PecanPi+ DAC
Best high fidelity audio upgrade for discerning budget conscious enthusiasts.
Experience unparalleled audio fidelity with the Orchard Audio PecanPi+ Streamer Premium DAC. This device masterfully blends a Raspberry Pi 3 streamer with a high-performance AKM AK4499EXEQ DAC chipset for exceptional clarity and detail. Its minimalist aluminum chassis houses a vibrant 5" touchscreen and a tactile physical volume knob. Enjoy seamless streaming via Volumio or Ropieee, AirPlay, and UPnP, complemented by a lifetime Volumio Premium subscription. With versatile analog and digital outputs, it's the ultimate solution for discerning audiophiles seeking a dedicated, high-resolution streaming experience.
$1500.00
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Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
338
/ 1078
#338 in Headphone Amplifiers
Price vs Category Average
+7%
Above average
DAC Chipset
4499
/ AKM AKEXEQ
Who it's for
- Discerning listeners seeking pristine sound quality from their digital music.
- DIY audio builders wanting a high-performance DAC for their Raspberry Pi projects.
- Users needing diverse connection types for various audio systems and headphones.
Who should skip it
- Casual listeners expecting a standalone, plug-and-play digital-to-analog converter.
- Value-focused consumers looking for an entry-level DAC solution.
- Non-technical users preferring simple, out-of-the-box audio components.
Performance breakdown
Signal Fidelity
Industry-leading noise floor and distortion figures deliver pristine, transparent audio reproduction.
Streaming Versatility
Seamless integration with Roon, AirPlay, and UPnP covers almost every audiophile use-case.
Headphone Drive Capability
Robust power output easily handles demanding cans, though balanced adapters are recommended.
Interface Experience
The responsive touchscreen and physical volume knob provide a tactile, intuitive control.
Build Quality
Minimalist aluminum chassis feels substantial, durable, and right at home on desktops.
Software Ecosystem
Lifetime Volumio Premium inclusion adds immense long-term value to the streaming experience.
Key Specs
DAC Chipset
AKM AK4499EXEQ
Modulator
AK4191EQ
Clock Jitter
82 femtoseconds (Crystek)
Analog Output Amplifiers
Burr-Brown
Voltage Regulators
Analog Devices (ultra-low-noise)
THD+N (RCA)
0.00025%
THD+N (XLR)
0.00016%
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (A-weighted, RCA)
128dB
Know before you buy
Yes, the device is designed for a wired Ethernet connection to ensure the most stable and high-fidelity streaming experience. It does not include built-in Wi-Fi.
Absolutely. In addition to its streaming capabilities, the unit features a coaxial S/PDIF input, allowing you to connect external digital sources like a CD transport or another streamer to utilize its high-performance AKM DAC architecture.
The device supports Roon, AirPlay, and UPnP, with native integration for services like Qobuz, Tidal, and Spotify Connect. It comes pre-configured with your choice of Volumio or Ropieee, and includes a lifetime subscription to Volumio Premium.
The headphone output is quite capable, delivering 45.5mW into 300-ohm loads. For even more power, you can use a balanced XLR adapter to achieve up to 1.7W into 32 ohms, providing plenty of headroom for demanding headphones.
The volume knob provides digital control over the output level. This allows for precise adjustments while maintaining the signal integrity provided by the high-resolution analog stage.
Yes, you can play music files stored on a network-attached drive or by plugging a USB drive directly into one of the four USB-A ports on the back panel.
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$1500