Post by klinemj on Apr 11, 2019 14:27:45 GMT -5
Per my other review of the HifiBerry DAC+ Pro (see link below), I've been testing R-Pi based DAC's with my headphone system. So far, the HifiBerry is as good as my DC-1 (surprising, but...it's good!). So, I decided to try an Allo BOSS 1.2 Player (a network player/DAC combo). This shares thoughts on it.
-->CLICK HERE FOR KlineMJ's HifiBerry Review<--
Cutting to the chase, if the HifiBerry gave up anything at all to the DC-1, the Allo BOSS certainly does not. The DC-1, the HifiBerry DAC+ Pro, and Allo BOSS are very, very similar in sound through my Senn 600's. I think I am hearing better sound with the Allo, but I doubt I could tell the difference in a blind test if there is one at all.
I listened to the set list below. All of the music is very familiar to me, and I heard everything I should hear with exceptional clarity, depth of stage, and richness/lack of harshness. If there's any difference vs. the HifiBerry, it's in richness and a bit on clarity. The Boss sounded great via the BOSS, as did all the others. Net, it ticks the sound quality box.
I opted to get the cool aluminum case...looks great and feels nice also...a weighty piece that's a distinctive look. Much nicer that the standard plastic boxes used in base R-Pi builds. To me, it was worth the $55. See pictures below:
Other things I like are that you can use either a microUSB or USB-C input for power. Or, if you remove a jumper, you can use 1 power supply for the R-Pi board and 1 for the DAC board. I'm using the USB-C. And, if I want - I can use other external power supplies. They provided an adapter that takes a standard power supply barrel input and converts it to either USB-C or microUSB input. So, I can use that adapter for other power supplies...like an external linear one! Nice touch! The only negative is that the housing of the USB-C input is a tight fit on the case. I had to try a couple times to get it firmly connected so it didn't just fall out.
Mine came pre-assembled complete with the microSD card flashed with the OS of my choice (DietPi + Roon). It was cheaper to buy it assembled than buy the individual parts! Setup was easy. I added the rubber feet, plugged it in, and enabled it in Roon and was playing tunes within 5 minutes of opening the box. It took me longer to get the box out of the tight plastic packaging and cut various tapes to open the box. It came from India in 7 days from me placing the order.
Overall, for build quality and cool appearance (both due to the case), I like the Allo better than the HifiBerry. I might just return the HifiBerry board/case and order a 2nd Allo card and case.
So, if you are looking for a low priced Roon endpoint/DAC, check out the Allo Boss 1.2!
Mark
-->CLICK HERE FOR KlineMJ's HifiBerry Review<--
Cutting to the chase, if the HifiBerry gave up anything at all to the DC-1, the Allo BOSS certainly does not. The DC-1, the HifiBerry DAC+ Pro, and Allo BOSS are very, very similar in sound through my Senn 600's. I think I am hearing better sound with the Allo, but I doubt I could tell the difference in a blind test if there is one at all.
I listened to the set list below. All of the music is very familiar to me, and I heard everything I should hear with exceptional clarity, depth of stage, and richness/lack of harshness. If there's any difference vs. the HifiBerry, it's in richness and a bit on clarity. The Boss sounded great via the BOSS, as did all the others. Net, it ticks the sound quality box.
I opted to get the cool aluminum case...looks great and feels nice also...a weighty piece that's a distinctive look. Much nicer that the standard plastic boxes used in base R-Pi builds. To me, it was worth the $55. See pictures below:
Other things I like are that you can use either a microUSB or USB-C input for power. Or, if you remove a jumper, you can use 1 power supply for the R-Pi board and 1 for the DAC board. I'm using the USB-C. And, if I want - I can use other external power supplies. They provided an adapter that takes a standard power supply barrel input and converts it to either USB-C or microUSB input. So, I can use that adapter for other power supplies...like an external linear one! Nice touch! The only negative is that the housing of the USB-C input is a tight fit on the case. I had to try a couple times to get it firmly connected so it didn't just fall out.
Mine came pre-assembled complete with the microSD card flashed with the OS of my choice (DietPi + Roon). It was cheaper to buy it assembled than buy the individual parts! Setup was easy. I added the rubber feet, plugged it in, and enabled it in Roon and was playing tunes within 5 minutes of opening the box. It took me longer to get the box out of the tight plastic packaging and cut various tapes to open the box. It came from India in 7 days from me placing the order.
Overall, for build quality and cool appearance (both due to the case), I like the Allo better than the HifiBerry. I might just return the HifiBerry board/case and order a 2nd Allo card and case.
So, if you are looking for a low priced Roon endpoint/DAC, check out the Allo Boss 1.2!
Mark
