Introducing ApplePi DAC -- Highest Performance Raspberry Pi DAC

orchardaudio · « **Reply #60 on:** 14 Apr 2018, 03:56 pm »

I am pleased to announce that the ApplePi DAC will also be supported in piCorePlayer starting in version 3.5.0.

orchardaudio · « **Reply #61 on:** 15 Apr 2018, 12:46 am »

I will be doing a demo of the ApplePi DAC and the CRISPIN amplifier in Long Island, NY on April 28th, There is room for a few more people. If you would be interested in attending send me a PM to get full info.

JohnR · « **Reply #62 on:** 15 Apr 2018, 03:08 pm »

Hi, in your "power" video you are powering the external display from the Pi. If you don't do that, do you still need a 5.25V supply?

orchardaudio · « **Reply #63 on:** 15 Apr 2018, 05:26 pm »

Quote from: JohnR on 15 Apr 2018, 03:08 pm

Hi, in your "power" video you are powering the external display from the Pi. If you don't do that, do you still need a 5.25V supply?

Yes, still need 5.25V power supply. I was just using screen to demonstrate the point. The problem with a 5V supply is that it can be 4.75 to start with, then you factor in voltage drop. Not good. With ApplePi and RasberryPi current draw is 1.75A.

orchardaudio · « **Reply #64 on:** 15 Apr 2018, 09:30 pm »

I am pleased to announce support of DietPi starting in version 6.5.

orchardaudio · « **Reply #65 on:** 16 Apr 2018, 10:04 pm »

I am pleased to announce the support of Roon. The ApplePi DAC and Raspberry Pi combo can be turned into a Roon Network Endpoint.

orchardaudio · « **Reply #66 on:** 19 Apr 2018, 01:22 am »

Now you can get an ApplePi DAC system that is completely ready to go out of the box, and includes a 7" touchscreen.

Picture:

Here is a video showing it in action:
https://youtu.be/WOCduJMGcFU

Kickstarter project link:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1844799967/applepi-dac-highest-performance-raspberry-pi-dac

orchardaudio · « **Reply #67 on:** 19 Apr 2018, 01:02 pm »

The Kickstarter project is now fully funded.

Get your ApplePi DAC product at a discount.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1844799967/applepi-dac-highest-performance-raspberry-pi-dac

orchardaudio · « **Reply #68 on:** 20 Apr 2018, 08:28 pm »

The tour is continuing. JerryM should receive the package today.

Next on the list is Studio19atx.

There is still time to sign up if you would like to be part of the tour.

JerryM · « **Reply #69 on:** 20 Apr 2018, 08:31 pm »

Quote from: orchardaudio on 20 Apr 2018, 08:28 pm

The tour is continuing. JerryM should receive the package today.

Sweet!

orchardaudio · « **Reply #70 on:** 23 Apr 2018, 01:28 pm »

Only 20 days left in the Kickstarter.

orchardaudio · « **Reply #71 on:** 29 Apr 2018, 02:34 pm »

The DAC is on it's way to Studio19atx.

orchardaudio · « **Reply #72 on:** 4 May 2018, 01:05 pm »

The ApplePi Volume-Clocker allows you add hardware volume control to any RapsberryPi I2S DAC.

Volume is controlled by a potentiometer R15. Volume is adjustable from 0 dB to -127.5dB, in 256 steps.

In addition to HW volume control this board will also remove jitter from the RapsberryPi's I2S signals improving audio quality.

It can be powered externally though it's own micro USB (X6) connector or from the Raspberry Pi. The ApplePi Volume-Clocker cannot back power the Raspberry Pi.

Specs:

Dynamic Range: 144 dB (–60-dbFS Input, 20 Hz to fS/2, A-Weighted)
THD+N: –140 dB (0-dbFS Input, BW = 20 Hz to fS/2)
Supported Resolutions: 24-bit, 20-bit, 18-bit, and 16-bit
Supports sampling rates up to 212 kHz
No drivers required.

The ApplePi Volume-Clocker can be added to any reward level for $79 USD, except for the touchscreen one. It can also be purchased separately for $79.

http://kck.st/2GQ2iMy

randytsuch · « **Reply #73 on:** 7 May 2018, 06:54 pm »

Quote from: orchardaudio on 29 Apr 2018, 02:34 pm

The DAC is on it's way to Studio19atx.

I have to back out of the tour, real life is getting in the way

Randy

stellarelephant · « **Reply #74 on:** 8 May 2018, 01:58 am »

I would like to join the tour, please.

orchardaudio · « **Reply #75 on:** 8 May 2018, 06:20 pm »

Quote from: stellarelephant on 8 May 2018, 01:58 am

I would like to join the tour, please.

Please email me you full name and address, to leo@orchardaudio.com.

I have added you to the list.

orchardaudio · « **Reply #76 on:** 10 May 2018, 12:13 pm »

Quote from: poseidonsvoice on 6 Apr 2018, 11:36 am

Add me to the list.
Endorsement from Wayne1? Check.
Balanced XLR? Check.
PCM1794a dac? Check.
Best,
Anand.

poseidonsvoice will be receiving the unit tomorrow.

orchardaudio · « **Reply #77 on:** 10 May 2018, 12:35 pm »

Just realized I never posted the specs

:

Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR): 128dB
Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (THD+N): <0.0005% (-106dB)
Balanced Output Voltage: 5 Vrms (0dBFS)
Balanced Output Impedance: 200 ohms
Single Ended Output Voltage: 2.5 Vrms (0dBFS)
Single Ended Output Impedance: 100 ohms
Supported Sample Rates: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4 and 192kHz
Supported Bit Rates: 16-Bit and 24-Bit
Power Consumption: 4.5W (5V @ 0.9A)
Chipset: 2 × Burr Brown PCM1794A - monaural mode
Op Amps: 6 × OPA1612 - dual differential output configuration

Studio19atx · « **Reply #78 on:** 10 May 2018, 04:42 pm »

Thank you Leo for sending the DAC, I greatly enjoyed the Apple Pi.

Here are some thoughts. I tested the unit against Sony HAP-Z1S, OPPP 205 and a chinese ES9038PRO balanced DAC.

Speakers: B&W 804S and JBL 4312B
Amplifiers: Hypex NC500 monoblocks (SparkoS class opamp and factory buffer), Lexicon RV-8 (analog pass-through)
Speaker wire: AudioQuest CV8
Source PC: MacBook pro

Here are my initial impressions

The build quality is top notch and I really like the layout.

The unit sound great out of box, very organic, almost neutral and full bodied (compared to ES9038PRO based DACs). The vocals were amazing especially on the JBL 4312B monitors.

The bass sounded bit lean. My experience has been without the right XLR interconnects for Hypex amps, the bass is a hit or miss.

Green PCB would have made the unit gel more nicely with the Raspberry Pi, but I understand using red color as a product differentiator.

My only concern and probably you might get it from many people is the mini XLR connector. I have some very high end XLR interconnect cables that I have found to match very well the amps I use, having the mini XLR connector limits the option.

Its a great value for building something under $200. Selling it as a kit with nice case would be ideal and something that user might prefer.

gstew · « **Reply #79 on:** 11 May 2018, 02:31 am »

Quote from: orchardaudio on 10 May 2018, 12:13 pm

poseidonsvoice will be receiving the unit tomorrow.

Please add me to the list too.

Sending info.

THANKS!

Greg in Mississippi