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Playing digital audio through a 1990s amplifier
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Caecilius
Jan 2, 2022, 6:19:06 AM1/2/22
to
I've got an early 1990s hifi setup with tuner, CD, tape deck and
amplifier that I would like to use to play my digital music
collection. The amp has a spare aux input with RCA connectors.
I think I either need something with a USB input that has a decent
display and controls to navigate through the folder structure or a
bluetooth/wireless solution that I can control from my phone.
Has anyone done something similar, and did it work out well?
amplifier that I would like to use to play my digital music
collection. The amp has a spare aux input with RCA connectors.
I think I either need something with a USB input that has a decent
display and controls to navigate through the folder structure or a
bluetooth/wireless solution that I can control from my phone.
Has anyone done something similar, and did it work out well?
Andy Burns
Jan 2, 2022, 6:26:49 AM1/2/22
to
Caecilius wrote:
> I've got an early 1990s hifi setup with tuner, CD, tape deck and
> amplifier that I would like to use to play my digital music
> collection. The amp has a spare aux input with RCA connectors.
>
> I think I either need something with a USB input that has a decent
> display and controls to navigate through the folder structure or a
> bluetooth/wireless solution that I can control from my phone.
You sound like the target market for that device (Brennan?) that used to appear
> I've got an early 1990s hifi setup with tuner, CD, tape deck and
> amplifier that I would like to use to play my digital music
> collection. The amp has a spare aux input with RCA connectors.
>
> I think I either need something with a USB input that has a decent
> display and controls to navigate through the folder structure or a
> bluetooth/wireless solution that I can control from my phone.
in Private Eye small ads? I think it's an rPi in a box ...
Adrian Caspersz
Jan 2, 2022, 6:38:17 AM1/2/22
to
On 02/01/2022 11:19, Caecilius wrote:
> I've got an early 1990s hifi setup with tuner, CD, tape deck and
> amplifier that I would like to use to play my digital music
> collection. The amp has a spare aux input with RCA connectors.
>
> I think I either need something with a USB input that has a decent
> display and controls to navigate through the folder structure or a
> bluetooth/wireless solution that I can control from my phone.
An old laptop, headphone output connected to Aux. If the sound quality
> I've got an early 1990s hifi setup with tuner, CD, tape deck and
> amplifier that I would like to use to play my digital music
> collection. The amp has a spare aux input with RCA connectors.
>
> I think I either need something with a USB input that has a decent
> display and controls to navigate through the folder structure or a
> bluetooth/wireless solution that I can control from my phone.
is bad, use an external USB DAC.
You can install software on it that can be controlled remotely, or just
use YouTube, Spotify, Deezer etc....
--
Adrian C
charles
Jan 2, 2022, 6:40:23 AM1/2/22
to
In article <j3dgfl...@mid.individual.net>, Andy Burns
It is (and I have one), but it's designed to help someoene with a CD
collection. If the music is already digitised, then all you need is an D
to A converter.
--
from KT24 in Surrey, England
"I'd rather die of exhaustion than die of boredom" Thomas Carlyle
collection. If the music is already digitised, then all you need is an D
to A converter.
--
from KT24 in Surrey, England
"I'd rather die of exhaustion than die of boredom" Thomas Carlyle
Caecilius
Jan 2, 2022, 6:44:55 AM1/2/22
to
On Sun, 2 Jan 2022 11:38:13 +0000, Adrian Caspersz
<em...@here.invalid> wrote:
>On 02/01/2022 11:19, Caecilius wrote:
>> I've got an early 1990s hifi setup with tuner, CD, tape deck and
>> amplifier that I would like to use to play my digital music
>> collection. The amp has a spare aux input with RCA connectors.
>>
>> I think I either need something with a USB input that has a decent
>> display and controls to navigate through the folder structure or a
>> bluetooth/wireless solution that I can control from my phone.
>
>An old laptop, headphone output connected to Aux. If the sound quality
>is bad, use an external USB DAC.
I don't think something with a headphone output would provide an
<em...@here.invalid> wrote:
>On 02/01/2022 11:19, Caecilius wrote:
>> I've got an early 1990s hifi setup with tuner, CD, tape deck and
>> amplifier that I would like to use to play my digital music
>> collection. The amp has a spare aux input with RCA connectors.
>>
>> I think I either need something with a USB input that has a decent
>> display and controls to navigate through the folder structure or a
>> bluetooth/wireless solution that I can control from my phone.
>
>An old laptop, headphone output connected to Aux. If the sound quality
>is bad, use an external USB DAC.
acceptable audio quality. I think something with line level output
would be better.
>You can install software on it that can be controlled remotely, or just
>use YouTube, Spotify, Deezer etc....
downloads of albums I used to own on vinyl. I don't use streaming
services like spotify etc.
Caecilius
Jan 2, 2022, 6:52:27 AM1/2/22
to
On Sun, 2 Jan 2022 11:26:43 +0000, Andy Burns <use...@andyburns.uk>
wrote:
Is it this device? https://thebrennan.com/pages/b2-overview
That looks promising in some respects, but it does much more than I
need (it can play&rip CDs and includes an amplifier) and is more
expensive than I'd like at $679 for the only model in stock (I'm
hoping for £100 - £200 range), but it does look like the kind of thing
I'm after.
wrote:
That looks promising in some respects, but it does much more than I
need (it can play&rip CDs and includes an amplifier) and is more
expensive than I'd like at $679 for the only model in stock (I'm
hoping for £100 - £200 range), but it does look like the kind of thing
I'm after.
Caecilius
Jan 2, 2022, 7:05:17 AM1/2/22
to
On Sun, 02 Jan 2022 11:37:14 +0000 (GMT), charles
<cha...@candehope.me.uk> wrote:
>In article <j3dgfl...@mid.individual.net>, Andy Burns
><use...@andyburns.uk> wrote:
>> Caecilius wrote:
>
>> > I've got an early 1990s hifi setup with tuner, CD, tape deck and
>> > amplifier that I would like to use to play my digital music collection.
>> > The amp has a spare aux input with RCA connectors.
>> >
>> > I think I either need something with a USB input that has a decent
>> > display and controls to navigate through the folder structure or a
>> > bluetooth/wireless solution that I can control from my phone.
>
>> You sound like the target market for that device (Brennan?) that used to
>> appear in Private Eye small ads? I think it's an rPi in a box ...
>
>It is (and I have one), but it's designed to help someoene with a CD
>collection. If the music is already digitised, then all you need is an D
>to A converter.
That's right - I already have all my music digitised. What I think I
<cha...@candehope.me.uk> wrote:
>In article <j3dgfl...@mid.individual.net>, Andy Burns
><use...@andyburns.uk> wrote:
>> Caecilius wrote:
>
>> > I've got an early 1990s hifi setup with tuner, CD, tape deck and
>> > amplifier that I would like to use to play my digital music collection.
>> > The amp has a spare aux input with RCA connectors.
>> >
>> > I think I either need something with a USB input that has a decent
>> > display and controls to navigate through the folder structure or a
>> > bluetooth/wireless solution that I can control from my phone.
>
>> You sound like the target market for that device (Brennan?) that used to
>> appear in Private Eye small ads? I think it's an rPi in a box ...
>
>It is (and I have one), but it's designed to help someoene with a CD
>collection. If the music is already digitised, then all you need is an D
>to A converter.
need is something that combines a D to A converter, a pre-amp to
provide the correct level and output impedence for an aux input,
inputs from USB or maybe Bluetooth/wifi, and a decent UI (maybe on my
phone) to control it.
Adrian Caspersz
Jan 2, 2022, 7:06:38 AM1/2/22
to
On 02/01/2022 11:44, Caecilius wrote:
> I don't think something with a headphone output would provide an
> acceptable audio quality. I think something with line level output
> would be better.
Hence a USB external DAC. They have line level outputs.
> I don't think something with a headphone output would provide an
> acceptable audio quality. I think something with line level output
> would be better.
You can get them on eBay for around £30.
> I've got all my audio on a NAS ripped from my CD collection plus
> downloads of albums I used to own on vinyl.
Plenty of "media player" applications, some that have remote control
> downloads of albums I used to own on vinyl.
ability via web browsers and smartphones.
VLC isn't a bad choice as well.
--
Adrian C
Sn!pe
Jan 2, 2022, 7:38:20 AM1/2/22
to
<https://www.amazon.co.uk/Behringer-UCA222-U-Control-Ultra-Low-Interface/dp/B0023BYDHK/>
- currently priced at £15.50 on Amazon.
It has no display or controls, it's just a connection; all music
selection or manipulation of the signal is done on the 'puter.
To get phone access to the HiFi I run AirServer on my 'puter
and point my phone at that:- <https://www.airserver.com/buy>
- currently priced at £14.99 with a 30 day free trial.
It works very well for me, I use it every day.
--
^Ï^ <https://youtu.be/_kqytf31a8E>
My pet rock Gordon just is.
Andy Burns
Jan 2, 2022, 7:52:16 AM1/2/22
to
charles wrote:
If the music is already digitised, then all you need is an D
> to A converter.
But that doesn't have a user interface to act as a standalone "box"
If the music is already digitised, then all you need is an D
> to A converter.
The Natural Philosopher
Jan 2, 2022, 8:04:53 AM1/2/22
to
I built a simple Pi thing to take my 'on disc' music and push it out to
a pair of phono plugs. Does internet radio as well.
Raspberry Pi Zero W with a hifi Berry DAC 'hat' on it, and some
code...control it via a web browser.
Its a bit more complex than a non computer person could manage unaided tho
Happy to share the code tho
--
There is nothing a fleet of dispatchable nuclear power plants cannot do
that cannot be done worse and more expensively and with higher carbon
emissions and more adverse environmental impact by adding intermittent
renewable energy.
The Natural Philosopher
Jan 2, 2022, 8:05:25 AM1/2/22
to
--
Renewable energy: Expensive solutions that don't work to a problem that
doesn't exist instituted by self legalising protection rackets that
don't protect, masquerading as public servants who don't serve the public.
Sn!pe
Jan 2, 2022, 8:05:28 AM1/2/22
to
mentioned in Message-ID: <1pl5lrc.jvy4jc523q6N%snip...@gmail.com> in
this thread. The Behringer uses line level, just like a tape recorder.
The Natural Philosopher
Jan 2, 2022, 8:05:50 AM1/2/22
to
Adrian Caspersz
Jan 2, 2022, 8:20:39 AM1/2/22
to
On 02/01/2022 12:52, Andy Burns wrote:
Sony HAP S1 REVIEW - Using A Hi-Res Audio player to resurrect my
ripped CDs (Part 2)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yNwB50bN0Do
Or a Raspberry Pi plus some screen attachment,
Or Apple / Amazon / Google streaming devices & their apps,
I used to be keen on the Slimdevices Squeezebox, until Logitech bought
the company and lost interest and gave away the lucrative high end
market to Sonos.
Yeah, Sonos, Deep pockets stuff to play tatty MP3s, and better ...
--
Adrian C
Caecilius
Jan 2, 2022, 8:31:36 AM1/2/22
to
On Sun, 2 Jan 2022 12:06:32 +0000, Adrian Caspersz
<em...@here.invalid> wrote:
>On 02/01/2022 11:44, Caecilius wrote:
>
>> I don't think something with a headphone output would provide an
>> acceptable audio quality. I think something with line level output
>> would be better.
>
>Hence a USB external DAC. They have line level outputs.
Thanks. A search for "USB external DAC" gives some useful hits which
<em...@here.invalid> wrote:
>On 02/01/2022 11:44, Caecilius wrote:
>
>> I don't think something with a headphone output would provide an
>> acceptable audio quality. I think something with line level output
>> would be better.
>
>Hence a USB external DAC. They have line level outputs.
are getting close to the sort of thing I'm looking for. I use an
audioquest dragonfly for my headphones and would be happy if I could
get a similar quality level for amp input.
>You can get them on eBay for around £30.
£30. I'd expected £100 - £200 range to get anything decent.
Dave Plowman (News)
Jan 2, 2022, 8:44:09 AM1/2/22
to
In article <7p13tg57rkatbf511...@4ax.com>,
What is your digital music collection stored on? Surely that has the
ability to play them, so all you need is a digital to analogue converter?
--
*When you've seen one shopping centre you've seen a mall*
Dave Plowman da...@davenoise.co.uk London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound.
ability to play them, so all you need is a digital to analogue converter?
--
*When you've seen one shopping centre you've seen a mall*
Dave Plowman da...@davenoise.co.uk London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound.
Caecilius
Jan 2, 2022, 8:44:43 AM1/2/22
to
>Raspberry Pi Zero W with a hifi Berry DAC 'hat' on it, and some
>code...control it via a web browser.
existed. HiFiBerry DAC2 Pro + one of my spare Raspberry PIs looks like
a possible solution.
>Its a bit more complex than a non computer person could manage unaided tho
integrate it into my home assistant setup.
>Happy to share the code tho
Martin Brown
Jan 2, 2022, 8:47:57 AM1/2/22
to
On 02/01/2022 11:52, Caecilius wrote:
docking stations for iPhones etc. It really depends on how high a
quality audio signal you want to get out. You can easily spend silly
amount of money to get a tiny (or even no) perceptible improvement.
This might do what you want:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08JQDCR6Z/ref=syn_sd_onsite_desktop_237
Allowing bluetooth pairing to stream for any other kit you might have
that can act as a player for the digital media content. No idea if it is
any good or not. I have a similar USB powered DAC for my TV to hifi .
--
Regards,
Martin Brown
Dave Plowman (News)
Jan 2, 2022, 9:03:16 AM1/2/22
to
In article <co53tgts9q41p0omu...@4ax.com>,
feed an external sound system. Converters to provide phono outputs start
at under 10 quid including power supply.
--
*Young at heart -- slightly older in other places
Caecilius <nos...@spamless.invalid> wrote:
> I'd be really happy if I could get something with decent quality for
> £30. I'd expected £100 - £200 range to get anything decent.
TVs these days usually only have a digital (toslink) audio output - to
> I'd be really happy if I could get something with decent quality for
> £30. I'd expected £100 - £200 range to get anything decent.
feed an external sound system. Converters to provide phono outputs start
at under 10 quid including power supply.
--
*Young at heart -- slightly older in other places
Adrian Caspersz
Jan 2, 2022, 9:03:47 AM1/2/22
to
On 02/01/2022 13:31, Caecilius wrote:
>> You can get them on eBay for around £30.
>
> I'd be really happy if I could get something with decent quality for
> £30. I'd expected £100 - £200 range to get anything decent.
>
ok, have a look at
>> You can get them on eBay for around £30.
>
> I'd be really happy if I could get something with decent quality for
> £30. I'd expected £100 - £200 range to get anything decent.
>
https://hifimediy.com/
I have both of these,
https://hifimediy.com/product/sabre-dac-uae23/
https://hifimediy.com/product/sabre-9018-uae23hd-usb-dac/
--
Adrian C
Caecilius
Jan 2, 2022, 9:34:24 AM1/2/22
to
On Sun, 2 Jan 2022 13:20:32 +0000, Adrian Caspersz
<em...@here.invalid> wrote:
>On 02/01/2022 12:52, Andy Burns wrote:
>> charles wrote:
>>
>> If the music is already digitised, then all you need is an D
>>> to A converter.
>>
>> But that doesn't have a user interface to act as a standalone "box"
>
>In 2015, Techmoan wittered about something expensive by Sony
>
> Sony HAP S1 REVIEW - Using A Hi-Res Audio player to resurrect my
>ripped CDs (Part 2)
> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yNwB50bN0Do
That sony HAP-S1 would match up with my other hifi components nicely.
<em...@here.invalid> wrote:
>On 02/01/2022 12:52, Andy Burns wrote:
>> charles wrote:
>>
>> If the music is already digitised, then all you need is an D
>>> to A converter.
>>
>> But that doesn't have a user interface to act as a standalone "box"
>
>In 2015, Techmoan wittered about something expensive by Sony
>
> Sony HAP S1 REVIEW - Using A Hi-Res Audio player to resurrect my
>ripped CDs (Part 2)
> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yNwB50bN0Do
If there was something a bit more modern than 2015 at a reasonable
price point then I'd be interested.
>Or a Raspberry Pi plus some screen attachment,
though because I'll probably control it remotely somehow.
>Or Apple / Amazon / Google streaming devices & their apps,
own streaming service.
>I used to be keen on the Slimdevices Squeezebox, until Logitech bought
>the company and lost interest and gave away the lucrative high end
>market to Sonos.
Perl". I know Perl quite well and I wouldn't use it for a product like
this.
>Yeah, Sonos, Deep pockets stuff to play tatty MP3s, and better ...
Caecilius
Jan 2, 2022, 9:36:36 AM1/2/22
to
On Sun, 2 Jan 2022 13:05:46 +0000, The Natural Philosopher
<t...@invalid.invalid> wrote:
>On 02/01/2022 11:52, Caecilius wrote:
>> On Sun, 2 Jan 2022 11:26:43 +0000, Andy Burns <use...@andyburns.uk>
>> wrote:
>>
>>> Caecilius wrote:
>>>
>>>> I've got an early 1990s hifi setup with tuner, CD, tape deck and
>>>> amplifier that I would like to use to play my digital music
>>>> collection. The amp has a spare aux input with RCA connectors.
>>>>
>>>> I think I either need something with a USB input that has a decent
>>>> display and controls to navigate through the folder structure or a
>>>> bluetooth/wireless solution that I can control from my phone.
>>>
>>> You sound like the target market for that device (Brennan?) that used to appear
>>> in Private Eye small ads? I think it's an rPi in a box ...
>>
>> Is it this device? https://thebrennan.com/pages/b2-overview
>>
>> That looks promising in some respects, but it does much more than I
>> need (it can play&rip CDs and includes an amplifier) and is more
>> expensive than I'd like at $679 for the only model in stock (I'm
>> hoping for £100 - £200 range), but it does look like the kind of thing
>> I'm after.
>>
>Can you hack a bit of code?
I was a software engineer in the 1980s and still maintain some open
<t...@invalid.invalid> wrote:
>On 02/01/2022 11:52, Caecilius wrote:
>> On Sun, 2 Jan 2022 11:26:43 +0000, Andy Burns <use...@andyburns.uk>
>> wrote:
>>
>>> Caecilius wrote:
>>>
>>>> I've got an early 1990s hifi setup with tuner, CD, tape deck and
>>>> amplifier that I would like to use to play my digital music
>>>> collection. The amp has a spare aux input with RCA connectors.
>>>>
>>>> I think I either need something with a USB input that has a decent
>>>> display and controls to navigate through the folder structure or a
>>>> bluetooth/wireless solution that I can control from my phone.
>>>
>>> You sound like the target market for that device (Brennan?) that used to appear
>>> in Private Eye small ads? I think it's an rPi in a box ...
>>
>> Is it this device? https://thebrennan.com/pages/b2-overview
>>
>> That looks promising in some respects, but it does much more than I
>> need (it can play&rip CDs and includes an amplifier) and is more
>> expensive than I'd like at $679 for the only model in stock (I'm
>> hoping for £100 - £200 range), but it does look like the kind of thing
>> I'm after.
>>
>Can you hack a bit of code?
source projects to keep my hand in so I think I'll be fine.
Caecilius
Jan 2, 2022, 9:45:56 AM1/2/22
to
These look similar in concept to the audioquest dragonfly I use for
headphones, and I find that superb when compared to PC audio output.
Caecilius
Jan 2, 2022, 9:55:11 AM1/2/22
to
the quality will be but for £40 it looks like a bargain.
Caecilius
Jan 2, 2022, 10:02:20 AM1/2/22
to
On Sun, 02 Jan 2022 13:34:35 +0000 (GMT), "Dave Plowman (News)"
<da...@davenoise.co.uk> wrote:
>In article <7p13tg57rkatbf511...@4ax.com>,
> Caecilius <nos...@spamless.invalid> wrote:
>> I've got an early 1990s hifi setup with tuner, CD, tape deck and
>> amplifier that I would like to use to play my digital music
>> collection. The amp has a spare aux input with RCA connectors.
>
>> I think I either need something with a USB input that has a decent
>> display and controls to navigate through the folder structure or a
>> bluetooth/wireless solution that I can control from my phone.
>
>> Has anyone done something similar, and did it work out well?
>
>What is your digital music collection stored on? Surely that has the
>ability to play them, so all you need is a digital to analogue converter?
My music files are stored on a QNAP NAS with backups on onedrive. I
<da...@davenoise.co.uk> wrote:
>In article <7p13tg57rkatbf511...@4ax.com>,
> Caecilius <nos...@spamless.invalid> wrote:
>> I've got an early 1990s hifi setup with tuner, CD, tape deck and
>> amplifier that I would like to use to play my digital music
>> collection. The amp has a spare aux input with RCA connectors.
>
>> I think I either need something with a USB input that has a decent
>> display and controls to navigate through the folder structure or a
>> bluetooth/wireless solution that I can control from my phone.
>
>> Has anyone done something similar, and did it work out well?
>
>What is your digital music collection stored on? Surely that has the
>ability to play them, so all you need is a digital to analogue converter?
have a copy on a USB stick for the car. I've got about 300 albums
which seems like a big collection to me, but it easily fits on a USB
stick after conversion to MP3 or AAC.
Alan J. Wylie
Jan 2, 2022, 10:05:21 AM1/2/22
to
Caecilius <nos...@spamless.invalid> writes:
> I've got an early 1990s hifi setup with tuner, CD, tape deck and
> amplifier that I would like to use to play my digital music
> collection. The amp has a spare aux input with RCA connectors.
>
> I think I either need something with a USB input that has a decent
> display and controls to navigate through the folder structure or a
> bluetooth/wireless solution that I can control from my phone.
>
> Has anyone done something similar, and did it work out well?
I've got an MC preamp with A2D/USB plus normal RCA phono output for
> I've got an early 1990s hifi setup with tuner, CD, tape deck and
> amplifier that I would like to use to play my digital music
> collection. The amp has a spare aux input with RCA connectors.
>
> I think I either need something with a USB input that has a decent
> display and controls to navigate through the folder structure or a
> bluetooth/wireless solution that I can control from my phone.
>
> Has anyone done something similar, and did it work out well?
digitising my vinyl, the same company does D2A
https://www.project-audio.com/en/hifi-electronics/
The cheapest with USB input is over £200, though.
You'd also need something like a Raspberry Pi to do the navigation. One
of those with a DAC from https://www.hifiberry.com/dacs would be a lot
cheaper, you can get a bundle including the RP for about £100
--
Alan J. Wylie https://www.wylie.me.uk/
Dance like no-one's watching. / Encrypt like everyone is.
Security is inversely proportional to convenience
John Rumm
Jan 2, 2022, 10:24:02 AM1/2/22
to
On 02/01/2022 12:05, Caecilius wrote:
still get one (they were discontinued) - you would just need a lead to
adapt from the 3.5mm stereo socket on it to a pair of phono plugs.
You could use a normal Chromecast with a box to extract analogue audio
from its HDMI output (£10 on eBay etc), or you could go for something
like an Amazon Echo dot which has an analogue audio out (3.5mm jack again).
I use Plex on my network to glue all the bits together. I run the client
on my phone, and a server on my NAS. I can call up a list of music in
multiple ways (i.e. by artist, track, album, date, style etc, and ply
one or many. The phone just sends out the instruction but does not take
part in the playback - the chromecast devices or the TVs reach out to
the server themselves to do that.
There are also various Raspberry Pi options - but the standard audio
output on that is not really HiFi - so you may need an add on DAC to get
good results.
So details on how I setup plex for PVR use here:
http://wiki.diyfaq.org.uk/index.php/DIY_Personal_Video_Recorder_(PVR)
But it is also my main audio playback platform as well.
--
Cheers,
John.
/=================================================================\
| Internode Ltd - http://www.internode.co.uk |
|-----------------------------------------------------------------|
| John Rumm - john(at)internode(dot)co(dot)uk |
\=================================================================/
John Rumm
Jan 2, 2022, 10:25:51 AM1/2/22
to
stay in the same family)
The Natural Philosopher
Jan 2, 2022, 10:41:31 AM1/2/22
to
server for user interface equipped with a hifiberry DAC will be all the
hardware you need. I wrote some glue code that does a nifty bit of
loading files and streaming them via the correct output programs - so
that e.g. flac works as well as wav and mp3.
Web server is fairly crude and still being developed, but backend code
works for a tree structured archive of playable files, and the radio
works as well
Very happy to pass it along if you want to play with a Pi rather than
fit an 'off the shelf' solution.
Add a keyboard and monitor top make it self contained...
--
“Puritanism: The haunting fear that someone, somewhere, may be happy.”
H.L. Mencken, A Mencken Chrestomathy
The Natural Philosopher
Jan 2, 2022, 10:42:27 AM1/2/22
to
On 02/01/2022 14:34, Caecilius wrote:
> I know Perl quite well and I wouldn't use it for a product like
> this.
I know PERL just well enough to know I wouldn't use it for anything
> I know Perl quite well and I wouldn't use it for a product like
> this.
Caecilius
Jan 2, 2022, 11:05:52 AM1/2/22
to
On Sun, 02 Jan 2022 15:05:16 +0000, al...@wylie.me.uk (Alan J. Wylie)
wrote:
>Caecilius <nos...@spamless.invalid> writes:
>
>> I've got an early 1990s hifi setup with tuner, CD, tape deck and
>> amplifier that I would like to use to play my digital music
>> collection. The amp has a spare aux input with RCA connectors.
>>
>> I think I either need something with a USB input that has a decent
>> display and controls to navigate through the folder structure or a
>> bluetooth/wireless solution that I can control from my phone.
>>
>> Has anyone done something similar, and did it work out well?
>
>I've got an MC preamp with A2D/USB plus normal RCA phono output for
>digitising my vinyl, the same company does D2A
>
>https://www.project-audio.com/en/hifi-electronics/
That equipment looks really nice.
>The cheapest with USB input is over £200, though.
£200 isn't a limit, just the sort of money I thought I'd need to spend
based on what I paid for my audioquest dragonfly for headphones about
five years ago.
I wouldn't want to go back to PC sound card output quality after
knowing what a decent DAC sounds like with a good set of headphones.
>You'd also need something like a Raspberry Pi to do the navigation. One
>of those with a DAC from https://www.hifiberry.com/dacs would be a lot
>cheaper, you can get a bundle including the RP for about £100
Yes, I've seen that DAC mentioned earlier in this thread. It's the
main contender at the moment.
wrote:
>Caecilius <nos...@spamless.invalid> writes:
>
>> I've got an early 1990s hifi setup with tuner, CD, tape deck and
>> amplifier that I would like to use to play my digital music
>> collection. The amp has a spare aux input with RCA connectors.
>>
>> I think I either need something with a USB input that has a decent
>> display and controls to navigate through the folder structure or a
>> bluetooth/wireless solution that I can control from my phone.
>>
>> Has anyone done something similar, and did it work out well?
>
>I've got an MC preamp with A2D/USB plus normal RCA phono output for
>digitising my vinyl, the same company does D2A
>
>https://www.project-audio.com/en/hifi-electronics/
>The cheapest with USB input is over £200, though.
based on what I paid for my audioquest dragonfly for headphones about
five years ago.
I wouldn't want to go back to PC sound card output quality after
knowing what a decent DAC sounds like with a good set of headphones.
>You'd also need something like a Raspberry Pi to do the navigation. One
>of those with a DAC from https://www.hifiberry.com/dacs would be a lot
>cheaper, you can get a bundle including the RP for about £100
main contender at the moment.
Caecilius
Jan 2, 2022, 11:33:37 AM1/2/22
to
On Sun, 2 Jan 2022 15:25:47 +0000, John Rumm
<see.my.s...@nowhere.null> wrote:
>On 02/01/2022 13:44, Caecilius wrote:
>> On Sun, 2 Jan 2022 13:04:48 +0000, The Natural Philosopher
>> <t...@invalid.invalid> wrote:
>
>> This is why I post to this group. I didn't even know these things
>> existed. HiFiBerry DAC2 Pro + one of my spare Raspberry PIs looks like
>> a possible solution.
>>
>>> Its a bit more complex than a non computer person could manage unaided tho
>>
>> I'm fine with that side of things thanks. If possible I'd like to
>> integrate it into my home assistant setup.
>
>What home assistant setup are you using? (it will probably be easier to
>stay in the same family)
I have HA on a raspberry pi controlling some zigbee lights, switches
<see.my.s...@nowhere.null> wrote:
>On 02/01/2022 13:44, Caecilius wrote:
>> On Sun, 2 Jan 2022 13:04:48 +0000, The Natural Philosopher
>> <t...@invalid.invalid> wrote:
>
>> This is why I post to this group. I didn't even know these things
>> existed. HiFiBerry DAC2 Pro + one of my spare Raspberry PIs looks like
>> a possible solution.
>>
>>> Its a bit more complex than a non computer person could manage unaided tho
>>
>> I'm fine with that side of things thanks. If possible I'd like to
>> integrate it into my home assistant setup.
>
>What home assistant setup are you using? (it will probably be easier to
>stay in the same family)
and temperature sensors. I've not done anything with audio yet.
David Wade
Jan 2, 2022, 1:02:54 PM1/2/22
to
On 02/01/2022 11:19, Caecilius wrote:
> I've got an early 1990s hifi setup with tuner, CD, tape deck and
> amplifier that I would like to use to play my digital music
> collection. The amp has a spare aux input with RCA connectors.
>
> I think I either need something with a USB input that has a decent
> display and controls to navigate through the folder structure or a
> bluetooth/wireless solution that I can control from my phone.
>
> Has anyone done something similar, and did it work out well?
I have my music on a NAS box which is also a DLNA sever.
> I've got an early 1990s hifi setup with tuner, CD, tape deck and
> amplifier that I would like to use to play my digital music
> collection. The amp has a spare aux input with RCA connectors.
>
> I think I either need something with a USB input that has a decent
> display and controls to navigate through the folder structure or a
> bluetooth/wireless solution that I can control from my phone.
>
> Has anyone done something similar, and did it work out well?
You can use a PI as a DLNA server if you don't already have one e.g.
https://pimylifeup.com/raspberrypi-minidlna/
The great advantage of the DLNA server is that it can deliver music to
many devices. I have found most Smart TVs have a DLNA player, both my LG
and Panasonic SMART TVs just find the music.
My wife recently bough an Alexa and with the "ourjukebox" skill Alexa
will play the music. This means I can ask Alexa to play any albumn,
song or artist.
All Alexas have outputs that can feed the HiFi so you could get the
cheapest Alexa and use that to feed the HiFi. That would also give you
access to the BBC Sounds applications and several digital radio stations
you won't get on an FM Tuner (if its digital there are fewer).
Dave
Caecilius
Jan 2, 2022, 2:01:34 PM1/2/22
to
On Sun, 2 Jan 2022 15:23:58 +0000, John Rumm
<see.my.s...@nowhere.null> wrote:
>On 02/01/2022 12:05, Caecilius wrote:
>>
>> [snip]
<see.my.s...@nowhere.null> wrote:
>On 02/01/2022 12:05, Caecilius wrote:
>>
>>
>> That's right - I already have all my music digitised. What I think I
>> need is something that combines a D to A converter, a pre-amp to
>> provide the correct level and output impedence for an aux input,
>> inputs from USB or maybe Bluetooth/wifi, and a decent UI (maybe on my
>> phone) to control it.
>
>Something like a Chromecast Audio would be an easy solution if you can
>still get one (they were discontinued) - you would just need a lead to
>adapt from the 3.5mm stereo socket on it to a pair of phono plugs.
That looks like an interesting device. I was going to dismiss it as
>> That's right - I already have all my music digitised. What I think I
>> need is something that combines a D to A converter, a pre-amp to
>> provide the correct level and output impedence for an aux input,
>> inputs from USB or maybe Bluetooth/wifi, and a decent UI (maybe on my
>> phone) to control it.
>
>Something like a Chromecast Audio would be an easy solution if you can
>still get one (they were discontinued) - you would just need a lead to
>adapt from the 3.5mm stereo socket on it to a pair of phono plugs.
not suitable for my use case, but the specs are actually quite good.
Not sure how good the DAC will be, or whether I'll hit some google
lock-in, but for around £35 I might just buy one to try it - there are
a few around this price on ebay.
>You could use a normal Chromecast with a box to extract analogue audio
>from its HDMI output (£10 on eBay etc), or you could go for something
>like an Amazon Echo dot which has an analogue audio out (3.5mm jack again).
I'll run into lock-in or what the quality is like but the idea of
having voice commands is attractive and it's only £30 (I've already
got home assisatant so I think I can integrate it).
>I use Plex on my network to glue all the bits together. I run the client
>on my phone, and a server on my NAS. I can call up a list of music in
>multiple ways (i.e. by artist, track, album, date, style etc, and ply
>one or many. The phone just sends out the instruction but does not take
>part in the playback - the chromecast devices or the TVs reach out to
>the server themselves to do that.
it's old, but I've got a few raspberry pi's running things already so
another one for a home media solution might be worthwhile.
>There are also various Raspberry Pi options - but the standard audio
>output on that is not really HiFi - so you may need an add on DAC to get
>good results.
>
>So details on how I setup plex for PVR use here:
>
>http://wiki.diyfaq.org.uk/index.php/DIY_Personal_Video_Recorder_(PVR)
>
>But it is also my main audio playback platform as well.
D.M. Procida
Jan 2, 2022, 2:16:23 PM1/2/22
to
On 2 Jan 2022 at 11:19:02 GMT, "Caecilius" <nos...@spamless.invalid> wrote:
> I've got an early 1990s hifi setup with tuner, CD, tape deck and
> amplifier that I would like to use to play my digital music
> collection. The amp has a spare aux input with RCA connectors.
>
> I think I either need something with a USB input that has a decent
> display and controls to navigate through the folder structure or a
> bluetooth/wireless solution that I can control from my phone.
>
> Has anyone done something similar, and did it work out well?
Yes. I have a built and use a number of devices - about five, I think, link to
> I've got an early 1990s hifi setup with tuner, CD, tape deck and
> amplifier that I would like to use to play my digital music
> collection. The amp has a spare aux input with RCA connectors.
>
> I think I either need something with a USB input that has a decent
> display and controls to navigate through the folder structure or a
> bluetooth/wireless solution that I can control from my phone.
>
> Has anyone done something similar, and did it work out well?
photos below - that do just that. I use:
* Raspberry Pi (including 2, Zero and newer)
* Volumio <https://volumio.com/en/> as a player
* ALLO Boss or Boss Mini as a DAC (I've also used a pHAT DAC, and IQaudio
DigiAMP+; the latter includes an amplifier)
I copy all my digitised music to large USB flash drives plugged into the
Raspberry Pis, but you can also use Airplay or play music from a network
server, or services such as Spotify.
I listen to a lot of Internet radio.
I control Volumio via a web browser on a computer on my network. On one of the
devices I've wired up an IR receiver diode, and can control the device -
play/stop, volume up/down - directly using an old Apple remote controller I
had with an iMac years. You can also use a touchscreen connected to the Pi
itself, amongst other ways of controlling it.
Volumio is the best software I've found as a player, but to be honest, I can
still find plenty to fault with it.
Some pictures of them:
<https://www.dropbox.com/sh/mwwtxsrfb6lzsym/AAACGrT2TXqtYcY1503aZJpWa?dl=0>.
I used to be able to share a link to a folder of photos that worked as a
gallery, but I can't seem to find that any more...
As you can seem someone gave me a packet of Japanese patterned paper.
The bamboo box is a toothbrush holder from IKEA. Otherwise, I just use stiff
cardboard boxes (the last one is the actual box the ALLO Boss DAV came in) and
art mount card.
Daniele
Andrew
Jan 2, 2022, 2:19:28 PM1/2/22
to
On 02/01/2022 12:05, Caecilius wrote:
>> In article <j3dgfl...@mid.individual.net>, Andy Burns
>> <use...@andyburns.uk> wrote:
>>> Caecilius wrote:
>>
>>>> I've got an early 1990s hifi setup with tuner, CD, tape deck and
>>>> amplifier that I would like to use to play my digital music collection.
>>>> The amp has a spare aux input with RCA connectors.
>>>>
>>>> I think I either need something with a USB input that has a decent
>>>> display and controls to navigate through the folder structure or a
>>>> bluetooth/wireless solution that I can control from my phone.
>>
>>
>>>> I've got an early 1990s hifi setup with tuner, CD, tape deck and
>>>> amplifier that I would like to use to play my digital music collection.
>>>> The amp has a spare aux input with RCA connectors.
>>>>
>>>> I think I either need something with a USB input that has a decent
>>>> display and controls to navigate through the folder structure or a
>>>> bluetooth/wireless solution that I can control from my phone.
>>
>>> You sound like the target market for that device (Brennan?) that used to
>>> appear in Private Eye small ads? I think it's an rPi in a box ...
>>
>>> appear in Private Eye small ads? I think it's an rPi in a box ...
>>
>> It is (and I have one), but it's designed to help someoene with a CD
>> collection. If the music is already digitised, then all you need is an D
>> to A converter.
>
>> collection. If the music is already digitised, then all you need is an D
>> to A converter.
>
> That's right - I already have all my music digitised. What I think I
> need is something that combines a D to A converter, a pre-amp to
> provide the correct level and output impedence for an aux input,
> inputs from USB or maybe Bluetooth/wifi, and a decent UI (maybe on my
> phone) to control it.
>
Have a browse through Richer Sounds website for a DAC
> need is something that combines a D to A converter, a pre-amp to
> provide the correct level and output impedence for an aux input,
> inputs from USB or maybe Bluetooth/wifi, and a decent UI (maybe on my
> phone) to control it.
>
https://www.richersounds.com/hi-fi/hi-fi-separates/dacs.html?p=2
However, a 30-YO amp might pop its electrolytic caps at any moment
so you might want to consider a new amp that has digital and
analogue inputs. Something like a Denon M39DAB mini could be ideal.
Caecilius
Jan 2, 2022, 2:33:17 PM1/2/22
to
down that route.
Andy Burns
Jan 2, 2022, 2:41:44 PM1/2/22
to
Caecilius wrote:
> John Rumm wrote:
>
>> Something like a Chromecast Audio would be an easy solution if you can
>> still get one
>
factory reset properly, try as I might.
> I was going to dismiss it as
> not suitable for my use case, but the specs are actually quite good.
> Not sure how good the DAC will be, or whether I'll hit some google
> lock-in, but for around £35 I might just buy one to try it - there are
> a few around this price on ebay.
Are there? I've been on the lookout for a replacement for some time, they
usually sell for £50 secondhand or closer to £100 new, beware there are
hong-kong scammers, I once ordered one and eBay themselves cancelled and
refunded it a few minutes later, presumably having triggered something on their
systems?
>> You could use a normal Chromecast with a box to extract analogue audio
>>from its HDMI output
Google are "a bit funny" about allowing sending audio-only streams to a
video+audio chromecast, some apps allow it, others don't.
> John Rumm wrote:
>
>> Something like a Chromecast Audio would be an easy solution if you can
>> still get one
>
> That looks like an interesting device.
I've had a couple, one has got itself confused and I cant get it to complete a
factory reset properly, try as I might.
> I was going to dismiss it as
> not suitable for my use case, but the specs are actually quite good.
> Not sure how good the DAC will be, or whether I'll hit some google
> lock-in, but for around £35 I might just buy one to try it - there are
> a few around this price on ebay.
usually sell for £50 secondhand or closer to £100 new, beware there are
hong-kong scammers, I once ordered one and eBay themselves cancelled and
refunded it a few minutes later, presumably having triggered something on their
systems?
>> You could use a normal Chromecast with a box to extract analogue audio
>>from its HDMI output
video+audio chromecast, some apps allow it, others don't.
RJH
Jan 2, 2022, 2:53:26 PM1/2/22
to
On 2 Jan 2022 at 19:01:19 GMT, "Caecilius" <nos...@spamless.invalid> wrote:
> On Sun, 2 Jan 2022 15:23:58 +0000, John Rumm
> <see.my.s...@nowhere.null> wrote:
>
>> snip
> On Sun, 2 Jan 2022 15:23:58 +0000, John Rumm
> <see.my.s...@nowhere.null> wrote:
>
>
>> There are also various Raspberry Pi options - but the standard audio
>> output on that is not really HiFi - so you may need an add on DAC to get
>> good results.
>
> Yes, I've seen the add-on HiFiBerry DAC2 Pro which looks decent.
>
>>
Yes, I use one of those connected to a Synology NAS and controlled with
>> There are also various Raspberry Pi options - but the standard audio
>> output on that is not really HiFi - so you may need an add on DAC to get
>> good results.
>
> Yes, I've seen the add-on HiFiBerry DAC2 Pro which looks decent.
>
>>
Volumio on an iPhone/pad, very impressed.
Had a few 'stutters' using wifi - never got to the bottom of it so use
ethernet and all fine.
--
Cheers, Rob
John Rumm
Jan 2, 2022, 3:08:51 PM1/2/22
to
On 02/01/2022 19:01, Caecilius wrote:
> On Sun, 2 Jan 2022 15:23:58 +0000, John Rumm
> <see.my.s...@nowhere.null> wrote:
>
>> On 02/01/2022 12:05, Caecilius wrote:
>>>
>>> [snip]
>>>
>>> That's right - I already have all my music digitised. What I think I
>>> need is something that combines a D to A converter, a pre-amp to
>>> provide the correct level and output impedence for an aux input,
>>> inputs from USB or maybe Bluetooth/wifi, and a decent UI (maybe on my
>>> phone) to control it.
>>
>> Something like a Chromecast Audio would be an easy solution if you can
>> still get one (they were discontinued) - you would just need a lead to
>> adapt from the 3.5mm stereo socket on it to a pair of phono plugs.
>
> That looks like an interesting device. I was going to dismiss it as
> not suitable for my use case, but the specs are actually quite good.
> Not sure how good the DAC will be, or whether I'll hit some google
> lock-in, but for around £35 I might just buy one to try it - there are
> a few around this price on ebay.
I don't tend to use any google software while using it (unless you
> On Sun, 2 Jan 2022 15:23:58 +0000, John Rumm
> <see.my.s...@nowhere.null> wrote:
>
>> On 02/01/2022 12:05, Caecilius wrote:
>>>
>>> [snip]
>>>
>>> That's right - I already have all my music digitised. What I think I
>>> need is something that combines a D to A converter, a pre-amp to
>>> provide the correct level and output impedence for an aux input,
>>> inputs from USB or maybe Bluetooth/wifi, and a decent UI (maybe on my
>>> phone) to control it.
>>
>> Something like a Chromecast Audio would be an easy solution if you can
>> still get one (they were discontinued) - you would just need a lead to
>> adapt from the 3.5mm stereo socket on it to a pair of phono plugs.
>
> That looks like an interesting device. I was going to dismiss it as
> not suitable for my use case, but the specs are actually quite good.
> Not sure how good the DAC will be, or whether I'll hit some google
> lock-in, but for around £35 I might just buy one to try it - there are
> a few around this price on ebay.
include Android on the phone), so it is not fussy what drives it IME.
The audio quality is pretty decent IME - probably slightly better on the
"Audio" than the normal HDMI one feeding a HDMI to A adaptor.
>> You could use a normal Chromecast with a box to extract analogue audio
>>from its HDMI output (£10 on eBay etc), or you could go for something
>> like an Amazon Echo dot which has an analogue audio out (3.5mm jack again).
>
> I didn't know the Amazon alexa stuff could do that. Again not sure if
> I'll run into lock-in or what the quality is like but the idea of
> having voice commands is attractive and it's only £30 (I've already
> got home assisatant so I think I can integrate it).
>> I use Plex on my network to glue all the bits together. I run the client
>> on my phone, and a server on my NAS. I can call up a list of music in
>> multiple ways (i.e. by artist, track, album, date, style etc, and ply
>> one or many. The phone just sends out the instruction but does not take
>> part in the playback - the chromecast devices or the TVs reach out to
>> the server themselves to do that.
>
> Maybe I should look at plex. I only use my NAS for storage because
> it's old, but I've got a few raspberry pi's running things already so
> another one for a home media solution might be worthwhile.
real time video transcoding on it.
>> There are also various Raspberry Pi options - but the standard audio
>> output on that is not really HiFi - so you may need an add on DAC to get
>> good results.
>
> Yes, I've seen the add-on HiFiBerry DAC2 Pro which looks decent.
>
>>
>> So details on how I setup plex for PVR use here:
>>
>> http://wiki.diyfaq.org.uk/index.php/DIY_Personal_Video_Recorder_(PVR)
>>
>> But it is also my main audio playback platform as well.
>
> Thanks for your input. It's very useful.
on that...
John Rumm
Jan 2, 2022, 3:15:43 PM1/2/22
to
a video to a combination of normal and audio devices at the same time.
Not yet noticed any problems with audio only content to a normal (i.e.
HDMI) chromecast.
newshound
Jan 2, 2022, 3:15:46 PM1/2/22
to
On 02/01/2022 11:19, Caecilius wrote:
> I've got an early 1990s hifi setup with tuner, CD, tape deck and
> amplifier that I would like to use to play my digital music
> collection. The amp has a spare aux input with RCA connectors.
>
> I think I either need something with a USB input that has a decent
> display and controls to navigate through the folder structure or a
> bluetooth/wireless solution that I can control from my phone.
>
> I've got an early 1990s hifi setup with tuner, CD, tape deck and
> amplifier that I would like to use to play my digital music
> collection. The amp has a spare aux input with RCA connectors.
>
> I think I either need something with a USB input that has a decent
> display and controls to navigate through the folder structure or a
> bluetooth/wireless solution that I can control from my phone.
>
> Has anyone done something similar, and did it work out well?
Not quite the same, but I repurposed a dead smartphone for my wife (the
microphone had failed, nothing else wrong with it). I have a 32GB SD
card in it that can hold a vast amount of music. She actually plays this
via bluetooth on a Google Nest speaker. All that you would need is a
bluetooth to analogue out dongle. The phone does all the storage and
control, except that you could also use your wifi volume/balance/tone
controls.
Andy Burns
Jan 2, 2022, 4:21:02 PM1/2/22
to
John Rumm wrote:
> Andy Burns wrote:
>
>> Google are "a bit funny" about allowing sending audio-only streams to a
>> video+audio chromecast, some apps allow it, others don't.
>
> I have noticed that it is fussy if you want to stream the soundtrack of a video
> to a combination of normal and audio devices at the same time.
>
> Not yet noticed any problems with audio only content to a normal (i.e. HDMI)
> chromecast.
The situation seems to have improved since I tried it last, I had to use the
RadioPlayer app rather than using voice commands, but now both work.
However, as you say, it doesn't like mixing and matching, if I start something
on a chrome HDMI device, it won't allow multi-room audio to chromecast audio or
other nest speakers.
> Andy Burns wrote:
>
>> Google are "a bit funny" about allowing sending audio-only streams to a
>> video+audio chromecast, some apps allow it, others don't.
>
> I have noticed that it is fussy if you want to stream the soundtrack of a video
> to a combination of normal and audio devices at the same time.
>
> Not yet noticed any problems with audio only content to a normal (i.e. HDMI)
> chromecast.
RadioPlayer app rather than using voice commands, but now both work.
However, as you say, it doesn't like mixing and matching, if I start something
on a chrome HDMI device, it won't allow multi-room audio to chromecast audio or
other nest speakers.
Martin Brown
Jan 3, 2022, 4:22:22 AM1/3/22
to
--
Regards,
Martin Brown
Brian Gaff (Sofa)
Jan 3, 2022, 6:16:22 AM1/3/22
to
Well we all do this, as bog standard amps have not changed much over the
years unless we are talking the new all and dancing multi amp surround sound
monsters.
Also depends what you want to ply. For example an Amazon Echo dot is cheap
and has a 3.5mm socket for stereo phones of line out, If you are talking
personal on hard drive stuff, simply link your analogue out of your pc to
an aux in. Its often more likely to be interference free if you use a usb
sound box like the Behinger cheap ones and get a separate powered usb hub
for the puter to enable it to not pick up crud from inside the computer and
also bypass the terrible realtech hardware and drivers they use nowadays
that clip off the start of tracks.
Brian
--
This newsgroup posting comes to you directly from...
The Sofa of Brian Gaff...
bri...@blueyonder.co.uk
Blind user, so no pictures please
Note this Signature is meaningless.!
"Caecilius" <nos...@spamless.invalid> wrote in message
news:7p13tg57rkatbf511...@4ax.com...
years unless we are talking the new all and dancing multi amp surround sound
monsters.
Also depends what you want to ply. For example an Amazon Echo dot is cheap
and has a 3.5mm socket for stereo phones of line out, If you are talking
personal on hard drive stuff, simply link your analogue out of your pc to
an aux in. Its often more likely to be interference free if you use a usb
sound box like the Behinger cheap ones and get a separate powered usb hub
for the puter to enable it to not pick up crud from inside the computer and
also bypass the terrible realtech hardware and drivers they use nowadays
that clip off the start of tracks.
Brian
--
This newsgroup posting comes to you directly from...
The Sofa of Brian Gaff...
bri...@blueyonder.co.uk
Blind user, so no pictures please
Note this Signature is meaningless.!
"Caecilius" <nos...@spamless.invalid> wrote in message
news:7p13tg57rkatbf511...@4ax.com...
> I've got an early 1990s hifi setup with tuner, CD, tape deck and
> amplifier that I would like to use to play my digital music
> collection. The amp has a spare aux input with RCA connectors.
>
> I think I either need something with a USB input that has a decent
> display and controls to navigate through the folder structure or a
> bluetooth/wireless solution that I can control from my phone.
>
> amplifier that I would like to use to play my digital music
> collection. The amp has a spare aux input with RCA connectors.
>
> I think I either need something with a USB input that has a decent
> display and controls to navigate through the folder structure or a
> bluetooth/wireless solution that I can control from my phone.
>
Caecilius
Jan 3, 2022, 6:17:59 AM1/3/22
to
electrolytic caps. From what I've seen through the vent holes in the
case it looks quite simple inside.
The amp is a 1993 vintage Marantz PM-44SE. Not sure how good it is
compared to modern equipment, but I'd like to make use of it if I can.
Brian Gaff (Sofa)
Jan 3, 2022, 6:20:48 AM1/3/22
to
I used to use a Zen Stone with its own memory to contain the tracks.
However if this person has a media server or similar, get an Android phone
and I'm sure there is software for browsing remote drives for it. The main
issue is how to get the audio from the phone to the amp, you could use wire
of course, but there might be a bluetooth way of doing it as well, as I say
I use a computer with a wireless keyboard to do the job. It would be easy if
you have a large screen tv to display the picture on.
news:59a4750b...@candehope.me.uk...
> from KT24 in Surrey, England
> "I'd rather die of exhaustion than die of boredom" Thomas Carlyle
However if this person has a media server or similar, get an Android phone
and I'm sure there is software for browsing remote drives for it. The main
issue is how to get the audio from the phone to the amp, you could use wire
of course, but there might be a bluetooth way of doing it as well, as I say
I use a computer with a wireless keyboard to do the job. It would be easy if
you have a large screen tv to display the picture on.
Brian
--
This newsgroup posting comes to you directly from...
The Sofa of Brian Gaff...
bri...@blueyonder.co.uk
Blind user, so no pictures please
Note this Signature is meaningless.!
"charles" <cha...@candehope.me.uk> wrote in message
--
This newsgroup posting comes to you directly from...
The Sofa of Brian Gaff...
bri...@blueyonder.co.uk
Blind user, so no pictures please
Note this Signature is meaningless.!
news:59a4750b...@candehope.me.uk...
> In article <j3dgfl...@mid.individual.net>, Andy Burns
> <use...@andyburns.uk> wrote:
>> Caecilius wrote:
>
>> > I've got an early 1990s hifi setup with tuner, CD, tape deck and
>> > amplifier that I would like to use to play my digital music collection.
>> > The amp has a spare aux input with RCA connectors.
>> >
>> > I think I either need something with a USB input that has a decent
>> > display and controls to navigate through the folder structure or a
>> > bluetooth/wireless solution that I can control from my phone.
>
>> You sound like the target market for that device (Brennan?) that used to
>> appear in Private Eye small ads? I think it's an rPi in a box ...
>
> It is (and I have one), but it's designed to help someoene with a CD
> collection. If the music is already digitised, then all you need is an D
> to A converter.
>
> --
> <use...@andyburns.uk> wrote:
>> Caecilius wrote:
>
>> > I've got an early 1990s hifi setup with tuner, CD, tape deck and
>> > amplifier that I would like to use to play my digital music collection.
>> > The amp has a spare aux input with RCA connectors.
>> >
>> > I think I either need something with a USB input that has a decent
>> > display and controls to navigate through the folder structure or a
>> > bluetooth/wireless solution that I can control from my phone.
>
>> You sound like the target market for that device (Brennan?) that used to
>> appear in Private Eye small ads? I think it's an rPi in a box ...
>
> It is (and I have one), but it's designed to help someoene with a CD
> collection. If the music is already digitised, then all you need is an D
> to A converter.
>
> from KT24 in Surrey, England
> "I'd rather die of exhaustion than die of boredom" Thomas Carlyle
Caecilius
Jan 3, 2022, 6:23:21 AM1/3/22
to
On 2 Jan 2022 19:16:18 GMT, D.M. Procida
I like the box you made for the Pi - much softer looking than the ugly
ABS boxes you usually see.
I'd not heard of volumio before so I'll check that out - thanks for
the pointer.
ABS boxes you usually see.
I'd not heard of volumio before so I'll check that out - thanks for
the pointer.
Paul
Jan 3, 2022, 7:53:19 AM1/3/22
to
Steve Walker
Jan 3, 2022, 8:13:47 AM1/3/22
to
On 02/01/2022 11:19, Caecilius wrote:
> I've got an early 1990s hifi setup with tuner, CD, tape deck and
> amplifier that I would like to use to play my digital music
> collection. The amp has a spare aux input with RCA connectors.
>
> I think I either need something with a USB input that has a decent
> display and controls to navigate through the folder structure or a
> bluetooth/wireless solution that I can control from my phone.
>
> I've got an early 1990s hifi setup with tuner, CD, tape deck and
> amplifier that I would like to use to play my digital music
> collection. The amp has a spare aux input with RCA connectors.
>
> I think I either need something with a USB input that has a decent
> display and controls to navigate through the folder structure or a
> bluetooth/wireless solution that I can control from my phone.
>
> Has anyone done something similar, and did it work out well?
I use a Cambridge Audio (Sonata) NP30. In my case it is reading over the
network from a DLNA server running on my home server, but it can read
from a PC, NAS or simply a USB stick instead.
It can navigate through artists, tracks or folders, but it can be a bit
slow to scroll through very long lists. Reorganising them can help
significantly.
There is an app to control it from your phone, but that is iPhone only,
so I've never used it.
There are many similar devices available new and second-hand.
Adrian Caspersz
Jan 3, 2022, 8:53:14 AM1/3/22
to
On 03/01/2022 12:53, Paul wrote:
>> The amp is a 1993 vintage Marantz PM-44SE. Not sure how good it is
>> compared to modern equipment, but I'd like to make use of it if I can.
>>
>
> There is a view of inside the unit here.
>
> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hnma0nB4gjY
>
> Paul
>
Philips finest ...
>> The amp is a 1993 vintage Marantz PM-44SE. Not sure how good it is
>> compared to modern equipment, but I'd like to make use of it if I can.
>>
>
> There is a view of inside the unit here.
>
> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hnma0nB4gjY
>
> Paul
>
If it works as original, no reason not to keep it.
Nothing staggering in modern equipment other than the reduced size of it
and the provision of many lights and buttons, most unnecessary ...
--
Adrian C
Caecilius
Jan 3, 2022, 10:00:48 AM1/3/22
to
On Mon, 3 Jan 2022 07:53:01 -0500, Paul <nos...@needed.invalid> wrote:
>On 1/3/2022 6:17 AM, Caecilius wrote:
>>
>> [snip]
>On 1/3/2022 6:17 AM, Caecilius wrote:
>>
>>
>> I'm planning on opening the amp up and checking/replacing the
>> electrolytic caps. From what I've seen through the vent holes in the
>> case it looks quite simple inside.
>>
>> The amp is a 1993 vintage Marantz PM-44SE. Not sure how good it is
>> compared to modern equipment, but I'd like to make use of it if I can.
>>
>
>There is a view of inside the unit here.
>
>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hnma0nB4gjY
Yes, that's the amplifier I've got. As I thought, nice and simple
>> I'm planning on opening the amp up and checking/replacing the
>> electrolytic caps. From what I've seen through the vent holes in the
>> case it looks quite simple inside.
>>
>> The amp is a 1993 vintage Marantz PM-44SE. Not sure how good it is
>> compared to modern equipment, but I'd like to make use of it if I can.
>>
>
>There is a view of inside the unit here.
>
>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hnma0nB4gjY
with lots of space inside.
D.M. Procida
Jan 3, 2022, 11:52:49 AM1/3/22
to
On 3 Jan 2022 at 11:23:15 GMT, "Caecilius" <nos...@spamless.invalid> wrote:
> I'd not heard of volumio before so I'll check that out - thanks for
> the pointer.
I should have mentioned since it didn't occur to me but others have mentioned
> I'd not heard of volumio before so I'll check that out - thanks for
> the pointer.
this: installing and setting up Volumio doesn't require any particular
technical skills. You need to be able to download an image and use a GUI tool
to copy it to an SD card, and that's about it.
Daniele
newshound
Jan 3, 2022, 12:03:38 PM1/3/22
to
On 02/01/2022 12:52, Andy Burns wrote:
One of the easiest ways to do this is to store it on an old smartphone
and use the standard "Player" app. Could even use headphone socket.
> charles wrote:
>
> If the music is already digitised, then all you need is an D
>> to A converter.
>
> But that doesn't have a user interface to act as a standalone "box"
>
> If the music is already digitised, then all you need is an D
>> to A converter.
>
One of the easiest ways to do this is to store it on an old smartphone
and use the standard "Player" app. Could even use headphone socket.
tony sayer
Jan 3, 2022, 12:59:58 PM1/3/22
to
In article <m9m5tgptdpdonnhm8...@4ax.com>, Caecilius
<nos...@spamless.invalid> scribeth thus
Just do it I've re-capped many audio amps and test gear times over time
in this office theres a QUAD 33/303 combo built in 1967 still going
strong:)...
--
Tony Sayer
Man is least himself when he talks in his own person.
Give him a keyboard, and he will reveal himself.
<nos...@spamless.invalid> scribeth thus
in this office theres a QUAD 33/303 combo built in 1967 still going
strong:)...
--
Tony Sayer
Man is least himself when he talks in his own person.
Give him a keyboard, and he will reveal himself.
John Rumm
Jan 3, 2022, 1:05:11 PM1/3/22
to
On 02/01/2022 15:02, Caecilius wrote:
> On Sun, 02 Jan 2022 13:34:35 +0000 (GMT), "Dave Plowman (News)"
> <da...@davenoise.co.uk> wrote:
>
>> In article <7p13tg57rkatbf511...@4ax.com>,
>> ability to play them, so all you need is a digital to analogue converter?
>
> My music files are stored on a QNAP NAS with backups on onedrive. I
> have a copy on a USB stick for the car. I've got about 300 albums
> which seems like a big collection to me, but it easily fits on a USB
> stick after conversion to MP3 or AAC.
FYI, plex server is a standard add on for QNAP NASboxen. It does get a
bit memory hungry[1] if handling lots of video files, but does a nice
job on Music collections. (I have around 400 albums on it at the moment)
[1] I upgraded mine from the stock 2GB to 8GB since I had the SODIMs
spare...
> On Sun, 02 Jan 2022 13:34:35 +0000 (GMT), "Dave Plowman (News)"
> <da...@davenoise.co.uk> wrote:
>
>> In article <7p13tg57rkatbf511...@4ax.com>,
>> Caecilius <nos...@spamless.invalid> wrote:
>>> I've got an early 1990s hifi setup with tuner, CD, tape deck and
>>> amplifier that I would like to use to play my digital music
>>> collection. The amp has a spare aux input with RCA connectors.
>>
>>> I think I either need something with a USB input that has a decent
>>> display and controls to navigate through the folder structure or a
>>> bluetooth/wireless solution that I can control from my phone.
>>
>>> I've got an early 1990s hifi setup with tuner, CD, tape deck and
>>> amplifier that I would like to use to play my digital music
>>> collection. The amp has a spare aux input with RCA connectors.
>>
>>> I think I either need something with a USB input that has a decent
>>> display and controls to navigate through the folder structure or a
>>> bluetooth/wireless solution that I can control from my phone.
>>
>>> Has anyone done something similar, and did it work out well?
>>
>> What is your digital music collection stored on? Surely that has the
>>
>> ability to play them, so all you need is a digital to analogue converter?
>
> My music files are stored on a QNAP NAS with backups on onedrive. I
> have a copy on a USB stick for the car. I've got about 300 albums
> which seems like a big collection to me, but it easily fits on a USB
> stick after conversion to MP3 or AAC.
FYI, plex server is a standard add on for QNAP NASboxen. It does get a
bit memory hungry[1] if handling lots of video files, but does a nice
job on Music collections. (I have around 400 albums on it at the moment)
[1] I upgraded mine from the stock 2GB to 8GB since I had the SODIMs
spare...
Andrew
Jan 3, 2022, 1:19:33 PM1/3/22
to
On 03/01/2022 12:53, Paul wrote:
>
>
> There is a view of inside the unit here.
>
> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hnma0nB4gjY
>
> Paul
>
Ribbon cables (ugh) and a non-toroidal
>
> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hnma0nB4gjY
>
> Paul
>
mains transformer, so presumably a 'budget' amp ?
Rod Speed
Jan 3, 2022, 1:34:01 PM1/3/22
to
newshound <sradcl...@gmail.com> wrote
Even easier to use your existing smartphone and get the bigger internal
storage.
storage.
RJH
Jan 3, 2022, 2:17:43 PM1/3/22
to
On 2 Jan 2022 at 19:16:18 GMT, "D.M. Procida"
I've been using the free version of Volumio for quite a while and find it
fine. I'm going to give Plex a go - do you happen to know if Volumio and Plex
can co-exist on the Pi?
> I used to be able to share a link to a folder of photos that worked as a
> gallery, but I can't seem to find that any more...
>
> As you can seem someone gave me a packet of Japanese patterned paper.
>
> The bamboo box is a toothbrush holder from IKEA. Otherwise, I just use stiff
> cardboard boxes (the last one is the actual box the ALLO Boss DAV came in) and
> art mount card.
>
> Daniele
Impressive! I've used one of those horrible plastic boxes but will at some
point use something more attractive.
--
Cheers, Rob
fine. I'm going to give Plex a go - do you happen to know if Volumio and Plex
can co-exist on the Pi?
> I used to be able to share a link to a folder of photos that worked as a
> gallery, but I can't seem to find that any more...
>
> As you can seem someone gave me a packet of Japanese patterned paper.
>
> The bamboo box is a toothbrush holder from IKEA. Otherwise, I just use stiff
> cardboard boxes (the last one is the actual box the ALLO Boss DAV came in) and
> art mount card.
>
> Daniele
point use something more attractive.
--
Cheers, Rob
Peeler
Jan 3, 2022, 2:29:50 PM1/3/22
to
On Tue, 4 Jan 2022 05:33:53 +1100, cantankerous trolling geezer Rodent
Speed, the auto-contradicting senile sociopath, blabbered, again:
<FLUSH the abnormal trolling senile cretin's latest trollshit unread>
--
dennis@home to retarded trolling senile Rodent:
"sod off rod you don't have a clue about anything."
Message-ID: <uV9lE.196195$cx5....@fx46.iad>
Speed, the auto-contradicting senile sociopath, blabbered, again:
<FLUSH the abnormal trolling senile cretin's latest trollshit unread>
--
dennis@home to retarded trolling senile Rodent:
"sod off rod you don't have a clue about anything."
Message-ID: <uV9lE.196195$cx5....@fx46.iad>
jkn
Jan 3, 2022, 2:34:23 PM1/3/22
to
> I used to be able to share a link to a folder of photos that worked as a
> gallery, but I can't seem to find that any more...
>
> As you can seem someone gave me a packet of Japanese patterned paper.
>
> The bamboo box is a toothbrush holder from IKEA. Otherwise, I just use stiff
> cardboard boxes (the last one is the actual box the ALLO Boss DAV came in) and
> art mount card.
>
> Daniele
OT: I used to have the Sony amp that went with the tuner you have there.
> gallery, but I can't seem to find that any more...
>
> As you can seem someone gave me a packet of Japanese patterned paper.
>
> The bamboo box is a toothbrush holder from IKEA. Otherwise, I just use stiff
> cardboard boxes (the last one is the actual box the ALLO Boss DAV came in) and
> art mount card.
>
> Daniele
I got it cheap from a S/H shop. IIRC it hummed quite a bit; I think I fixed it
by recapping the PSU. I can't exactly remember why I no longer have it...
J^n
D.M. Procida
Jan 3, 2022, 2:59:20 PM1/3/22
to
On 3 Jan 2022 at 19:34:20 GMT, "jkn" <jkn...@nicorp.f9.co.uk> wrote:
>> Some pictures of them:
>> <https://www.dropbox.com/sh/mwwtxsrfb6lzsym/AAACGrT2TXqtYcY1503aZJpWa?dl=0>.
>> Some pictures of them:
>> <https://www.dropbox.com/sh/mwwtxsrfb6lzsym/AAACGrT2TXqtYcY1503aZJpWa?dl=0>.
> OT: I used to have the Sony amp that went with the tuner you have there.
> I got it cheap from a S/H shop. IIRC it hummed quite a bit; I think I fixed it
> by recapping the PSU. I can't exactly remember why I no longer have it...
They're very pretty, aren't they?
> I got it cheap from a S/H shop. IIRC it hummed quite a bit; I think I fixed it
> by recapping the PSU. I can't exactly remember why I no longer have it...
Daniele
D.M. Procida
Jan 3, 2022, 3:02:06 PM1/3/22
to
On 3 Jan 2022 at 19:17:40 GMT, "RJH" <patch...@gmx.com> wrote:
> I've been using the free version of Volumio for quite a while and find it
> fine. I'm going to give Plex a go - do you happen to know if Volumio and Plex
> can co-exist on the Pi?
Only if you can install Plex on an existing system, and even then I don't know
> I've been using the free version of Volumio for quite a while and find it
> fine. I'm going to give Plex a go - do you happen to know if Volumio and Plex
> can co-exist on the Pi?
whether they'd interfere with each other. Volumio (as you probably know)
installs as a whole system, rather than an application, so it would need to be
Plex as an application on the Volumio system.
Daniele
Paul
Jan 3, 2022, 4:13:22 PM1/3/22
to
It doesn't have to be pretty, to work :-)
Not all the cables can be oxygen-free you know.
Paul
misterroy
Jan 3, 2022, 4:38:02 PM1/3/22
to
Vir Campestris
Jan 3, 2022, 4:48:59 PM1/3/22
to
On 03/01/2022 11:17, Caecilius wrote:
>
> I'm planning on opening the amp up and checking/replacing the
> electrolytic caps. From what I've seen through the vent holes in the
> case it looks quite simple inside.
>
> The amp is a 1993 vintage Marantz PM-44SE. Not sure how good it is
> compared to modern equipment, but I'd like to make use of it if I can.
>
We still use the amp on our stereo at least weekly, and it's running
>
> I'm planning on opening the amp up and checking/replacing the
> electrolytic caps. From what I've seen through the vent holes in the
> case it looks quite simple inside.
>
> The amp is a 1993 vintage Marantz PM-44SE. Not sure how good it is
> compared to modern equipment, but I'd like to make use of it if I can.
>
fine. We bought the stereo with my wife's payoff when she stopped work
to have the children.
In 1983.
The cassette deck died, we've added a CD player, upgraded the tuner so
we can have DAB, and bought better speakers. But the amp is still fine.
Well, as much as I can tell with my aging ears...
Andy
RJH
Jan 4, 2022, 12:29:34 AM1/4/22
to
On 3 Jan 2022 at 20:02:01 GMT, "D.M. Procida"
Thanks. Have a feeling it won't be easy as Volumio has no GUI, and I can't see
any guides. Just installing Plex on its own isn't trivial:
https://pimylifeup.com/raspberry-pi-plex-media-player/
and that method won't compile on my setup.
--
Cheers, Rob
any guides. Just installing Plex on its own isn't trivial:
https://pimylifeup.com/raspberry-pi-plex-media-player/
and that method won't compile on my setup.
--
Cheers, Rob
jkn
Jan 4, 2022, 4:39:28 AM1/4/22
to
IIRC multiple vertical PCBs. Very hard to get the dismantling/remantling(?) order correct.
I 'guess' the tuner might be less packed.
J^n
Caecilius
Jan 4, 2022, 5:23:47 AM1/4/22
to
On Mon, 3 Jan 2022 17:05:36 +0000, tony sayer <to...@bancom.co.uk>
wrote:
opened the case and it looks possible - just two electrolytics marked
"STARGET ELNA 42V 10000uF(M)". Provided I can source replacements and
get to the underside of the PCB I think I can replace them.
Glad to see there's no signs of bulging or leaking on the capacitors.
wrote:
>>I'm planning on opening the amp up and checking/replacing the
>>electrolytic caps. From what I've seen through the vent holes in the
>>case it looks quite simple inside.
>>
>>The amp is a 1993 vintage Marantz PM-44SE. Not sure how good it is
>>compared to modern equipment, but I'd like to make use of it if I can.
>
>Just do it I've re-capped many audio amps and test gear times over time
>in this office theres a QUAD 33/303 combo built in 1967 still going
>strong:)...
Thanks for the encouragement - I think I will do this. I've just
>>electrolytic caps. From what I've seen through the vent holes in the
>>case it looks quite simple inside.
>>
>>The amp is a 1993 vintage Marantz PM-44SE. Not sure how good it is
>>compared to modern equipment, but I'd like to make use of it if I can.
>
>Just do it I've re-capped many audio amps and test gear times over time
>in this office theres a QUAD 33/303 combo built in 1967 still going
>strong:)...
opened the case and it looks possible - just two electrolytics marked
"STARGET ELNA 42V 10000uF(M)". Provided I can source replacements and
get to the underside of the PCB I think I can replace them.
Glad to see there's no signs of bulging or leaking on the capacitors.
Caecilius
Jan 4, 2022, 5:32:21 AM1/4/22
to
understand what you're saying - a toroidal transformer and balanced
signals over twisted pairs rather than flat ribbon cables would be
better but it sounds good playing a CD without any mains hum present.
I have wondered if technology has moved on to the point where I'd be
better just getting a modern amp - maybe they have digital processing
for the low level signals now and only go analog for the power amp
which would simplify a lot of things. But for now I'd like to get my
old system running again with my digitised music collection and see
what it can do.
Caecilius
Jan 4, 2022, 5:34:35 AM1/4/22
to
Surprisingly my cassette deck still works. I'd have thought one of
the rubber drive belts would have perished by now.
The Natural Philosopher
Jan 4, 2022, 6:49:13 AM1/4/22
to
amp - seems to have a scratchy reservoir cap in there. Heck its only 40
years old!
--
“Politics is the art of looking for trouble, finding it everywhere,
diagnosing it incorrectly and applying the wrong remedies.”
― Groucho Marx
The Natural Philosopher
Jan 4, 2022, 6:50:36 AM1/4/22
to
On 04/01/2022 10:32, Caecilius wrote:
> I have wondered if technology has moved on to the point where I'd be
> better just getting a modern amp - maybe they have digital processing
> for the low level signals now and only go analog for the power amp
> which would simplify a lot of things. But for now I'd like to get my
> old system running again with my digitised music collection and see
> what it can do.
TBH amps pretty much hit the 'good as it gets' mark around 2005.
> I have wondered if technology has moved on to the point where I'd be
> better just getting a modern amp - maybe they have digital processing
> for the low level signals now and only go analog for the power amp
> which would simplify a lot of things. But for now I'd like to get my
> old system running again with my digitised music collection and see
> what it can do.
Anything more modern that that wont be much better.
Caecilius
Jan 4, 2022, 7:07:34 AM1/4/22
to
On Mon, 3 Jan 2022 18:05:07 +0000, John Rumm
<see.my.s...@nowhere.null> wrote:
>On 02/01/2022 15:02, Caecilius wrote:
>> On Sun, 02 Jan 2022 13:34:35 +0000 (GMT), "Dave Plowman (News)"
>> <da...@davenoise.co.uk> wrote:
>>> What is your digital music collection stored on? Surely that has the
>>> ability to play them, so all you need is a digital to analogue converter?
>>
>> My music files are stored on a QNAP NAS with backups on onedrive. I
>> have a copy on a USB stick for the car. I've got about 300 albums
>> which seems like a big collection to me, but it easily fits on a USB
>> stick after conversion to MP3 or AAC.
>
>FYI, plex server is a standard add on for QNAP NASboxen. It does get a
>bit memory hungry[1] if handling lots of video files, but does a nice
>job on Music collections. (I have around 400 albums on it at the moment)
I've only got about 250 albums, but my nas is an old QNAP TS-412 with
<see.my.s...@nowhere.null> wrote:
>On 02/01/2022 15:02, Caecilius wrote:
>> On Sun, 02 Jan 2022 13:34:35 +0000 (GMT), "Dave Plowman (News)"
>> <da...@davenoise.co.uk> wrote:
>>> What is your digital music collection stored on? Surely that has the
>>> ability to play them, so all you need is a digital to analogue converter?
>>
>> My music files are stored on a QNAP NAS with backups on onedrive. I
>> have a copy on a USB stick for the car. I've got about 300 albums
>> which seems like a big collection to me, but it easily fits on a USB
>> stick after conversion to MP3 or AAC.
>
>FYI, plex server is a standard add on for QNAP NASboxen. It does get a
>bit memory hungry[1] if handling lots of video files, but does a nice
>job on Music collections. (I have around 400 albums on it at the moment)
256MB RAM and a Marvell 6281 1.2GHz CPU so I just use it for SMB & NFS
file sharing. I have another project to upgrade my NAS one day...
Paul
Jan 4, 2022, 7:14:01 AM1/4/22
to
running the output stage. I got a picture here, of
that section of circuit.
( http://www.gaoyun.com.cn/en/news/226.html ) # Word salad
http://www.gaoyun.com.cn/data/upload/image/20160428/1461815827911068.jpg
You can see the bipolar supply there, one cap for the positive
rail, one cap for the negative rail. A bipolar supply being
used so the output voltage is pretty close to the center tap "zero"
of voltage when the amplifier is quiescent.
This is an unregulated design. If mains rises too high, it
endangers the life of the big blue capacitors (and of course,
everything downstream of that point). Amplifiers and receivers,
that's probably one of the things affecting their lifespan, is
their ability to swallow electrical insult from mains.
There will be a ratio, between the WVDC ("42 volts") of the
capacitor, and the actual filtered DC on it. Some of the
rating there is a "derating value". The very worst capacitors,
you might take the normal voltage and multiply by five to
come up with the WVDC needed. If you were to stick a
multimeter on the terminals of the capacitor, you might find
a voltage which isn't 42 volts, and does not appear to use
all of the voltage rating. But some room must be made for the
peaks of the rectified voltage from the bridge rectifier and
the capacitor voltage. And some room is also needed for
mains overshoot.
You can see in this example, the manufacturer used an 80V
capacitor, and the measured rail value is 32.5V. Part of the
headroom, is for the top of the rectified sine wave. While the
person here decided to use a 75V capacitor, be aware that
headroom was put there on purpose and it wasn't a "lark".
Maybe this amplifier will be a little less resistant to mains
overshoot, after the repair.
https://www.diyaudio.com/community/threads/amplifier-main-capacitor-replacement-voltage-question.132756/
If you are lucky, the capacitor uses screw terminals and no solder
is used. There may be a lock washer as well, to keep the screw
in place for fifty years. If so, this makes it easier to remove
them. The screw termination helps with the mass of the item and
the potential for strain to be placed on the joint to the foils.
As brands go, Elna is pretty good.
If the caps happen to be small enough to be solder
terminated, and they're a flush fit to the PCB, you'll
then be hoping the holes in the PCB are large enough
so the legs come out easily. Even using a vacuum desoldering
station at work, I've had trouble with that. If you pull too
hard, you will pull the "solder fillet" right out of the PCB.
Yes, I've done that. That's how you learn not to do that,
pull too hard.
Not all of the hum reduction in an amplifier comes from
those capacitors. The capacitors still have mains-related
ripple on the DC output voltage. The amplifier itself
has a PSRR (Power Supply Rejection Ratio) and this comes
from the closed loop feedback in the amplifier and the
balancing of the components in it. The amplifier in a sense,
"resists" the ripple and tries to make the output of the
amp, only follow the input, while ignoring the hum
on the V+ and V- rails.
It is fortunate, that higher values of capacitance, will
not "fit" into the footprint of the capacitor. Electrolytic
capacitors have "microfarads per cubic inch" relationship.
If the substitute capacitor is physically a lot smaller
than the original, that usually means it is a substandard
build. It means the ratings stamped on it might not be
correct. Because of the space limitations in the amp,
you can't replace a 10,000uF cap with a 50,000uF one.
And this is a good thing, because if you do move up too
much, you blow a diode in the bridge rectifier.
There is inrush current, and sometimes good designs, use additional
components to prevent the capacitor from causing the rectifiers
to blow. Like if the amp had a toroidal mains transformer,
there already needs to be an inrush limiter, just because
of the transformer type chosen (info from Hammond transformers
site).
You can replace a 10,000uF cap with a 12,000uF cap if
you want. But don't go nuts. The capacitors themselves
have some "tolerance" to the true value, and it's not
tight like 5% either. They're looser than that. Only
certain kinds of caps can manage to be +/- 5%. Some are
as loose as +20/-80 on percent. And chances are, if you tried
to put 15,000uF, the footprint of the cap might be the
next size up and it won't fit. Always check dimensions
(case size) before you buy, or you'll be sorry. Most of
the complaints I hear, are "dammit Paul, these don't fit" :-)
Yes, been there and done that.
Selecting capacitors is hard work, and one of the reasons
you don't want to be volunteering to replace them all that
often. The catalog has letter sizes, like the 10,000uF
might be a "C" casing, the 15,000uF might be a "D" casing.
Each casing has a drawing with dimensions (or a table of
dimensions) to help in your selection.
Paul
charles
Jan 4, 2022, 7:19:03 AM1/4/22
to
In article <sr1c7l$urr$1...@dont-email.me>,
--
from KT24 in Surrey, England
"I'd rather die of exhaustion than die of boredom" Thomas Carlyle
The Natural Philosopher <t...@invalid.invalid> wrote:
> On 04/01/2022 10:23, Caecilius wrote:
> > On Mon, 3 Jan 2022 17:05:36 +0000, tony sayer <to...@bancom.co.uk>
> > wrote:
> >
> >> In article <m9m5tgptdpdonnhm8...@4ax.com>, Caecilius
> >> <nos...@spamless.invalid> scribeth thus
> >>> I'm planning on opening the amp up and checking/replacing the
> >>> electrolytic caps. From what I've seen through the vent holes in the
> >>> case it looks quite simple inside.
> >>>
> >>> The amp is a 1993 vintage Marantz PM-44SE. Not sure how good it is
> >>> compared to modern equipment, but I'd like to make use of it if I can.
> >>
> >> Just do it I've re-capped many audio amps and test gear times over time
> >> in this office theres a QUAD 33/303 combo built in 1967 still going
> >> strong:)...
> >
> > Thanks for the encouragement - I think I will do this. I've just
> > opened the case and it looks possible - just two electrolytics marked
> > "STARGET ELNA 42V 10000uF(M)". Provided I can source replacements and
> > get to the underside of the PCB I think I can replace them.
> >
> > Glad to see there's no signs of bulging or leaking on the capacitors.
> >
> Golly, it's that time of year. been refurbishing my old Marshall valve
> amp - seems to have a scratchy reservoir cap in there. Heck its only 40
> years old!
I've had my Revox tape recorder since 1969! Caps replaced a few years ago.
> On 04/01/2022 10:23, Caecilius wrote:
> > On Mon, 3 Jan 2022 17:05:36 +0000, tony sayer <to...@bancom.co.uk>
> > wrote:
> >
> >> In article <m9m5tgptdpdonnhm8...@4ax.com>, Caecilius
> >> <nos...@spamless.invalid> scribeth thus
> >>> I'm planning on opening the amp up and checking/replacing the
> >>> electrolytic caps. From what I've seen through the vent holes in the
> >>> case it looks quite simple inside.
> >>>
> >>> The amp is a 1993 vintage Marantz PM-44SE. Not sure how good it is
> >>> compared to modern equipment, but I'd like to make use of it if I can.
> >>
> >> Just do it I've re-capped many audio amps and test gear times over time
> >> in this office theres a QUAD 33/303 combo built in 1967 still going
> >> strong:)...
> >
> > Thanks for the encouragement - I think I will do this. I've just
> > opened the case and it looks possible - just two electrolytics marked
> > "STARGET ELNA 42V 10000uF(M)". Provided I can source replacements and
> > get to the underside of the PCB I think I can replace them.
> >
> > Glad to see there's no signs of bulging or leaking on the capacitors.
> >
> Golly, it's that time of year. been refurbishing my old Marshall valve
> amp - seems to have a scratchy reservoir cap in there. Heck its only 40
> years old!
--
from KT24 in Surrey, England
"I'd rather die of exhaustion than die of boredom" Thomas Carlyle
Dave Plowman (News)
Jan 4, 2022, 10:04:13 AM1/4/22
to
In article <59a57fd8...@candehope.me.uk>,
Oldest bit of kit still in use (when needed) a Quad AM3 L,M,& SW valve
receiver. Although switched so it doesn't power up with everything else.
--
*For every action, there is an equal and opposite criticism *
Dave Plowman da...@davenoise.co.uk London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound.
charles <cha...@candehope.me.uk> wrote:
> > Golly, it's that time of year. been refurbishing my old Marshall valve
> > amp - seems to have a scratchy reservoir cap in there. Heck its only
> > 40 years old!
> I've had my Revox tape recorder since 1969! Caps replaced a few years
> ago.
Likewise.
> > Golly, it's that time of year. been refurbishing my old Marshall valve
> > amp - seems to have a scratchy reservoir cap in there. Heck its only
> > 40 years old!
> I've had my Revox tape recorder since 1969! Caps replaced a few years
> ago.
Oldest bit of kit still in use (when needed) a Quad AM3 L,M,& SW valve
receiver. Although switched so it doesn't power up with everything else.
--
*For every action, there is an equal and opposite criticism *
Dave Plowman da...@davenoise.co.uk London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound.
Caecilius
Jan 4, 2022, 11:39:12 AM1/4/22
to
On Tue, 04 Jan 2022 14:56:51 +0000 (GMT), "Dave Plowman (News)"
<da...@davenoise.co.uk> wrote:
>In article <59a57fd8...@candehope.me.uk>,
> charles <cha...@candehope.me.uk> wrote:
>> > Golly, it's that time of year. been refurbishing my old Marshall valve
>> > amp - seems to have a scratchy reservoir cap in there. Heck its only
>> > 40 years old!
>
>> I've had my Revox tape recorder since 1969! Caps replaced a few years
>> ago.
>
>Likewise.
>
>Oldest bit of kit still in use (when needed) a Quad AM3 L,M,& SW valve
>receiver. Although switched so it doesn't power up with everything else.
I can't compete with you guys. I wish I kept my 1980s technics amp
<da...@davenoise.co.uk> wrote:
>In article <59a57fd8...@candehope.me.uk>,
> charles <cha...@candehope.me.uk> wrote:
>> > Golly, it's that time of year. been refurbishing my old Marshall valve
>> > amp - seems to have a scratchy reservoir cap in there. Heck its only
>> > 40 years old!
>
>> I've had my Revox tape recorder since 1969! Caps replaced a few years
>> ago.
>
>Likewise.
>
>Oldest bit of kit still in use (when needed) a Quad AM3 L,M,& SW valve
>receiver. Although switched so it doesn't power up with everything else.
now, but my parents got rid of it shortly after I got married and had
my mind on other things for a while.
Caecilius
Jan 4, 2022, 11:46:22 AM1/4/22
to
I knew some of that but there's a lot of useful details I didn't know.
Thanks for taking the time to put together such a detailed response -
it's really helpful.
Andrew
Jan 4, 2022, 11:59:13 AM1/4/22
to
On 04/01/2022 12:11, charles wrote:
> I've had my Revox tape recorder since 1969! Caps replaced a few years ago.
>
How much did it cost ?
> I've had my Revox tape recorder since 1969! Caps replaced a few years ago.
>
This one was sold on ebay by BHF Poole
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/393748178877?hash=item5bad3867bd:g:y0YAAOSw81dhpoXC
charles
Jan 4, 2022, 12:10:35 PM1/4/22
to
In article <sr1uct$86j$1...@gioia.aioe.org>, Andrew
a MkII ;-)
> This one was sold on ebay by BHF Poole
> https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/393748178877?hash=item5bad3867bd:g:y0YAAOSw81dhpoXC
<Andrew9...@mybtinternet.com> wrote:
> On 04/01/2022 12:11, charles wrote:
> > I've had my Revox tape recorder since 1969! Caps replaced a few years
> > ago.
> >
> How much did it cost ?
It was 2nd hand and cost me £180. It is a Mk I, original owner had to have
> On 04/01/2022 12:11, charles wrote:
> > I've had my Revox tape recorder since 1969! Caps replaced a few years
> > ago.
> >
> How much did it cost ?
a MkII ;-)
> This one was sold on ebay by BHF Poole
> https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/393748178877?hash=item5bad3867bd:g:y0YAAOSw81dhpoXC
John Rumm
Jan 4, 2022, 7:54:41 PM1/4/22
to
going right back to an old Kenwood KA3020 driving a set of Heybrook
HB100s that I bought in the 90 - 91 ish. That gets occasional use. Have
a later version of the same amp (KA3020 "Discrete") hooked up to SWMBO's
computer in the kitchen driving a pair of Mission 731 speakers. A second
hand Arcam Alpha 7R+ that I bought about 14 years ago drives a pair of
TDL RTL3s on my main audio and surround sound setup[1], and a 6 year old
Cambridge Audio Topaz AM5 driving some Diamond 220 speakers for the
garden listening room or ready to be deployed on the patio for a BBQ etc.
All still going strong with a bit of TLC here and there. Not had to
recap any amps yet. Did have to use some pot and switch cleaner on the
oldest Kenwood though, as they were getting scratchy, and the surrounds
on those old HB100s are getting a bit stiffer - they need about 40 mins
playing before they begin to regain their open dynamics. The RTL3s I got
free from Mr Watts formerly of this group - somewhat knackered (blown
tweeter, missing crossover on one side) - but after I built new
crossovers, replaced the tweeters, and some of the main drivers, they
sound astoundingly good.
--
Cheers,
John.
/=================================================================\
| Internode Ltd - http://www.internode.co.uk |
|-----------------------------------------------------------------|
| John Rumm - john(at)internode(dot)co(dot)uk |
\=================================================================/
John Rumm
Jan 5, 2022, 7:54:13 AM1/5/22
to
Animal
Jan 5, 2022, 11:30:17 PM1/5/22
to
On Tuesday, 4 January 2022 at 11:50:36 UTC, The Natural Philosopher wrote:
> On 04/01/2022 10:32, Caecilius wrote:
> > I have wondered if technology has moved on to the point where I'd be
> > better just getting a modern amp - maybe they have digital processing
> > for the low level signals now and only go analog for the power amp
> > which would simplify a lot of things. But for now I'd like to get my
> > old system running again with my digitised music collection and see
> > what it can do.
> TBH amps pretty much hit the 'good as it gets' mark around 2005.
> Anything more modern that that wont be much better.
1960s
> On 04/01/2022 10:32, Caecilius wrote:
> > I have wondered if technology has moved on to the point where I'd be
> > better just getting a modern amp - maybe they have digital processing
> > for the low level signals now and only go analog for the power amp
> > which would simplify a lot of things. But for now I'd like to get my
> > old system running again with my digitised music collection and see
> > what it can do.
> TBH amps pretty much hit the 'good as it gets' mark around 2005.
> Anything more modern that that wont be much better.
Animal
Jan 5, 2022, 11:42:47 PM1/5/22
to
On Tuesday, 4 January 2022 at 12:14:01 UTC, Paul wrote:
> Those would be storage for the high voltage DC rail
> running the output stage. I got a picture here, of
> that section of circuit.
>
> ( http://www.gaoyun.com.cn/en/news/226.html ) # Word salad
>
> http://www.gaoyun.com.cn/data/upload/image/20160428/1461815827911068.jpg
>
> You can see the bipolar supply there, one cap for the positive
> rail, one cap for the negative rail. A bipolar supply being
> used so the output voltage is pretty close to the center tap "zero"
> of voltage when the amplifier is quiescent.
>
> This is an unregulated design. If mains rises too high, it
> endangers the life of the big blue capacitors (and of course,
> everything downstream of that point).
that would be an impressively bad design
> Those would be storage for the high voltage DC rail
> running the output stage. I got a picture here, of
> that section of circuit.
>
> ( http://www.gaoyun.com.cn/en/news/226.html ) # Word salad
>
> http://www.gaoyun.com.cn/data/upload/image/20160428/1461815827911068.jpg
>
> You can see the bipolar supply there, one cap for the positive
> rail, one cap for the negative rail. A bipolar supply being
> used so the output voltage is pretty close to the center tap "zero"
> of voltage when the amplifier is quiescent.
>
> This is an unregulated design. If mains rises too high, it
> endangers the life of the big blue capacitors (and of course,
> everything downstream of that point).
> Amplifiers and receivers,
> that's probably one of the things affecting their lifespan, is
> their ability to swallow electrical insult from mains.
> There will be a ratio, between the WVDC ("42 volts") of the
> capacitor, and the actual filtered DC on it. Some of the
> rating there is a "derating value". The very worst capacitors,
> you might take the normal voltage and multiply by five to
> come up with the WVDC needed.
> If you were to stick a
> multimeter on the terminals of the capacitor, you might find
> a voltage which isn't 42 volts, and does not appear to use
> all of the voltage rating. But some room must be made for the
> peaks of the rectified voltage from the bridge rectifier and
> the capacitor voltage. And some room is also needed for
> mains overshoot.
>
> You can see in this example, the manufacturer used an 80V
> capacitor, and the measured rail value is 32.5V. Part of the
> headroom, is for the top of the rectified sine wave. While the
> person here decided to use a 75V capacitor, be aware that
> headroom was put there on purpose and it wasn't a "lark".
> Maybe this amplifier will be a little less resistant to mains
> overshoot, after the repair.
> It means the ratings stamped on it might not be
> correct.
> Because of the space limitations in the amp,
> you can't replace a 10,000uF cap with a 50,000uF one.
> And this is a good thing, because if you do move up too
> much, you blow a diode in the bridge rectifier.
>
> There is inrush current, and sometimes good designs, use additional
> components to prevent the capacitor from causing the rectifiers
> to blow. Like if the amp had a toroidal mains transformer,
> there already needs to be an inrush limiter, just because
> of the transformer type chosen (info from Hammond transformers
> site).
>
> You can replace a 10,000uF cap with a 12,000uF cap if
> you want. But don't go nuts. The capacitors themselves
> have some "tolerance" to the true value, and it's not
> tight like 5% either. They're looser than that. Only
> certain kinds of caps can manage to be +/- 5%. Some are
> as loose as +20/-80 on percent.
> And chances are, if you tried
> to put 15,000uF, the footprint of the cap might be the
> next size up and it won't fit. Always check dimensions
> (case size) before you buy, or you'll be sorry. Most of
> the complaints I hear, are "dammit Paul, these don't fit" :-)
> Yes, been there and done that.
>
> Selecting capacitors is hard work,
Gone Fishin
Jan 6, 2022, 9:10:07 AM1/6/22
to
from a RPi with a HiFi Berry Digi hat. The HDD plugs into RPi . The
Onkyo is still around on Ebay. Running the Pi from Volumio gives good
results and some Internet radio is propogated with FLAC which really
helps. However a warning!
if you drop the Onkyo on your foot your going need a new one The power
transformers are huge.
#Paul
Jan 7, 2022, 6:32:07 AM1/7/22
to
newshound <sradcl...@gmail.com> wrote:
> Not quite the same, but I repurposed a dead smartphone for my wife (the
> microphone had failed, nothing else wrong with it). I have a 32GB SD
> card in it that can hold a vast amount of music. She actually plays this
> via bluetooth on a Google Nest speaker. All that you would need is a
> bluetooth to analogue out dongle. The phone does all the storage and
> control, except that you could also use your wifi volume/balance/tone
> controls.
I also use a bluetooth to analogue out dongle. A fair while back I
bought a fancy sound card for my computer and connected it to my
stereo system to play music, but at some point some electrical
glitch ended up blowing a fuse in the amp. So the bluetooth solution
seems a bit less risky to me.
#Paul
> Not quite the same, but I repurposed a dead smartphone for my wife (the
> microphone had failed, nothing else wrong with it). I have a 32GB SD
> card in it that can hold a vast amount of music. She actually plays this
> via bluetooth on a Google Nest speaker. All that you would need is a
> bluetooth to analogue out dongle. The phone does all the storage and
> control, except that you could also use your wifi volume/balance/tone
> controls.
I also use a bluetooth to analogue out dongle. A fair while back I
bought a fancy sound card for my computer and connected it to my
stereo system to play music, but at some point some electrical
glitch ended up blowing a fuse in the amp. So the bluetooth solution
seems a bit less risky to me.
#Paul
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