Allo Digione player

Interesting - for anyone who wants to add ROON to a legacy streamer, this might be a more versatile option than an Airport Express. 

MangoMonkey posted:

Received this earlier today. Shipped straight from India via Fedex for $200 including shipping.

Playing ROON with files fed from my PC via the ALLO into the Dac section of the NDS - and can't find anything to complain about - a bargain indeed.

Unfortunately, it's not quite at par with the streaming section in the NDS, but I can't complain. It's using a $10 wall wart - an iFi or a linear PSU might make things better - I'll try that if I think I want to run ROON long term.

Listening to ROON (on the allo which feeds spdif via BNC into the NDS with flac files on my PC) and if I had no comparison, there's  nothing to complain about. The same music from uniticore via upnp into the NDS sounds a little better - or maybe just different - and the difference could very well be attributable to different ethernet cables. Maybe a linear PSU or the iFi would make the unit sound better - but the value prop is shocking. 

I have been running a DigiOne powered by an ifi iPower for a few weeks in parallel with my default source. This consists of a CompuLab FitPC3 and of a M2Tech hiFace Evo, both powered by TP LPSUs. Both the FitPC3 and the RPi 3B hosting the DigiOne are running an headless, very minimal Debian (Raspbian) system and basically only two applications: MinimServer and upmpdcli. Thus, they act as integrated server + renderer solutions. Both the default source and the DigiOne are connected to a Naim DAC via DC1 BNC-BNC cables of the same length. In both cases the music files are on a 1TB USB drive attached to the devices. While in the beginning the DigiOne sounded a little bit tiring, things have improved and I now tend to slightly prefer the DigiOne to my default system. Be aware that some folks on CA have argued that the low-noise ifi SMPS is not as good as the Allo 5V/3A SMPS. I will give the Allo PSU a try but I am more generally looking for a high quality LPS for SBCs and 5V external drive enclosures. I have been thinking of ordering an Uptone Audio JS-2 or perhaps a DC3 from Custom HiFi Cables. If you try higher quality LPSUs on the DigiOne, please let us know your findings! There have been rumors that Allo was working on a "signature" DigiOne last fall, but it was not clear if and when the new device shall be released.  

ChrisSU posted:

Interesting - for anyone who wants to add ROON to a legacy streamer, this might be a more versatile option than an Airport Express. 

Yes, assuming that the streamer has a S/PDIF input. With upmpdcli running on the RPi hosting the DigiOne you also get Tidal, Qobuz, etc. without the agonizing pain.

I agree the Allo Digione VFM is shocking. The NDS is definitely better but then again at >20k USD, it does put this hobby into perspective. At 100x cheaper than the NDS/555DR it really make one question where the money goes to, not to mention the advantage of replacing it/ throwing it away without hassle or guilt when new tech is available. Oh, and it works with Roon and you would need the ND555/NDX2 to beat it in this area.

MangoMonkey posted:

Received this earlier today. Shipped straight from India via Fedex for $200 including shipping.

Playing ROON with files fed from my PC via the ALLO into the Dac section of the NDS - and can't find anything to complain about - a bargain indeed.

Unfortunately, it's not quite at par with the streaming section in the NDS, but I can't complain. It's using a $10 wall wart - an iFi or a linear PSU might make things better - I'll try that if I think I want to run ROON long term.

Listening to ROON (on the allo which feeds spdif via BNC into the NDS with flac files on my PC) and if I had no comparison, there's  nothing to complain about. The same music from uniticore via upnp into the NDS sounds a little better - or maybe just different - and the difference could very well be attributable to different ethernet cables. Maybe a linear PSU or the iFi would make the unit sound better - but the value prop is shocking. 

Please replace the wall wart. The iFi improves the bass tightness going slightly deeper, mid-range clarity and the highs smoother.

kaydee6 posted:

MangoMonkey posted:

Received this earlier today. Shipped straight from India via Fedex for $200 including shipping.

Playing ROON with files fed from my PC via the ALLO into the Dac section of the NDS - and can't find anything to complain about - a bargain indeed.

Unfortunately, it's not quite at par with the streaming section in the NDS, but I can't complain. It's using a $10 wall wart - an iFi or a linear PSU might make things better - I'll try that if I think I want to run ROON long term.

Listening to ROON (on the allo which feeds spdif via BNC into the NDS with flac files on my PC) and if I had no comparison, there's  nothing to complain about. The same music from uniticore via upnp into the NDS sounds a little better - or maybe just different - and the difference could very well be attributable to different ethernet cables. Maybe a linear PSU or the iFi would make the unit sound better - but the value prop is shocking. 

Please replace the wall wart. The iFi improves the bass tightness going slightly deeper, mid-range clarity and the highs smoother.

Interesting, a few users at CA argue that the ifi makes the DigiOne sound thin in comparison with the 5V/3A Allo SMPS. I have myself an ifi but I was wandering whether a beefier linear PSU could further improve the DigiOne. Anyway, as you point out, great value for money! Most importantly to me, RPi + DigiOne is one of the few sources with a high quality S/PDIF output on which one can run MinimServer. In spite of the poor wireless interface of the RPi 3B (the RPi 3B+ has support for the 5GHz channels) wireless streaming of Qobuz 16/44.1 works flawlessly in my environment and through the  RPi + DigiOne combo.

The DigiOne is relatively insensitive to the PS used. I could not distinct the various powersupplies (I have the Allo one, the iFi 5v and many others). I am not on your level of equipment though. I am currently using a Chord Mojo. Moderately happy. I think I am a Naim Dac guy. It seems that I prefer the internal Dac of my SuperNait 1. Thats more meaty. Has guts. Well, you understand.

Ardbeg10y posted:

The DigiOne is relatively insensitive to the PS used. I could not distinct the various powersupplies (I have the Allo one, the iFi 5v and many others). I am not on your level of equipment though. I am currently using a Chord Mojo. Moderately happy. I think I am a Naim Dac guy. It seems that I prefer the internal Dac of my SuperNait 1. Thats more meaty. Has guts. Well, you understand.

Thanks, good to hear that the DigiOne is not very sensitive to changes of the PSU! My gear is very straightforward: Naim DAC into SN2 into Ovator S-400. I have never tried other DACs apart from the one of the Oppo 203. Best, nbpf

I should be able to slot in a Naim Dac into my system later this week. I'll report back.

MangoMonkey posted:

I should be able to slot in a Naim Dac into my system later this week. I'll report back.

Any news?

I have meanwhile moved the DigiOne to a Raspberry Pi 3B+. The nice thing is that it now connects to the 5GHz wireless band with 121/135 Mbit/s (as reported by the router) which is much better than what the Pi 3B could achieve in the 2.4GHz band. Wireless Qobuz streaming to the Pi 3B+ works flawlessly just as before. The CPU of the Pi 3B+ can be clocked up to 1.4GHz but I have disabled CPU frequency scaling and set the frequency to 1GHz constant.

nbpf posted:

MangoMonkey posted:

I should be able to slot in a Naim Dac into my system later this week. I'll report back.

Any news?

I have meanwhile moved the DigiOne to a Raspberry Pi 3B+. The nice thing is that it now connects to the 5GHz wireless band with 121/135 Mbit/s (as reported by the router) which is much better than what the Pi 3B could achieve in the 2.4GHz band. Wireless Qobuz streaming to the Pi 3B+ works flawlessly just as before. The CPU of the Pi 3B+ can be clocked up to 1.4GHz but I have disabled CPU frequency scaling and set the frequency to 1GHz constant.

Mango is still listening music. He has forgotten us and the rest of the world.

Ardbeg10y posted:

nbpf posted:

MangoMonkey posted:

I should be able to slot in a Naim Dac into my system later this week. I'll report back.

Any news?

I have meanwhile moved the DigiOne to a Raspberry Pi 3B+. The nice thing is that it now connects to the 5GHz wireless band with 121/135 Mbit/s (as reported by the router) which is much better than what the Pi 3B could achieve in the 2.4GHz band. Wireless Qobuz streaming to the Pi 3B+ works flawlessly just as before. The CPU of the Pi 3B+ can be clocked up to 1.4GHz but I have disabled CPU frequency scaling and set the frequency to 1GHz constant.

Mango is still listening music. He has forgotten us and the rest of the world.

That might well be the case! In the meanwhile, I have made a lot of Qobuz listening through the RPi+DigiOne system and discovered what might be a software issue in the upmpdcli-qobuz (and, likely, in the upmpdcli-tidal) interface, see https://forums.naimaudio.com/to...90#75342530708002890. Qobuz streaming to the RPi+DigiOne system using the Qobuz interface made available by the BubbleUPnP control point works flawlessly, though. I am actually very happy with the RPi+DigiOne system and if nothing really exciting comes up from Naim, Antipodes, Sonore, etc. in the next months, I am likely going to replace my current source with the RPi+DigiOne combination. I would not mind investing more in an even better source, but I do not want to have to deal with poorly documented systems and proprietary solutions. For the time being, I do not see a device that is clearly superior to the DigiOne in terms of sound quality and also acceptable from the point of view of usability, flexibility and documentation. Let's see if something new comes up at the Munich show! 

I remember you guys - just don't know what to report yet - The Allo sounds great into the nDac  - just don't have time to a detailed comparison/hearing test yet.

It does sound a little hot on the upper frequencies - trying to see if a linear PSU and power conditioner helps.

HDPlex is coming out with a new linear PSU - waiting for it to be released, and will report back once I've had a chance to do some serious tests - probably nothing for the next couple of months.

Net net though - Allo into nDac into 272/250DR is more detailed than 272/250DR alone. With s/h prices the way they are, the Allo+nDac is a better upgrade than a xpsdr, super lumina etc.

MangoMonkey posted:

...

It does sound a little hot on the upper frequencies - trying to see if a linear PSU and power conditioner helps.

HDPlex is coming out with a new linear PSU - waiting for it to be released, and will report back once I've had a chance to do some serious tests - probably nothing for the next couple of months.

In the beginning I was not very impressed by the DigiOne, as I have reported in other threads. In the meanwhile the hotness in the high frequencies is gone and I really like it. It is at least as good as my default source. Just give it some time. I am also tempted to try a high quality PSU. I am thinking of a DC3 but I am also waiting to see how the new HDPlex looks like. Sean Jacobs has sold a number of DC3 to SBC users who are apparently very satisfied with the DC3. He offers devices with a second regulated output that could be very handy to power an external drive. I keep the music files on an external drive and the RPi that hosts the DigiOne also runs MinimServer. In this setup the DigiOne seems to sound a little bit punchier than when the RPi acs as a pure renderer. But it might be just my impression. I have opened a ticket for the track skip issue on opensourceproject.eu. Best, nbpf

You can play Tidal and use minimserver with this? How do you control it? App on iPhone?

spurrier sucks posted:

You can play Tidal and use minimserver with this? How do you control it? App on iPhone?

Sure, I have a number of MinimServer servers running in my LAN. One is running on the RPi that hosts the DigiOne and serves local music files stored on an attached USB drive. If you install the upmpdcli renderer on the RPi that hosts the DigiOne, you can access Tidal, Qobuz, etc. via the upmpdcli interfaces to these services (upmpdcli-tidal, upmpdcli-qobuz, etc.) or via the interface to these services made available by the BubbleUPnP control point. I control UPnP (and Qobuz) streaming with Linn Kazoo (iOS and Android) and BubbleUPnP (only Android). Best, nbpf

what is the dc output of the allo ?  5v, 12v?    hdplex 200 w would be enough to power it?? 

French Rooster posted:

what is the dc output of the allo ?  5v, 12v?    hdplex 200 w would be enough to power it?? 

Output? Allo? The DigiOne is a Raspberry Pi hat. It is powered by its Pi host and has its own regulators on board. You can power the Pi with any 5V/3A power supply. An HDPLEX 200 would be (much) more than enough. Best, nbpf  

nbpf posted:

French Rooster posted:

what is the dc output of the allo ?  5v, 12v?    hdplex 200 w would be enough to power it?? 

Output? Allo? The DigiOne is a Raspberry Pi hat. It is powered by its Pi host and has its own regulators on board. You can power the Pi with any 5V/3A power supply. An HDPLEX 200 would be (much) more than enough. Best, nbpf  

the op is waiting for the new hdplex to power the allo.....so i asked.

For those of you with the legecy Naim streamers who wish to use Roon, then the Sonore UPnP Bridge allows the Naim network player as a Roon Endpoint but the stream is over the Ethernet input, as if it was a UPnP input.

This means you are not converting a packet based stream from the Roon Core, to a clocked digital format, in S/PDIF and having to switch inputs to take in a stream over the Digital input.

Plus for me, sounds better than the S/PDIF input too.

Simon.

Glad I found this thread as I am also interested in a Digione, CuBox or other inexpensive Roon endpoint to try with my 272N. The Sonore UPnP Bridge seems like a more elegant solution and would likely be my first choice but not having any luck finding one. I've been offered a pre-loved Allo Digione with the iFi power supply and a more affordable CuBox, which looks a lot like a Sonicorbiter SE without the Sonore software mods. Still not sure which to buy it but based on the comments here, seems the Allo Digione is great value.

French Rooster posted:

nbpf posted:

French Rooster posted:

what is the dc output of the allo ?  5v, 12v?    hdplex 200 w would be enough to power it?? 

Output? Allo? The DigiOne is a Raspberry Pi hat. It is powered by its Pi host and has its own regulators on board. You can power the Pi with any 5V/3A power supply. An HDPLEX 200 would be (much) more than enough. Best, nbpf  

the op is waiting for the new hdplex to power the allo.....so i asked.

HDPLEx isn't selling the old one anymore. 

How easy or hard to setup? Fairly straight forward? Comes with directions?

[@mention:46056317147395691], [@mention:1566878603988680] Just to make sure that there are no misunderstanding: the DigiOne is a I2S to S/PDIF interface. It makes sense if you need an high quality S/PDIF output. Its Raspberry Pi host can be configured as a Roon endpoint, as a UPnN + OpenHome renderer or as a UPnP server + renderer combination. The latter is what I use. If you have no experience in installing Raspbian or configuring MPD and upmpdcli, just copy an image of a plug-and-play Linux distribution like Volumio or DietPi on a microSD card and you are ready to go, please refer to the Volumio, DietPi, Roon, etc. forums and documentation. I do not like Volumio and DietPi and I am not interested in Roon. On my Pi devices, I run a minimal Raspbian installation with no web interface, no HDMI output, etc. Best, nbpf

MangoMonkey posted:

French Rooster posted:

nbpf posted:

French Rooster posted:

what is the dc output of the allo ?  5v, 12v?    hdplex 200 w would be enough to power it?? 

Output? Allo? The DigiOne is a Raspberry Pi hat. It is powered by its Pi host and has its own regulators on board. You can power the Pi with any 5V/3A power supply. An HDPLEX 200 would be (much) more than enough. Best, nbpf  

the op is waiting for the new hdplex to power the allo.....so i asked.

HDPLEx isn't selling the old one anymore. 

saw one on bay site....