Inovato Quadra -- streamer option to Rasp Pi for USB DAC

[mlsstl]

Thanks for the more official way to set things up! The method above is something I just figured out on my own since I couldn't find anything more specific.

[chicks]

I recently stumbled across a new option for those interested in experimenting with DIY streamers. The company is called Inovato and they have a very inexpensive computer available called the Quadra. The base unit goes for $30 plus about $10 for shipping. The unit includes case (which is also the heat sink), power supply and HDMI cable. For $40 plus shipping, you get the same unit, but it also includes a 4-outlet USB hub and a faster wi-fi adapter. It has a micro SD slot, but doesn't need a card to run -- the Armbian OS comes pre-installed. Performance is probably equivalent to an RPi 3B.

Their web site is www.inovato.com.

The default audio output for the Inovato is combined with the HDMI video out. You can purchase an external HDMI splitter box to split this output into USB or S/PDIF output, however, that adds another box to the equation.

The Inovato Quadra does not have the 40 pin I/O header so you cannot use DAC HATs or output cards with it. However, you can use one of the USB outputs on the Quadra to feed a USB DAC using the Squeezelite program. Here are the setup instructions that worked for me. I used a Topping E-30 DAC to test.

1) Follow the Inovato instructions to configure the wireless connection (if not using Ethernet). If a new unit, update the password and allow the software to finish its updates.

2) Install Squeezelite. Open a terminal window and type the following command at the prompt:
$ sudo apt install squeezelite

3) Plug in your USB DAC to the Quadra.

4) Run the following command:
$ /usr/bin/squeezelite -l
This will give you a list of all the audio card options available on your Quadra.

5) For my Topping DAC, I chose the "plughw:CARD=E30,DEV=0" option. You may need to try more than one option to find the one that works best for your DAC.

6) Now edit the Squeezelite startup script. At the command prompt, type:
$ sudo nano /etc/init.d/squeezelite

7) Add the line below, following SCRIPTNAME=/etc/init.d/$NAME (approximately line 20):
SL_SOUNDCARD=plughw:CARD=E30,DEV=0

8) Save the edited file using CTRL O, then press Enter. Press CTRL X to exit the text editor.

9) Reboot the Quadra. The Squeezelite player should show up on LMS as an available player under the "Inovato" name.

The file to edit in step 6 will be /etc/default/squeezelite. Here's how I set mine up for my RME ADI-2 DAC FS. I generally use hw: vs plughw:

[email protected]:/etc/default$ cat squeezelite
# Defaults for squeezelite initscript
# sourced by /etc/init.d/squeezelite
# installed at /etc/default/squeezelite by the maintainer scripts

# The name for the squeezelite player:
SL_NAME="$(hostname -s)"

# ALSA output device:
SL_SOUNDCARD="hw:CARD=DAC55780269,CARD=0"

# Squeezebox server (Logitech Media Server):
# Uncomment the next line if you want to point squeezelite at the IP address of
# your squeezebox server. This is usually unnecessary as the server is
# automatically discovered.
#SB_SERVER_IP="192.168.x.y"

# Additional options to pass to squeezelite:
# Please do not include -z to make squeezelite daemonise itself.
#SB_EXTRA_ARGS=""

[mlsstl]

Thanks. I had seen that, but thought it might be useful to include the specific steps I went though to get it up and running.

[Yatsushiro]

https://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?116819-Inovato-Quadra-29-Squeezelite-player&highlight=quadra

[mlsstl]

I recently stumbled across a new option for those interested in experimenting with DIY streamers. The company is called Inovato and they have a very inexpensive computer available called the Quadra. The base unit goes for $30 plus about $10 for shipping. The unit includes case (which is also the heat sink), power supply and HDMI cable. For $40 plus shipping, you get the same unit, but it also includes a 4-outlet USB hub and a faster wi-fi adapter. It has a micro SD slot, but doesn't need a card to run -- the Armbian OS comes pre-installed. Performance is probably equivalent to an RPi 3B.

Their web site is www.inovato.com.

The default audio output for the Inovato is combined with the HDMI video out. You can purchase an external HDMI splitter box to split this output into USB or S/PDIF output, however, that adds another box to the equation.

The Inovato Quadra does not have the 40 pin I/O header so you cannot use DAC HATs or output cards with it. However, you can use one of the USB outputs on the Quadra to feed a USB DAC using the Squeezelite program. Here are the setup instructions that worked for me. I used a Topping E-30 DAC to test.

1) Follow the Inovato instructions to configure the wireless connection (if not using Ethernet). If a new unit, update the password and allow the software to finish its updates.

2) Install Squeezelite. Open a terminal window and type the following command at the prompt:
$ sudo apt install squeezelite

3) Plug in your USB DAC to the Quadra.

4) Run the following command:
$ /usr/bin/squeezelite -l
This will give you a list of all the audio card options available on your Quadra.

5) For my Topping DAC, I chose the "plughw:CARD=E30,DEV=0" option. You may need to try more than one option to find the one that works best for your DAC.

6) Now edit the Squeezelite startup script. At the command prompt, type:
$ sudo nano /etc/init.d/squeezelite

7) Add the line below, following SCRIPTNAME=/etc/init.d/$NAME (approximately line 20):
SL_SOUNDCARD=plughw:CARD=E30,DEV=0

8) Save the edited file using CTRL O, then press Enter. Press CTRL X to exit the text editor.

9) Reboot the Quadra. The Squeezelite player should show up on LMS as an available player under the "Inovato" name.