VDC 1.7A and that did not give any problems.

[@IvicaMarusevic]

Interesting, since USBridge manual warns that one could run in problems using 1.8A supply or less

[@IvicaMarusevic]

OK. Have you tried powering Sparky independently?

[@shomesaha]

Hello Sir, I did an experiment of connecting Allo Usbridge [ Roon end point] through ethernet directly to the PC with roon core [ Static IP configuration on both units]. The results are truly astounding. The sound fields are much relaxed. I think you can try the same with any streamer that you own to play your stored music. I doubt after this improvement , will the Usb generators will make any further changes. Offcoarse you have the bridge your Lan connections to get the Tidal.

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

Yes, that can be beneficiary, depending on the gear used. But not too many people will have a computer that has two ethernet ports, let alone know how to set up an ethernet connection with a RPi using fixed IP addresses. But those that do might try it.

[@shomesaha]

If you are using a Windows PC and Allo UsBridge its pretty simple. As , with the new Interface of Allo , if you go under systems , you have an option to chose static IP. You need not run linux commands. But the benifits you get is substantial. I would like to request you to try it and compare the performance.

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

You know what: I'll forward all questions regarding this to you😉. I know how to do it as do you. But many 'normal' people don't have a clue, believe me. But hey, if they read it here and got stuck.....

[@dainawilburn2390]

I have my Allo USBridge, connected via Ethernet with a fixed IP Address to my router. My music sits on a hard drive connected to a Windows laptop. Unfortunately, my Windows laptop has no actual Ethernet ports, though I used the last USB port to place an Ethernet/USB adapter there for the laptop, from the router as well. In past iterations of my setup, I have done exactly this, mostly however because, the laptop also housed my player. Interesting idea. I have been using computer audio since 1999, and my files are organized by genre - my genres, artist, album and song, just the way I like them. I know where each of my 25,000 files are - but this is also why I'm not a fan of Roon. I tried it - I entered the forums, and learned that some of the really nice things they do are a result of how they capture and organize your files. But that is inconsequential to me. I just want to be able to see my files where I put them, and I can't get that with Roon. I didn't really realize this until recently, but not many people put the time and effort into organizing their own files, but maybe because I go so far back, I had to at first. So, for some, any organizational scheme is better than theirs. But not for me. So, unfortunately, no Roon for me, but Squeezelite, which I've used off and on for 12 years allows me to keep my files in my order. And have been quite happy with it. I've also used Volumio, Foobar and others along the way, but I keep coming back to LMS and Squeezelite because I also have a Model 2 Sqeezebox in my bedroom and a Raspberry Pi running Squeezelite in my kitchen, and they are also both happy with LMS and/or Squeezelite.

[@vedesh4185]

Nice video!

[@BenX74]

Any chance to make this an 24/192 Echo Cast endpoint for Amazon Music HD?

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

I wouldn't know

[@BenX74]

@@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel Thanks for your answer - do you know of such an endpoint that has USB out or at least optical? I think it's a pity that the only solution for this right now seems to be the Echo Link for a whopping $199 when Google did the same thing with the Chromecast Audio for a fraction of the cost. Unfortunately Chromecast can play Amazon Music only in standard resolution. Even more unfortunate: The newly announced Echo products still only have 3,5mm jack for audio output.

[@zzmadd]

is it worth using the AUDIOPHONICS Linear Regulated Low Noise Power Supply USB 5V 3.5A 25VA instead of the iFi iPower? It's just a few bucks more. Thanks

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

My review is here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gpDMaYiKlpmlrZY

[@zzmadd]

Thanks for the video link. I'm thinking of getting the Allo USBridge and Audiophonics LPS combo. What player would you use? Volumio? I have currently been on a MacMini + Audirvana. The Mini didn't quite play but Audirvana 3.1 is really nice. Or should I go down the network Audio path? It requires a different budget compared to the Allo USBridge.

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

Hard to say, it all depends on your personal preferences, your stereo, your budget. I can't help you further than I did, apart from saying that for as far as the equipment I have reviewed is concerned, more money buys you more quality. But what quality you find sufficient, I can't tell.

[@zzmadd]

Thanks a lot for you reply. In fact, you did help me with your reviews!

[@zzmadd]

Have one more question. Can something like the Allo Digione be used as a network audio player driven by Audirvana? In other words, I'm more scared of the software side (Volumio and others, not being interested in Linux per se), of these new audio options. I'm used to finished software products. Micro Rendu and others can act as that, is there a Raspberry Pi software distribution that just does UPnP/DLNA? Volumio does it and Moode Audio does it too, has to be seen if it technically works and if it then sounds properly.

[@bbsoyer]

Hello sir, is sonore microrendu so better than usbridge?

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

Watch my review at kzbin.info/www/bejne/aIm1mmyrqbN1opY

[@edincleve1955]

Hi Hans Thanks for another great review. I saw the USBrdge on the Allo website, but was leery of it because of the Sparky instead of the RPi board. I ordered the Allo Digione after your review of it, but haven't received it yet. I'm now looking for a "reasonably priced" DAC. What do you know about Audio-gd R2R (R2R 1 or R2R 2), the Denafrips Ares R2R or the Gustard X20 Pro with an ESS 9028?

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

+Ed Incleve I can only comment on products I have reviewed. Sorry.

[@MrStig1978]

Hello Hans, you keep talking about how vital the PSU is and the brands you got in stock. I got limited space around my setup, and came across the wyred4sound PS-1 Modular Linear Power Supply, which has 4 power outputs, very smart i think. Because then i could hook up my NUC (with ROON)/8 port sw/chromecast/and a forth device. But how does it sound? I´f you could find the time to take a closer look at that product, that would be great. And last but not least - Keep up the good work! - Saw the post about the amount of work that goes into making a weekly spot. And I know it´s Friday wen I get a new video from you.

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

I am fully booked for the coming time so I won't review the W4S PSU - or at lease not soon. But I have reviewed another W4S product, including a single power supply and that gave a very good impression.

[@victorcheung2868]

Can I use this to build a high quality cd ripper device ?

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

You can do anything with small computers like the Allo Sparky, but you do need quite some knowledge to program it to do ripping. I know of no ready to use solution to do this with the gear reviewed here.

[@audiostuff2947]

Hello - Can the USB brigde just be shutted down via unplugging the power supply after a day of use? Or is keyboard and screen needed to do so ?

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

Just unplug it if you want. I leave it on all the time.

[@audiostuff2947]

Okay- This would suit to people who have all their geart branchet to a power socket bar or conditioner with switch of button.

[@amathewk]

I am curious how this compares to the microrendu. There is a great difference in price but I wonder if the recent rapid increase in solutions/technology in this space makes the usbridge competitive with the microrendu.

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

Well, the best I know is the sMS-200 Ultra. Whether the quality of the USBridge is sufficient for you, I can't tell, but I rank is about just below the standard sMS-200 (the one without the 'Ultra' behind the name) when used with a proper power supply.

[@johnratcliffe6438]

Curious why you didn't make the obvious comparison between Allo DigiOne and the Allo USB Bridge? No-one cares about comparisons with SOTM products that are so much more expensive. It would be useful for people to know which of those two Allo products provided the best SQ - easy for you to do since they are both Roon capable, both can use the exact same system and source and only the output to the DAC differs.

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

Andrew gave an apt answer. Regarding the SOtM's: perhaps I can judge more accurate what's interesting for my viewers. I receive their comments and mail and read them all. John, let's try to communicate politely, I want to keep this a friendly place.

[@victorcheung2868]

Can you give the name of the power supply?

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

What power supply? The one I used during the review? That's the iFi iPower 5V, as I said in the video.

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

😂

[@dainawilburn2390]

Hello again Hans. I wanted to give you an update on playing MQA files through a player other than Roon on the Allo USBridge, with the Pro -Ject Pre Box S2 Digital. I have previously written you about trying to play MQA files through an Allo USBridge with a Pro-Ject Pre Box S2 Digital, using Squeezelite. Whether it was using the Tidal Plug within Squeezelite or playing MQA files off my own server, previously downloaded from 2L, I have not been able to play these back in MQA quality. They play as 44.1khz files and the light does not come on, on my S2 Digital. I have sought help from Pro-Ject, from Allo, and from the Logitech Media Server forum and from you. No one has an answer though they have tried. I have verified that all LMS settings are correct, and I've verified that I have the latest version of firmware for the DAC. So, I tried Volumio. On the Allo and on my Raspberry Pi box that I was using before buying the Allo, SAME EXACT RESULT. I've been streaming music through computers for almost 20 years. I have used numerous music players and DAC's since 2006. I'm not exactly a newbie or a "Normal" person, as you call them. I NEED SOME HELP AND I'M COMING TO YOU BECAUSE YOU TOLD ME SPECIFICALLY THAT THIS DAC, BEING A DECODING AND RENDERING DAC, WOULD ALLOW ME TO PLAY MQA FILES, WITHOUT THE NEED FOR SPECIFIC SOFTWARE, LIKE THE TIDAL DESKTOP APP, OR ROON - THAT SQUEEZELITE SHOULD PLAY THESE FILES. IT DOESN'T! AND NEITHER DOES VOLUMIO. I'm about to send the DAC back, although I doubt that is the problem, and, against my own sensibilities, write a negative review about Allo, LMS, Volumio, Pro-Ject and you because of this fiasco, which I totally do not want to do! I am a Patreon supporter. HELP ME!! Every one of the other sources have had me check all the settings available. I have. IT IS NOT WORKING!!

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

Daina, I have just spent over an hour checking whether my findings were right. They are. You mentioned Volumio: worked like a charm sending MQA files to the Meridian Explorer2 and the Mytek Brooklyn (I had the Pro-ject on loan and returned it already). In both cases the MQA signal was detected by the DACs. So you either have a defective device or have a setting wrong. I really can't help you with that (not even if you SHOUT like you do above). I give you free reviews but can't afford to do personal assistance. I would suggest you return the Pro-ject if you can and consider buying either a Bluesound Node 2 (the easiest to work with) or the Cocktail Audio N15D. Both do MQA and sound great. Watch kzbin.info/www/bejne/gWHPk5ebebhgfK8, kzbin.info/www/bejne/nnSWgHh-gZZ_p9E and kzbin.info/www/bejne/aGSmYqqZm9uld5I.

[@dainawilburn9710]

Oh, Hans, I really expected more. You indicated that the Pro-Ject with Squeezelite would work. It didn't. Now, it could be that I simply have a defective DAC. Since it plays everything else and since it is the latest firmware rev. I doubt that, but I AM going to send it back. But you must not have read my latest post very carefully - I tried the same thing with Volumio earlier today, since I already had it, and I tried it on both the Allo and my (now extra) Raspberry Pi, double checking all the settings and it did not work either, on either. I can tell you are not accustomed to getting negative comments like the one I've given here. I assure you, I'm not accustomed to giving them! But, in case you've forgotten, in another post I asked you about this exact set up that I now have - Allo USBridge with Squeezelite - would it work? - and you assured me it would - that it did, but it appears that you only tried Volumio on a Meridian. I could be very angry about that, but I already suspected you had not actually tried this combination. But, it is the basis for my decision to buy both the Allo and the Pro-Ject. You appeared to know quite a bit more about these lesser known semi diy streamers within the audiophile community. Now, I'm really not so sure. Your "don't blame me attitude" instead of just comparing settings and anything else, has definitely earned your loss of my Patreon support. I help people with things like this and other audio related issues all the time - if they become unhappy with something we talked about, I try to help them get to the bottom of the issue, not throw up my hands and say "must be your settings or a defective device - I can't help you". That is really a cop out and loses a great deal of the respect I had obtained from you. We all make mistakes, and if it turns out, I blundered something terribly I will be the first to say it, but I would not be here saying this, if I had not checked with multiple, multiple sources. But at the same time, it's incumbent upon you to do the same. I can send this back so, I'm not holding you responsible for the money spent. This isn't yelling - this was me telling you that at age 62, I've been around the block many times, I had consulted with all other sources, and had mentioned you with much esteem. We were ALL waiting for your response. I needed your help! And I got none. I'll pass that along. Very disappointed.

[@dainawilburn2390]

Hi there, here is the final result of playing MQA files through the Allo USBridge into the decoding and rendering MQA DAC, the Pro-Ject Pre-Box S2 Digital, using Logitech Media Server as the player software. The Allo now ships with it's own GUI of DietPi software, a subset of the full DietPi configurator. This is now what Allo incudes in its instructions, to configure your Allo US Bridge. However, there still is the original terminal based DietPi Configuration software, which has a lot more settings. After trying everything everyone told me to try without success, I decided to go into the original DietPi software - I'd looked at it before, but had not edited anything. My thought was that there was some other setting in DietPi that was preventing me from playing a local MQA file as I'd long before verified all the settings in the DAC and the Logitech Media Server. I played files while making one small change at a time, while also looking at the output of the file in the DietPi software, to determine if it was in fact showing the resolution it perported to be. About 4 levels deep in the Audio section, I made another very small change after trying others and changing them back, and it started playing DSD files, which it had also been unable to do. The next file started and I glanced over at the DAC and for the first time, MQA displayed. If anyone ever needs this information I have screen shots of it all. I am finally playing MQA files. Locally. NOW, as for playing MQA through Tidal, without the Tidal Desktop application or Roon or something else it has been verified to work with, this does not work. And I have verified this with the top people in the LMS forum - it's a non starter at this point. So, my Tidal plugin from within Logitech Media Server does not pass MQA such that the Pro-Ject can decode and render MQA correctly. I don't know the technical details surrounding this. I did not try this with Volumio as I don't have a Tidal Plug in for it. By the way, I also did try to play back local MQA files through a Raspberry Pi, with Volumio and that worked without a hitch, long before I got the Allo/LMS set up to work. If you are a Roon user, you will not have this issue with Tidal because Tidal through Roon HAS been verified to work. And there are other streamers and software combinations that are said to work with Tidal through their apps. But for now, Logitech Media Server is not one of them. I believe this is the same for Volumio, but did not verify this, but from what I have read within its forums and on its new MyVolumio site, this is going to be reserved for people who subscribe to MyVolumio. I was under the impression that if the player software and other devices in the chain could pass bit perfect audio to a DAC that could both decode and render MQA, such as the Pro-Ject, then this would be all I needed to play back MQA from an app like Tidal. And I think others thought the same thing. And it makes logical sense, but this is not necessarily the case, so choose your player wisely. If I was a Roon fan, I would have already switched, but I'm not. And LMS works better for my multiple streamers. So, for the time being, I CAN play local MQA files that I own, but not through Tidal.

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

Just for my own reference I have now tested MQA on a Raspberry Pi/Volumio combo, a Raspberry Pi/Ropieee combo, a Raspberry Pi/piCorePlayer combo, a Sparky USBridge/Volumio combo AND an original Squeezebox that I finally recovered from the vaults of my past. The all played back MQA without any problem on the Mytek Brooklyn and the Meridian Explorer 2. I could not find a ready to use image of Squeezelite for the Sparky, so I suppose you installed Linux first and then installed Squeezelite to it. That is a recipe for disaster unless you a quite experienced with Linux. Purposely stay away from this in all my videos and only talk about ready to use images.

[@dainawilburn2390]

The Hans Beekhuyzen Channel . Hi Hans. As you know the Allo USBridge comes with Diet Pi. You installed it yourself for your review. Many apps are available for it including Roon, and Logitech Media Server. That is how I got LMS on the Allo. I believe you mentioned using Roon through the Diet Pi. As I mentioned, after going deep into the DietPi software configuration app, I found one setting preventing it from playing MQA with Squeezelite. I changed it and, as I said, it now works. FYI, Allo includes a new Diet Pi GUI that came with my USBridge that they did not offer when you reviewed it. It's a subset of the full configuration app. It does not give you access to this part of the configuration app to see this setting, or to change it. Anyway, I figured it out. And as I said, I also got MQA to work with Volumio on a Raspberry Pi, with no issues. So far, I have not been able to stream Masters from Tidal, using the Tidal plugin for Squeezelite. I'm told by various reliable sources that this does not happen, for now. This appears to be the one issue remaining - getting it to stream MQA (Masters) through the Tidal app that is a plug-in for LMS. Have not tried this for Volumio on the Pi.

[@ladevinette]

GUI crash most of the time, The support doesn't have clue about the issue and if you wanna have a less than average quality you have to pay extra , "my volumio", it got nothing to do with audiophile quality , roon bridge quality is only CD , even mp3 files are up sampled to CD , I just used it for one month and then through away it away (200€ in garbage) , they just have great publicity to make believe they are selling audiophile quality software and units

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

Your experience differs clearly from mine....

[@arthurwatts1680]

Hans, can this channel simply rape your content, presumably without your permission ? kzbin.info/www/bejne/b6S2d3lsf7CMm9k I dont know what YT's rules are in relation to this, but I would have thought that simply linking to your original vid would have been the limit of what they could do with your content. Thoughts ?

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

Arthur Watts: thanks for reporting it to me. No that is not allowed. Everyone is free to 'embed' the video, ie placing a link on another place on the web like their own site in a way that for the visiter it looks like the video is published on that site. But in fact it than is a port hole that shows the original KZbin video. In this case the video was downloaded from KZbin and republished again and that is illegal. I won't get payed that way for adds Google places. I have reported the video to KZbin and - as I know from earlier experiences - the video will be removed quickly while the illegal publisher will be warned. Again thanks.