So,,, lets start with my requirements. The solution I would like for my Killerdac system would ideally include the following functions:
* Mandatory: Network connectivity (both wired and wireless), with the ability to read my music files on my NAS over the home network. On this, I do not want to have a PC or laptop sitting in my audio system, just to feed files in. I would like a simple device in my audio system, that receives and plays files (over the network).
* Mandatory: USB input,,,, so I may connect an external HDD to the unit, and read files off it (without additional PC's or laptops in the mix). Very handy when visitors come, with their USB hdd's loaded with music.
* Mandatory: I2S connectivity, for direct connection to the Killerdac.
* Nice to have: Smart phone/tablet remote control. I would like a solution, that has an app, that lets me browse and search my files, and queue up playback,,, from a tablet or phone, without having to sit on a keyboard to drive it. I an am IT guy, and I farken hate keyboards, it reminds me of work.
* Nice to have: Music service streaming integration (integrate Tidal, Spotify, Google Play Music, etc), so that playback of new music is seamless and fed into the music system.
* Nice to have: Bluetooth input
* Nice to have: on the fly downsampling and format conversion (take any music file and convert it to 16/44.1). Not only am I sick of burning CD's, I am also sick of converting files to 16/44.1, its a time waster. HQplayer seems to be the reference standard for this, so a solution offering HQplayer integration would be nice.
The mandatories are non-negotiable. They are a must have, otherwise the solution isnt for me. The 'nice to haves' would be good, but I could live without, they are for convenience more than anything else.
There are many retail streaming devices that offer alot of these features. But I'll be farked if I can find any that offers suitable I2S outputs.
If you read these requirements, and know of a solution that will do the job, let me know.
The solution I will build/test is this;
Raspberry Pi board, paired with a reclocking i2s output board. Further details on the next post.