Customer Reviews
I tend to be cautious about DIY streamer reviews because it’s hard to gauge reviewers’ points of reference. Are they comparing it to a WiiM or something similarly entry-level? However, after setting up this “Frankenstein’s Monster” streamer in my headphone rig—paired with a Schiit Gungnir DAC feeding into a Schiit Folkvangr amp—I was pleasantly surprised.
My previous streaming experience includes using a Bluesound Node into the Gungnir, and an Auralic Altair G1 directly feeding the Folkvangr. Additionally, I have a Cary DMS-700 in another setup, which positions me to make fair comparisons.
This streamer truly impressed me. Even via coax output (since my DACs don’t support I2S), the sound quality is exceptional—delivering clarity without harshness, impressive dynamics, and engaging musicality. It significantly outperforms the Bluesound Node and even surpasses the integrated streamer/DAC functionality of the Auralic Altair. Frankly, I’m hesitant to try it in my main system because it might outperform my Cary DMS-700.
Assembly was straightforward, particularly with Gabster’s instructional video and provided directions. Initially, mine didn’t function properly with a standard power supply, but it works flawlessly using an iFi SilentPower iPower2. Running Ropiee OS required following guidelines from both the Ropiee website and the FifoPi Q7II instructions, but after that, it’s been smooth sailing.
Highly recommended for anyone seeking premium streaming performance from a DIY solution.
I received the Flagship on time and it went together with very little trouble. The manual was a bit difficult to find but that was mainly my unfamiliarity with Ian's website.
Once I put the Flagship together it was basically plug and play. I'm using Volumio and Tidal to stream my music. It sounds fantastic and it's very gratifying to see the actual rate on the small screen. The stock Tidal software doesn't show the actual rate unless you get a 3rd party plugin, which I find a bit annoying since the high rate is one of the main reasons I bought Tidal. It'd nice to see what I'm paying for.
Great job Ian!
The outcome exceeded my expectations, I just had to add Receiver PI & Amanero to go above DSD128. It was my first experience tinkering with RPI and boards. Manuals had all I needed but one needs to watch out and not to miss key details. Ian was responsive and helped resolve all my issues eventually. If I had to nitpick I had to order extra stands for the acrylic top.
If you are even a bit of a DIY guy wondering if you can successfully assemble and get get one of these streamers to work and if the streamer will be a significant improvement to your system… I have good news for you! The reclocking streamer I built allowed me to send I2S/DSD/DoP over HDMI to my DAC and added to resolution, clarity, and sound stage from my DAC.
Between the written instructions Ian provides for each component, the Gabster YouTube videos, and diyaudio.com forums you can study it all throughly before you buy anything. When it came time for me to assemble mine, it was something I was able to do confidently.
I ordered A93 Streamer with SC CUT clocks, to upgrade my Singxer SU2 which was deeply modified with supercap, low noise LDO and USB isolator IC, with external 10Mhz OCXO at1hz -110dB phase noise. I made a right decision after I discussed with Ian, A93 won SU2, not a bit, but much more than I expected, as DIY KIT, A93 with SC CUT Clocks seem like not cheap, after you taste it sound quality, it worth the money I paid.
