So I’ve been playing with my office set up using Pi4 for a few days now and I am more confused then before. Did A/B comparison between RopieeeXL, Volumio, VitOS and Moode.
So far learnt that to my ear and system Moode sounds the best. It has more air, instrument separation, detail and blacker backgrounds without the digital glare and fatigue.
RopieeeXL and Volumio sound close to each other which is very similar to how music sounds when playing through my laptop USB acting as Roon endpoint. My laptop USB does not sound all that bad - but nothing compared to my Aurender in the main listening room.
VitOS is very sterile, thin and digital sounding. It lacks bass and weight.
Couple of point to note: all this is system dependent. I am driving my Harbeth p3esr using Croft Integrated amp. Using dedicated beefed up HP elite book laptop for Roon Core. Using Metrum Onyx DAC.
Also still waiting for Pi2AES HAT to come in the mail - which might change things a bit.
Since the sound out of Harbeth is warm, organic and relaxed, Moode gives it life and a little boogie factor - which I like.
I will be trying DietPi next and possibly Picoreplayer. I have a lot of SD cards laying around.
Each player has it’s strengths, and I value Volumio and Moode UPnP and airplay feature to listen to Pandora etc.
What I am surprised is the lack of write up in the audiophile online forums comparing the different Pi JEOS music players. Once I receive my Pi2AES HAT - I will compare all the music players directly to my Aurender in the main room to see where each stands.
So far learnt that to my ear and system Moode sounds the best. It has more air, instrument separation, detail and blacker backgrounds without the digital glare and fatigue.
RopieeeXL and Volumio sound close to each other which is very similar to how music sounds when playing through my laptop USB acting as Roon endpoint. My laptop USB does not sound all that bad - but nothing compared to my Aurender in the main listening room.
VitOS is very sterile, thin and digital sounding. It lacks bass and weight.
Couple of point to note: all this is system dependent. I am driving my Harbeth p3esr using Croft Integrated amp. Using dedicated beefed up HP elite book laptop for Roon Core. Using Metrum Onyx DAC.
Also still waiting for Pi2AES HAT to come in the mail - which might change things a bit.
Since the sound out of Harbeth is warm, organic and relaxed, Moode gives it life and a little boogie factor - which I like.
I will be trying DietPi next and possibly Picoreplayer. I have a lot of SD cards laying around.
Each player has it’s strengths, and I value Volumio and Moode UPnP and airplay feature to listen to Pandora etc.
What I am surprised is the lack of write up in the audiophile online forums comparing the different Pi JEOS music players. Once I receive my Pi2AES HAT - I will compare all the music players directly to my Aurender in the main room to see where each stands.