So, is it bye-bye NDX?

now hang on a min you cant just leave it like that. Come on Conrad expand a little.mwhat is this software, how does it work. is it straight usb into hugo. How does it compare to NDX

Graeme

OK - Volumio is an open source disk image for small 'hobby computers'

http://volumio.org/

I have this running on my Raspberry Pi.

It is connected to the Chord Hugo as a USB DAC and the Hugo is playing into the same inputs on my valve amp that my NDX used to.

Volumio can be controlled by uPnP just like the NDX - so that works just like the NDX. However Volumio can also act as an Airplay speaker (another box ticked) and as the Hugo supports DSD so does my Volumio.

Quite amazing really.

Volumio also has a very nice web interface.

And sound wise - only been listening for about 40 mins, but the most obvious difference is the much better bass - I am not a bass head, but there is more and it is very controlled - this is what people say about the Hugo.

Colour me impressed! 

Thanks for the info. Conrad. I've been very tempted to get a Raspberry Pi, just 'cos it's a lovely little thing. The only thing stopping me is I wouldn't be able to run Amarra with its rather superb room correction software. Dammit, think i might just get one anyway! 

You should also look at Rune Audio, which uses Arch Linux rather than Debian and does seem to provide a bit more performance, especially as regards the UI.

WOW - This is a whole new world of streaming experimentation fun!

Can't think of any reason if you are happy. Although you might want to check out the new Oppo DAC because I'm hearing it's a Hugo beater for less money.

..also worth pointing out that the UI for Volumio was written (firstly) by the folks who started RuneAudio, who subsequently expanded the scope to include other boards as well as a custom kernel for Arch Linux ARM. You will likely find it to be much better supported (I use a RPi with a Wolfson Audio Card and an original SuperNait with its DAC for my other desktop system).

And so it begins.

You're hearing from who Harry? You should give the Hugo a listen for yourself, and the Oppo, if it"s that good, because people I know with an NDS are selling theirs because they think the Hugo is better.

Conrad

Have you tried any 24/192 files, as it mentions on the web site it may struggle over 24/96 on the pi

Graeme

I'm hearing it from people who have heard it and one who is buying one rather than a Hugo. I haven't heard either. It's just had a five blob comic review and not long ago a review which compared it favourably to the Hugo. So in today's fast moving marketplace it seems like the Hugo has had its limelight, although there will be a cohort of fans who will continue to love it for what it is, although they're now behind the times. Sound familiar?

mac mini with audio optical out to Hugo using itunes/bitperfect also offers itself as an alternative

Have you compared them, be interested if it is.

Graeme

As would I.

Harry,

A comment from a well respected ex forum member who has heard the Oppo DAC.

"The oppo DAC isn't as good as the Naim DAC.
You have more options but a naked naim DAC still knocks it into touch big time.
Even the naim V1 bombs it for SQ.
Fact."

Another point of view.

At this very second I am listening to Tea For The Tillerman at 24/192 with no issues what so ever!

All the Raspberry pi is doing is moving digital information from one place to another without processing it, so this doesn't surprise me.

Surprisingly amazing sound too.

Steve, I don't who that was saying that, but although interesting and kind of dampens my impression of new Oppo DAC.. I thought for a moment it may have been a refinement on the Hugo techniques.. But clearly the comment is subjective and not fact..the only fact would be what innovative engineering design techniques the Oppo uses, and I haven't been able to find any details yet.. But still looking. I hope  it's more than just a tweak/ re hash of a DAC / DSP manufacturer's design pattern.

Simon

Thanks Conrad

Last question, how or where is your music stored. Is it on HDD connected to Pi on USB or ethernet NAS drive.

Graeme

At the moment I am using Rune Audio 3 alpha (another similar piece of music player software for small computers), This is not responding so well to uPnP so I  have mounted my Synology NAS drive as a network drive (all through the web interface) and am playing music from that.

Conrad, the limitations I have found with audo and the Raspberry Pi are more IO related rather than CPU prosensing. for example when streaming 192 / 24 Media via UPnP from a SMB share, I see the limiting factor is IO. If I transcoded  192 / 24 FLAC to WAV it was still IO bound. If I dropped  to 44.1 / 16 the Pi became CPU bound. 

By the way all works flawlessly despite the IO limitations.

Simon

So you have moved from volumio over to rune. Ive been reading on these sites and its very interesting. Do you prefer rune.

Simon i read there is an add on module for Pi that gives you optical and coax outputs with is meant to resolve the issue with the Pi sharing the ethernet and USB ports

Its called HIFI Berry Digi http://www.hifiberry.com/hbdigi

Graeme

Foxman,

it is interesting and not clear cut. Rune audio and Volumio are very similar. Volumio was better at uPnP, where as Rune audio is better with a network mounted disk. I have not decided yet which is best.

They are both in quite early stages of development and are not as stable as they should be, so the Naim may well be getting a reprieve, but I really feel its days are numbered.

WRT the OPPO DAC, the Hugo has one massive advantage - its completely portable, so if I  want to I can whip it out and take it to work with me to use with my AK240. It really is an awesome piece of kit - I really like the sound of the FPGA programmed to be a DAC.

Conrad

Will you keep us updated on how you get on. I agree with you and am also looking to replace my NDX. Will demo the Auralic Aries when i get a chance, but if i can achieve something similar with my Pi all the better.

Regards Graeme