Can anyone help with simple instruction for how to add 5V power supply to the DAC+ PRO board, hence bypassing the Pi3’s SMPS.
And a list of the required parts and where to order online?
I’ve done some soldering years ago but if someone could share step by step photos if you had time, it would help a lot of people, not just me. There’s info scattered all over the web, but nothing I can find that’s clear and simple and complete.
I’d be looking to add an external LPSU with 2.1mm DC plug.
Hi Sean - are you in the UK? if so I used this for the board - Hobbytronics (google for web page) “Screw Terminals 0.1” (2.54mm) Pitch (2-Pin)" (this solders to the board as illustrated by HB - make sure you get the polarity correct) and a 2.1 power line socket from Maplins for the power supply.
Not me!
There is an ongoing and interesting thread on the Hifiberry community pages about just how far you can take this but its not for me.
That link in your post shows the same, or similar, connector that I used - it slots into the top of the board and it a straightforward job to flip the board over and dab a bit of solder on the two pegs. Take care to note the (+) and (-) marked on the board for when you add wires and then power to the connector, get that wrong and you will loose both dac and Pi!
Good luck with your modification
Cheers, Bob
Thanks Rob. Did you find a good improvement when powering the Hifiberry board directly vs micro USB?
What 5V external power supply are you using?
I’ve been using an iFi iPower 5V via the microUSB. My plan would be to use that directly to the Hifiberry board. Seems like a cost effective and relatively clean power supply (compared to stock wall wart).
You are welcome Sean. I use the iFi too. I was already impressed by the sound of the Pi/DAC+ Pro before the modification and I am not sure it was markedly different after. However, my wife has better ears than mine and she said “that sounds clearer”: that’ll do for me!
Can I ask what folks are using for the linear supply. I don’t want to build my own…too many projects to wade thru as it is. Teradak has som eon eBay but looks like the 5v outputs to a usb.
Thanks
Steve
I purchase a Linear Regulated from ebay for about $100 will post the link when I find it.
However I also have two Linear Regulated supplies from Jameco which are excellent and measure better than every other power supply I have including the IFi.
The Digi+ Pro runs into a pair of Meridian DSP5200 speakers. They’ve got 2 DACs each – at €10.000, I should hope they perform slightly better than a Hifiberry DAC. (They do ).
I have compared the little Pi extensively with a MS600 Meridian streamer. When after a month I still could not reliably A/B the two, I sold off the MS600. In the end – only music matters.
Very nice indeed Yes I’m loving the Digi+ PRO with my PS Audio Direct Stream DAC. It does as good a job as the expensive “Bridge II” Roon Ready network card option.
In my 2nd system, I’m going to add a Dac+ PRO with power supply mod (and before that, try it without any mod of course). I may even try it in my main system and be shocked
Does anyone know how much current the DAC+ PRO board needs, if powered independently from the Pi3 board? 5V at 1A sufficient? I know the Pi3 needs 5V at 2A, mainly to turn on, but what about the Hifiberry board alone?
I would say the improvement is noticeable, not earth-shattering. To be fair though, I never did compare to running both the Pi and DAC both with the cheap switching supply. I initially powered both with a clean linear supply before doing the mod.
).