Yet Another Chord Thread (YACT) - Wireless Streaming - Alternative to 2Go/Poly?

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[Amberlamps]

Oh, if you ever do turn your NUC into a MacOS PC I recommend a genuine Apple WIFI/BT card:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Broadcom-B...ple+wifi+card&qid=1561701042&s=gateway&sr=8-4

Not specifically this one although it looks correct. You will have to research.

It streamlines the whole process and shouldn't be much more difficult than Windows to install. Your NUC's Intel specs are probably not much different from a MBP.

Thanks again for your post to turn on the lightbulb for this project. This thread would of never happened if you didn't come up with the CCA idea. It completely changes my whole audio experience.

It wouldn't fit, there is only one M.2 slot in my nuc the other has an embedded wifi card running off of it. I could use a normal sata ssd and use that wifi card in the m.2 slot, but the speed of m.2 ssd's are too hard to ignore. Windows boots in like 5 seconds, thats with fastboot off.

Your hifiberry looks cool, It looks like a decent mobile solution, I saw it last night when I was on the forums.

I'm glad that one of my posts helped somebody. Me using CCA with hugo 2 was me trying to put hugo 2 to some use, as it had been sitting unused for ages and I didn't know what to do with it. Then I had a moment of pure genius and said to myself "why not use h2 in bed with cca running off my anker battery".

 

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[Amberlamps]

Okay, it's been a while (~5 years) since I did a NUC+Mac build. Maybe the embedded works seamlessly now. Back then the BT/WIFI card had compatibility issues. If I'm on the tonymacx86 forums, I'll check if this is still an issue. Good chance the embedded is a non-issue. Good choice sticking with the M.2 SSD in the only slot. Would of done the same then look for a BT/WIFI workaround.

Cheers. Hoping HiFiBerry can release a Pi Zero version one day for more mobility... Would not of bothered if the HiFiBerry would work out if the CCA did not work out first. It was only a matter of replacing the CCA with an rPi after getting the gist of things...

My Hugo2 was sitting dormant also because of my mobile listening preferences. That's why I gave up on Chord desktop solutions/threads. I need to be able to move around while listening. If I'm glued in one sitting spot outside the office, there's no way I can listen for more than an hour.

But there is one application where I would pursue a TT2 and that's for the automobile. I was thinking of a simple 2-way with ScanSpeak, but the ScanSpeak tweeter is only 4 ohms so gave up unless they release an 8 ohm. SS claims "extremely fast response to transients" so thought it would pair well with Chord. The sensitivity is in the 90s so should be okay. Being in the car theft capital of the world doesn't help either, but the TT2 would be removable to bring indoors as needed. Fortunately, we have great car installers here that can make things stealth. That's the only way I would look into a Chord desktop solution. Need to stay mobile..

https://www.scan-speak.dk/product-families/fam-ellipticor/?single_prod_id=251

https://www.scan-speak.dk/product-families/fam-ellipticor/?single_prod_id=241

Yes, that was pure genius. Like Aliens telepathically embedded the idea in your head genius. I was ready to go on my multi-year hiatus from this site until that post. Now I can go on hiatus at the end of summer knowing I have no leaks or weak links in my system. It does though tempt me to try this setup with Mojo1/2 and the Hugo1. I will try to promote that this should be a standard starter kit (rPi + Lifatec) on the Mojo/Hugo1+2/Qutest after I do my build write-up. Not as a portable, but desktop solution because it really seems like it optimises Chord products to their fullest. If I did that now, it may go over people's heads; but after the write-up they may see that it's really not that complicated.

The wifi card thats embedded and running off an M.2 slot is an intel 9560 chip, dual band with 1773mbps throughput and bluetooth 5. I don't use my nuc with wifi, only ethernet. I don't know how good or bad the wifi chip is, but intel make very good networking gear so I would presume that it's decent ???

TT2 in your car, as you are in the car theft capital, I would avoid that if I were you, but if it can be stealthed and hidden out of sight, why not, you would have the best car audio system in the world if you did it.

Good luck on your quest to find the best and smallest portable solution for your needs, I will keep popping in to this thread to see your progress

 

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Last update before going on hiatus till Hugo₃.

rPi4 no go. too problematic and needs too much power.

I was able to lower the footprint by going with an rPi 3A+. Will jump on a rPi 4A+ if issues resolved.

Reminder that I'm working with the constraints of being able to fit everything in a running belt (transportable).

I tried to lower the footprint even further with another product, but unfortunately did not produce the same sound results.

 

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Conclusion:

This prototype project really changed my Chord listening experience and shifted me back to Redbook. It was a game changer. Before the project, it was little risk average reward. Something to hold me over until 2Go launch. It ended up low risk huge big reward. I cannot go to another source now. It began out of a need for mobile convenience, I wasn't expecting the SQ shift. It's neutral, natural and life-like with the Lifatec glass optical cable combo. Very non-fatiguing with a black background, just effortless. It makes redbook sound like hires. When I read RW's posts, I can relate to his statements now. Before I just thought those statements referred to Chord's Summit-Fi products and didn't much apply to everyman Chord products like the Hugo2. Now I get to experience and understand the Chord goodness in full.

There's a brain burn-in for the wireless UI as it's a bit weird to tap a function and the response is pretty immediate just as if it was a integrated device. Being connected directly via WiFi (Hotspot) helps enourmously with this responsiveness. Fortunately, Ipeng has been developed and optimised since the first generation iPhone launched to help with the UI-side. UI results may vary on Android.

I'm a old skool SQ purist so really don't like a weak link in the chain anywhere. Digital source matters but there are not many options available, especially portable optical options. I feel very fortunate to have discovered this option after the CCA did not work out. There's a SQ difference between just a player w/ optical (DAP, PC, CCA, App, etc.) versus a music server/render w/ optical. Another thought barrier to overcome when considering a source. music server/renderer >>> music player (traditonal thinking).

Since this made such a big difference for I, I decided to try to write a guide just to show it's not that difficult to essentially make your own "DAP" and reap the SQ benefits of a music server/renderer. Reminder this is IMO, so YMMV.

Edit: As of early 2020, I realised that the magic I was listening to was due to much improved PrAT. I copy and pasted here from another thread:

The light bulb went on when I switched optical sources a few weeks back. Once I switch in a matter of minutes, it immediatiely hit me. I was thinking Pacing, rhythm, control and timing. Not PRaT, but once your stated PRaT I was surprised someone else had a similar experience and confirmed my conclusions. Now I can put into words what I'm experiencing and why enjoyed this source so much with the Hugo2 last summer. I'm using it exclusively with Mojo now and it is addicting. I'll get a duplicate source setup soon since it's such a good value. At this pace, I'll wear out the Mojo well before the Hugo2 battery goes capult as I can't stop listening. It's connecting and resonating. My jaw just dropped after the switch. Not out of awe, but just sheer emotional enjoyment.

https://www.head-fi.org/threads/cho...-official-thread.925464/page-39#post-15499857

Getting Started:

I chose PiCorePlayer because the entire operating system is loaded into memory. About 75MB barebones.

75MB tiny embedded piCore (Tiny Core) Linux runs entirely in RAM. It only reads the microSD card on startup so you can safely shutdown by unplugging the power. No complicated shutdown procedure necessary.

http://picoreplayer.org/

Being for mobile use, I need to plug and unplug the power at will without worrying about corrupting the microSD card. No problems so far since entire OS in RAM, nothing to corrupt since there is no writing to the microSD card during OS loading. OS loading entirely in RAM also potentially improves SQ. Something like what AudiophileOptimizer does with RAMdisk.

https://audiophilestyle.com/forums/...-windows-server-20162019-configuration-guide/

For those who don't know, RAMdisk is one of the most high-performance methods for audiophiles in the world, and although I've never read anything about it in this forum and only have a personal friend who has tested before me, I've read a lot, a lot , much information in international scope, where it seems that the theme is more evolved. Reducing latency and high throughput is only a small part of the benefits. If that weren't enough, I've never heard any "original" setup, with SSD, SD card, M.2, or anything else, that delivers audio quality as good as RAMdisk. For me, it's the best, but what I don't know is if there are different RAM models that deliver different sonorities (Corsair vs. Kingston; Kingston vs. Crucial; Corsair vs. GSkill; e.g.).

Now imagine the SQ performance benefits with the whole OS in RAM. Later on I will show how to mostly load your entire "Now playing" track into RAM before playing. Another SQ tweak. Actually it's a output buffer so it starts loading the next track into RAM, so it may not load the entire track but partial into RAM before playing.

AudioLinux does something similar:

https://www.audio-linux.com/

From version 1.9.7 you can load the entire system to RAM as an option. For this you need at least 16GB RAM (8 GB for AudioLinux headless). There is the option to save the entire system in "ram mode"

PiCorePlayer runs similar optimisations as AudioLinux and vice versa:

AudioLinux is based on realtime custom kernels and on the work of that part of linux community trying to achieve very low audio and processor latencies. The results are not audiophile subjective suggestions, but real and measurable. You can make a processor latency test yourself clicking on the oscilloscope test inside Realtime Priority folder on the Desktop. No magic hidden code, but only the magic of music. AudioLinux can be used in Audio Pro studio recording because of stability and freedom from glitches. With a powerful CPU is perfect for extreme upsampling (up to DSD 512 or PCM 768 kHz). What about the sound? Clean, transparent, the last veil is removed... and a quick and complete support that no one is giving in Linux. Your system will be fine-tuned for the absolute best performance.

The veil has definitely been lifted, It's like the rehashed audiophile analogy about looking through a glass window versus looking directly without a window.

What's nice is you can run piCorePlayer off-grid on a battery pack to avoid AC power. Unfortunately for AudiophileOptimizer and AudioLinux, you are stuck with AC power.

So with this solution, you are utilising the Chord reference "optical" option AND avoiding AC power (possible ground loops) by using a battery-pack. Clean, clean, no RF noise, no ground loop noise. Since RPi is not power hungry, you can get from 30-200+ hours depending on the size of Anker battery pack.

 

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Jump to the Download section to get a rough idea on the steps needed to see if this project may suit you before deciding on the purchase.

For the next posts I will list purchasing options:

1. Starter Items needed if you de-solder coaxial
2. Starter Items needed if you do NOT de-solder coaxial
3. My Recommended Optimal Items needed if you de-solder coaxial
4. My Recommended Optimal Items needed if you do NOT de-solder coaxial

I de-solder off the coaxial port on mine to remove any potential noise and to make it lower profile. By being lower profile, I can use 11mm standoffs (screws) versus 16mm standoffs (screws). That's the only difference. As you can see in the photo, there would be a higher bigger gap (5 more mm) if I used 16mm standoffs to make room for coax. Ignore the smaller device. The device on the left is the relevant one. You can always order both 11mm and 16mm if you are not sure if you want to de-solder coax as they are inexpensive.

For the conservative step-by-step, I would probably recommend #2 with extra 11mm standoffs. From there, you can decide if you want to further upgrade to a glass optical cable, chunkier usb power cable, de-solder coax etc.

Not included in purchasing options is an Anker battery pack and higher capacity storage options.

 

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Basic Starter Items needed if you de-solder coaxial (voids warranty) on HiFiBerry HAT board (difference is 11mm screws versus 16mm):

Item	Description	Price (USD)	Link
picoreplayer	lightweight embedded rPi linux (Country of origin: USA)	FREE (Donations accepted)	http://picoreplayer.org/
HiFiBerry Digi+ Pro	Dedicated optimised optical board with galvanic isolation (Country of origin: Switzerland)	$39.90	HiFiBerry Digi+ Pro
TOSLINK optical cable	TOSLINK to TOSLINK cable (Country of origin: UK)	$0 [Included with Hugo2]
Raspberry Pi Model 3 A+	Entry-level desktop PC power in a small footprint (Country of origin: UK)	$25	Raspberry Pi Model 3 A+ via Adafruit
Adafruit Pi Protector for Raspberry Pi Model A+	Case for rPI A+. Optional. (Country of origin: USA)	$7.50	rPi A+ Case via Adafruit
Brass M2.5 Standoffs for Pi HATs - Black Plated - Pack of 2 (Country of origin: USA)	11mm screws. Optional w/ case (Country of origin: USA)	$0.75 X Qty 3 (Need 6 total 11mm)	M2.5 Standoffs for Pi HATs via Adafruit
microUSB cable for power-only	USB Type-A to microUSB to power rPI via Battery Pack or AC power [Just use Hugo2 Charger to rPi should be fine to experiment] (Country of origin: UK)	$0 [Included with Hugo2]
microSD card	recommend Samsung EVO+ as it's the most optimal for rPi (Country of origin: USA)	$9.99	32GB EVO+ via BH Photo
Frontend remote Apple app	iPeng (Country of origin: Germany)	$8.99	iPeng via ITunes
--Or-- Frontend remote Android app	Orange Squeeze (Country of origin: USA). I don't use Android anymore so I have no comment on Android app or ecosystem	$4.99 (Did not include in Total)	Orange Squeeze via Google Play
Total		$93.63 (applicable taxes not included)

 

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Basic Starter Items needed if you do NOT de-solder coaxial on HiFiBerry HAT board (difference is 16mm versus 11mm screws):

Item	Description	Price (USD)	Link
picoreplayer	lightweight embedded rPi linux (Country of origin: USA)	FREE (Donations accepted)	http://picoreplayer.org/
HiFiBerry Digi+ Pro	Dedicated optimised optical board with galvanic isolation (Country of origin: Switzerland)	$39.90	HiFiBerry Digi+ Pro
TOSLINK optical cable	TOSLINK to TOSLINK cable (Country of origin: UK)	$0 [Included with Hugo2]
Raspberry Pi Model 3 A+	Entry-level desktop PC power in a small footprint (Country of origin: UK)	$25	Raspberry Pi Model 3 A+ via Adafruit
Adafruit Pi Protector for Raspberry Pi Model A+	Case for rPI A+. Optional. (Country of origin: USA)	$7.50	rPi A+ Case via Adafruit
Brass M2.5 Standoffs for Pi HATs - Black Plated - Pack of 2	16mm screws. (Country of origin: USA)	$1.25 (for top)	M2.5 Standoffs for Pi HATs via Adafruit
Brass M2.5 Standoffs for Pi HATs - Black Plated - Pack of 2 (Country of origin: USA)	11mm screws. Optional w/ case (Country of origin: USA)	$0.75 X Qty 2 (Need 4 total 11mm for bottom)	M2.5 Standoffs for Pi HATs via Adafruit
microUSB cable for power-only	USB Type-A to microUSB to power rPI via Battery Pack or AC power [Just use Hugo2 Charger to rPi should be fine] (Country of origin: UK)	$0
microSD card	recommend Samsung EVO+ as it's the most optimal for rPi (Country of origin: USA)	$9.99	32GB EVO+ via BH Photo
Frontend remote Apple app	iPeng (Country of origin: Germany)	$8.99	iPeng via ITunes
--Or-- Frontend remote Android app	Orange Squeeze (Country of origin: USA). I don't use Android anymore so I have no comment on Android app or ecosystem	$4.99 (Did not include in Total)	Orange Squeeze via Google Play
Total		$94.13

 

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My Recommended Optimal Items needed if you de-solder coaxial (voids warranty) on HiFiBerry HAT board (difference is 11mm screws versus 16mm):

Item	Description	Price (USD)	Link
picoreplayer	lightweight embedded rPi linux (Country of origin: USA)	FREE (Donations accepted)	http://picoreplayer.org/
HiFiBerry Digi+ Pro	Dedicated optimised optical board with galvanic isolation (Country of origin: Switzerland)	$39.90	HiFiBerry Digi+ Pro
Lifatec glass TOSLINK optical cable	TOSLINK to TOSLINK cable (Country of origin: USA). Able to custom order down to 6 inches. The photo above is 12 inches.	$99	Lifatec
Raspberry Pi Model 3 A+	Entry-level desktop PC power in a small footprint (Country of origin: UK)	$25	Raspberry Pi Model 3 A+ via Adafruit
Adafruit Pi Protector for Raspberry Pi Model A+	Case for rPI A+. Optional. (Country of origin: USA)	$7.50	rPi A+ Case via Adafruit
Brass M2.5 Standoffs for Pi HATs - Black Plated - Pack of 2 (Country of origin: USA)	11mm screws. Optional w/ case (Country of origin: USA)	$0.75 X Qty 3 (Need 6 total 11mm)	M2.5 Standoffs for Pi HATs via Adafruit
GhentAudio shielded microUSB cable for power-only (no USB data, just power)	USB Type-A to microUSB to power rPI via Battery Pack or AC power. (Country of origin: China)	$68. Need to custom request USB-A to microUSB Gotham	Ghent Audio Gotham DC (Custom USB) Cable
microSD card	recommend Samsung EVO+ as it's the most optimal for rPi (Country of origin: USA)	$9.99	32GB EVO+ via BH Photo
Frontend remote Apple app	iPeng (Country of origin: Germany)	$8.99	iPeng via ITunes
--Or-- Frontend remote Android app	Orange Squeeze (Country of origin: USA). I don't use Android anymore so I have no comment on Android app or ecosystem	$4.99 (Did not include in Total)	Orange Squeeze via Google Play
Total		$260.63 (applicable taxes not included)

 

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My Recommended Optimal Items needed if you do NOT de-solder coaxial (voids warranty) on HiFiBerry HAT board (difference is 11mm screws versus 16mm):

Item	Description	Price (USD)	Link
picoreplayer	lightweight embedded rPi linux (Country of origin: USA)	FREE (Donations accepted)	http://picoreplayer.org/
HiFiBerry Digi+ Pro	Dedicated optimised optical board with galvanic isolation (Country of origin: Switzerland)	$39.90	HiFiBerry Digi+ Pro
Lifatec glass TOSLINK optical cable	TOSLINK to TOSLINK cable (Country of origin: USA). Able to custom order down to 6 inches. The photo above is 12 inches.	$99	Lifatec
Raspberry Pi Model 3 A+	Entry-level desktop PC power in a small footprint (Country of origin: UK)	$25	Raspberry Pi Model 3 A+ via Adafruit
Adafruit Pi Protector for Raspberry Pi Model A+	Case for rPI A+. Optional. (Country of origin: USA)	$7.50	rPi A+ Case via Adafruit
Brass M2.5 Standoffs for Pi HATs - Black Plated - Pack of 2 (Country of origin: USA)	16mm screws. Optional w/ case (Country of origin: USA)	$1.25 (for top)	M2.5 Standoffs for Pi HATs via Adafruit
Brass M2.5 Standoffs for Pi HATs - Black Plated - Pack of 2 (Country of origin: USA)	11mm screws. Optional w/ case (Country of origin: USA)	$0.75 X Qty 2 (Need 4 total 11mm for bottom)	M2.5 Standoffs for Pi HATs via Adafruit
GhentAudio shielded microUSB cable for power-only (no USB data, just power)	USB Type-A to microUSB to power rPI via Battery Pack or AC power. (Country of origin: China)	$68. Need to custom request USB-A to microUSB Gotham	Ghent Audio Gotham DC (Custom USB) Cable
microSD card	recommend Samsung EVO+ as it's the most optimal for rPi (Country of origin: USA)	$9.99	32GB EVO+ via BH Photo
Frontend remote Apple app	iPeng (Country of origin: Germany)	$8.99	iPeng via ITunes
--Or-- Frontend remote Android app	Orange Squeeze (Country of origin: USA). I don't use Android anymore so I have no comment on Android app or ecosystem	$4.99 (Did not include in Total)	Orange Squeeze via Google Play
Total		$261.13 (applicable taxes not included)