This seems like total nonsense.
The developer has measured network traffic before and after this filter HERE. So, at least it is quantifiable nonsense…
But what real time effect is this having on audio.
For context I have 82 devices on my network right now. Last month just download was 1.3tb.
In respect of peoples perceptions of ‘audiophile’ network switches, the argument goes its not the 1s and 0s its EMI radiation and blah blah blah. I can almost, just almost believe that rubbish. But in respect of this particular nonsense then it appears to be all about the 1s and 0s.
Just because network traffic is smoothed out so what? Any mildly competent router/switch is going to manage that effectively.
-Plus, your mildly competent switch is inexpensive. You can spend the money you’ve saved on other things.
Just don’t denigrate my very enjoyable delusions.
I apologise for the differing opinion but this is a forum
Thing is the opinions on these various ‘tweaks’ are so contradictory, as to why they work that it feels like total nonsense.
Sorry!
I guess this is all on the Audiophile Style site, however, my understanding is as follows:
There are some things you have to accept to consider there being any potential benefit in this solution (and ultimately can hear a difference):
- You accept that any CPU activity generates electrical noise or EMI within the computer (transport/whatever)
- That generated noise can affect the quality of the audio signal that ultimately feeds into your DAC
The Diretta solution should reduce the CPU activity from a network perspective given everything other than music stream has been filtered (reduced electrical noise generated)
The music stream itself has been smoothed out in terms of packet size and no TCP overhead (syn/ack etc) reducing CPU activity and electrical noise further
That’s it from my understanding. As always whether you can hear that difference is another matter.
I think you would also have to address many other things to hear any difference at all such as quality power supplies to the RPis and decent clocks in the DDC etc. @MeridianDevo seems to have most of that sorted with his kit.
I use an Sotm streamer and it has a Diretta target mode. I have been comparing Roon with Diretta for a few months. They do not sound alike but overall considered they are at the same top tier. I still prefer Roon raat for its greater transparency and insight.
The sotm os also provides CPU and latency tuning options. When these first appeared, it was a revelation to me how an OS can affect streaming sound quality.
Are you able to add a separate RPi Host and link to your Target? I had been using Diretta with Roon in the conventional way, and was very surprised (and pleased) by the difference this <$200 isolation makes.
Haven’t had a pi to test with. Can they use external clocks?
Not external but I’ve seen Vinshine Audio sell a replacement board for RPi4 (they use it in their LHY RPi roonBridge product based on RoPieee that contains a “OCXO + PLL Reclocked Raspberry Pi 4 Model B”) . But to install it you need to unsolder/solder surface mount components and you run into problems with commercial coolers. The RPi 5 has improved timing, but I dont think it is easier to actually replace the clock.
Some of us re-clock after Pi’s with a DDC.
PMA Magazine weighs in. Steven Stone says “the Diretta host/target system as a Roon endpoint has increased both the time I want to listen to my main system and my enjoyment while doing so. I think most audiophiles would consider that a meaningful and important system improvement.”
I have a similar setup to M except for the fabulous DSP9.
Roon Core on Intel > Diretta Host > Diretta Target > Pi2AES_2.0 HAT > DSP5200SE
Host and Target are two Raspberry Pi 4B running GentooPlayer. (David Snyder prefers to use AudioLinux I believe). Core to Host is Roon RAAT over ethernet. Host to Target is a short run of Diretta over ethernet. Target to DSP5200 is AES/EBU to SpeakerLink input of the master loudspeaker. Audio but no comms. I use IR for volume etc..
The Diretta-facing side of the Host uses a second network interface. Ideally upgrade the Pi for two network interfaces. For now it uses ethernet dongle plugged into USB 3.0. I’m happy with the sound for now. Next step for me is power supply, especially for the Host Pi.
Besides getting close to the music I enjoy this as a hobby, and Raspberry Pi is certainly that and more.
I just installed a 5v/5A iFi Elite SMPS for Host which has made a substantial difference. It’s all about the electrons. -OldDogCan
Hey OldDogCan! It certainly is all about the electrons, not to mention the quarks.
I too was thinking about iFi, and Allo Nirvana for SMPS. Positive reviews. 5A is a good rating. Do you think 2.5 would a bit low for this job?
I have, and like, Allo Nirvana, but it’s pretty basic compared to Elite or Super3. My whole-house system (multi-zone inwall speaker setup) is based on WiiM and SMSL where Nirvana is appropriate.
Your double Pi Diretta streamer deserves really fast & clean power. Go for it!
Will do ![]()
Farad super 3 would be great but 559 euro not counting tax. iFi Elite is just shy of £300 over here, which is a stretch for me. Allo Shanti is $159, which is reachable. In the middle is a UK product: “MCRU Regulated Linear Power Supply for Raspberry Pi 4” for £200. Very interesting.
MCRU looks nice. I don’t know how it compares with my Shanti which I respect and use to charge the Ian Canada PurePi II for Diretta Target.
The cheap lps I had been buying is Sengterbelle R-core from China, now hopelessly complicated by tariffs. It powers a double modified-by-Audiophool NL Meraki cascade switch which connects server and endpoints.
Maybe Audiophonics in France has these?
That Sengterbelle item was on aliexpress but now it says its no longer available. Hmm
Reminder: I use Ian Canada PurePi II for my Target. $100