RPi4 or RPi3 for usb dac?

spockfish · January 30, 2020, 9:37pm

Sounds like a good idea. I’m pretty sure the heatsinks are enough. Make sure you upgrade the USB controller firmware (you can do that from within RoPieee), because that actually saves a few degrees.

THXULTRA · January 30, 2020, 9:42pm

Thanks for the heads up I didn’t know about the USB controller firmware I will be sure to do so.

MPV · January 30, 2020, 9:44pm

Thanks Harry, I need usb because of dsd files I have and love
So, definitely RPi4 ???

Bill_Janssen · January 30, 2020, 9:44pm

Yeah, that’s right. Pi 3 USB is fine if you use WiFi, but if you want to use both Ethernet and USB at the same time, go for the Pi 4.

spockfish · January 30, 2020, 9:45pm

Well, it’s your choice. If you have the budget I would say: buy them both

MPV · January 30, 2020, 9:48pm

Thanks but only need one

Bill_Janssen · January 30, 2020, 9:55pm

Hans may not be the most reliable advisor in the world.

Jim_F · January 30, 2020, 10:15pm

I’ve built a couple of these using Pi 4’s, FLIRC cases, and RoPieeeXL. They are great. I built them for $74 each buying individual parts needed from Amazon. I used the 1gb Pi and 16gb SanDisk.

THXULTRA · January 30, 2020, 10:26pm

I ended up paying $91 including tax but got a pi4 4gb, 64gb sandisk and other accessories micro hdmi to hdmi etc. I figured for a extra $16 it was worth it. I may also get another microsd card so I can try retro pi (for gaming) with it though also…

RTaylor3rd · January 30, 2020, 10:57pm

I’m not a smart guy about such things. do you mind sharing a complete parts list so i can order from amazon?

Jim_F · January 30, 2020, 11:06pm

(https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07TD43PDZ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1)

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07WG4DW52/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07TYQRXTK/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B073K14CVB/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

RTaylor3rd · January 30, 2020, 11:07pm

thank you.

THXULTRA · January 31, 2020, 1:37pm

Also you will need one of these to flash the microsd card unless your computer has a microsd card slot…
https://www.amazon.com/Vanja-Adapter-Portable-Memory-Reader/dp/B00W02VHM6/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?crid=1XPRONJBIDPK7&keywords=micro+sd+card+usb+adapter&qid=1580477764&sprefix=micro+sd+card+usb+%2Caps%2C162&sr=8-2-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExSVYwU0MzQ1c4S05ZJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwNTMwMjUyTE9PVTVZWUI4OFFDJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTA3OTU2ODQzSjlXS0pITFNESjBKJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==

RTaylor3rd · January 31, 2020, 4:31pm

This will work?

Tim_Woodward · January 31, 2020, 4:43pm

I have an Pi4 (first venture into listening to raspberries!) and I eventually replaced my Auralic Aries Mini with it. I was sending USB to the Chord Mojo from the Mini and happy with it, but I really do honestly believe this little Raspberry Pi4 USB output is simply better, more detail, more air and space, just more information coming through. Of course how good your USB output sounds often depends on how happy your DAC is with it - so one mans meat is another’s poison so to speak! I would grab the RPi4 and forget about it!

THXULTRA · January 31, 2020, 4:45pm

Yes I think that is a microsd card slot. Hard for me to see from the picture.

RTaylor3rd · January 31, 2020, 4:57pm

Thanks @THXULTRA

Nathan_Wilkes · January 31, 2020, 7:09pm

At least in my environment, I have six Pi 3s and one Pi 4 (in the Flirc case with heat sink), and the Pi 4 with heat sink is the clear winner. See the last 6 weeks as an example:

mikeb · February 2, 2020, 9:38pm

The Flirc case is really excellent for the Pi4, assuming you don’t want to add a hat.

Filipe_Pinheiro · February 11, 2020, 11:53pm

I also have a RPI4 with Roon Bridge installed and connected over USB to my ADI-2 DAC; to my ears, so far, works flawlessly and quality is top notch!