AudioNervosa

The Market => Manufacturer News => Topic started by: orchardaudio on March 02, 2019, 06:44:05 AM

Title: PecanPi -- Next Generation Raspberry Pi DAC and Streamer
Post by: orchardaudio on March 02, 2019, 06:44:05 AM
Meet the PecanPi DAC and Streamer

Improvements over previous generation DAC include:

The PecanPi Streamer is a ready to go plug and play streamer, that uses the PecanPi DAC, and will be available with the following software options:

Discounted preorder will be available shortly through Orchard Audio's website
Title: Re: PecanPi -- Next Generation Raspberry Pi DAC and Streamer
Post by: orchardaudio on March 02, 2019, 06:44:32 AM
Reserved for future updates.
Title: Re: PecanPi -- Next Generation Raspberry Pi DAC and Streamer
Post by: tmazz on March 02, 2019, 08:19:23 AM
I cannot see any of the pictures nor do they come up if I cut and paste the links in the post directly into a browser.

But for anyone who is interested here is the URL for the PecanPi page on Leo's web site:

https://orchardaudio.com/pecanpi
Title: Re: PecanPi -- Next Generation Raspberry Pi DAC and Streamer
Post by: orchardaudio on March 02, 2019, 11:03:33 AM
I cannot see any of the pictures nor do they come up if I cut and paste the links in the post directly into a browser.

But for anyone who is interested here is the URL for the PecanPi page on Leo's web site:

https://orchardaudio.com/pecanpi

I am not sure why you cannot see the images, but I have now also added them as attachments.
Title: Re: PecanPi -- Next Generation Raspberry Pi DAC and Streamer
Post by: orchardaudio on March 06, 2019, 06:10:09 AM
Full tests results for the PecanDAC available here:
https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/pecanpi-next-generation-raspberry-pi-dac-and-streamer.6952/post-155559
Title: Re: PecanPi -- Next Generation Raspberry Pi DAC and Streamer
Post by: orchardaudio on March 07, 2019, 05:20:56 AM
Preorders available:

PecanPi DAC -- 224.99 -- 25% off
https://orchardaudio.com/shop?olsPage=products/pcnp-dac 

PecanPi Streamer -- 399.99 -- 20% off
https://orchardaudio.com/shop?olsPage=products/pcnp-strmr

With every preorder you will be entered into a raffle to receive our next product for free. It will be a 100W Class-D amplifier.

Will be shipping in 3 to 6 months.
Title: Re: PecanPi -- Next Generation Raspberry Pi DAC and Streamer
Post by: orchardaudio on March 10, 2019, 11:21:23 AM
PecanPi Implementation Details:

DAC chips: 
-- Dual flagship Burr-Brown PCM1794As in monaural mode
Digital HW Volume Control and Re-clocking:
-- Crystek CCHD-575 oscillator -- ultra low clock jitter of 82fSec
-- SRC4193 for volume control
Output stage: True balanced dual different output stages
-- Uses OPA1612s
-- Low Noise Panasonic Resistors
-- Proprietary filtering topology
Ultra low noise analog power supplies:
-- TPS7A4700 (4.17uV noise) for positive op-amp power supply
-- TPS7A3301 (16uV noise) for negative op-amp power supply
-- TPS7A4901 (15.4uV noise) for DAC Chips
Headphone driver:
-- Dual parallel OPA1622s
Title: Re: PecanPi -- Next Generation Raspberry Pi DAC and Streamer
Post by: orchardaudio on March 12, 2019, 04:56:47 AM
Just so that there is no misunderstanding...

The Streamer is a fully built, ready to go plug and play device. There is no assembly or configuration required.

If you want a cheaper solution you can buy the kit and assemble yourself.
Title: Re: PecanPi -- Next Generation Raspberry Pi DAC and Streamer
Post by: orchardaudio on March 13, 2019, 05:04:11 AM
I have had multiple questions regarding volume control on the unit.

The volume control can be either through the knob on the unit or through software when you control the device remotely.

The HW volume control on the unit (knob) will be better than to the SW one. Both will sound great.
Title: Re: PecanPi -- Next Generation Raspberry Pi DAC and Streamer
Post by: orchardaudio on March 17, 2019, 08:40:01 AM
First review / writeup on the PecanPi:
https://audiophilestyle.com/forums/topic/55945-orchard-audio-applepi-and-pecanpi-raspberrypi-dacs/

Some quotes from the writeup:
"I know very well how the SBT and AudioEngine 5+ powered speakers sound, but even as I was being somewhat distracted by enabling this new RPi endpoint in Roon, my focus was immediately drawn to the music when I started up Jean Michel Jarre’s latest “Equinoxe Infinity” (via Tidal). It’s a new reference recording, and I immediately noticed a significant sound quality improvement. Granted the SBT is probably a better streamer than DAC, but holy cow! The stereo imaging on Flying Totems (Movement 2) was outstanding, and the bass much, much tighter. Everything was just better."

"Thebass is huge and the imaging is precise. Way better than Ithought possible. I even forgot about wanting to add a subwoofer. My wife even commented on how great it sounded and wants me to now set up something at her office. What just happened?!?"
Title: Re: PecanPi -- Next Generation Raspberry Pi DAC and Streamer
Post by: mdconnelly on March 17, 2019, 07:09:31 PM
I'm quite interested in the PecanPi Streamer...   I'd been a long-time Squeezebox user since back in the early days of SlimDevices.   When Roon started supporting Squeezeboxes as endpoints was when I jumped from using LMS to Roon (damn, over 3 years ago now) and still have several Squeezeboxen in use at home as Roon endpoints.   This PecanPi Streamer sounds like a great step-up at a reasonable price.   While taking the kit route sounds interesting, the preorder pricing seems like a great deal.   Hmmm....
Title: Re: PecanPi -- Next Generation Raspberry Pi DAC and Streamer
Post by: tmazz on March 17, 2019, 09:21:49 PM
Mike, Leo did a demo of his Apple Pi DAC mounted on a Raspberry Pi computer and it sounded quite good. It even got a thumbs up from one of our most die hard analog lovers. Since this Pecan Pi steamer should be and improvement over hsi first generation products I would think it will sound very fine indeed and would be a worthy upgrade to Squeezebox.
Title: Re: PecanPi -- Next Generation Raspberry Pi DAC and Streamer
Post by: orchardaudio on March 18, 2019, 02:18:17 PM
Mike, Leo did a demo of his Apple Pi DAC mounted on a Raspberry Pi computer and it sounded quite good. It even got a thumbs up from one of our most die hard analog lovers. Since this Pecan Pi steamer should be and improvement over hsi first generation products I would think it will sound very fine indeed and would be a worthy upgrade to Squeezebox.

You are correct that is what I demoed, the PecanPi is the same analog circuitry with noise and jitter improvements.
Title: Re: PecanPi -- Next Generation Raspberry Pi DAC and Streamer
Post by: orchardaudio on March 23, 2019, 06:44:48 AM
Here is link to how to video for assembly of PecanPi DAC into optional case:
https://youtu.be/78NWQz_Itzw (https://youtu.be/78NWQz_Itzw)
Title: Re: PecanPi -- Next Generation Raspberry Pi DAC and Streamer
Post by: mresseguie on March 26, 2019, 12:39:00 PM
Hello, Leo.

Your PecanPi streamer looks interesting. Is it shipping or still in pre-order status?

Is it wifi or Bluetooth capable?

Regards,

Michael
Title: Re: PecanPi -- Next Generation Raspberry Pi DAC and Streamer
Post by: orchardaudio on March 26, 2019, 05:22:38 PM
Hello, Leo.

Your PecanPi streamer looks interesting. Is it shipping or still in pre-order status?

Is it wifi or Bluetooth capable?

Regards,

Michael
It is Wi-Fi capable. It will be in pre-order status till mid may. All pre-orders will ship between June and August.
Title: Re: PecanPi -- Next Generation Raspberry Pi DAC and Streamer
Post by: mdconnelly on April 28, 2019, 03:44:41 PM
When I first read about Orchard Audio's PecanPi Streamer, it intrigued me because it was very much what I was looking for to ultimately replace (and improve on) a couple of old Squeezeboxes I've been using as Roon endpoints in my home.    In a single small box, the PecanPi Streamer functions as a Roon endpoint, a high quality DAC, a headphone amp and can operate via ethernet or wireless.

Well, after 10 days of listening, I was quite impressed.  Based on the excellent PecanPi DAC specs, I was pretty confident that it would prove a good bit better than my Squeezebox Touch and it did.  No contest.  Throughout my listening, the PecanPi presentation was laden with immense detail, clarity and depth of soundstage. It’s also nice to know that there is a top-quality Squeezebox replacement in a single box. (For me, Roon replaced LMS over 3 years ago when Roon started supporting Squeezeboxen as endpoints).

I’ve also used a couple more upscale approaches to streaming Roon via their RAAT protocol to improve sound quality whether it be to headphones or speakers in my office. To do so included a Roon endpoint - a Sonore microRendu - along with either an iFi Micro iDSD DAC/Amp or a Schiit Bifrost Multibit DAC . The PecanPi Streamer stood up to these amazingly well, and, often nudged ahead sonically. (caveat: my music, my gear, my 66+ year-old ears :wink: But being able to do so at this pricepoint all within a single box makes the PecanPi a uniquely compelling product IMHO (even moreso if you go the DIY kit way).

The iFi Micro iDSD has been my go-to kit for headphone listening over the last couple years.  Generally, I use it via a Sonore microRendu Roon endpoint, but I also just use it with my iPhone for portability.  Perhaps these combos are not top-of-the-line, but to these ears, it provides an immersive soundstage with dead quiet background and excellent separation between voices and instruments - a sound quality I’ve come to know and love. The PecanPi proved to be equally engaging yet with a few notable differences… Foremost, the PecanPi conveyed greater detail & clarity with a highly neutral tonal presentation.  The iFi iDSD leaned a bit to the warmer, richer side and that works well with my Tin Audio T3 IEMs (IEMs known for their neutrality), but the PecanPi was a wonderful match for my Senn HD650 headphones - not surprising given that the HD650s tend to lean a bit toward the warmer side while enabling all the detail and clarity provided by the PecanPi to shine through. Often, the PecanPi seemed to be revealing more of what was going on in the music - fingers on bass strings, piano note decay, hall ambience, etc… With good recordings, this proved quite mesmerizing, but on lesser quality recordings, not surprisingly, it could turn edgy.   The price of detail, clarity and neutrality... not all recordings are created equal.

Comparing the Schiit Bifrost Multibit DAC was a bit of apples to oranges since I used an external headphone amp as well when not listening via powered speakers. I also did some of my listening with the Bifrost fed via USB from my computer as well as via the microRendu. But in all cases, the results were similar - the Schiit, like the iFi, presented a more relaxed yet engaging presentation whereas the PecanPi conveyed a more neutral, highly detailed soundstage that, with well recorded music, was an engaging and immersive musical treat.

Bottom line, I really enjoyed time with the PecanPi Streamer. The exceptional sound quality is all about the high quality of the PecanPi DAC, no doubt. If you love clarity and detail, this seems a no-brainer. The ability to have a top-quality DAC and Roon endpoint in one small box, the ability to use wireless, and a high-quality volume control all make the Streamer a pretty awesome bang-for-the-buck product.

Title: Re: PecanPi -- Next Generation Raspberry Pi DAC and Streamer
Post by: P.I. on April 28, 2019, 05:29:58 PM
Great review, Mike!   :thumb:
Title: Re: PecanPi -- Next Generation Raspberry Pi DAC and Streamer
Post by: orchardaudio on May 01, 2019, 05:44:54 AM
Another great review:
https://theaudiophileman.com/pecanpi-dac-streamer-review-orchard-audio/

"The PecanPi sits within an attractive price point and at that price it offers plenty: impressive sonic abilities being top of the list. Specifically, an attractive blend of dynamic force, rich imagery and layered detail. A bit of a bargain, then."

and

"I then played Looking for a Home, two guys and two guitars or, more accurately, Kevin Greeninger & Dayan Kai at 24bit/192kHz. The string manipulation from the guitars was impressive as was the silence sitting behind the pair: the contrast set up a soundstage heavy with emotion from this serious song. The sense of clarity was also excellent as the PecanPi took advantage of the superior sound source file while the imagery that set the singers and their instruments on the soundstage was excellent. Even the bass-infused foot stomps from the guys, keeping a beat, were easily heard here. The sense of tonal balance allowed me to increase the gain without having my ears bitten off."

and

"If anything, DSD output (despite the non-native processing) was the most impressive file output across the entire sound test as inherent noise was very low. Small and subtle details were able to flow easily from the rear of the mix and the 3D structure around the stereo image added layers and a busy, almost market square feel to the song which seemed packed with people and instruments. A party atmosphere, if you will. Harmonicas here, acoustic guitars there, an accordion, mandolin, 57 varieties of percussion but throughout the PecanPi allowed this detail to reach the ear unimpeded."
Title: Re: PecanPi -- Next Generation Raspberry Pi DAC and Streamer
Post by: orchardaudio on May 03, 2019, 06:54:45 AM
Due to popular demand preorder pricing has been extended till May 31st.

PecanPi™ Streamer -- 399.99 -- 20% off 
The Streamer is a fully assembled and ready to go out of the box. Just plug it in, and enjoy.
https://orchardaudio.com/shop?olsPag...s%2Fpcnp-strmr

PecanPi™ DAC -- 224.99 -- 25% off 
Like the DIY approach? Then this is for you.
https://orchardaudio.com/shop?olsPage=products/pcnp-dac
Title: Re: PecanPi -- Next Generation Raspberry Pi DAC and Streamer
Post by: orchardaudio on May 09, 2019, 02:55:51 AM
The PecanPi Streamer continues to amaze. Read latest review from The Audio Beatnik here:
https://theaudiobeatnik.com/reviewing-orchard-audios-new-pecanpi-streamer-and-dac/
Title: Re: PecanPi -- Next Generation Raspberry Pi DAC and Streamer
Post by: mauidan on May 09, 2019, 08:34:11 AM
Do you sell the PecanPi Streamer without the DAC?
Title: Re: PecanPi -- Next Generation Raspberry Pi DAC and Streamer
Post by: orchardaudio on May 09, 2019, 08:36:44 AM
Do you sell the PecanPi Streamer without the DAC?

With out the DAC it is just a raspberry Pi.
Title: Re: PecanPi -- Next Generation Raspberry Pi DAC and Streamer
Post by: mauidan on May 09, 2019, 09:49:59 AM
Do you sell the PecanPi Streamer without the DAC?

With out the DAC it is just a raspberry Pi.

I don't see the raspberry Pi on your website.
Title: Re: PecanPi -- Next Generation Raspberry Pi DAC and Streamer
Post by: mdconnelly on May 09, 2019, 11:25:15 AM
The PecanPi Streamer includes both the PecanPi DAC and the Raspberry Pi along with case, volume control, OS, etc...   The Streamer is ready to go pretty much right out of the box.   But you can buy the PecanPi DAC separately and build a streamer with your own rPi.
Title: Re: PecanPi -- Next Generation Raspberry Pi DAC and Streamer
Post by: mauidan on May 09, 2019, 11:46:36 AM
The PecanPi Streamer includes both the PecanPi DAC and the Raspberry Pi along with case, volume control, OS, etc...   The Streamer is ready to go pretty much right out of the box.   But you can buy the PecanPi DAC separately and build a streamer with your own rPi.

I know what the PecanPi Streamer includes, I read the review.

Maybe you didn't read my posts. I'm not interested in the DAC and the Raspberry Pi is not shown on the website.
Title: Re: PecanPi -- Next Generation Raspberry Pi DAC and Streamer
Post by: mdconnelly on May 09, 2019, 01:00:27 PM
Sorry if I misunderstood.   I doubt Leo is interested in selling just Raspberry PIs... but they are readily available including on Amazon.   Or is it the rPI and PecanPi case you're looking for?
Title: Re: PecanPi -- Next Generation Raspberry Pi DAC and Streamer
Post by: orchardaudio on May 09, 2019, 06:36:43 PM
The PecanPi Streamer includes both the PecanPi DAC and the Raspberry Pi along with case, volume control, OS, etc...   The Streamer is ready to go pretty much right out of the box.   But you can buy the PecanPi DAC separately and build a streamer with your own rPi.

I know what the PecanPi Streamer includes, I read the review.

Maybe you didn't read my posts. I'm not interested in the DAC and the Raspberry Pi is not shown on the website.

What are you trying to accomplish, if you are looking for something custom I could potentially make it outside of what is available on the website.

It does not make sense for me to just sell you a Rpi as stated above.
Title: Re: PecanPi -- Next Generation Raspberry Pi DAC and Streamer
Post by: tmazz on May 09, 2019, 06:47:07 PM
Dan, The Raspberry Pi is not an Orchard Audio product. It is a line of small single board computers and accessories that can be purchased for most retail computer outlets.

Here is a link to the MicroCenter web page for Raspberry Pi products.

https://www.microcenter.com/search/search_results.aspx?Ntt=Raspberry+Pi
Title: Re: PecanPi -- Next Generation Raspberry Pi DAC and Streamer
Post by: orchardaudio on May 13, 2019, 07:25:34 AM
Another great write-up:
https://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?64295-Orchard-Audio-s-PecanPi-Review&p=1087525#post1087525
Title: Re: PecanPi -- Next Generation Raspberry Pi DAC and Streamer
Post by: orchardaudio on May 15, 2019, 11:36:29 AM
Preorder pricing end on May 31st.

When you preorder you are entered into a raffle to win my company’s next product - pair of 100W monoblock amps.

https://orchardaudio.com/shop?olsPage=products

Title: Re: PecanPi -- Next Generation Raspberry Pi DAC and Streamer
Post by: orchardaudio on May 16, 2019, 10:43:48 AM
When you preorder you are entered into a raffle to win Orchard Audio's next product - pair of 100W monoblock amps.
Preliminary Amp Specs: 
* SNR: ~120dB 
* THD: <0.0008% 
* Frequency Response: DC - >25kHz 
* Power: 100W into 8Ω 
* Fully Balanced Input and Output
Title: Re: PecanPi -- Next Generation Raspberry Pi DAC and Streamer
Post by: orchardaudio on May 28, 2019, 04:54:45 AM
Preorder pricing ends in 3 days on May 31st!!!
https://orchardaudio.com/shop?olsPage=products (https://orchardaudio.com/shop?olsPage=products)
Title: Re: PecanPi -- Next Generation Raspberry Pi DAC and Streamer
Post by: orchardaudio on May 28, 2019, 07:28:53 PM
Raspberry Pi DAC Shootout - Hamburg, Germany - June 13

There will be a double blind demo of multiple Rpi DACs including the PecanPi in Hamburg.

It is completely free.

For more info and to register email linux@kompage.de

More info here:
https://forum.volumio.org/volumio-soundcheck-invitation-for-hamburg-germany-t5918-120.html#p63722
Title: Re: PecanPi -- Next Generation Raspberry Pi DAC and Streamer
Post by: orchardaudio on May 31, 2019, 05:00:09 PM
Preorder pricing ends in 4 hours!!!

PecanPi™ Streamer -- 399.99 -- 20% off 
The Streamer is a fully assembled and ready to go out of the box. Just plug it in, and enjoy. 
https://orchardaudio.com/shop?olsPage=products%2Fpcnp-strmr

PecanPi™ DAC -- 224.99 -- 25% off 
Like the DIY approach? Then this is for you. 
https://orchardaudio.com/shop?olsPage=products/pcnp-dac
Title: Re: PecanPi -- Next Generation Raspberry Pi DAC and Streamer
Post by: orchardaudio on July 03, 2019, 05:56:15 AM
4th ofJuly sale on PecanPi products. Save up to 25%:
www.orchardaudio.com/shop

Sale ends Sunday.
Title: Re: PecanPi -- Next Generation Raspberry Pi DAC and Streamer
Post by: orchardaudio on July 20, 2019, 09:19:02 AM
PecanPi preorders have started shipping.

If you have a preorder be on the lookout for an email with tracking information.

The first 6 packages went out today.

All pre orders will be shipped within 2-3 weeks.
Title: Re: PecanPi -- Next Generation Raspberry Pi DAC and Streamer
Post by: mdconnelly on July 28, 2019, 06:17:09 PM
Got my two PecanPi DAC HATs and Streamer cases this past week.  I picked up a couple of rPi 3Bs and micro SD cards separately and put it all together this weekend.   Damn, it sounds even better than I remember from the prototype version of the Streamer a few months back.   Putting them together was a piece of cake from downloading RoPieee and loading it on the rPi microSD cards to putting it all together in the well designed case.  (Other rPi OSes will work equally as well but I only want to use it as a Roon endpoint and RoPieee makes that extremely easy).  Nice job, Leo!

My plan is to use these to replace my aging Squeezeboxes on a couple of secondary systems (dining room and outside porch) where I stream music via Roon.   The Squeezeboxes were very slick tech back in the day but the DACs in the PecanPi Streamer run circles around them today.   The PecanPi Streamer does not have a screen like the SB Touches, but that simply doesn't matter these days given Roon's easy access from any phone, tablet or computer.   

The PecanPi Streamer sounds so good as a headphone DAC/amp (+Roon endpoint), that I may, in fact, leave one of the SB Touches on the porch system so I can use the PecanPi just for headphone listening.   

Call me impressed!

Title: Re: PecanPi -- Next Generation Raspberry Pi DAC and Streamer
Post by: orchardaudio on August 02, 2019, 02:23:18 PM
PecanPi products are now in stock and shipping within a few days.

You can get 15% off your order by posting a review to the product page. (This cannot be combined with any other offers/discounts)

https://orchardaudio.com/shop?olsPage=products
Title: Re: PecanPi -- Next Generation Raspberry Pi DAC and Streamer
Post by: orchardaudio on August 27, 2019, 01:27:47 PM
Labor Day Sale - Up to 25% Off
https://orchardaudio.com/shop?olsPage=products (https://orchardaudio.com/shop?olsPage=products)
Title: Re: PecanPi -- Next Generation Raspberry Pi DAC and Streamer
Post by: orchardaudio on November 21, 2019, 01:31:19 PM
I love getting emails like these from my customers...

(https://scontent.fewr1-6.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/74883961_2480909088851523_8431946754047344640_n.png?_nc_cat=103&_nc_ohc=GGQTuYx7F94AQnoBwdU_d7s2FDxA-J5xxUZ9Dp27s6zn-ChbIQbuukI7Q&_nc_ht=scontent.fewr1-6.fna&oh=7d0d3d28a41a598e9d5ec4b0496c1863&oe=5E44EE10)
Title: Re: PecanPi -- Ascend to the Orchard
Post by: orchardaudio on November 24, 2019, 02:05:56 PM
PecanPi - Delicious to the Ears - Holiday Sale

Get up to 25% off:
https://orchardaudio.com/shop?olsPage=products