The original PecanPi Streamer encapsulates what a dedicated hardware audio streamer should be, taking into consideration that the product category is by definition obsolescence-prone, as all computers are, basically. The Orchard Audio implementation at least focuses on delivering high quality audio at a price that is significantly more affordable than anything in the market - competitive even with DIY options.
It offers a very decent DAC stage with dual Burr-Brown PCM1794As and features true balanced dual differential output stages, dual parallel TI OPA1622 SoundPlus audio op amps on a regular headphones output, and quad parallel OPA1622s on a separate output for balanced headphones. The balanced XLR line output is specified for 130dB SNR (A-weighted) with 125dB of dynamic range and THD+N at -110dB or 0.0003%, which is a good representation of the developer's priorities.
Adding an USB-compliant device, the fully featured PecanPi USB version is compatible with Windows (ASIO driver), macOS (driverless), Linux Alsa 2.0 and Android/iOS, supporting PCM streams up to 24-bit/192kHz and being able to play any audio formats including DSD.
The PecanPi Streamer works with the open source Volumio player and can work as a DLNA/UPnP and AirPlay renderer, as well as a native TIDAL, Qobuz, Amazon Alexa, and Highresaudio.com integrated platform. Of course it also works with the moOde Audio player for Raspberry Pi boards, and serves as a Roon End Point, among other integrations. The PecanPi DAC is also Roon Tested.
The new PecanPi Streamer Ultra continues to use Orchard Audio’s PecanPi DAC, and is basically the same PecanPi Streamer with the addition of a 5", 800x480 pixel, touchscreen display on the front of the unit, and all connections (Ethernet, USB, XLR, RCA etc.) on the back. The metal case is slightly bigger, and built with the same robust quality of the PecanPi Streamer. The software options are the same as for the PecanPi Streamer.
In fact, Leo Ayzenshtat, Orchard Audio's founder and chief-vision-officer, already confirmed that both versions of the streamer will continue to be available and can be purchased with either one of the Roon end-point, Volumio, moOde Audio or piCorePlayer software options.
PecanPi Streamer Ultra pre-orders are available now for $799.95 – use discount code “preorder50” at checkout. PecanPi Streamer is available for $499.99.
www.orchardaudio.com
