Sound quality of streaming software for Raspberry Pi

[bumpy]

most of these have same core so I think there would be much difference in SQ. However you can do a bit of tweaking and thats where you can gain or loose.
Not sure what is done in Moode as I have not tried that cos it lacks some bits which I need for my streamer kit to be fully working.

Volumio, RuneAudio and Moode all use MPD as player so if you play with mpd.conf you can change SQ

here is my config which I using in Volumio

###################################
# Auto generated mpd.conf file
# please DO NOT edit it manually!
# Use player-UI MPD config section
###################################

follow_outside_symlinks "yes"
follow_inside_symlinks "yes"
db_file "/var/lib/mpd/tag_cache"
sticker_file "/var/lib/mpd/sticker.sql"
log_file "/var/log/mpd/mpd.log"
pid_file "/var/run/mpd/pid"
music_directory "/var/lib/mpd/music"
playlist_directory "/var/lib/mpd/playlists"
state_file "/var/lib/mpd/state"
user "mpd"
bind_to_address "any"
port "6600"
zeroconf_enabled "no"
zeroconf_name "volumio"
filesystem_charset "UTF-8"
id3v1_encoding "UTF-8"
gapless_mp3_playback "yes"
auto_update "no"
group "audio"
max_connections "20"



audio_output {

type "alsa"
name "Output"
device "hw:0,0"
mixer_device "hw:0"
mixer_index "0"
dop "no"
auto_resample "no"
auto_channels "no"
auto_format "no"

}

Interesting. I had noticed that all run MPD and this was part of my reason for interrogating SQ.

I need to look more at mpd.conf. Are there any guidelines that help with its optimisation?

[Rothchild]

That would be excellent Thanks.

I have never heard of dietpi so best get and Google it

Download images and instructions here: http://fuzon.co.uk/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=9#p9

Full list of optimised software (and instructions): http://fuzon.co.uk/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=5#p5

'Fancy' main site with explanation of what it's all about: http://dietpi.com/

The only potential downside against 'complete' images like Moode or Volumio is that it does require a bit of user input to set it up (because it can be turned to a number of purposes, not just a media player) but that flexibility does also make it incredibly powerful for building a completely personalised system.

[Rothchild]

In terms of the posted mpd.conf the only two lines that would have a potential sonic impact are:

dop "no"
auto_resample "no"

and the dop one only if you're using DSD files.

Essentially this is a 'bit perfect' configuration and should just parse data straight from the player that's feeding it, to the soundcard (Hw:0.0) that ALSA is controlling.

Previously Moode had some kernel memory tweaks that were supposed to make a difference but I understand those have been removed in later versions, not sure if they're still there in volumio. The only other place that SQ is likely to be affected is if there's a software gain control somewhere in the chain (normally in the player app)

[rikardo1979]

In terms of the posted mpd.conf the only two lines that would have a potential sonic impact are:

dop "no"
auto_resample "no"

and the dop one only if you're using DSD files.

Essentially this is a 'bit perfect' configuration and should just parse data straight from the player that's feeding it, to the soundcard (Hw:0.0) that ALSA is controlling.

Previously Moode had some kernel memory tweaks that were supposed to make a difference but I understand those have been removed in later versions, not sure if they're still there in volumio. The only other place that SQ is likely to be affected is if there's a software gain control somewhere in the chain (normally in the player app)

thank you for quick reply on this.
And as you mentioned, it is what they called bit perfect config of MPD.
Other than this I dont think there is anything else what may affect SQ.
Kernel, memory management etc. That can affect smoothness of the OS as a whole and some dropouts in playback etc.
But me personally, I have never experienced any on Raspberry Pi. If you have a decent, best Class 10 or better SD card then all should be smooth.

And of course, Raspberry Pi 2 is best to use. Better than RPi 3 even the new have more power.
Problem is BT and WiFi modules fitted on board which is not ideal for audio solutions.
So RPi 2 is best

OP2

[r100]

like the old Airport Express ... sorry

[bumpy]

And of course, Raspberry Pi 2 is best to use. Better than RPi 3 even the new have more power.
Problem is BT and WiFi modules fitted on board which is not ideal for audio solutions.
So RPi 2 is best

OP2

Ah ha. I have RPI 2 but have included a Wi Fi dongle to allow me to control the system from my listening seat using a Hudl2. Could I have compromised SQ? - I cant tell at present as am running a simple system to get by until my expensive DAC arrives.

[Rothchild]

Kinda depends, if the files are on a usb or nas drive physically attached to the pi then using wireless just to control mpd isn't going to make any difference.

The only way I can see a real issue is if you're wirelessly accessing the source files and trying to stream them back up to another device.

I've got mine setup with files on a usb drive attached to the pi and an old belkin wifi adapter, which quite happily serves up flacs to my local network and hi res mp3s out (via a not that great home broadband adsl line) across the internet to anywhere I've tried it (including to my phone over 3g and abroad)

[rikardo1979]

Ah ha. I have RPI 2 but have included a Wi Fi dongle to allow me to control the system from my listening seat using a Hudl2. Could I have compromised SQ? - I cant tell at present as am running a simple system to get by until my expensive DAC arrives.

simply plug your WiFi dongle to USB extension lead so it further away from RPi or try stay on cable, best solution and most reliable

[bumpy]

Kinda depends, if the files are on a usb or nas drive physically attached to the pi then using wireless just to control mpd isn't going to make any difference.

The only way I can see a real issue is if you're wirelessly accessing the source files and trying to stream them back up to another device.

I've got mine setup with files on a usb drive attached to the pi and an old belkin wifi adapter, which quite happily serves up flacs to my local network and hi res mp3s out (via a not that great home broadband adsl line) across the internet to anywhere I've tried it (including to my phone over 3g and abroad)

I'm using a USB attached hard drive with its own power supply, so that sounds good.

[bumpy]

simply plug your WiFi dongle to USB extension lead so it further away from RPi

I like this idea a lot.