exaSounds are a great choice if you want multi-channel playback.
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Just to follow up on the exasound recommendations – to the best of my knowledge, exasound DACs will not by themselves play multichannel from NUC/Nucleus via USB, as exasound does not provide drivers for linux (only for Win and Mac). They will need a multichannel-capable Roon-ready streamer as an intermediary (or built in, as in the latest model, which is the e88, I think).
Disclaimer: I’ve looked into exasound but never used one, so actual exasound owners, please correct me if I’m wrong about this!
Hello @otinkyad,
Exasound DACs will not function with other Linux computers/streamers/servers besides for Exasound streamers.
-John
You are correct except you mean s88.
Hello @john – Right, good clarification, thanks. Not only does an exasound DAC need a streamer (to work with NUC/Nucleus/linux), but it needs specifically an exasound Roon-ready streamer – thanks for confirming and clarifying –
Ah, thanks for that clarification!
As an exaSound owner, I’ll note that you could use a Mac or Windows PC running RoonBridge (or NAA if you use HQ Player, etc) as your “streamer” because exaSound provides drivers for those operating systems. However, the primary thrust here is correct: a non-exaSound dedicated streamer basically won’t work.
Good luck!
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Interesting, thanks! — I hadn’t thought of using a Mac/Win computer as streamer!
I reported a similar issue here —> (comforting to know I am not the only one)
The issue for me is I’d like to send 2.0 content to all 8 channels. At best I am getting 2.1. However, my 8 channel FLAC files do play correctly…
Aha. How about using Roon’s procedural filtering to route/copy L/R stereo to the other empty channels?
Those little all in ones with Windows pre-installed for about 200 USD works. You will only be loading the drivers and RoonBridge.
I’m going to try this later this afternoon. Thank you!
@Rugby – interestinger and interestinger! – thanks! (And just to make sure I’m understanding – these would handle multi-channel, is that correct?)
You can not split channels, only re-route.
Hi, John, how is the ticket processing at the support team?
Hello @regeli,
We don’t have a “resolution” just yet, but I can tell you what we’re up to.
We’ve been looking at the “5:15 A.M.” track and performing listening tests on a variety of gear. We’ve noticed that some receivers appear to have less headroom than others which could be a mechnansim for audible distortion.
Two things that we’d like for you to try out:
A) Go to the DSP settings for the HDMI output zone, open Sample Rate Conversion screen, change DSD to PCM gain to +0.0dB.
B) Go to the Device Setup screen for the HDMI output zone, click “Show advanced”, and then set the maximum bit-depth to “24”.
Let us know if this changes anything for you.
-John
I’ve bought the Nucleus since I was told by the dealer this was a “plug & play” solution.
In the end and how I see it goes now, it’s more and more experimenting and try/fail different settings.
I’m now using the Sony BD player as a Multichannel player to my receiver without any issues so far.
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