Best PI DAC? Looking at sound quality

Audio Gear Talk Raspberry Pi
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I appreciate this is very subjective, what is the best PI DAC?

Im currently using a Allo digi+, feeding into my coax input of my Onkyo tx8150…i fully understand that im now using my buikt in DAC…

It sounds ok, but very flat, and underwhelming.

I have previously used the Allo boss, original… this was good, and wish i still had this… also the IQ audio.

I welcome opinion, as im in the market, so to speak.

Thanks for an awesome community on here btw

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There are a lot!
One I’m gonna try is this one: Orchard Pecan Pi It’s a streamer and DAC in one, but also available as a only dac version. The maker Orchard_Audio is also on this forum.

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Hi,

DDDAC, https://audio-creative.nl/projecten/dddac-1794-nos-diy-dac-deel-1/ , 1794 with Kali reclocker and i2s link to raspberry and Moode audio. Some attention to the power supplies and you have a great sounding set.

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You know anyone who has this?

I’m looking for a better sounding DAC myself .

What have u heard about this?

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I use this combination. Sounds better than my Antilope dac.

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No, but I think for the price the streamer/dac can’t be wrong. You can read about it here on Roon in this topic.

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Here is a review that just got published:

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Thx

I just ordered 1

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Not impressed with the sponsered answer :neutral_face:,

I went with the Khadas Tone Board, fed by the output of my Allo Digi plus… Both fed from a big Anker USB battery.

The Khadas definitely lives up to all the hype… Unbelievable detail, and clearly defined bottom end…

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I am not sure what you mean by sponsored answer, my policy is that I do not pay for or give away equipment for reviews.

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A manufacturer answering my question :wink:

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Well then I’ll answer. I don’t have the PecanPi DAC. But I do have Orchard Audio’s previous ApplePi DAC and I’ll stand by his product.

Also of note …

  • I own the Allo Boss and I agree it gives excellent results. But my subjective opinion is the ApplePi out performs it in detail and musicality.
  • I do not own an Allo Katana but I plan to purchase one eventually and it is #1 on my list for ‘next DAC’.
  • there are many more candidates on my radar for #2 and after. But I bet you know about them too. Plus as I don’t have personal experience yet, naming them wouldn’t be worth anything.

The website audiosciencereview.com has tested a few RPi DACs. And I know that the backlog of DACs the site owner plans to eventually test is quite long. So I keep going back to the site to check if any have been added.

Edit: as the Tone Board is a big deal there, you probably already know about the site immediately above. But I’ll keep the info here In case you do not; and for the benefit of others coming along.

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Let me chime in as well… I had the opportunity to listen to the PecanPi Streamer for about a week… My writeup here: https://community.roonlabs.com/t/pecanpi-raspberry-pi-dac-and-streamer/63919/119

Caveat: I’m not that familiar with DACs for the Raspberry PI, but I am quite familiar with numerous different quality DACs and the DAC HAT in the PecanPi Streamer sounds amazing and specs out top of class.

And @Steve_Mato - thanks for the reference to the ASR index of reviews!

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You’re very welcome. It seems the site owner is a bit behind updating it tho. So I often go back in the site hierarchy and navigate to the DAC or Amp sections directly. Often finding some recent additions there, not yet in the master list.

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The PecanPi DAC is essentially the ApplePi DAC and Volume-Clocker combined together + a headphone output.

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Another vote for the Khadas Tone Board. Absolutely fantastic sound and separation. I built a case for it using the DIY Guide over at ASR. Punches above it’s weight for sure and is very close to my $1000 RME ADI-2 DAC.

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Im looking to laser cut a custom case for mine :wink: stay tuned !

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Another great write-up and win for PecanPi:
https://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?64295-Orchard-Audio-s-PecanPi-Review&p=1087525#post1087525

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I have no stake in Orchard or the PecanPi (don’t own one and no relationship to the company or any employees); however I have to point out that @Orchard_Audio dropped a 3rd party link to their product when someone mentioned them and did nothing to tout their own product. That’s about as laid back a response as you can get from a company. Your lack of being impressed has to do with what? The fact that they responded at all?

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Well I went with the Khadas board combined with Allo Boss Digi one. I’m really impressed with the sound of this, so detailed and deep.

For the money, would anyone recommend a better combination with the Khadas board?

Thanks