Something a bit different...

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den_hr

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Something a bit different...
« on: 6 Sep 2017, 10:03 am »
Just wanted to show my latest creation :)

I make small audio servers (mostly based on Raspberry Pi, but also other, more “powerful” systems), and have had one such system for home listening for quite some time now. However, the system consists of a separate audio server with built-in LCD display (and integrated 24/192 DAC), and a separate amplifier (Class D, 2x50W). In addition, there's also an external hard disk with music.
After a while, I got fed up with separate power supplies, cables, etc. - in short, I wanted something simpler, tidier, but also stylish...

Since I like the design of vintage hi-fi devices, when I came across a beat up tape deck, I got an idea - to put the whole system (audio server, HDD, DAC and amp) into such an enclosure.

So, after quite some time of fiddling, cutting, filing, and making additional brackets, etc, I finally finished my “all-in-one” home hi-res audio device a few days ago.

It consists of a RasPi server, 32/384 Burr Brown DAC, a TPA3118-based Class D amp, an additional headphone amp, built-in hard disk (3.5” size), and built-in switching power supply.
It runs Rune Audio software (which I additionally modified and added various bits and pieces), and can be controlled by smartphone/tablet, or an “ordinary” IR remote - or by using front panel buttons.

One of the things that I particularly like (funny, I know...) is that the VU meters are actually fully functional :)
There's also a 20x4 LCD display, which shows info about currently playing track, volume, bitrate, etc. The server can play all file formats (mp3, flac, wav, aiff, etc. - except DSD), Internet radio, Spotify, etc.
The LCD display and vu meters can be turned off (e.g. in the evening, when you don't want any light distractions). There's a button on the front which selects speakers/headphones output, so that the speakers are turned off when you plug in the headphones...
There's also an additional USB connector in the front, so you can plug in a USB dongle with music files without any fiddling...
It has Ethernet (wired) and wi-fi network, so it's quite versatile.

It's also very simple as regards connections: there's only the power cable to plug it in the wall power outlet, and connectors for speakers in the back. No messy wires, no interconnect cables, no complications :)
The RasPi server can be safely shut down using the red button in the front: once the system has been shut down, the LCD display (and control LED) turns off, and it's safe to turn the power off completely using the front main power button.
And, what's best, it looks deceptively “vintage” :)


There's also a very short video of it in action, here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4MDzo0v2abI

Denis

JLM

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Re: Something a bit different...
« Reply #1 on: 6 Sep 2017, 11:09 am »
I like it!

timind

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Re: Something a bit different...
« Reply #2 on: 6 Sep 2017, 11:45 am »
Interesting. I'd like to see a pic of the unit's back.

Also, what's that round thing sitting behind the server?

den_hr

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Re: Something a bit different...
« Reply #3 on: 6 Sep 2017, 11:56 am »
Interesting. I'd like to see a pic of the unit's back.

Also, what's that round thing sitting behind the server?

Here's the pic of the back of the unit...

There's just the power connector (standard computer three-prong power cable), fuse, wi-fi antenna, Ethernet connector, speaker connectors. That's all...


And those "round things" in the back are the "standard" hi-fi devices I make - audio servers and amplifiers.

Here's the link to the TNT audio review of some of those products:
http://www.tnt-audio.com/ampli/hana_lab_server_amp_e.html

And another photo, also with some more "traditional" (square) enclosures:



JakeJ

Re: Something a bit different...
« Reply #4 on: 6 Sep 2017, 12:15 pm »
Fantastic work.  I am officially jealous of your having the time to DIY like this.

JLM

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Re: Something a bit different...
« Reply #5 on: 6 Sep 2017, 12:34 pm »
I'm jealous of your building knowledge and skills.

Phil A

Re: Something a bit different...
« Reply #6 on: 6 Sep 2017, 12:37 pm »
Great job!

FullRangeMan

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Re: Something a bit different...
« Reply #7 on: 6 Sep 2017, 12:49 pm »
Wow this is real something exciting in audio.
Very nice idea :thumb: simply looks great.

fredgarvin

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Re: Something a bit different...
« Reply #8 on: 6 Sep 2017, 03:21 pm »
That really is awesome. I would suggest a wood case though.  :thumb:

charmerci

Re: Something a bit different...
« Reply #9 on: 6 Sep 2017, 05:03 pm »
Just here to add my WOW! Awesome!

Hank

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Re: Something a bit different...
« Reply #10 on: 6 Sep 2017, 05:36 pm »
Nice Work!  Where did you get the round enclosures?  I need one for a phono preamp semi-kit - the PCB is circular.

jpm

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Re: Something a bit different...
« Reply #11 on: 6 Sep 2017, 06:17 pm »
Very cool!

aldcoll

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Re: Something a bit different...
« Reply #12 on: 6 Sep 2017, 11:09 pm »
Outstanding Upcycle of products.  That is just plain ingenious.  I would be curious to hear one. 

Alan

Hank

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Re: Something a bit different...
« Reply #13 on: 8 Sep 2017, 04:57 pm »
"I  make those myself, for my products." 

Oh, okay.  And I did look at your site yesterday - good looking products.

ZimAhUm

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Re: Something a bit different...
« Reply #14 on: 18 Nov 2017, 08:44 pm »
Very nice!  Love the vintage look and the VU meters  :green: