Raspberry Pi I2S to SPDIF Hat

Discussion in 'Digital: DACs, USB converters, decrapifiers' started by Michael Kelly, Apr 30, 2016.

  1. Michael Kelly

    Michael Kelly MOT: Pi 2 Design

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    Just sent off an acrylic box design for fabrication. I have a version for the 502DAC as well as for the upcoming DAC2 and DAC3. You can see the 3D PDF here:

    http://www.pi2design.com/uploads/4/8/5/3/48531975/502dac2_3d_pi_box_p1.pdf

    Below are some screen caps to give you an idea. It is a simple tabbed design using standoffs and screws to hold it all together.

    Cheers,
    Michael

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
     
  2. Michael Kelly

    Michael Kelly MOT: Pi 2 Design

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    The current plan with the cases is to provide them at no cost, just shipping, to everyone on the list who wants one. Ultimately we will go ahead and offer them in our store at around $15 US. I will keep you posted on how well they look and fit, and should have some ready to send out the door in a couple of weeks.

    Cheers,
    Michael
     
  3. gaspasser

    gaspasser Flatulence Maestro

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    I missed that one line in the manual.
    Thanks, I got everything working! I am using the 502DAC to stream Spotify to Gungnir Multibit via BNC.
    On initial listening, I can easily tell you created a winner that easily outshines the Hifiberry Digi +. I considered getting the Digi + PRO but the 502DAC already has all the outputs and external power adapter built in. No soldering needed that automatically voids the warranty like Hifiberry's BNC.
    If you live in the U.S., do yourself a favor and order this and skip the Hifiberry stuff.

    How do I get on the list for a case?
     
  4. Michael Kelly

    Michael Kelly MOT: Pi 2 Design

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    I am so glad you finally got that working! As for the case, the list is anyone who ordered a 502DAC who wants one. I only ordered 25 to start and as I said, I need to see how well they fit. Once that is done, and assuming it's all good, we'll start shipping them to all who ask. We will order another 100 or so at that time as well, so if you miss out on the first batch, we'll catch you up quickly after that.

    Cheers,
    Michael

    P.S. I don't know why I waited so long. It turned out much easier than I expected. I really am so, so lazy sometimes!
     
  5. ald0s

    ald0s Facebook Friend

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    Hey guys,
    Tossing up between getting a Modi MB + this for Spotify premium streaming vs getting a Bifrost Multibit and connecting to my pc via USB. How much different does the SPDIF connection make? Are we talking scaling over and above more expensive dacs here or should I not bother until I'm into Gungnir Multibit/Yggdrasil territory and just focus on upgrade my DAC. Im wary of becoming one of those people spending cash to squeeze money out of their day instead of spending similar simply getting a better one.

    Is the SPDIF connection night and day?
     
  6. gaspasser

    gaspasser Flatulence Maestro

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    A big consideration is that you are using Spotify premium which is still lossy, but Spotify will go lossless hopefully soon. I am listening to Spotify now on 502DAC into Gungnir Multibit which sounds very good but still compressed. The 502DAC is only about $90 and you can use it as you upgrade DACs. I would wait on Bifrost Multibit, there are rumors of an update coming.

    To answer your question, I had Modi MB previously and SPDIF in sounds noticeably better. The comparison test was Spotify either USB from computer or SPDIF from Hifiberry Digi+ . The 502DAC easily beats Hifiberry Digi+.
     
  7. Michael Kelly

    Michael Kelly MOT: Pi 2 Design

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    Update on case. Just posted some photos on our web at:

    http://www.pi2design.com/store/p15/502DAC_-_Pro_Audio_Shield.html

    Scroll to the bottom. It came out good, but not perfect. The Micro-USB and the Opto both need to be opened up a lot. Too much to do easily here. So I'll get corrected pieces and will have them ready to ship in 2 weeks or less. We will add a store entry to order the case. No charge, just shipping.

    Cheers.
    Michael
     
  8. haywood

    haywood Friend

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  9. Michael Kelly

    Michael Kelly MOT: Pi 2 Design

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    I thought about playing with different colors, but the big issue is that with a clear case I don't have to worry about any stenciling or nomenclature to explain what things are what. If it becomes too opaque it's possible that people won't know what some of the ports are. Probably just a silly worry.

    In any case, no pun intended, I'll look into it. Not sure if my supplier has translucent colors.

    Cheers,
    Michael
     
  10. bilboda

    bilboda Florida boomer

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    Does the case provide access to the sd slot? It would be nice not to have to open things up to swap cards.
     
  11. Michael Kelly

    Michael Kelly MOT: Pi 2 Design

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    Yes. Though you will need something pointy to eject it. The case is 3mm thick so it does not allow the typical fat fingers to push all the way in. Or at least not mine!

    Cheers,
    Michael
     
  12. bilboda

    bilboda Florida boomer

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    On the pi3 b, the sd card is pulled from the slot, not ejected. Enlarging the opening might allow a pair of tweezers to pull it out.
     
  13. Walderstorn

    Walderstorn Friend

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    Michael, sorry to bring this once again but have you considered now a plug and play with all included for us noobs?
     
  14. Michael Kelly

    Michael Kelly MOT: Pi 2 Design

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    I did open it up, but we'll have to see if it needs more. That's why we're going a bit slow on this. :)

    Cheers,
    Michael
     
  15. Michael Kelly

    Michael Kelly MOT: Pi 2 Design

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    Sorry, but no change there. Eventually our PiBox will be available and it will offer the turn it on and go you are looking for. It's still a good few months away though. And it will cost a lot more than a Pi and shield.

    Cheers,
    Michael
     
  16. Walderstorn

    Walderstorn Friend

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    Thanks, i guess I will have to risk it eventually but I cringe just thinking I have to read 60 pages to try to get the thing to work :).
     
  17. gaspasser

    gaspasser Flatulence Maestro

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    Have you looked at this?
    It is actually very straightforward assuming you use one of the prepackaged audio programs. If you buy the 502DAC you don't need to solder anything. Do you have the ability to copy an img file to a microSD card?

    I am happy to help you via PM if you need or you can always post questions here, like I did.
     
  18. Walderstorn

    Walderstorn Friend

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    It's awesome that you are willing to help me in such a way and i will take you on that. Yes i did read that thread before and will do it again since it's much more straightforward regarding config/installation.

    I have some doubts that I will have to search for on this topic though and i will talk to Michael about customs and such. Maybe it will be easier via PM.

    I am traveling now but I will be back home Friday.

    Thank you both very much.
     
  19. Martin_W

    Martin_W New

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    Hi

    hope this is the right thread for some help on my 502DAC as I can't get any sound out of the headphone plug

    I've plugged it onto my rpi and powered with and without a ifi 5v power pack.

    I've tried runeaudio and volumio.

    I've got music (flac's) loaded on a usb plugged into the rpi.

    I can't get any sound out of it and was hoping someone can tell me what I'm doing wrong.

    Michael has offered to refund me if I can't get it to work, so I'm not complaining about his service at all. Its great.

    TIA
    Martin
     
  20. Grahad2

    Grahad2 Red eyes from too much anime

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    It's not supposed to work. It's even removed in the newest revisions.
     

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