I'm looking for a streamer with HDMI out in order to have a visual device connected to it.
I need a streamer to replace a computer or a NAS.
In substance a streamer that replaces a CD transport
My idea is to use the same streamer to play both audio and video files (either from a local hard disk or from the internet). This way instead of having an audio streamer like BluSound for lossless/Tidal and a video streamer (in my case Apple TV) for Netflix I get a single device that does all this as well as plays my ripped DVDs (MOV or MP4 format).
The streamer (RPi/SBC) would then have to be connected to a DAC (via I2S) for stereo sound (audio files) and an AVR (via HDMI) for multi-channel sound (video files). The DAC could then be connected (via RCA) to a separate stereo integrated amplifier (that has a power amp in option). The AVR would then manage the centre and surround speakers only with the front left and right speakers being powered by the power section of the integrated amplifier.
The DAC would also be connected via SPDIF (or TosLink) to my old CD player extending the life of this machine as it now essentially becomes just a transport.
This single device covers 4 independent functions.
- High-quality audio streamer/server
- Multi-channel audio and video streaming/server
- Upgrading my old CD player by using it as a transport.
- Option to connect my mobile device via BT for audio files
I am perfectly happy dividing this "BOX" into 2
- A media player (streamer/server) that connects to the internet and local hard drives
- A DAC that serves the media player (streamer/server), CD Player and mobile device.
Part of the rationale for having 2 boxes is that one can easily upgrade either box as technology progresses
and the other part is that in my conservative view I believe (I can offer no evidence of this belief) that a DAC is best powered by a linear power supply while an RPi/SBC )and any microcontroller needed to provide front panel controls) would prefer an SMPS.
The Audiophonics "EVO-SABRE" kit might serve both functions except that it is one box instead of 2. This kit uses dual 9038Q2M. This chip is good but has its challenges (well documented on this forum). The good part is that it has 2 screens which means you can see what the media player is doing as well as what the DAC is doing.
The other option is to get some RPi-SBC (along with an attendant
microcontroller and screen) to connect to the Audiophonics "ESS ES9038PRO DAC Module" via I2S. I'd rather go this route if someone can help with the SBC / RPi connections.
As Ben Du (from Soncoz) has proven, one can make some wonderful use of the "lesser" 9038
Q2M chipset and compete with DACs using more expensive chipsets (SMSL SU9, Topping D70BT etc). Below is Amir's review of Ben's DAC, note the dual power supplies.
SONCOZ SGD1 Audio DAC Review | Audio Science Review (ASR) Forum
It compares well against the SMSL SU 9 (see link below)
SMSL SU-9 Balanced DAC Review | Audio Science Review (ASR) Forum
I am perfectly happy buying a media player (that has basic front panel controls and a small screen) and connecting this to either the SMSL SU9, SonCOz SGD1, Topping D70bt or even the (yet to be released) Gustard X16. My budget is about $900-1000 for both items (media player + DAC) and the DACs mentioned sell for about $500 leaving me about $400 for the media player.
All this said, we also need software with a simple GUI interface for the media player. What is recommended? Jellyfin? Emby? Plex?
I believe Volumio and Moode can only be used with audio files besides my music library exceeds 3000 CDs (35,000 songs) and I am told that Volumio cant handle such large libraries.