nelis

@Allo I have only a AES/EBU input on my DAC, through an xlr connector. I currently run laptop usb > yellowtec PUC usb-to-aes converter > DAC. What is the best Allo transporter I could use for achieving the best sound quality up to my DAC? Option 1 is use the USBridge to go to the yellowtec PUC, then to my DAC. Option 2 is to go straight to my DAC from the Digione, taking out the yellowtec PUC and using the digione s/pdif signal to go to the dac AES input via a RCA-to-XLR type cable (this should work according to the Rane website on spdif-aes transformation)

One of your staff already anwered this q on DIY Audio - XLR will only be analog out due to this being a DAC. This makes sense of course, although some DACs also have AES/EBU out through XLR port. (not sure how to edit post?)

@Allo will the Katana have a digital AES/EBU out through XLR connector? That would make a Katana-Nirvana combination hard to resist. I am also looking at the pi2design 502DAC, a small project which is currently out of stock, but certainly interesting option for a streamer that includes an AES/EBU output.

Something to consider, for sure. The problem is that I'd need at least two LPS units: one for bridge, one for my USB>AES converter (Yellowtec PUC2 Lite). I might also have to separately power Sparky with an LPS. So we're looking at quite the budget outlay just for power supply, at a multiple of the entire chain up to the speakers. And I can't even say for sure that it helps given conflicting information on boards..

Great stuff, just looked this up, sounds like the smps nirvana will be ready quite soon. I'll go for that + USBridge, unless I find something better in the meantime.

I use the Spotify app mainly, and sometimes play from a HDD that's directly attached to router. This seems to work with volumio. I can run a USBridge with volumio right? Or do you recommend an alternative? Do you recommend your dual power supply unit to power the bridge and sparky?

I stream from Spotify mostly. Also have some favourites in high resolution files from qobuz on a network attached HDD. In the near future, with a fine tuned system, I'd like to look into high res streaming options.

Hi @allo.com (and others!) I'm considering the usbridge, to replace a laptop that's streaming my music. I currently run laptop --> Yellowtec PUC2 Lite (USB to AES/EBU) --> Genelec 8351a speakers. I am not using any linear power supply or some such at the moment. First, would the usbridge be the best product to purchase now or is there a new Allo product in the pipeline I should wait for? Second, would you recommend three linear power supplies: one for sparky, one for the usbridge, and one for the PUC2 Lite? Or just stick with your normal 5V 3a adapters? The reason I'm doing all this is that I find the laptop fan too noisy. And, while I'm taking care of a replacement, would also like to see what the best value for money is to improve overall sound quality. Thanks for your advice!

Did anyone test whether the Linux driver update on the PUC2 Lite means that it now works with Volumio? I am working on moving to a different streaming unit but if the compatability issue remains than I might have to take the PUC2 Lite out of the chain entirely. If the Linux driver means the Yellowtec works with Volumio, I think my preferred option would be to stream from Allo USBridge. If not, I might move to a pi2design 502DAC, which has AES/EBU out, so would no longer require the PUC. Any thoughts much appreciated :)

Ok so I've managed to find the culprit. I was feeding a very weak signal to the PUC and monitors, as the monitor sensitivity was set to 0db. I've now turned it down to -42db and can send a much stronger signal through the PUC, which has eliminated the white noise. I got things up and running last night. I've listened to music through much of the night - I can honestly say that the Genelec 8351a's are rather exceeding all my hopes. Best sound I've heard from any pair of speakers, ever.

I've got the PUC2 lite now but unfortunately once I start playing music I get a lot of constant white noise/hiss from my monitors. The noise isn't there when the device is on and everything is connected, but the laptop is not playing music. - laptop: win 7, 64bit, using foobar/vlc/wmp, all same problem. Tried reinstalling drivers and firmware update several times. - PUC: connection with Y cable. Tried powering from USB and external 5a power block, no difference - speakers: genelec 8351a, active studio monitors I suspect it's something to do with the PUC or firmware/drivers and so reached out to their support team. If anyone has any thoughts in the meantime, they'd be most welcome of course..

Thanks stewart, this powerblock takes USB so the Y cable that comes with the PUC Lite should work. Can't comment on the problems with booting but I read elsewhere that there have been some driver issues - do you have the latest drivers?

Sorry to dig up this post but would it be a significant loss if I simply power the PUC2 Lite with a powerblock such as this one, delivering 5V 2A: New IT Micro USB International Power Adapter Kit for Raspberry Pi Model B: Amazon.co.uk: Computers & Accessories

Fantastic! So now it boils down to testing a couple of monitors which I'm planning to do next week. This is straddling a fair bit off topic so I will just say that the demo will include the PMC twotwo.6's will have stiff competition from Amphion One18 +Amp100, Neumann KH310A, Event Opal, and Focal Twins. This is far too exciting

Great, thank you, that's what I need to knopw! I've done my homework and it seems the Berkeley Audio and Weiss stuff are well regarded USB --> AES solutions. But they are also an assault on my wallet. I guess I can live with something like the Mutec MC-1.2 really, a comparative steal at $449. Set-up would be Raspberry Pi --> Mutec MC-1.2 --> PMC twotwo 6 monitors. The monitors are active, with AES3 input and in-built DAC. Sounds good? I can keep the RPi & Mutec box close to the master speaker. Should I keep the USB or the AES cables the shortest? The PMC twotwo 6 master speaker will feed a slave with an RJ45 cable - how sensitive is that RJ45 link to distance?