Getting the best from Streaming music

[slinger]

I've said it before, but I spent far too long ignoring the Pi because I didn't want "all that fiddling around" to get to my tunes. WRONG!
They're brilliant. Fretless has done a great job of describing the parts, and the process, and for anyone thinking of trying it out, there are plenty of people already doing it who are more than willing to share their knowledge.

I use mine with ripped files stored on a Synology NAS (network disk) with a HifiBerry Digi+ PRO HAT and an SMSL M8 external DAC and I'm extremely happy. You get a lot of music for a little outlay.

[Jonty2547]

Yes, thanks Fretless, that was very useful.
Like Slinger, i've been putting off getting one due to the seeming complexity of the thing, but am ready to get one now.
Is anyone using Volumio or can anyone suggest an easy to use OS that works well with Tidal or Spotify?
Also, where did you guys buy your kit from?

[slinger]

Basic Volumio is solid, and it's free It handles (paid) streaming services like Tidal, Qobuz, and Spotify natively if you pay a subscription. For £2.99 a month you get...

MyVolumio on 1 device
Automatic Sync of Personal items
Remote connection to 1 device
Native TIDAL and Qobuz Integration
CD Playback and Ripping
Alexa Integration

It's also quite easy to bugger about with the code if you enjoy that sort of thing. The Volumio forum is pretty good, and the guy who writes Volumio is happy to answer questions. I don't stream so I've got no first-hand knowledge of the paid subscription service, but I don't know anyone that's unhappy with it.

[Fretless]

Spotify works on the free version of Volumio, there is a specific plug-in that works for a Spotify Premium account.

Apple Airplay. Just tried my ancient Ipad and looked up YouTube via Safari browser. Played a Music video and then clicked the Airplay button. Found all my Volumio devices straight away and can stream directly to them. SQ was fine.

[Fretless]

Also, where did you guys buy your kit from?

Looking for HifiBerry/Raspberry Pi stores in the UK it would seem that the two to try are The Pi Hut and ModMyPi.

Amazon has them as well.
HifiBerry has its own webshop where you can assemble a complete package.

[slinger]

Also, where did you guys buy your kit from?

Looking for HifiBerry/Raspberry Pi stores in the UK it would seem that the two to try are The Pi Hut and ModMyPi.

Amazon has them as well.
HifiBerry has its own webshop where you can assemble a complete package.

I got most of my bits on Amazon and then realised that all of it was probably cheaper (the HiFiBerry Digi+ Pro for instance) at the PiHut, or from HiFiBerry themselves.

https://www.hifiberry.com/shop/boards/h ... y-dac-pro/
https://thepihut.com/collections/raspbe ... y-digi-pro

I also bought a metal case for my setup.
https://www.hifiberry.com/shop/cases/st ... igi-black/

[Jonty2547]

Bit the bullet and have ordered a Pi 3B+ and the Digi+ Pro. Let the fun begin. Cost £75 with the Pi power supply from PiHut.
“If” I get on with it I’ll get a decent case.
Prepare for some daft questions

[Fretless]

Let 'em come !!!!

[slinger]

There's no such thing as a 'daft' question if it's honestly asked. I can't guarantee you'll get no daft answers though.

[TheMarlin]

Will be following the build with interest