I received my parcel *just* in time for Christmas.
I installed and tested the Pi-DAC+ first, very easy to get running with RuneAudio of course, and sounded very good. This was with the Pi-DAC+ connected to a Topping TP-21 amplifier (Tripath TA2021B,
specs here).
Then I installed the Pi-AMP+ on top of the Pi-DAC and wired it direct to my LSK F5 speakers (floorstanding speakers from The Loudspeaker Kit, MTM style).
The difference is huge. Most apparent is improved bass. It seems much deeper and more detailed than before. The rest of the spectrum also sounds detailed and smooth, as yet I can't pick any issues. I'm very happy with this sound!
What I like:
- Sound quality is a new level above my Topping TP-21 setup (which I was already quite happy with). It is not merely a marginal improvement!
- There is plenty of power on tap. 65 on the RuneAudio volume control is already at a volume similar to talking, 80 is very loud, 90 will cause issues with my neighbours in a hurry.
- Single power connection to run the whole setup.
- The amp starts up muted to avoid any power on pop.
- It can be unmuted by simply bridging a pair of exposed pins on the Pi_AMP+, which means when I put this in an enclosure I can add a simple toggle switch to mute/unmute the amplifier. For testing I have just waited for it to power up and then placed a jumper on the pins.
- It can also be unmuted with code provided by IQaudioIO.
- The power and speaker connections have alternative JST connections on the PCB, which could be very handy when putting this in an enclosure.
- Quality 12mm PCB standoffs were provided, and all together this makes a very solidly braced stack of components.
What's next on my list:
- I need an enclosure, I'm leaning towards a small wooden cigar box or similar.
- I will solder on the provided right angle pin header to the Pi-DAC+ so that I have more options in future.
- Adding a USB wireless adapter so it's not reliant on my network cable location.
- Testing how this drives my Mirage OMD-5 speakers (specs here), these are less efficient than my floorstanding speakers but I have no doubt this amp will drive them well!
- Ultimately I'd like to have a rotary encoder to control the volume, and perhaps a small OLED screen to show basic "now playing" and volume info.
- Attachments
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