Best way of playing flac files
- Thread starter eevo1969
- Start date
retseldrib
pfm Member
I would have thought with an android mobile phone though headphones or a stand alone blu tooth speaker
Jim Audiomisc
pfm Member
Why not Pi plus a USB DAC?
Tumeni Notes
pfm Member
What are the files stored on?
darrenyeats
pfm Member
What's the DAC? If it reclocks or has ASRC then I'd explore optical anyway.
tuga
Legal Alien
This streamer has AES output:
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Tony L
Administrator
What are these Flac files on right now? Flac is a computer format, you will need one to play it!
tuga
Legal Alien
Or a hi-fi streamer (which is a dedicated computer).
Tony L
Administrator
Indeed. Knowing where they are right now is key to figuring out how best to play them.
vinylslug
pfm Member
Raspberry Pi 4 with usb harddrive and an aes/ebu “hat”. Audiophics have one that would seem to fit?
Tony L
Administrator
That will need connecting either to your existing computer, or to a computer in the listening room.
Two ways to do it (well two obvious ones, probably 842 or more ways in reality):
a) Connect the SSD to your existing computer wherever in the house that may be; install a free UPnP server and share the drive, then it can be seen by any streamer or whatever connected to your hi-fi. FWIW this is how I do it.
b) Buy a Pi or any other small computer, connect it to that, and connect that to a DAC in your system.
It depends on whether you want a computer in your hi-fi.
windhoek
The Phoolosopher
Above stated budget but Bluesound Node plays FLAC no problem, just connect SSD to unit and away you go. I've tried to live with various computer-based solutions over the years but the Bluesound is just the best when it comes to ease of use. It's pure Ronseal.
Plus, Bluesound now allow multiple units to share the one library. I haven't tried this myself as I'd already connected SSDs to each of my two units, but if I ever add a third unit, unlikely, I won't have to buy another SSD and duplicate the contents again.
Plus, Bluesound now allow multiple units to share the one library. I haven't tried this myself as I'd already connected SSDs to each of my two units, but if I ever add a third unit, unlikely, I won't have to buy another SSD and duplicate the contents again.
legacylenslover
pfm Member
I’ll add my support for the Pi suggestions above. Although I’m not sure a Pi 5 is needed.
I’ve put together four of these now; two for myself and two for family members.
That said, none are outputting on optical or AES (although I’m aware that HATs are available).
One is USB, another co-ax. The third has an amp hat (so outputs directly to passive speakers) and the fourth is via HDMI.
My two are FLAC files on a USB drive.
Can I ask what your DAC is?
I’ve considered a streamer as there is often the ability to to do what I require, I’ve used a Auralec Aries Mini and Allo before.
Thanks to all who replied.
That’s perfect, and can be done within budget.
Thanks to all who replied.
dan m
pfm Member
What OS/server are you running on the pi for these? I have a spare pi and big USB memory stick, so could try this out. Thanks.
legacylenslover
pfm Member
I’m currently running Moode, although previously used Volumio. Am/was happy with both.
I particularly like the Parametric Equaliser within Moode.
Tony L
Administrator
I’d argue a Pi5 was less suited than a 4 as it needs active cooling. That tends to mean a fan exactly where you want to put a hat. A fan means noise. You don’t need the power for audio streaming either. If I was using a Pi for high-res TV/video streaming I’d get the 5, if not a 4 or even 3 is absolutely fine.
PS I do have a 5 myself, but I view it as a backup computer rather than anything to do with the hi-fi.
legacylenslover
pfm Member
all of mine have been Pi 4 models and all 2Gb versions.
Perfectly adequate in my setup.
If I was buying again now and it was to be used as a streamer - nothing else - then I’d go for another Pi 4.