Build a audiophile DIY music Streamer for a Dac, using flagship HIFI parts from Ian Canada

[@bernhardmichaelfux308]

After reading some comments here below, I really think about 2 (Two) things: Quality costs. Nothing is just a gift. But you can achieve a lot of value if you lay hands on yourself. And this means, you have to study a lot too, if you are not from the same profession! But especially this is the thing I love the most: I must learn new things @ my age! I am 60 now and still learning. I hope this saves me from Alzheimer's! That time, I had created my first Frequency divider for my DIY Speakers for example: I studied a lot of nights from Dusk till dawn as we say... and it was really a fulfilling moment when after some try and error the Thing was done and sounded good. Or the day, I calculated the positions for the new tonearm on my Turntable! Or the DIY tonearm I created. 12-inch, straight carbon arm, with a cardan element for the tonearm base... Silver-plated tonearm cables, gold-plated contacts for the cartridge... And at least an SME Headshell... This arm has it all! Inclusive the arm-lift...lol And there were some calculations to do also... And I had to learn through the nights as well... And when I watch Gabriel's Videos, I see his age too. A Gentleman in his best years, doing a wonderful job in building, teaching, and presenting some amazing products for audiophiles, enjoying good music! We all must be thankful to Mr. Gabby for his passion, his work, and for the love he shows us for the art of listening to music the fine way, and the DIY way! Thank you Gabster!

[@Gabster1]

Thank you Appreciate the kind words I am glad to hear you are enjoying the journey 😊

[@kellyanderson7115]

I did that exact build last month. I'm very happy with it driving my SMSL SU-10 DAC over I2S. One thing to note is that the MonitorPi allows you to set special configuration options. For example my SU-10 DAC did not like 16 bit data over I2S (static sound). I contacted Ian and he told me that I could set an option to upsample 16 bit to 32 bit. That solved the problem! It's a wonderful combo of boards. I have the 3.3v supercap board that I'm going to stack on top once I get around to ordering appropriate supercaps.

[@jungtarcph]

What streamer did you have before? Hear any difference?

[@kellyanderson7115]

@@jungtarcph I was using the Pi4's USB to the SMSL SU-10. The SU-10's USB implementation seemed to be pretty good. The IanCanada stuff going over I2S is better. When I get a chance, I'm going to swap out the clocks to see if I can improve it a bit further.

[@captfoong]

Where can i buy all these parts?

[@ronnyskaar3737]

Can you use the rp 4 in this build?

[@kellyanderson7115]

@@ronnyskaar3737 That's what I used.

[@imkressive]

Thank you Gabby for a well thought out "easy listening" intro to a DIY audio project. As a noob, it is much appreciated.

[@Gabster1]

Thank You

[@versus023]

For those who are wondering: 1. HdmiPi Pro (17B) :125$ 2. FifoPi Q7 (1D): 189$ 3. PurePi (48A) : 86$ 4. MonitorPi (49A): 49$ 5. Acrylic cap (51A) : 9$ 6. 2X 2.5mmx11mm metal standoffs lot of 4 sets (12B) : 2.80$ 460$ total

[@imkressive]

Are these prices from a website somewhere, or are you summarizing what was said in the video? For example, audiophonics has the FifoPi Q7 listed at 216 euro, which is about $235. Plus another $30ish for shipping. I am hopeful there is a source to get closer to the costs you have.

[@versus023]

@@imkressive I found those prices on IanCanada website which was linked in the description. Followed the list provided by Gabster. Hope it helps!

[@onnonugteren2935]

That's not cheap. Bluesound Note would be a better product for many I think. But it's no comparison I know. 🙂

[@geraldhilderink5686]

Too expensive 😢

[@rompstar]

@@geraldhilderink5686 ya, too expensive, I am thinking the same...

[@mariopenzo]

I built this IanCanada streamer last year with the TransportPi MKII and ShieldPi Pro. It is fantastic.

[@ronnyskaar3737]

Do you think the transport MKII is just as good as the AES? I will only use SPDF anyway...

[@AverageNiceGuy]

@@mariopenzo similar results here!

[@jungtarcph]

This is Exactly what @Iancanada needed - I asked him years ago from his crazy video with best DAC. Here we have it. Simply explained. It is too hard to understand all his components and how they fit.

[@AverageNiceGuy]

@@jungtarcph same thoughts here. Gabby helped to survive and succeed in my recent IanCanada Streamer-DAC-Power Supply build. It was a challenging journey for me, but I am gloriously happy with the sound quality improvement.

[@princeliebe]

With your channel and Ian's patient help, I finally built my own DAC. Amazing! And I found it is sensitive to the cables, including Ethernet cables. So I follow your video advice, using the fiber network cable to replace my old 50ft cat6 cable. Another upgrade!❤ I want to go further. So I installed VitOS, and made my roon ROCK direct Stream to the raspberry pi, no router anymore. Try to do some listening tests tonight. 🎉🎉🎉

[@aaronb1138]

A digital pathway and transport is sensitive to cables? Wow this is worse than the magic speaker cable FUD from the 70s. At least in the analog domain there are cases where shielding and attenuation come into play. You all know you are being hoodwinked? Different clocks change the sound like changing tubes, lol. I'm into all kinds of audiophile stuff, but this whole video is a great example of YT's algo driving engagement by trolling with charlatanism. BTW, just to troll back with absolutely provable facts: fiber network interconnects introduce more latency than copper for a given link speed and length with ethernet.

[@incandescentwithrage]

@@aaronb1138 You also need batteries and supercaps to prevent SMPS noise encoding itself into the HDMI output 🤦‍♂️. A buck / boost converter with it's inductor right underneath the Pi will surely produce less EMI than a remote DC adapter connected via USB 🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️

[@HowIsThat69]

Sensitive to Ethernet cables, now that’s fun :) almost a begging for a post on audio bullshit 😂

[@TheRealAudioDidact]

I think I'm going to try building this. Thank you Gabby!

[@AverageNiceGuy]

@@TheRealAudioDidact I finally got the courage and time to do this and more. It was a challenging journey for me. The end result was more a more glorious sound than I hoped or dreamed was possible. @roofermarc1 I recently traveled down the IanCanada top of the line path. Streamer-DAC-power. The IanCanada sound quality compared to Wiim Pro plus ($200), and Emotiva XDA-3-DAC ($700), is a VERY significant audio quality improvement in this system. I am blessed to have nice Speakers. DIY is very troublesome compared to a finished factory products ease of use, and features, but my goal was high sound quality that compares to and may surpass ~ several thousand $$$$$.$$ factory streamer-DAC boxes.

[@matthewhoult1350]

Great video I'm going to build one of these streamers I love the idea of gaining high performance sound for little money as we all know the cost of high end streamers has entered the stratosphere so to build a streamer that competes with high cost streamers can only be good news , looking forward to future videos

[@solajosee]

Excellent Video and Project. I would like to if anyone has a comparison between this streamer and the one using Pi2AES module.

[@rocko6746]

I hope Ian Canada gives you a discount on the parts. Great job on the build and explaining what to order and how to build.

[@ssmith954]

Excellent video, really looking forward to the series! Many thanks! Would really be interested in seeing you add the Ian Canada linear power supply, plus the DAC output (with the I/V stage you built earlier), as well as options for cases too and upgraded clocks!

[@Gabster1]

Check out My D6 Video

[@greggzupcsics5143]

+1 on the kudos, and the request for case / enclosure options in particular, next priority of particular interest for me would be the LPS

[@AverageNiceGuy]

Hello Mr. Gabster, It's been a challenging project for me, but thanks to your guidance, I've ended with a sound system that is more beautiful sounding than I could have dreamed. IanCanada Opa, Dual mono DAC, SCpure, Quad Caps, RPI, filters, ROON, Focus Fidelity filters. Thank you very much for your videos and guidance.

[@Gabster1]

Thank you glad you got it going and happy with it It is very rewarding to build it

[@AverageNiceGuy]

@@Gabster1 Yes, rewarding, challenging and interesting to build. Very glorious to hear. Thank you that you videos have made it possible for me to endure the challenges, in the journey to very pleasurable success! 😎👍

[@michaelj.4187]

sending love and peace to everyone...

[@AverageNiceGuy]

I have re-watched your video many times. I am finally brave enough to have ordered the parts 😎👍 Thank you very much for giving me the knowledge and courage to do this!

[@Gabster1]

sounds exciting good luck and have fun

[@Brighamdoc]

Thank you very much for doing this! I will build one as soon as Raspberry Pi 4 becomes more available

[@user-od9iz9cv1w]

Great video Gabby. I think this will give lots of people a great place to start. I like the way you build a great streamer and in the future show an optional upgrade path. The toughest part of this project will be finding a Pi3b for sale. Seems like an eternity ago they were readily available for $50.

[@Gabster1]

Thank you, yes it has been hard I have bee lucky to find some on Facebook market for around 100 CDN $75USD

[@wa2368]

​@@Gabster1 What was the total cost of all parts in this build?

[@paulstubbs7678]

Nice, I built a Raspberry Pi Volumio streamer a while ago, this gives me a few avenues to enhance it.

[@obudaifourty9]

Great video, but will it be as good as the EVERSOLO DMP-A6 Streamer with the mentioned 'better clocks' mods? Also what can this tiny display show or are there better choices to incorporate as an other option maybe? Thanks for making this tutorial 🙂

[@joaquinbarreto9398]

You have the same question I do.

[@rolandashdown4903]

Thanks for this - really appreciate it. Very much looking forward to the rest of the series.

[@nadeembrossard8687]

Been waiting for this video Thank you. It is hard to figure out what parts to use and how to build it this video will sure make it easy. Now i know what parts to order.🙏

[@JPspinFPV]

I have been using an ifi headphone DAC / amp for several years now. I couldn't be happier with it's ability to work as a phono pre amp, source input, and still drive power hungry open back planar headphones. The Burr-Brown DAC is an affordable performer. Buy vs Build? In this case I say buy. Buy. Buy.

[@jameshunt9870]

You make it look simple, I'm going to give it a go. I am currently using a Allo Digione Signature so we will see how the new streamer compares, can't wait :) Thank you so much for your valuable videos!!

[@jungtarcph]

Love to hear how it goes and your system

[@Gabster1]

Have fun!

[@MrPolmann]

I am looking at both the Allo Signature and this solution. I would really be interested in hearing what your your test shows. I need it as a Roon Endpoint.

[@MrPolmann]

@jameshunt9870 have you had the chance to compare the two?

[@jameshunt9870]

​@@Gabster1 Hey this is a GREAT music streamer! I am sorry for the delay in replying, the 17B HDMI Pi PRO board did not work with my DAC, so I removed it and replaced it with the 20C Transport Pi AES board which sounded better than my Allo Digione Signature streamer using the Digital RCA out, but when I changed to the AES Digital balanced out on the 20C it took it to another LEVEL! Deeper sounding bass and more detail being revealed in the recording drawing you in more :) My DAC is the AudioGD Master7 which I have had for more than 10 years and occasionally think of replacing, but it uses the PCM1704UK DAC chips (8x) which have a lush sound that I love. The rest of my system is tube preamplifier using 101D tubes and a SET 300B tube amplifier driving Voxativ AC-1n full range drivers housed in a DIY TQWT enclosure. There is also 2x 15" open baffle subwoofers that are separately powered. Anyway I am going to sit back and enjoy the music! Thank you for all your great videos!!!

[@KeithWinand]

Thank you for this video. I went and ordered all the parts and assembled in less than an hour. Up and running with RoPieee and all is good. This is replacing an iFi streamer and feeding a PS Audio Directstream DAC and it does sound better already. I need to let it run in a bit to get the clocks burned in so expect it to continue to improve. I would say to those considering building this that if you can swing the parts you can follow Gabby's instructions to build this. I am no DIY pro by and stretch and this was an easy project that I feel will improve the sound of my system. Fired up first time I played music and sounds great. Gabby - two questions. First, why in the parts list do you have the wire from China. I ordered it but didn't need it as everything came with what I ordered from IanCanada. Second - seeing that I am using the PS Audio DS I'm not sure I would benefit from upgrading the clocks. I believe that the DS reclocks. Do you know if this is the case?

[@Gabster1]

These are silver plated wires that I like they are not important used to connect the Pure PI 3.3v to the Fifo Q7 any good short copper wire will do. I would stick to the stock clocks. According to Ted Smith The DirectStream doesn’t use the I2S clock for timing. It samples the inputs at a high rate, then pattern matches the clock and data, decodes the data and puts it in a buffer. The quality of the I2S clock doesn’t matter at all. If You have the first generation DS that I used to have Once you add a dual mono Dac and OPA861 to your streamer like the D6 you will sell it as I did. hope that helps.

[@brianfromspace]

I wish i could go for the dac option. But there is no preamp functionality right? I want to use it with a class D poweramp, so need volume control somewhere.

[@Gabster1]

@@brianfromspace yes there is a volume control on the small display monitor

[@brianfromspace]

@@Gabster1 ah ok! Also remote controlled? That creates a lot of possibilities! Is the DDC board with usb in also possible to add to use it with my mac as ddc?

[@net_news]

GREAT video!!! I didn't know most of the products and I'm into Raspberry Pi stuff!! Very impressed with the PureFi!! Thanks so much!!

[@philvale5724]

Hi 👋, Gabster , Great territorial, how would you compare what you have built to a Eversolo A6 , Phil from the moulin France.

[@Gabster1]

hard to tell I do not have a A6 but That is a cool one not sure if it sounds a good as it looks.

[@deadline7610]

Nicely Done.You nailed it. Easy step by step "Lago version" . But it begs the question. For around $700 how resolving of a system do you need to hear the audible difference between this DIY streamer & a Wiim mini for under $100 ? Not using Roon but Tital-Qobuz or Amazon music ? Thanks

[@saverioricchiuto5386]

Agree. And on the opposite side of the spectrum: having a resolving system, how does this compare to commercially available streamers in the same price range and above? These two info can be enlightening for people who are willing to embrace the DIY path, so to understand if that’s really worth it.

[@tamayaytam]

It is a hobby guys. Only spend don't compare. I believe wiim is sufficient. Digital data after all. Connect it to a good dac. Here you go. If you want improvement you can buy a good power supply to power wiim and dac.

[@Dzekoslovaska]

Hi, @Gabster1 I searched the internet for an answer, but could not find it and since you are very knowledgeable, what is the difference between FifoPiMa and Fifopi Q7, first is running in Master clock mode and other in sync mode. But that unfortunately does not tell me much.

[@Gabster1]

on Ian's Fifo MA manual on page 17 you get all the info. github.com/iancanada/DocumentDownload/blob/master/FifoPi/FifoPiMa/FifoPiMaManualV1.5.pdf

[@Roger-lz9ro]

Thank you for posting this Video on how to build a great Streamer, been waiting for a long time for something like this

[@BERTVVANHORCK]

Thank you! Would it be possible to use the Pi5 and add an SSD for locally storing music?

[@dfels]

Hey - this is fantastic! I know you are adding in future videos, but I would be very interested in your choice for streaming software (which one and why). I would also be interested in enclosures (that don’t require access to machine tools - I am limited to hand drills and similar compact power tools). Thanks!

[@tee-jaythestereo-bargainph2120]

Thanks Gabster ' your doing a great Job buddy '

[@Gabster1]

Thank you you as well :)

[@atechnocrat]

Thank you for this great video. Do you know how do the clocks can change the sound? Shouldn't this device provide perfect digital transfer to the DAC? I know a little bit about jitter, and I wonder if it has to do w/that, but other than using long cheap cables I am unsure how jitter can happen. Seems like it should be 100% the same digital data if you send uncompressed pcm.

[@deedd4401]

for a quick cheap n dirty but great alternative - get android tv box and a compatible usb dac of your choice ( i'm using lusya fever )

[@VenkataMaheswaraReddyKarnati]

Thanks for so detailed explanation. I will try to build this. May I request you to please plan to share a DAC build using DAC Hat in such each way. may be only DAC or Streamer+DAC if that works on one set...

[@edgecr]

love the build, can i give the advice mount everything before putting the batteries, some people (me included) have trembling fingers, shorts are great on that. cheers

[@BrianThomas]

I saw the same thing and cringed knowing that a short was coming soon. I'm glad I wasn't the only one.

[@ThorstenHegel]

Wow! These DIY projects are amazing! However, I think you are a professional in electronics. Otherwise it is unlikely to get managed these projects. I right away ,would buy the streamer and the dac. Seems not to be possible. The very special feature is the sophisticated power managment for each component. Makes absolutely sense. I am sure this sounds great. High End components cost thousands of dollars. Should be possible to build it in such a manner. But unfortunately, most of the manufacturers dont do it.

[@guywithjeep]

if you dont want to worry about hot caps, dont put the batteries in until its assembled

[@aeonikus1]

Great video, informative and easy to understand by non-tech people. I'm subscribing and will be watching for some new content. Cheers!

[@philippmockel3021]

Hope to see how to build up a matching PI-DAC for this streamer in the future. Greetings from Germany!

[@Gabster1]

in the works :) or see my advanced D11 video

[@OliverDomscheit]

I was waiting for aproject like this. I would be scared to build a power supply myself. Same goes for dealing with massive supercapacitors. But I am really looking forward to this series to build a very high quality Streamer/Dac with balanced output and a out of the box power supply..

[@aeonikus1]

If you use common sense and follow the manual you should be good putting together parts including power supply. Well, unless you want to design one from scratch, that requires some knowledge and experience.

[@michaelmajchrzak3476]

Hello Gabi, what would happen if you mix 3.2v and 3.7v batteries as you did?

[@RWmHII]

Thank you. I look forward to the series.

[@sdrtcacgnrjrc]

Timestamps (check description for correct names) 0:51 Gabster D5 Streamer intro 3:22 parts 5:18 Pure Pi 5:51 Feet stand-offs 7:10 Pi (3B) 8:52 FifoPi Q7 (alternative: FifoPi MA version) 11:50 connect Power to FifoPi 14:00 HDMI Pro (I²S) board (alternative: Transport AES for optical, coaxial 16:00) 14:42 UFL cable -- masterclock Fifo to masterclock input on HDMI board 17:50 Monitor Pi 19:37 cover 21:42 power supply: ifi 5V 24:18 batteries 3.2V 24:50 software | SD card | Pi

[@sdrtcacgnrjrc]

Hope i got all those names & abbreviations correct

[@sdrtcacgnrjrc]

Via audiophonics I'm looking at around €540 for the lot -- that's with the cheaper MA board (+€126 for the FifoPi Q7) and the Coaxial board (which is €25 more expensive than the HDMI Pro)

[@Gabster1]

Thanks I should hire you I will try to stamp my future videos Try buying from Ian directly you will save a lot and get the latest versions. Simply fill the xls form in the GitHub link and email it to him

[@sdrtcacgnrjrc]

​@@Gabster1thanks for the tip -- we have to pay ~20% sales tax here in the EU, but still probably cheaper direct

[@meagain419]

This looks like an awesome build. Sadly my amp (Gato DIA-250S) doesn't have an HDMI input :(

[@Gabster1]

Use this board instead github.com/iancanada/DocumentDownload/tree/master/TransportPi/TransportPiAES

[@kevinbeverley6100]

Great video thank you. I went online to order the parts listed. I have a RPi4 already so it came 575++ EU. That’s AU$1000. Is that about right?

[@Gabster1]

sounds about right if you want to go a step further get the UC conditioner 3.3v $67 it is worth the upgrade will be a new Video about it.

[@hardluck6307]

If I have an external DAC, what difference does this Gabster D5 device make compared to the factory raspberry with some software like volumio? I'm new to this DIY world.

[@Gabster1]

The streamer alone may not change the sound much just a bit as your Dac will most likely reclock the signal and you are still stuck with what ever quality output stage your Dac has You are better off build a Streamer/Dac Combo like the D6 example then you will hear a better difference. Hope that helps

[@larsv6144]

Any update on clocks, cases, upgrades?

[@Gabster1]

You can get the sc pure clocks also if you have this streamer check out my TD1 Dac one of the best sounding dacs as most commercial dacs reclock the signal so the good clocks are waisted

[@DennisMonds]

Hi, when you get around to doing the followup video, are you able to include a short section on the following (doesn't need to be too detailed)... 1) available cases 2) the differences of the Ian Canada streamer transport options 3) perhaps a solution which outputs SE RCA and/or regular HDMI (so I could connect direct to my AV Amp) 4) an audiophile multichannel solution (this one may need an entire episode to itself)...whilst I'm loving the sound of my stereo DSD files fed into my DAC....I have some multichannel DSD files I'd like to send to my AV Amp as well

[@JeffGardner-ca]

Just to let you know the amazon link to the batteries is broken.18650 3.2v. Thanks for all the efforts with the videos - much appreciated.

[@Gabster1]

Thank you for letting me know :) they sold out. I added another link, they are hard to find

[@ronnyskaar3737]

Great! I will build this streamer. I have a dac in my system, but can you build a good dac without streamer to plug it into?

[@tiree2231]

Hello! My Dac has I2S IN pins internally. The fifo board provides I2S as well so far I understand. I like to put the pi in the DAC enclosure. Do I need the hdmi board?

[@Gabster1]

If you have access to the Dac direct I2s Bck WS and data pin you can get those from the UFL of the fifo pi

[@tosdugan]

Hi, very nice project but I am really a starter and I use Volumio. In the setti gs, what dac model should I use? 😅❤

[@VenkataMaheswaraReddyKarnati]

Thanks Gabster for this great video! Being RPi 3 B+ usage, which come with only 1 GB RAM and USB 2.0 ports, will that be sufficient and able to handled high end Hi-Res files without any challenge. (particularly while using USB HDD instead of streaming through WiFi). I hope we can use RPi 4 B model as well? If yes, please share any cons we may have. Could you please share the power adapter capacity x V * x A to use with PurePi+RPi 4 B case scenario. Thanks

[@ccshell]

Hi Gabby. When your setting up Volumio, what do you DAC model did you put in? I have selected "yes" to I2S but under the DAC model dropdown nothing obvious from Ian Canada is listed? Many thanks

[@Gabster1]

Check the Fifo Q7 Pdf manual on page 5 scroll down he talks about that hope that helps

[@simonrozas]

How would you build a similar setup for USB only output into a premium DAC?

[@AlainLaramee-m3j]

Thank’s for this video. I’m interested in building hit. How this kit will compare, in term of sound quality with a Bluesound Node streamer?

[@Gabster1]

Sounds a lot better specially with Dacs that do not reclock the signal But the Bluesound has a very nice built in interface

[@idontnkow]

love the video. is there a build for analog audio? like for my record player.

[@asaf1231000]

Hi thank you for this video, I am wondering, where is the audio output? how can it be connected to the amplifier?

[@Gabster1]

This is a Streamer to connect to a stand alone Dac to connect to à amplifier you would need to build a Dac so you swap the I2s Hdmi pro with a Dual mono Dac board and either transformers or Opa861 for audio Output

[@hoptoptube]

Great video Gabster thanks ! Ideally what system would sit upstream from this providing storage? a NAS on the same network? Is it not advisable to use a USB attached drive directly to this device due to noise? Would love to hear a proposed simple stand alone model i.e. a system dedicated to only music files that is not too electronically "noisy." Cheers.

[@Gabster1]

I use a roon core with a ssd drive inside it. Ian has a new ddc board combined with amanero makes a nice no RPI system

[@boxinggold]

Thanks for another great video, Gaby

[@Gabster1]

I'm glad you like it

[@korto23]

may be a stupid question, but anyway: i dislike having consumables (ie batteries) inside. are they necessary with a good quality power supply?

[@bitdigital8052]

Brilliant. Wouldn’t mind a 4:3 lcd added for cover art.

[@Gabster1]

coming in a future video

[@arcsound]

Hi Gabby- I am a degreed EE, but new to streamers and was hoping to learn about the technology. Although this video was well done and instructive for putting a "kit" together, it totally lacks any context, i.e. what do each of those boards do? Why batteries when you can use 110VAC? So many questions, how about teaching the basic building blocks of what this device is actually doing? Apologies if it is covered elsewhere, but this is your first video for me.

[@Gabster1]

You can find a lot of info on the DIY Audio thread I try to keep my videos short and simple To help introduce diy to a large hesitant population. www.diyaudio.com/community/threads/asynchronous-i2s-fifo-project-an-ultimate-weapon-to-fight-the-jitter.192465/ Also the pdf of each component on the GitHub link in the video has a lot of info Hope that helps

[@michaelmajchrzak3476]

Hello Gabi, according to Ian manual you should use 3.2v batteries. Does it work on 3.7v as well?

[@Gabster1]

kind off but not well you need 3.2v lifepo4 batteries. you can get them from Ian or Aliexpress

[@DanielMustran_ND-Pipes]

This is great video... loved it.... Please let me know, if i want to make astreamer but to output to my dac via USB connection - i need to swap HdmiPi Pro (17B) board for which one? thank you

[@Gabster1]

as far as I know he does not make one USB is not a good way it is noisy and your Amp will reclock the signal so not much advantage use other inputs like a Coax with this board github.com/iancanada/DocumentDownload/tree/master/TransportPi/TransportPiAES

[@antonionozzi4423]

Hi! Thanks for this amazing video! May I ask you what DAC are you feeding with this streamer? Another more technical question. I have a cheap, but very solid usb DAC (SMSL SU-1); I'm plannig to build this streamer using the other transpor board from Ian Canada for S/PDIF outputs; may I use an USB port on the raspberry pi to power up the dac or should I buy a second low noise power adapter for this purpose? Thanks.

[@Gabster1]

I was using it for my Denafrips terminator but soon realized it was Reclocking the system without much benefits so prefer adding a Dac like the D6 or D11 The RPI power supply should be a good one Ian’s pure Pi is Ideal with a Ifi amzn.to/3Nhw5Sf

[@antonionozzi4423]

@@Gabster1 Thanks!!!

[@cyrilsalillas4383]

Hi Gabby, i watch your videos and I love it and I am planning to build my streamer for my DAC SMSL DO200 MK2, I am not sure if will work on my DAC .

[@Gabster1]

It will work but your Dac may reclock with lower grade psu I suggest you build a Dac like my D6 takes a couple more parts and you are there

[@cyrilsalillas4383]

@@Gabster1 Hi Gab, Thank you for your quick response and I will watch your video for D6 streamer so that I know how to make it. Once again thank you very much for your info.

[@OurTravel-g5l]

@gabster1 - Gabster - Thanks for the informative video. Inspired by your video, I order the Ian Canada Flagship Steamer project (item 93D) which also came with ReceiverPi DDC. In your video you referenced everything expect the ReceiverPi DDC. Do you have any recommendations on how to install the ReceiverPi DDC?

[@Gabster1]

I will be doing a video in the next couple weeks or so about it make sure you read the pdf files Lots of important info there Watch polarity of power supplies a mishap happens to the best of us also make sure the monitor pie lines up one pin off and it is fried Have fun

[@erikolaussen860]

Hello and good morning Gabster! Thanks for many interesting and informative videos. I use an RPI4 with usb against Danafrips Iris which is again connected to Denafrips pontus II via i2S. The RPI4 is powered by the Allo Shanti Dual Linear Power Supply. Do you think there is much to be gained by switching to this streamer and ditching the iris?

[@Gabster1]

You have a good setup so not sure if you will hear big benefits maybe small improvements if cost is not a big issue you can try it you can use your shanti to power it

[@behruzbasla4137]

Hi Gaby, @ 26.5 you mention to connect a “network cable” (ethernet). But will it work on WiFi too if I can’t use Ethernet?

[@Gabster1]

Yes you can configure it to use WIFI but make sure it is not too far away

[@YamilLlanos]

Is it possible to build a DAC with variable crossover using parts like this? Similar to what Parasound P6 preamp does. Thanks

[@audiogrouch1]

can you do a bluetooth receiver and DAC next? I don’t stream but my jobs often request Bluetooth

[@DennisMonds]

Are you able to give more detail around difference in using an RPi 4 instead of a 3B please?

[@Gabster1]

Check this article as it goes in depth Hope that helps :) iiwireviews.com/raspberry-pi-4-vs-pi-3b-for-music-streaming/

[@mhsherman04]

Gaby, love your channel, built the ultimate diy streamer gangster d5 with Ian canada parts. Fun build! Trying to configure for roon with ropieee. Used hifiberry pro+ hat in config. Can't see it under audio settings in room....while it does show up under about with proper address etc. what am I missing??

[@Gabster1]

Thank you Not very familiar with the hifiberry but you may still run it with generic I2s at the bottom in your settings also in the future if funds allow it try upgrading to the D6 Dac as you are halfway there Have fun 😊

[@mhsherman04]

@@Gabster1 got things going with Volumio and used generic dac config. Sounds marvelous. Have been running all day, just switched to a very good linear supply from ferrum...did not expect a bump in sq. On the DAC front air have chord Dave.....so....don't think I can diy better. But going to add a screen to the streamer and build an enclosure.

[@jalundblad]

I want to build a multichannel EEG preamp (microvolts) and USB ADC.

[@johnsonadekunle7675]

You're a blessing.

[@AverageNiceGuy]

Very nice! 😎 Beautiful The batteries last how long?

[@Gabster1]

Good for a few years they recharge automatically

[@SuperSonido123]

Hi Gabby! Thank you very much for your interesting videos! I love the idea to do DIY projects and your help is much appreciated. My question is about the use of the USB out to the RbPi 4B. I am interested in the FIFoPi Q7 to improve the clock. My guess is if that also improves the sound and clarity of the USB output. I use a DAC that has the usual inputs but not I2s over HDMI. As I am listening specially to DSD and the limit over coaxial is only to DSD64, I must use USB. Is there in any case a USB HAT to clean the USB signal? I can imagine a lot of people are in the same situation as I and I haven't found any clear answer to it! Thank you in advance for your answer!

[@Gabster1]

Ian has a setup that use a amanero board and I suggest you look into that if you search the thread on Diy audio www.diyaudio.com/community/threads/asynchronous-i2s-fifo-project-an-ultimate-weapon-to-fight-the-jitter.192465/page-505 You will get some ideas also check Ian’s GitHub for the available boards.

[@imkressive]

​@@Gabster1 FYI - the thread at this link is fascinating from a historical perspective. I am on page 2/529 and you can see how the concepts/implementation are evolving as you go.

[@ThePalle44]

If you preferr USB anything I can build for that?

[@bolobos]

I have this build minus fofi. Could you A/B with and without the fofi? If be interested in a possible upgrade later. Thank u!

[@Gabster1]

The Fifo is a critical component, the entire system is based on it so are the low jitter Clocks, without it the sound will suffer a lot.

[@bolobos]

@@Gabster1 it sounds great without the fifo as well. I'll wait to see your future videos about how changing the clocks in the fifo effect sound

[@net_news]

yeap a comparison would be great!! I'm a little bit skeptic about re-clocking

[@Alexus38106]

looks very nice. I am new in digital, but why the HDMI Board? If I want to use it I need two chinch (left and right analog) directly in my Tube Amplifier (Sonic Frontiers SFS-80) without preamp, that would be nice (I build my preamp now, but it takes a little bit time until it is finished) which board I should order for this?

[@Gabster1]

Then best to build a Dac instead yo can connect it to your amp or preamp And control the volume if you want kzbin.info/www/bejne/e4G5YoKEZ5h_Zrssi=sYlVMAhDEdeG4WFv Also try the ProtoDac very inexpensive

[@Alexus38106]

Thanks for Info, sorry I am new in digital, i "was" a pure analog guy until now, but want to test for example spotify on my analog equipment, so my wish is to have a "high end" unit which I can connect directly to spotify (with wlan) and i can remote it with my iphone and have very good quality, and have two chinch plugs out for my amplifier.What would you recommend? @@Gabster1

[@Alexus38106]

Thank you, I now understand what i need i think. I ordered today first the: ProtoDAC TDA1387 X8, because this was the only little bit confusing in the parts list. Thank you Gaby.

[@ronnyskaar3737]

Will 3.5 Amp be ok for the pure pi?

[@ccshell]

Ive just dismantled mine to replace the wires to a larger guage. After reassembling, the monitor pi smoked - it must have shorted and is kaput. Have i damaged the Q7? Gutted :(

[@Gabster1]

You can try it without the monitor PI you may have shifted the monitor Pi by 1 slot The Q7 is resilient give it a try without watch your Polarity easy to do happens to all of us.

[@mrmwrsmith]

Hello Gabby, would the new transport pi with femtosecond clock be a better addition than the other transports with spdif outputs etc.thanks.

[@Gabster1]

If your Dac is not reclocking the signal you will hear a good difference if it is you may or may not. Keep your Dac on nos avoid any sound leveling or any type of processing

[@mrmwrsmith]

Yeah, my dac does reclock the signal and up samples to 192khz....I've decided to put my dac and headphone amplifier in my bedroom, so I already have a pi 4b and have ordered the following from Audiophonics, all IanCanada products, the purepi psu, fifo pi ma, ( I couldn't quite stretch to the q7), the ess dual mono dac board with the controller screen and the iv std mkii output stage...I'll use it as a all in one for now and split the streamer and dac modules later in the year (provided I'm happy with what I hear) when funds allow, unfortunately I forgot about the vat fees I would incur from the courier once entering the UK, a extra 83 gb pounds in my case...ouch.

[@Gabster1]

@@mrmwrsmith I am sure you will like it enjoy the process

[@mrmwrsmith]

Hi there Gabby, I have become a bit stuck with my build...if you could point me in the right direction, I have successfully built my streamer pi, but I'm stuck on how to get the 12 volts of power into the i/v std output stage, I initially thought the fifo pi ma would do this..but no..! I'm just running it as a USB streamer on top of the pure pi at the moment...it sounds pretty decent even in this guise....thanks for any information..

[@albertvalencia5883]

Hi Ian, may I know where can get those spike legs? Thank you🙏

[@Gabster1]

The Link is in the description

[@AlexanderDeWolf-v7q]

What components are needed for USB streamer? I assume the bridgePi USB streamer is a part of the part list.

[@Gabster1]

I am not a big fan of usb but some people love them can not help you as I never tried any solutions with this type of streamer there may be boards that will work but I think you may loose the advantages of this platform then again not my area of expertise.

[@menachemsteinberger8505]

Seems a great streamer... Something I would like to try. My DAC has no I2S input, so what component should I replace with what component to get good AES or SPIDF connection?

[@mariopoirier2356]

Ia canada offert a TransportPi AES, Flagship AES/SPDIF transport,

[@Gabster1]

github.com/iancanada/DocumentDownload/blob/master/TransportPi/TransportPiAES/TransportPiAESManual.pdf

[@weust2672]

In the description you mention to get lipo batteries rated 3.2V not the 3.7V, but in the video you install 3.7V batteries. What am I missing here? I did check the comments but couldn't find the same question.

[@Gabster1]

At the time of the video I did not have any Lifepo4 3.2v batteries you can use 3.7v Li ion but they will not provide the perfect 3.3v voltage or charge perfectly They are hard to find, Amazon ran out of them but could find them on AliExpress

[@rbnjr]

Ok great video, how does this streamer compare to the Bluesound Node 2i?

[@Gabster1]

Much better keep your dac in a None oversampling mode mode no dsp to avoid reclocking if possible.

[@sigurdgroven5279]

I want to try this, but how can I have USB output instead of AES or I2s?

[@dougspitler3843]

I'm looking for an audio-grade power supply (which I'd be willing to build) for my NUC3 which I built into a fanless case to use as a Roon Core. It doesn't sound nearly as good as the Innuos Zen MkIII which I use only as a Roon Core. (I'd like to sell the Innuos.) The PS that came with the NUC is 19V, 4.74A, 90.06W. Any thoughts?

[@Gabster1]

linear power supply I use: ebay.us/QX0dtz but will need to open it and adj the output to 19v by turning the trim pot and verify with a V meter or ask them to set it for 19v

[@michelboivin4396]

Did you leave the streamer on 24/7? Thanks

[@AverageNiceGuy]

For streaming only, Am I thinking correctly that IanCanada high end parts cannot be made to work with Amazon music?

[@Gabster1]

That is not correct it is all about what software platform you are using if the software supports Amazon music then you are good.

[@AverageNiceGuy]

@@Gabster1 Thank you for your reply. 🙏 I am interested in what you have shared about your projects with IanCanada parts. It appears to be a beautiful enjoyable journey. It has been very enjoyable to watch. Thank you for this pleasure. 😎 I have more learning to do about how to make something compatible with Amazon music. I am interested in learning and experiencing step improvements in streaming, and then DAC improvements. I will continue working on this education. I have a few missing links in my current understanding in how the software fits, that I wish to improve. My current best ever for me system is EMOTIVA XDA-3-DAC, and EMOTIVA XPA-DR1 Monoblock's, Streaming with NVIDIA SHIELD pro, and decent speakers. I have a demanding job / occupation, so I'm learning the journey as I can. Can you advise me of information sources? I am technically capable with electrical and electronics, but It seems the information sources I've tried presume that I already understand how the software technology fits together.

[@claude6686]

great video, thanks! Does the streamer work with the Hdmi I2S input of a PS Audio Dac? Ie are the HDMI connections compatible?

[@Gabster1]

Yes it does I have tested it on a PsAudio Dac no problems

[@claude6686]

@@Gabster1 Many thanks, Gabby!

[@claude6686]

@@Gabster1 Hi Gabby, I have built the streamer with the TransportPi running Volumio. I had some initial software issues but these are now resolved (editing config.txt). When connecting the TransportPi to the PS Audio PWD dac via i2s it works fine except in Native and NativeX mode where I just get some awful noise. Any idea what this could be?

[@Gabster1]

@@claude6686 I have sold my PS audio dac Not sure to be honest why may be the PS audio forum can help

[@claude6686]

@@Gabster1 thank you, a good suggestion.

[@mrmwrsmith]

If I have a go at this little pi based streamer, I'm going to go with the model 4b, question : do I get the 4gb or 8gb version? Never done any diy stuff as yet but this video has gave me food for thought. Thanks for all the information and links Gabster it's great and much appreciated.

[@Gabster1]

No value in going 8gb personally I prefer pi 3B

[@nugzarmaisuradze6722]

Great video

[@spda242]

Very interesting video 👍 This is more in my ballpark, your big streamer is VERY IMPRESSIVE but overkill for me. Would need to build one with Optical/Coax, I am using USB today but could not find such a solution from Iancanada. Adding a screen for album artwork would be really cool. Iancanada is not on Roopie/RoopieXL compatibility guide but from your video it works?

[@jungtarcph]

I think Ian mention he also uses it

[@Gabster1]

it works fine with Roopieee or / XL see the fifo Q7 Pdf document on the drivers to use

[@sportstraveling]

Hi Ian.its a great project 2 questions in case you have come across.i am.looking into something similar but would rather to include internet radio and fm radio and Bluetooth capability with the streaming in one case with speakers. Portable.. The main reason is the web sometimes must not be congested on this part of the world and I have very limited space in my 40 sqm house. Have you come across any projects that could enlightme in that direction. 2. There is ton of discussion use esp32 instead of rassbery.. what your opinion?. Tks and keep is the top notch work

[@Gabster1]

iknow you can do internet Radio with Roon Radio paradise is my favorite station not sure if volumio does as well not sure never tried the esp32 Bluetooth and fm radio are more a part of your amplifier rather then the dac

[@minipv9972]

Thank you Gabby , yes i ll try , too many apples under a basket, ..@@Gabster1

[@CurtDragomanovich]

Can this be used as a reclocker from a usb streamer?