1 (edited by bjp 2019-10-28 15:20:42)

Topic: USB direct or network bridge?

I will by purchasing an Adi 2 Dac once units are again available in the UK. Not sure what the current delay is but none of the suppliers have any in stock.

I have some questions about the best way to connect the Adi 2 to my system via USB.  I run Roon Rock on a Nuc computer.  On the basis of advice from Roon that it is best not to connect the dac direct to the nuc computer, I use an Allo Usbridge (running Dietpi) which acts as a Roon endpoint. Thus the dac receives its data via ethernet and through the usbridge avoiding the potential for electrical noise which might be a problem if connected to the nuc directly. I have two questions:

1. Will the Adi 2 work connected to the usbridge?
2. I understand that the Adi 2 is good at filtering out usb noise, so is the usbridge necessary or can I expect direct connection to the nuc to work just as well?

Re: USB direct or network bridge?

If I were you I would try the simple way (directly on your computer) and see if I have some "electrical noise".
I must confess I have never heard such noise, with different computers and different USB interfaces. Maybe I am lucky?

ADI-2 DAC (with stock PSU) - Neumann KH 310 A monitors - Cheap USB and XLR cables

Re: USB direct or network bridge?

Raspberry pis up to version 3 have hardware issues that forbid them to act well for usb audio. So you will hear hiccups(noises).
You can connect rpi 4 usb directly to ado-2 dac/pro and should have no usb issues if you set things up properly.

Re: USB direct or network bridge?

N00b wrote:

If I were you I would try the simple way (directly on your computer) and see if I have some "electrical noise".
I must confess I have never heard such noise, with different computers and different USB interfaces. Maybe I am lucky?

He is using rpi which has known usb issues

Re: USB direct or network bridge?

Thanks for these comments.  The Allo usbridge is not based on a raspberry pi but rather a 'sparky' sbc. This does not share its usb and ethernet busses which is I believe the problem with the pi. I am therfore hopefull that it will work with the Adi 2 dac.  It certainly is very good with my current dac.

6 (edited by mark2748 2019-10-28 18:28:18)

Re: USB direct or network bridge?

FWIW, I do not yet have an RME ADI-2 DAC or Roon, but I do run the USB output of an Intel NUC8i5BEH directly into an iFi nano iOne DAC (which feeds powered monitors).  The NUC does double service simultaneously as a Windows 10 desktop machine and foobar2000 or MusicBee player, mainly with 16bit 44.1KHZ ripped CDs.  I have never heard noise or clicks, even when internet browsing or working with usual office apps.  The player CPU load is typically 1-2%, barely visible, so I think it is well worth a try without a USBridge in your case if the NUC and DAC are in close proximity.  But since you already have a USBridge, maybe you could do a double blind listening test and report back!

Re: USB direct or network bridge?

Bjp,

Welcome to the Group!!   Trust that your wait for Product Availability in the UK will be justly rewarded with the exceptionally fine RME ADI-2 DAC.

I can't comment too much on USB "Noises" nor offer suggestions, but my ADI-2DAC is connected via USB to a 10yr Old device (SBT) and I have experienced absolutely NO problems whatsoever.   

Happy Listening, and Welcome Aboard.

Curt

Vintage 2018 ADI-2 DAC. "Classic AKM4490 Edition"
Cables:  Red, and White Ones.
Speakers:  Yes

Re: USB direct or network bridge?

I have an ADI-2 connected to my Allo USBridge. I tested  directly on my NUC Roon server.. definitly best with Allo.
All is in wifi mesh (NUC, Allo and Synology). And NUC is on WIN10 with ProcessLasso and MinorityClean (with a DC iFi Purifier).
Allo is connected with a simply USB Audiophonics cable with an iFi Silencer.

ROON on Lenovo > Allo USBridge > RME ADI-2 Dac > Audia Flight FL100  / Recital Audio Define HEFA

Re: USB direct or network bridge?

Allo Usbridge works flawlessly as Roon endpoint (or as naa with HQP) with my Adi-2 dac.
Iā€™m very happy.

10

Re: USB direct or network bridge?

What a great forum! All my questions answered within 24 hours.  Thanks guys/gals, it seems I should be able to look forward to plug and play in my system with my new Adi 2 Dac - once I can get hold of one.

Re: USB direct or network bridge?

Bjp..

Indeed a Great Forum!  Even more so with the Forum's ability to solve problems you never had, with a device you don't yet posess!!   smile   Amazing!!!

I suggest you first take Noobs advice, and plug your ADI-2DAC Straight in.   See how that goes.  Most often...it's Perfect.

Leave the Add On Gadgetry for another time.

Curt

Vintage 2018 ADI-2 DAC. "Classic AKM4490 Edition"
Cables:  Red, and White Ones.
Speakers:  Yes

Re: USB direct or network bridge?

I use a Small Form Factor J3355B-ITX and case, soldered on CPU a Intel celeron. Bit bigger than a NUC but you can add a better network card or video. I chose a add intel nic. As the CPU has on board video and you have HDMI connection.
Had a slight ground loop so bought an iFi Defender 3 which resolved that. Do have a MAC also but stuck with PC.
Runs Roon using always on power management, disable screen going to sleep (careful if you have a TV susceptible to burn in) then disable power management in uefi bios.
Using Asio drivers setting Roon to native driver. To compare I also have a Pi 3b+ running Allo DigiOne Sig but prefer the Asio/ Native driver sound. That being said I blind folded myself and had a helper differences are subtle on PCM but with DSD very noticeable for me anyway.

AWESOME product so glad I stumbled across review leading to purchase
Listening to records less then ever...