Pi2 Design Idiot-Proof Ready-To-Go RPi/AES Streamer

Discussion in 'Digital: DACs, USB converters, decrapifiers' started by Michael Kelly, Jan 16, 2021.

  1. Superdad

    Superdad MOT: UpTone Audio LLC

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    Hi Micheal:
    I've not been watching this thread the last few months (still very happy with my Mercury V1 beta unit I got from BobF).
    Happy to see (from updates here and at your website) that you are progressing well towards production of V2. I know firsthand just how frustrating the parts procurement issues can be with the current global conditions.

    A question for you:
    Did you decide after all not to use the CM4 IO Carrier as the baseboard for V2? I have not seen you say so since the above quoted post. But I ask because your current V2 renderings on the website do not match the I/O positions of CM4 IO Carrier board (unless RPi themselves have changed that board and not published current pics).

    Thanks and best of luck with the launch. Who knows, I just might upgrade to V2 if there are some tech differences incorporated that might give an SQ bump to my I2S over HDMI usage.

    --Alex C.
    UpTone Audio LLC
     
  2. Michael Kelly

    Michael Kelly MOT: Pi 2 Design

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    I was able to secure sufficient Quantities of certain components to allow us to continue producing mercury as its own single board. The new board has some minor modifications but it is essentially the same design as the original. Of course I had to buy a fair quantity in order to secure some of these parts, but I’m confident we will use them up eventually!
     
  3. Justin S

    Justin S Friend

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    @rhythmdevils , I had Ghent make a few cables for me to use with my Noise Nukes which are 5.5/2.5. He did a 5.5/2.5 to USB-C for me and a 2.5 to 2.1. He uses Canare 4S6 and Oyaide plugs. They're very nicely made and reasonably priced. He makes them for about what it would cost me to make them (with me buying the Oyaide plugs retail)
     
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  4. Baten

    Baten Friend

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    +1 I had Ghent cables make me some very specific shit, there's some waiting time but the outcome was just perfect at a more than reasonable price.
     
  5. uncola

    uncola Friend

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    I use a ghent dc cable with oyaide plug between my linear power supply and the mercury. ghent is a great cable maker/company
     
  6. Zachik

    Zachik MOT XMEMS

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    Which LPS have you been using with the Mercury?
    Did you notice audible improvements?
    Someone mentioned last week he has been using the Fiio PL50 and it worked well for him.
     
  7. Ksaurav402

    Ksaurav402 Friend

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    I’m using Sbooster and below is my experience of using it
     
  8. Zachik

    Zachik MOT XMEMS

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    Thanks!
    So now the dilemma is... Sbooster for $419 or FiiO PL50 for $150 (or neither)?
    Honestly, Mercury with stock switching PSU already sounds pretty awesome!!!
     
  9. Michael Kelly

    Michael Kelly MOT: Pi 2 Design

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    FiiO seems like a very good value. Maybe you take one for the team and let us know how it goes! :eek:
     
  10. Prtuc2

    Prtuc2 Acquaintance

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    Is this 12V version of the Sbooster, the one you guys are talking about?
     
  11. Michael Kelly

    Michael Kelly MOT: Pi 2 Design

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    It would have to be, as mercury requires 12 V input.
     
  12. Ksaurav402

    Ksaurav402 Friend

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    Yes, that’s the one. Not cheap by any means but is a great product. Feels premium and performs great as well. Can deliver 3A so more then sufficient even if you connect peripherals to Pi.
     
  13. Zachik

    Zachik MOT XMEMS

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    Michael - @tjmski already took one for the team... See post # 858 (in the previous page).
    For less than half the price - FiiO PL50 is more tempting than Sbooster, to be honest.
     
  14. Zachik

    Zachik MOT XMEMS

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    The DC cable that comes with it - fits Mercury as-is? Correct connector size and polarity?
     
  15. Michael Kelly

    Michael Kelly MOT: Pi 2 Design

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    The PL50 uses a 2.1MM x 5.5MM plug. The PI2AES and Mercury use a 2.5MM x 5.5MM, but we supply a 2.1MM to 2.5MM adapter with each unit.
     
  16. Zachik

    Zachik MOT XMEMS

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    Now if I can just remember WHERE that adapter was placed........ :rolleyes:
     
  17. Ksaurav402

    Ksaurav402 Friend

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    One more reason to get Sbooster as you will get multiple adapters with it ;)
     
  18. Zachik

    Zachik MOT XMEMS

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    Found it. I placed it in the empty Meanwell box. Smart... :)
     
  19. Michael Kelly

    Michael Kelly MOT: Pi 2 Design

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    or as we say here in New England:

    Wicked smaht.
     
  20. Zachik

    Zachik MOT XMEMS

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    BTW when I looked up the FiiO PL50 earlier today - it was $109 (before tax) on AliExpress. Could not resist and placed an order!
    For $120 shipped and taxed - worth it even if I won't be able to tell a difference in sound.
     

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