Devuan Users Audio Sound Setups

HardSun · Today 00:49:00

Just curious what devuan users have for audio setups, mine is pretty simple, just a portable bluetooth speaker but I think a rather nice sounding one, although i would love a better setup with proper quality PC speakers but i just dont have the room, i have a tiny desk and it fits my screen, keyboard and pc just snug with the portable speaker.

Its a Marshall Emberton II.
https://www.marshall.com/us/en/product/ … id=1006884

Thread should be specific to devuan users running the devuan linux os and what works for them

steve_v · Today 05:40:44

Main Rig:
Source: Random HP SFF POS machine, salvaged industial touchscreen, Auzentech X-Meridian 7.1 2G PCI soundcard, running Mopidy + webui kiosk on Devuan (curently oldoldstable).
Amp: Homebuilt 2U rackmount class A/B power amp, ~350WPC x2, based on Silicon Chip magazine Studio 350 project.
Main drivers: Cerwin Vega E315.
Subwoofer: 15" Cerwin Vega (I forget the model, onboard amp died and replaced with 200W class-D mosfet board I also forget the details of).

All old-school analog, all brute-force, pleasantly low noise and THD (the lousy sub amp doesn't count, it's a sub).

PC rig (not Devuan):
Source: Onboard analog audio (realtek ALC1220).
Amp: Homebuilt class A/B power amp, ~60WPC x2, based on Elliot Sound Products project 3A.
Drivers: JPW ML510

Last edited by steve_v (Today 05:49:17)

HardSun · Today 05:48:27

So steve, you just use an old HP PC as a sound server that runs all that hardware? Very cool, would love something like this oneday.
Ive always favored Denon, used to have $3k Denon setup back in the 90's, not connected to a computer but just the amp, cd/tape tuner and speakers setup.

steve_v · Today 06:00:10

you just use an old HP PC as a sound server that runs all that hardware?

I wanted something that I could put my Auzentech card in (because excellent sound quality, socketed opamps, sufficiently high output level to directly drive power amp without needing a preamp), that means a 32bit PCI slot, which means kinda old (i.e. ~sandybridge).
Ended up with *goes to look* an HP RP5800, which being a POS machine has the added advantage of powered-USB (12 & 24v) so I can do power+data for the touchscreen with a single cable.

Mopidy/MPD control is via webui (local touchscreen or remote), android app, or cantata on another PC. Sources are FLAC files over SMB from my (also Devuan) fileserver.
IMO a HiFi is for music (also, I haven't owned a TV for over a decade), so this setup does exactly what it needs to do and no more.
I did play around with a raspberry pi + DAC hat, but frankly the Auzentech just sounds better (primarily because it has real analog volume control).

Ive always favored Denon

I don't really do the brand-loyalty (excepting a minor soft-spot for '70's Sansui, reminding me to get on with fixing that AU9500) or "big name / big money must sound good" bit, I just mix and match what works and let my ears (and when it comes to amplifiers, my 'scope) be the judge.
I honestly have no idea what that 350W amp cost me to build, but it's probably getting up around a couple grand... A price worth paying for something with that much grunt and the ultimate (I built it, so I can always fix it) in serviceability and simplicity - No frills, no digital nonsense, just power and line-level in, speaker level out, a power button and one status light.

The rest is an assortment of opportunistic mostly second-hand purchases, dumpster-diving, and "screw it, nobody makes what I want, I'll just build it".

I don't know how you survived going from a 3K hifi to a portable bluetooth speaker, that sounds kinda painful TBH. If it's space at a premuim... Do speakers not take priority over bed, chair, kitchen table, other optional furniture?

Last edited by steve_v (Today 07:00:19)

PedroReina · Today 08:23:38

Main desktop is attached to an Arcam ALPHA amplifier with Q-Acoustic 2020 speakers.

Less used desktop is attached to an NAD C 325BEE amplifier with ProAc Studio 1 speakers.

Casual desktop in a small nook just uses Bose Companion 2 Series III speakers:
http://pedroreina.net/pedro/ei/nipogi.jpeg

I keep an eye on the Edifier R1280T active speakers for future upgrades.

HardSun · Today 08:25:58

@steve_v

By favored i mean it was my favorite hifi system at the time after going through 2 others hifi brands/systems from as far back as the early 80's to late 80's.
The Denon surround sound was incredible at the time (around 1998), first album i played on it was Metallica's Master Of Puppets and it gave me goosebumbs at how clear and loud the sound was. Times change though and I lost interest in having nice things as people in my life ruined them on me. At the moment I live in shared accommodation so space and my own noise are at a premium.

Last edited by HardSun (Today 08:28:11)

kapqa · Today 12:17:06

@PedroReina , that sounds like an interesting setup (exotic to me)

but i have also the Bose Companion as my PC desktop sepaker;
was shochked lately when run the trifield EMF meter next to them, for RF gauge meter went "off" the scale;
maybe they have some hidden chip inside, it doesnt seem right.
from what have seem, they are one of only company that dont publish any releveant specs to their speakers like frequency range etc.
but they tend sound rather OK; still would like to replace, even more so now that the EMF meter alerted me do so.

but there are not many good speaker for small desk and small room;
was hoping for Genelec 8010 or the new Adam Audio ones;
but he are expensive!
and sophisticated as they seem, they probably bring their own EMF to the table.

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#1 Today 00:49:00

Devuan Users Audio Sound Setups

#2 Today 05:40:44

Re: Devuan Users Audio Sound Setups

#3 Today 05:48:27

Re: Devuan Users Audio Sound Setups

#4 Today 06:00:10

Re: Devuan Users Audio Sound Setups

#5 Today 08:23:38

Re: Devuan Users Audio Sound Setups

#6 Today 08:25:58

Re: Devuan Users Audio Sound Setups

#7 Today 12:17:06

Re: Devuan Users Audio Sound Setups

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