Allo USBridge Signature network player and network bridge

[@anklebar1]

Thank you for including all the tech info in your videos. I am a diy audio guy and I need to hear these types of reviews to learn more!

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

Glad you like them!

[@jakesully1352]

Thank you for this detailed explanation and review. As always your reviews are clear, high quality and to the point. Really appreciate your efforts.

[@cryptout]

This one is on my wishlist! Thanks for the review.

[@cryptout]

I just don’t understand why Allo uses usb as power input instead I would like to see a barrel connection.

[@willemvdg9557]

I bought it a few weeks ago with the Nirvana power supply and DietPi installed. I like it very much, although I must say that I expected a much larger difference with the old AirPort Express that I used (Airplay via optical) - from 2008!! The sound is more detailed, specially the bass. I have installed Volumio for Spotify Connect support, maybe I’ll try MoOde later. Still experimenting with the USBridgeSig and the Nirvana earth connectors. Equipment: NAD D 3045 and Driade 71 II speakers. Thank you Hans!

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

There always must be a balance between the qualities of equipment to get the full quality....

[@chrisladouceur4093]

Nirvana performs much better than Shanti from my experience. Switchers just have more potential than linears when the proper R&D goes into it. Give it a decade and I don’t think anyone in audio will be buying linears anymore

[@colindownes7438]

A little disappointed that very little was said about the sound quality. A vague comparison to your memory of the SoTM SMS-200? Surely a better comparison would be to the more recently reviewed Project S2 Ultra which is conceptually very similar (custom board with RPi 3+ compute module). The Project review had a fairly detailed comparison to the higher end SMS-200 Ultra which I believe is a permanent part of the system; surely this could have been used here as well, even if just to show how good (or not) the USBridge Sig is.

[@lloll69]

Agree. Also want to know.. But since allo said it can compete with top models. In theory... It could. But will it?

[@colindownes7438]

@@lloll69 I am mainly disappointed because Hans is usually far more informative. His review of the SoTM units and the Pro-ject are, in my opinion, actually useful in deciding what to try.

[@DominicRutterford]

Look at the previous reviews Hans has made of Allo stuff. He has said this is an improvement on all the previous Allo stuff which he already rated highly. Plus remember as per my other comment: "I think this is a game changer. This allows you to make incremental upgrades for $10s-$100s without having to 'throw the baby out with the bath water' which you would have to with something like the Naim Uniti range et al."

[@lloll69]

Yes Dominic, in my opinion.. 500ish vs 800ish is still below 1k. Which is better as a usb box. To me a little more investment is still justified for my system. Sometimes.. Features vs sound as well, which one is more friendly to use. Which is consideration, but that is well covered.

[@IsaacChew]

I think Hans means to say that the Usbridge Signature is not comparable to the Sotm ultra neo. So he did not do the comparison. The usbridge signature is only tolerable in his setup 1 while the s2 ultra is 75% into his setup 1. So if I hear him correct (I could be wrong), he is telling us that s2 ultra is much better than the allo.

[@Thiago_TS_BR]

I do apreciate your review. Thanks !

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

My pleasure.

[@superrookie3377]

hi hans due to your utube channel video I added an shanti power supply and ordered it again. I am your youtube subscriber. I think the battery pack doesn't seem to have a big change in sound quality, so I ordered shanti that you recommended and also chose the volumio os and sd card. Thank you for good product introduction.

[@andreasbrekeling]

Hi Hans, did hou compared ten Sbooster 5v, 3a with the UsBridge S and Shanti too? In terms of price nog that much difference in the EU. Looping forward to your responsie

[@anandshah71]

It’s so confusion so many products Allo has what I should buy not easy I need a good DAC and Airplay to connect to my miniDSP 2x4hd and Hypex multiple power amps What Allo products I should get ? Currently using Apple TV with cheap hdmi to analog rca converter from amazon to my miniDSP

[@calvertbarba]

Hello Hans. Thanks for a very instructive video on the Allo USBridge Signature. I have added it to my setup (i.e. Yamaha S2100, Buchardt S400, MacMini, Tidal) with very noticeable and positive results.Maybe you can shed some light on some questions I have: 1) can the Allo USBridge Signature (or any other network player/bridge for that matter) accomodate video; I enjoy Tidal's video feature, as well as watching movies, through my stereo system, 2) I also got the Shanti power supply; should i connect the ground on both devices?, 3) would there be a difference between a wifi adapter vs ethernet cable on the Allo USBbridge, and 4) would replacing the Shanti power cord for a "HiFi" power cord make any difference on the sound? Thanks in advance.

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

1) it can do only audio. I can't give you advise on video equipment. 2) No, unless there is a hum from the speakers 3) That depends on how crowded the Wifi band is at your place 4) Only when the Shani is placed very close to audio leads

[@jaroslavbajcar667]

Hello ,you can install libreelec and Tidal plugin on Rpi (usbridge), then you can play sound and video from Tidal. I tested it on rpi3.

[@swimadamswim]

Hans - really keen to know your view on the Pro-ject S2 Ultra streambox and this unit. I'm about to feed a Chord Hugo TT2 for headphone listening and I'm really undecided in the 2 devices. Obviously the project is more expensive but is it much better ? Keen to know your opinion. Thanks

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

Please watch kzbin.info/www/bejne/eKuvnnZqo5d3jpY

[@brianw3822]

Very informative, on my wishlist as well.

[@jakubf8831]

And that`s a proper review.

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

Most kind. Thank you.

[@FroggyShave]

Great review! Thx I currently have a Pi3+Digione, would there be a better sound quality solution available as of today? Would the pi4+usb bridge signature be much better?

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

The Raspberry Pi doesn't define the quality. If you want a better one, watch this playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PLMbsmejHnP8HQVuvO_xSXAPmV1CVswsvi

[@tlathrop7753]

what do you think about quality/electrical noise from android phone's USB out to external DAC vs something like Allo USBmini vs Mac mini? Will phone streamer outperform at least mac mini? of course it might vary phone to phone but what's the general trend?

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

I think nothing of it since I have no hands-on experience with them.

[@tlathrop7753]

@@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel please try it let us know your thoughts. I've been using it and in my listening I've found it sounding way better than from MacBook.

[@maartenvalk3446]

Dear Hans, thanks for this nice review! I have a question regarding the setup, as I'm considering to upgrade. Would an IFI iPower be sufficient to power this USBridge Signature, although an IFI is rated 2,5A instead of the 3A from the recommended Shanti? And I mean the USBridge Signature without the hat.

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

I'm not sure. It probably will work but I am not sure how reliable it will be. You could consider the Allo Shanty PSU. It's higher priced but offers a separate 5V power for the audio board.

[@maartenvalk3446]

@@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel Thanks Hans, I'll try when I upgrade as I have the IFI iPower already for my current setup.

[@nickvankreij1626]

Maarten Valk wat waren je resultaten met en zonder de ifi ?

[@roquesoprano913]

@@maartenvalk3446 could you share your experience using the ifi power with the usbridge ? Thanks in advance

[@dershed]

Is there any way to connect an HDD or SSD directly to this player, or would I need to get the DigiOne player instead?

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

You can use the USB's on the front.

[@dershed]

Thanks for clarifying Hans. Love the channel BTW, I'm pretty new to the world of digital streaming and your videos have been an invaluable source of information.

[@bobdupuy5910]

@@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel Or the back.

[@hugojanssen7271]

Hello Hans, in the video you are talking about a review of the Allo Shanti power supply which will be posted later (about 5:05 in the video). Where can I find this review?

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

Still ‘in my head’, I’m afraid.

[@eViperRabbit]

Thank you for another great video. Can you please share your views about how the Allo USBridge Signature compares with the Melco N-100.

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

Are you serious? You might watch the Melco review again at kzbin.info/www/bejne/haKwqaNrod2ci5Y

[@eViperRabbit]

@@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel sorry I didn't make myself clear. I was referring to the sound quality.

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

So was I

[@eViperRabbit]

@@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel if I understand correctly, Melco would be in your reference setup 1 while Allo would be in setup 2 or lower setup 1. You prefer the Auralic G2 to the Melco.

[@BigFarm_ah365]

What would be the advantage of adding a DigiOne Signature to the USBridge Signature when I can use the DigiOne Signature plus Raspberry Pi without USBridge Signature? Aside from the metal case that we never got.

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

audio over SPDIF in stead of USB. It depends on your DAC whether one is better over the other.

[@eespinosa64]

Another great video. Question, can I connect my DAP, which can also be used as a DAC, on this device?

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

I wouldn’t know.

[@eespinosa64]

@@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel Thank you. I just bought your book. Looking forward to reading it. Just wish it was compatible with my Kindle Paperwhite.

[@evenaicantfigurethisout]

A vanilla rpi4 streamer costs 5 times less than the USbridge. Given that a proper dac already cleans up the signal coming out of the USB connection, is there really any reason to spend 5 times more on the usbridge?

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

If a Honda Civic drives as good as a Ferrari, is there really any reason to buy a Ferrari?

[@robcaputo9708]

Hi I am getting funds together to upgrade my dac to a Venus 11. Would this streamer be enough?

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

A streamer is ‘never enough ‘. Buy the best one you can afford.

[@gregedwards7791]

Which software would you recommend that is offered by Allo for the USBridge Signature? Thanks again for your review and all your efforts in helping the audio user.

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

I would personally go for Volumio. But, again, it’s really personal.

[@gregedwards7791]

Thank you. I am a novice to this equipment and really appreciate your expertise. THANKS AGAIN. GREG@@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel

[@runeandersen9935]

Is it possible to connect this to my network by wifi, and if so, would it degenerate the SQ using wifi? I have a Uptone Audio USB Regen, would the SQ be "better" if I install this between the Allo and my Dac? Thanks

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

It is impossible to predict how you will experience it in your situation. If all is well, it should improve the sound quality.

[@vicluu8026]

Hi Hans, how does the USB port of the Usbridge signature compared to the USB port of the new Raspberry Pi 4B ? Thanks for your video though :)

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

A lot better!

[@haroldm4600]

Hello Hans. You have stated that the USBridge Signature may be used to play locally stored files with a usb hdd connected to the usb ports labeled “Wifi/BT”. Responses from Allo on their support website in the thread entitled “ALLO USBridge Signature” state that this is not recommended because the components of this device are not Galvanically isolated and it could introduce noise into the usb bus that could affect the usb output and consequently the analog output. Would you have any thoughts on this? Have you used the USBridge Signature in this way and made any objective or subjective observations as to whether this is a concern? Is there a better solution? Thanks.

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

It depends on how critical you are. And if you are, you might use a device that cleans up the USB channel.

[@HoopsnGitfiddles]

Newbie question: If my DAC/re/amp/speakers are not in a place where I can run ethernet, how does the Allo player connect to the network? Does it come with a WiFi adaptor?

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

No, there is no wifi hardware on the USBridge Sig. Perhaps the wifi dongle might work: allo.com/sparky/usb-wifi-dongle.html.

[@saverioricchiuto5386]

Hi Hans, going back and forth between your various reviews of streamers in this price range...I’m really looking forward for your review of the Shanti LPS because I’m positive that’s where you’ll add more info. The direct question I would like to ask is: do you think USB Bridge Signature+Shanti reaches “75-80% of your SMS 200 Ultra Neo with SBooster” in sound quality in your Setup n.1? (Quoting you from the Project S2 Ultra review) Thanks a lot, your work has no equivalent on this social!

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

TheUSBridge is rather good for the money but for me it gives no more than 50% of the sMS-200 Ultra Neo.

[@saverioricchiuto5386]

Thanks for this video Hans. From a pure sound quality perspective, should someone have a DAC with both SPDIF and USB inputs and willing to enter the streamers world using internet streaming services only, would you suggest to go for USB Bridge signature or Digi One signature? Or is there a reason to go for the combined option?

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

Watch the wrap again...

[@saverioricchiuto5386]

Thanks Hans, and I did listen carefully...but that’s why I need more insight: my fault as you usually are crystal clear. Probably is the lack of comparison with other products that doesn’t help me. Here’s what confuses me: - “...if your DAC doesn’t have a USB input, you can add the Digione Signature to it that has SPDIF output...” do you mean that this combo would be better than Digione Signature alone? (Otherwise why buy USB bridge signature if I have a SPDIF-only DAC?) - when you address this point in your video (immediately before the wrap) you actually say that SPDIF over the combo is better than Digione Signature on the original RPi, but what I don’t get is: (i) is it because of the different design of the computer board? (ii) is it because of the Shanti power supply? (Or did you re-tested Digione on RPi with Shanti too?) - is this difference worth the extra 497€ (at least to your ears)? This relates to my original question and the following one - “...there are DACs that sound better over SPDIF...”: what was your own preference, with your own DAC during this review? I fear that could be the case several times, so one may wonder “why did I spend twice as much as if I went for DigiOne Signature alone?”

[@jimmyglasscock8851]

@@saverioricchiuto5386 I think I know where you are coming from. He mentions the physical distance between the hat board on the PI3 and PI4 indicating the 4 generates more "noise" than the 3. I have the Allo Signature and use SPIF to my DAC. I was thinking going the USB route, but he also said that differences in DACS may change the SQ between USB and SPIF. I also cobbled a PI4 with a Jitterbug feeding my DAC via USB, and it's okay but not as clean as the Signature via SPIF. I may get a ribbon cable and physically separate the PI4 feeding the two boards that I now use on the SIG just to see how that sounds still using the SPIF. Hope this helps.

[@swimadamswim]

Hans - really good video and so helpful and informative. Thank you for doing this. Big 👍's up.

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@kaifa76]

Hi Hans. This seems very similar to the Project StreamBox Ultra. Did you make any comparison?

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

No, I don’t have the Streambox Ultra anymore.

[@kaifa76]

And by heart?

[@dershed]

The Darko Audio website compared the S2 Ultra with S-Booster PS to the original USBridge a few months back and liked the Streambox better, but it didn't sound like there was a massive difference. I would imagine that with the audio board improvements in the new Sig, and assuming that a linear PS is used, that whatever gap there was in SQ has been closed, or is now narrow enough that to make a mockery of 2.5x cost differential between the two devices.

[@kaifa76]

shupadupa the allo usbridge sig + lps is around €450, the streambox s2 ultra costs €599. Where is the mockery?

[@dershed]

@@kaifa76 Sorry, it sounds like the difference is not nearly as bad in Europe, although still significant. In the US, the USBridge Sig w/ Shanti is $398, while the Streambox Ultra retails for $849, so maybe not quite 2.5x but pretty close.

[@rolem5520]

Thank you Hans, nicely done. Can you or anyone tell me what is output from the HDMI port? I am going to use a HDD and was wondering if I'll be able to read it's contents from the HDMI port. If it doesn't display the HDD files, what does it display?

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

You can't get useable audio data from HDMI since it is copyright protected. It is only readable using a special chip that is not available to consumers.

[@rolem5520]

Thanks for your reply but it doesn't make any sense to me. I am asking what data is the HDMI designed to provide to the user from the Allo USBridge? What will I see after I connect the Allo USBridge to the Rev DAC on the HDMI output. Thanks for your help.

[@jimmyglasscock8851]

@@rolem5520 I have that same question. Since it is a Pi based affair, maybe Linux code ? Would be nice if it displayed Volumio. Mine is on the way, so I will let you know after experimenting with it.

[@zimbra67]

Thank you for your information. Can I connect an external hdd to wifi/bt usb ports?

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

Yes.

[@petereckert5542]

Do you have also Problems With dropouts? I can Not run the usbbridge

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

I have no problems.

[@nwestmoreland1]

Has anyone heard that Allo is no longer providing support for their products? They are no longer responding to the dedicated support forum they direct you to on their website and when you have a problem with a Rasberry Pi product like this, you definitely need tech support. Hoping this is temporary as I love my USBridge Signature but afraid I will have to move on to a new streamer.

[@nakfan]

Thanks for the review 😊The SD card reader can be ordered with eMMC card functionality which should improve speed / reliability. Nice if you could test this some time. BR, Per

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

I honestly don't see why I should use eMMC. the DS card works fine and I hear no difference with eMMC (which I have tried with the eMMC module that came from Allo).

[@PhatdudeAlfa]

Would this with Digi one signature and the Allo katana dac be good as used together for roon Pi ?

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

I haven't tried, but since the HAT board extension is supposed to work like on a 'normal' Raspberry Pi, I think it will.

[@PhatdudeAlfa]

@@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel k thanks I was wondering should I just get the bluesound powernode 2i it has better support plays mqa and is roon compatible ?

[@connorduke4619]

Aren't audiophile Switching PSUs more suitable for digital devices like streamers, than Linear PSUs?

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

It's not that straight forward. It depends on how well the SMPSU is filtered. Or how well the LPSU is capable delivering current fast. But in general I might agree with you.

[@anhy10ful]

Is it RoonReady or RoonBridge? Hope it's a RoonReady because my Elac Discovery Music Server does not recognize RoonBridge. Thanks

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

As far as I know both terms mean the same. What Roon ridge was not recognised?

[@furiososso]

Thank you Hans.

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

👍🏼

[@trun1979]

Is there a USB WiFi dongle for the USbridge that anyone can recommend?

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

I use the dual band version offered by Allo.com: allo.com/sparky/acc-connectivity.html

[@SteveHorne]

Great review, Hans! Question: I have a Schiit Yggdrasil DAC which has both S/PDIF and USB inputs and I'm currently using an Allo DigiOne Signature with the S/PDIF input. Do you think the upgrade to the USBridge Signature would give me a better result?

[@nakfan]

cdgames from Allo mentioned this in the diyAudio Shanti thread and hinted that the SQ difference probably not equals the money difference as the Digione Signature is pretty well isolated. As Hans Beekhuyzen also comments in this review. Check out the diyAudio Shanti thread for lots of info. BR, Per

[@P194-s3i]

Steve, I think it would make a difference. One of Schiit audio's biggest strength is their usb interface. Mike Moffet developed 'Unison USB' and he directly claims it is better than SPDIF and I believe that it might even be better than I2S. I know you commented on this a year ago, but did you ever upgrade? I'm considering getting the Yggdrasil for it's USB capabilities and i'm also thinking about getting the Allo USBridge

[@SteveHorne]

@@P194-s3i no still using S/PDIF and coax from the Allo DigiOne. Still happy with it and not sure it justifies the cost of getting a new USB card for the Yggdrasil. Maybe one day!

[@P194-s3i]

@@SteveHorne Ah yes, that makes sense. Very nice system im sure.

[@danbretherton]

I have one on its way to Australia right now.

[@boniccie]

How does it sound?

[@danbretherton]

Daniel M I have just recently sold it, there was a slight improvement but like many of similar products to this it’s an extra box more cables more hassle for only a very slight improvement

[@boniccie]

@@danbretherton Thank you very much! Do you think a direct connection between a computer to Dac will produce as good of audio quality as the streamer? I am now using Mac book connected to Denafrips r2r Dac and running Audirvana software. Thanks for your help!

[@danbretherton]

@@boniccie I really don't think you will get any better than what you have.

[@boniccie]

@@danbretherton Thank you Dan for sharing your opinion with me.

[@andreasbrekeling]

Sorry for the many typos. To much in a hurry.😳

[@Shpillah]

Is it compatible with Pi4?

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

There is no Raspberry Pi 4+ Compute Module (yet?). And you don't need it or want it. Watch kzbin.info/www/bejne/mZvUdoOvgtdksKs

[@nthaarup]

Hi Hans. Will you consider to review the Nad C658? I can't find any info about if MQA files will work with Dirac Live on it.

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

Yes, I am considering it but have not yet decided.

[@nthaarup]

Crossing my fingers for a good in depth review.

[@shunpillay]

Great video. Thanks!

[@dylanemeraldgrey]

I'm stuck with PLEX at the moment. It's not bad, but I can't control the plex server with a phone or tablet (i.e, use them as a remote control) and I can't choose what room to send the music to a la Roon . I'm guessing this Allo wouldn't help at all because it's a plex software issue. Ideally I'd like to have sonos/roon capability without sonos or roon. I have a bunch of computers, tablets, phones, multiple amps and speakers, and about 4TB of music on an external drive, but to get close to what I want (send music to whatever room I'm in and control it all with a phone or tablet remote) seems like it's going to cost quite a bit more money. I'm thinking about going back to KODI with YATSE and then just buying a cheap streamer for each stereo system, but sound quality will suffer. Not sure what the best approach is. This stuff isn't that complicated, but it gets a lot more complicated when trying to cobble something together that sounds decent and won't cost much more money. The Bluesound Node 2i is very tempting because it solves (in theory anyway) the Roon. Plex, and streamer problem, but that would mean $500/room. That is not even close to being affordable. Lately, I've been running the Plex app on my phone (which accesses the plex server) and just plugging it into the stereo system of whatever room I'm in - or just listening to the phone by BT or wired headset. It works, but it's awkward and obviously doesn't make the audiophile grade. If anyone has any suggestions, feel free to reply.

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

I don't know of a free audiophile solution that does all that.

[@dylanemeraldgrey]

@@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel ;) Well, it doesn't have to be free, but I'm stuck at how to proceed to eventually get there - without spending a fair bit more than I already have. I guess chromecasts or cheap streamers may be in my future...Weighing all of the options gets to be quite a hassle after awhile. There is a corny saying in the u.s., champagne taste on a beer budget, that unfortunately applies here. I also don't like to be tracked and data mined, which is a whole other issue...Anyway, keep up the good work. - cheers

[@brianw3822]

I use plex and you can definitely use it with your phone and with different rooms and offsite as well. I have 2 libraries 1 on NAS one on Computer drive. I just do not believe that the sound quality is there compared even to jriver.

[@alexanderstefanov6474]

it's no doubt impressive, but it's not cheap

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

I disagree. It might be a lot of money but isn’t expensive for the quality it offers.