ProtoDAC TDA1387 X8 project

[hifinet]

I am powering my entire stack (RPi Zero W/Allo Kali/ProtoDAC) with the 5V PurePi output from the ultracapacitors. This connects to the barrel DC jack of Kali, which powers the stack. Kali does have some input filtering.

I really like the sound. Surprisingly, the soundstage is a tiny bit smaller than compared to the $15 Allo 5V SMPS. Everything else is much better. The haze of noise is gone. Better depth, definition, detail and bass.

I think the design of PurePi seems very odd. The LiFePO4 batteries provide power only for the 3.3V supply. The two 100F ultracapacitors in series provide power only for the 5V supply. The USB-C SMPS charges both.

So that means in normal operation, the batteries are providing power to the FifoPi Q7 and DAC HAT. The ultracapacitors are providing power to the Raspberry Pi. Very odd. Seems to be a real waste of ultracapacitors.