SQ Comparison of 3 streamers

@lanx0003 

@hjdca  I am glad you enjoy Rivo+ as I do.  After upgrading the xlr IC and I2s cables (Veritas Magnus and Optimus), the sound was even taken to the next level and becoming more smooth and liquid (on a good recording).

Are you using a regular USB adapter for microSD? I think it’s a good idea because it will eliminate the cable. However, I would think the “quality” of the adapter also matters—correct me if I’m wrong. I use an SSD, and I’ve found the cable for the SSD also affects sound quality noticeably.

I am using USB between the Rivo+ and my DAC.  My DAC does not support I2s and I have DSD files (.dsf) to feed from Rivo+ to the DAC. 

Regarding MicroSD card, I talked to Volumio support for the Rivo+ and they told me the most direct and cleanest way to play files from the Rivo+ was to insert a MicroSD card in the slot in the back of the Rivo+.  Note: There is a special MicroSD dedicated slot in the back of the Rivo+.  It provides the straightest path, fastest performance, least amount of power required, and the best sonics --- ie. vs. USB stick or external SSD.  I bought a higher end 1TB MicroSD card and I put all my music files on it, and just plugged into the back of the Rivo+.  The Volumio interface accesses it through the "library" menu and performance is excellent - lightening fast UI and queuing.  Sonics are excellent. 

@hjdca  I did not notice that.  Thank you so much for letting me know.  My collection on SSD is over 1TB so I probably need 1.5 or 2 TB card for read/write speeds at lease 150m/s and 30m/s, which is kinda pricy.  What brand you have?

@lanx0003 

@hjdca  I did not notice that.  Thank you so much for letting me know.  My collection on SSD is over 1TB so I probably need 1.5 or 2 TB card for read/write speeds at lease 150m/s and 30m/s, which is kinda pricy.  What brand you have?

I have the SanDisk Extreme PRO microSDXC UHS-I Memory Card 1 TB Class 10, V30, U3, 200 MB/s Transfer.  It is approx. $200.  I think it might be overkill, and getting this type of performance and quality in a 2TB card will be cost prohibitive.   The performance is instantaneous, so, you may be able to get a reduced performance 2TB card and not notice.  For a 1.5TB or 2TB MicroSD, I would look at the SanDisk Ultra instead of the Extreme PRO.  I think speed is about the same, but, they are just probably not as sturdy.  You will not be taking it in and out of the slot that much anyway. 

Note:  The investment in a MicroSD card is worth it.  I found the performance night and day better than a USB stick. So, I think it will be worth it -- even when getting a lower performing MicroSD card. 

I believe you, @hjdca. This eliminates both the cable and the adapter and should be as good as it gets from streaming if not better.

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