Stealth DC-1 + Raspberry Pi | The Emotiva Lounge

thaddeussmith
Minor Hero

Posts: 41

Stealth DC-1 + Raspberry Pi Jan 14, 2015 12:51:52 GMT -5

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Post by thaddeussmith on Jan 14, 2015 12:51:52 GMT -5

I'm running a Raspberry Pi as my network streamer and am connected to the DC-1 via usb. The c-media chip has known issues with linux/alsa and playing files with higher-res than 16/44.1. This was supposedly fixed a couple of years ago, but it doesn't appear to have trickled down to Raspberry Pi compatible builds. So my two options are:

USB 2.0 in DC-1 settings and downsample everything to 16/44.1 on the fly.
USB 1.1 in DC-1 settings and no downsampling.

The manual states USB 2.0 mode is best, but I can't quite determine what I'm missing out on by switching to 1.1 legacy support. Listening tests seem to be a bit noisier in 1.1 mode, but I can't quite tell if it's a placebo effect. Can anyone tell me what feature(s) are lost by operating in 1.1 mode?

Or better yet, has anyone found an actual fix for this particular combination of linux hardware and the 24 bit crackling noise issue?

garbulky
Lounge Lizard

Posts: 15,918

Stealth DC-1 + Raspberry Pi Jan 14, 2015 16:06:10 GMT -5

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Post by garbulky on Jan 14, 2015 16:06:10 GMT -5

Honestly, I don't think there is a real audible difference. But USB 2.0 enables asynchronous USB. That is on top of the ASRC mode already on the DC-1. It may be possible that USB 1.1 may not do ASRC - but that is pure speculation on my part.

You can also....use a USB to SPDIF converter that does high res and connect that to your raspberry pi. Usually it is about $15-40 Or buy the add on for the PI that adds on a SPDIF output.

Transport: Sony UBP-X700 UHD-Blu ray player spdif
PC using Musiland Digital Times WASAPI via BNC connection -
DAC: DC-1->XLR XPA-1 , RCA->Basx A-100
CD: Denon DCD 600 PCM 61 DAC. RCA
Amp: XPA-1 gen 2 using XLR connections.
Speakers: Axiom Audio m80 V3, Sennheisser HD700 headphones.
two pairs 12 guage each bi-wire speaker cables per monoblock
Headphone amp: Basx A-100 (INCREDIBLE VALUE!!)

Other equipment: Sennheiser HD700. LG65ef9500

thaddeussmith
Minor Hero

Posts: 41

Stealth DC-1 + Raspberry Pi Jan 14, 2015 16:30:19 GMT -5

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Post by thaddeussmith on Jan 14, 2015 16:30:19 GMT -5

Jan 14, 2015 16:06:10 GMT -5 garbulky said:

Honestly, I don't think there is a real audible difference. But USB 2.0 enables asynchronous USB. That is on top of the ASRC mode already on the DC-1. It may be possible that USB 1.1 may not do ASRC - but that is pure speculation on my part.

thanks for the response. that's pretty much what i've been able to find so i was hoping an employee will respond and add some clarity. usb to spdif is an interesting option ..but then i wonder if I've already reached the point of diminishing returns. no-go on using the GPIO pins since i've got the pi in an enclosure.

klinemj
Emo VIPs

Official Emofest Scribe

Posts: 15,088

Stealth DC-1 + Raspberry Pi Jan 14, 2015 16:48:29 GMT -5

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Post by klinemj on Jan 14, 2015 16:48:29 GMT -5

Call them and ask to talk to Keith L.

Mark

XMC-2; Panasonic UB420/Oppo 105/Roku Ultra to LG 86UM85; UltraRendu to LH Labs Geek Pulse X-Infinity; Prima Luna Premium Prologue (for 2 channel) to Maggie 1.7's; Rythmik F25; XPA-7 (3/2s) to CC-470v3 Center, 4 ERD-1's, and 4 Dayton Audio tops; Thorens TD166 MkII/Denon DL207/XPS-1; 5-zone Sonos w/Def Tech AW5500's @ deck/pool/master bath & Sony SS-MB105/Polk R10 @ great room & kitchen. Headphones: Allo Boss/BasX A100 (to Senn 600's). PC w/Airmotiv 3b's. Roon user.