HQPlayer server on RPI-5

Audio Gear Talk HQ Player
1

Hi all,

I would like to move my HQP-desktop to a Raspberry 5. Is this possible?

Does my licence also work on the PI-5?

Can Roon remain ‘talking’ to the RPI-5 if the RPI-5 get the IP-address from the desktop?

Thank you, Jan

2

Yes, you can run HQPlayer Desktop on 64-bit RaspberryPi OS. Package is downloadable from our website. And yes, your existing Desktop license works also there.

When Roon is on another computer, you need either static IP address on the HQPlayer device. Or I think at least in some cases mDNS works and you could use something like “hqplayer.local” at Roon side as address. Even if the IP changes over time.

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3

@David Snyder and @Jussi_Laako

I’m impressed with your research, David, and curious about the possibilities your plan offers.

Here’s a schematic sketch of a design I have in mind. Can you assess its potential for success?

See the attachment.

Thank you, Jan

Basis opzet v.1
Basis opzet v.1992×175 15.9 KB

Add images

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4

@J_de_Hond - your diagram looks pretty close! You just need to move “Diretta Host” from “RPi5 - 2” to “RPi5 - 1” to produce the correct architecture.

Essentially:

  • RPi5 - 1 acts as the computing/processing node (HQPlayer + Diretta Host).
  • RPi5 - 2 acts as the audio endpoint (Diretta Target).

A few notes on the networking:

  • Roon Server to RPi5 - 1: There is no need for a point-to-point connection here. These should both be connected to your main Ethernet switch/router. This ensures “RPi5 - 1” gets an IP address and is visible to Roon Server.

  • RPi5 - 1 to RPi5 - 2: This is your dedicated Diretta link. The communications here will mainly be L2 frames and IPv6 link-local addresses (automatic), though you can configure static IPv4 addresses manually if you prefer for maintenance.

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5

@David_Snyder @jussi_laako

Hi David,

Thank you for your detailed comment. Some thoughts.

1e I would think that the ethernet link between Diretta Host and Target is preferable dedicated. So RPi-1 has two ethernet adapters in order to separate LAN and Diretta data.

2e My second concern is the CPU-load on RPi-1. Diretta and HQP together on one RPI.

Please find attached the modified setup.

Thanks, Jan

Schermafbeelding 2025-12-01 162643
Schermafbeelding 2025-12-01 1626431375×568 51.3 KB

6

Yes. I believe you had separate Ethernet adapters on RPi-1 in the original diagram also. I was a little confused at firsts with your “Ethernet 2 → Ethernet 1” path in the first diagram, but I assumed you were referring to the onboard network interfaces. I recommend connecting the onboard network interfaces together and using a USB to Ethernet adapter for the LAN connection.

If you’re running the HQPlayer Server on a Raspberry Pi alongside Diretta Host, that could be pretty high load. I would suggest getting a third Raspberry Pi 5 and dedicating that to HQPlayer and then install NAA on the Diretta Host instead.

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7

This is how I have finally set my Diretta System up pretty much.

  1. Rpi5 GentooPlayer with HQplayer Embedded & MinimServer.
  2. Rpi5 Gentooplayer / Diretta Host with HQPlayer NAA.
  3. Rpi4 Gentooplayer / Diretta Target. Allo Digione Signature.

I did start with Gentooplayer for running HQPlayer but recently added Diretta just before recent updates. Am really pleased with the results. Amazing what small PC and software can do!

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8

Hi Robert,

Thanks for your reply. That gives me confidence in the setup we discussed. Very nice.

Did you also happen to use the Waveshare 28142 Ethernet adapter for the second network port?

See the attached photo.

Regards, Jan

RPI-5 with extra ethernet
RPI-5 with extra ethernet610×640 113 KB

9

Hi Robert,

Although not necessary I will try to apply to the HQP Embedded a separate ethernet port.

The schematic then should be according to the attachment.

Thanks for sharing your ideas.

regards, Jan

Basis opzet v.1
Basis opzet v.11008×306 24.3 KB

10

Hi Jan,

I went with a Waveshare USB to 2.5G Ethernet Port Converter in the end for connection from Network Switch and used the Rpi Ethernet port for direct host to target. I did try another Waveshare Gigabit Ethernet Module Case for Raspberry Pi 5 but gave up trying to configure for Gentooplayer, hence went for the USB Ethernet adapter.

This seemed to be the general route for adding second Ethernet connection.

Hope you manage to get your Waveshare Ethernet adapter to work.
Regards
Rob

11

From your schematic I have the rpi5-1 connected to the network switch (Lan) the Host rpi5-2 is also connected to and not directly as you have shown. This how it has worked for me.

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12

Hi Robert,

How did you tell HQP Embedded to output to the Diretta host? Don’t I need a NAA further on in the stream?

And second what does MinimServer do?

Thank you, Jan