* Current software supports PCM upto 384KHz & DSD256

This HiRes Audio streamer PCB / Linux PC features a fully programmable 16 core audio subsystem offloading the requirement of custom audio software drivers – by emulating an externally connected USB audio device allows the use of Linux’s native audio drivers while preserving a bit accurate and jitter free* digital audio data source.

*The Audio subsystem and multiple PLL’s synchronise the external supplied low jitter Audio master clock to all system clocks used within the streamer CPU and external peripheral subsystems (HDMI, Ethernet, USB etc.) including the multiple switching regulators. The CM3 module itself is hand modified with the aid of a microscope to allow an external clock input.

In the interest of least RF emissions, no WiFi or Bluetooth connection is included, but can be added (at user’s discretion) by the use of an external WiFi/BT USB dongle.

Care has been taken to reduce the internal enclosures emissions with the use of independently RF screened sections.

Network connectivity is envisaged by the use of the wired Ethernet port.

The prime intention is that this streamer platform is supported by the open source community allowing endless uses. We can work with software developers on customisation to the Audio Sub System. The streamer PCB also features an UART & I2C communications channel to the external DAC / system allowing more complex system integration – its designed to be a flexible platform – not just limited to being an internal streamer solution for the MDAC2.

BCM2837 1.2GHz 64-bit Quad core ARM Cortex A53 (ARMv8) processor with dedicated 512Kbyte L2 cache (as used on the Raspberry Pi 3).

Onboard 1Gbyte LPDDR2 RAM and 4Gbytes eMMC Flash

24 Bit wide RGB Display Parallel Interface (DPI) (with I2C for touch panel interface support). Custom display solutions are available upon request.

DSI (MIPI Serial Display)

The PCB has a full a full 24 Bit RGB LCD Parallel Interface (DPI) and DSI (MIPI Serial Display) connected to CM3 module GPIO’s and also a full MultiBit BUS via a 50 W connector to the 16 core Audio Subsystem* which can also directly drive various user display and front panel options (user controls) thus offering endless system design possibilities.

* the audio subsystem is based on a 32-bit multicore xCORE architecture microcontroller (Up to 2000 MIPS in dual issue mode) featuring 32x32 64-bit MAC instructions for DSP, arithmetic and user-definable cryptographic functions with 512KB internal single-cycle SRAM and 2MB internal flash for application code and overlays.

A USB boot tool is available on Github which allows a host PC running Linux to write the BCM2837 boot code over USB to the streamer module. That boot code then runs and provides access to the onboard eMMC as a USB mass storage device, which can then be read and written using the host PC. For those using Windows a precompiled and packaged tool is available.

The streamer PCB also features a Battery Backup Real Time Clock that can be accessed by both the CM3 & Audio Subsystem microcontroller.

Within Europe GBP250 + P&P,

Outside of Europe GBP250 + P&P & applicable Tax’s + Duty.

First 100Pcs shipped within 2 weeks* of installation of our in-house Pick and Place machine (PnP machine on 6 - 7 week delivery upon placement of order) .

*Subject to component availability – the CM3 module itself is in very short supply.

The streamer can be shipped ahead of MDAC2 delivery to those who are technically competent (for software development etc.) or can be fitted in the MDAC2 during the upgrade process.

The optional DEVDAC design is pending and will be offered in the near-term, this development PCB features a pair of ES9038Q2M’s with RCA and Balanced XLR audio outputs.

The DEVDAC PCB also contains the audio Master clocks allowing a fully functional Audio / Streamer system for developmental purposes. Power supplied via an external liner PSU.

The DEVDAC supports the full Audio profile (up to 768KHz and DSD512 via USB) and also a features a connector for an external ADC PCB – this emulates the “MDAC2” hardware facilitating early MDAC2 software development.

The DEVDAC can also be used with external USB*, Coax and optical inputs and features basic display indication and user “Front Panel” controls such as input selection, audio level and LED mode indication.

*This USB port is also used for to write the BCM2837 boot code over USB to the streamer module. This boot code then runs and provides access to the onboard eMMC as a USB mass storage device.

It is possible to combine these PCB’s into an external chassis for an affordable DIY RPi based audiophile streamer – custom front panel / Remote control formats can also be considered subject to a minimal NRE cost.

The DEVDAC can also be used with external USB*, Coax and optical inputs and features basic display indication and user “Front Panel” controls such as input selection, audio level and LED mode indication.

*This USB port is also used for to write the BCM2837 boot code over USB to the streamer module. This boot code then runs and provides access to the onboard eMMC as a USB mass storage device.

Its possible to combine these PCB’s into an external chassis for an affordable DIY RPi based audiophile streamer – custom front panel / Remote control formats can also be considered, subject to a minimal NRE cost.

Within Europe GBP179 + P&P,

Outside of Europe GBP179 + P&P & applicable Tax’s + Duty