By The Orchard Audio PecanPi + Premium, with an online consumer-direct price of $1,499, is the company’s latest streamer DAC (digital to analog converter) and an evolution of the Orchard AudioPecanPi+ that I reviewed in May 2024 (around $900 as configured). At that time, I was impressed with its audio performance, which had a compelling sonic advantage over esteemed products in that price range, such as the Bluesound Node and the Eversolo DMP A6. The drawback was PecanPi’s do-it-yourself (DIY) vibe, as well as the need to select the operating system at time of purchase: the Volumio APP, Roon End Point, or two other platforms. Orchard Audio has changed all that with the inclusion of the Volumio Premium license, which comes standard with the PecanPi+ Premium (hence the addition of “Premium” in its new name). Furthermore, the PecanPi+ Premium, in combination with Volumio Premium, is Roon Ready (learn more about Roon here), integrates Tidal Connect, and Qobuz Connect will soon be available. Lastly, the PecanPi+ Premium features a new wrapper that resembles an audio component with a sleek touchscreen. Join me as I unpack what’s new, what has stayed the same, how it performs, and whether the differences are worth the additional $600.
What Makes the Orchard Audio PecanPi+Premium Streamer DAC So Special?
- The Orchard Audio PecanPi Premium, with its updated metal work, resembles a higher-end audiophile component more than its sibling, now featuring a four-inch by three-inch color touchscreen and overall larger dimensions. While it retains a bespoke do-it-yourself appearance with a utilitarian vibe, these changes are a massive step in the right direction. My favorite parts of the new design are the engraved Orchard Audio logo on the top of the component, as well as the touchscreen.
- The Orchard Audio PecanPi + Premium now comes standard with a Premium subscription (no additional cost to consumer) of the Volumio operating system and app, which includes integrated music services, such as Tidal, Qobuz, and Pandora. As I previously mentioned, Tidal Connect is supported, and Volumio will soon add Qobuz Connect. Volumio also features Roon-Ready functionality. The inclusion of Volumio’s operating system and app is a significant step in making the PecanPi more mainstream and consumer-oriented.
- The Orchard Audio PecanPi+ Premium, like the older PecanPi+, utilizes the AK4199 and AK4499EXEQ tandem chipset from AKM’s Verita Velvet Sound product line, their most advanced technology. The AK4191 manages filtering and Delta Sigma processing, while the AK4499EX performs the digital to analog conversion.
- The Orchard Audio implementation of the AKM two-part chipset achieves a signal to noise ratio of 133 dB on the XLR output and 128 dB on the RCA outputs. These specifications surpass those of many other streaming DACs that I have reviewed. Additionally, on the Orchard Audio website, charts and graphs are provided to support the published specifications, which is something I wish more manufacturers would provide. This transparency is a key aspect of the service that Orchard Audio offers its customers. According to Orchard Audio, these high specifications are a result of a proprietary clean circuit board layout, low-noise parts, a proprietary jitter reduction circuit, and overall design.
- High-quality components and parts throughout are the underlying mantra of the Orchard Audio PecanPi + Premium. For example, a Crystek oscillator clock that provides ultra-low clock jitter, along with the XLR fully-balanced differential output stage featuring Panasonic resistors and proprietary filtering. RCA single-ended outputs are also provided.
- The Orchard Audio PecanPi + Premium uses three ultra-low noise linear regulators. The DAC chips gets is own dedicated linear regulator, as well as the bi-polar power supplies for all of the operation amplifiers (op-amps) have linear regulators. The Orchard Audio PecanPi + Premium has an RCA Coax SPDIF digital input and four USB inputs.
Why Should You Care About the Orchard Audio PecanPi + Premium Streamer DAC?
The Orchard Audio PecanPi+ Premium offers true high-end audio for the devoted audio enthusiast at a real-world price. It’s not inexpensive, but by modern standards, it is reasonable. Additionally, in my view, the PecanPi+ Premium can be likened to a cult winery: small, without a typical distribution path, with limited awareness among mainstream consumers, yet yielding decadent results. With Orchard Audio, you must be “in the know” of one of audio’s best-kept secrets (you know now), and that is just pure fun. With its updated yet offbeat appearance, the PecanPi+ Premium is sure to spark interest among friends and family when they see it. Best of all, the PecanPi+ Premium is made in the United States. Some internal components are sourced internationally, which is a typical and unavoidable practice in the electronics industry. Collectively, if these attributes are not a reason to care about the Orchard Audio PecanPi+, I don’t know what would be.
Some Things You Might Not Like About the Orchard Audio PecanPi + Premium Streamer DAC…
- I was going to say that the Orchard Audio PecanPi + Premium didn’t support Spotify but I was wrong. You need a Volumio account (even a free one) and then install the Spotify App. You learn something new every day.
- Apple AirPlay2 is not supported by the Orchard Audio PecanPi + Premium but older versions are with their Apple settings dialed-in correctly. Perhaps the target audience of the PecanPi+ Premium does not care. I don’t care, since AirPlay is a lossy platform and requires your mobile device to send the stream, but Apple owns 20 percent of the streaming market and, in most situations, Apple Music can only be streamed with AirPlay. Additionally, AirPlay integration enables the use of non-standard streaming services through the AirPlay path, providing some level of universal compatibility. If you are unwilling to switch to a high-resolution mainstream streaming service, the PecanPi+ Premium may not be for you.
- The Orchard Audio PecanPi+ Premium can support DSD files, but only after converting them to PCM files, which is not an issue for me, but may be a concern for DSD purists. I must confess that I mainly stream from services like Tidal and Qobuz, and neither of these services streams in DSD. I have not seen any streaming provider offer DSD files. The only way to obtain DSD files is to purchase them, and even that is limited at this point. But if you are one of those consumers who does go out of their way for DSD music files and wants to keep the signal in its native format until analog conversion, seek an alternative streamer DAC.
- While the Orchard Audio PecanPi+ Premium features a new enclosure and touchscreen, it still retains an atypical appearance. I can imagine some consumers won’t take to it. Only you can decide. I think it looks bespoke and intriguing. I let performance drive my priorities: function over form.
Listening to the Orchard Audio PecanPi + Premium Streamer DAC …
My current reference system is a Pass Labs XP 22 preamplifier wired to a set of Pass Labs XA60.8high-current monoblock amplifiers. It operates in full Class-A mode up to 60 watts at eight ohms, doubling power at four ohms, and again at two ohms. Estelon Aura floorstanding speakers would be the final stage of my system, creating a highly resolving platform. The system is connected with various Wireworld cables, including Eclipse 8 speaker cables, interconnects, and Electra 7 power cables for the amplifiers.
Starting with the PecanPi+ Premium connected to my preamplifier, while on the track “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” Qobuz FLAC 44.1 kHz 16-bit, by Shaboozey from his 2024 album Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going, using the Volumio app, then Tidal Connect, and finally Roon, all three methods provided excellent coherence, imaging and soundstage. Roon had a slight advantage, with additional smoothness in the vocals, an extended frequency crispness, and less hash at the extended range. The Orchard Audio PecanPi+ Premium impressed me sonically. I was allowed to forget about the electronics and sink into the dynamic audio of this track, which is catchy and well-recorded. The PecanPi+ Premium provided a distinct separation from a dark backdrop and between the various instruments. Additionally, the audio showed a linear frequency response across a broader frequency range. Bass was highly present at the deeper regions, which tends to taper off with other players.
With the Orchard Audio PecanPi+ Premium connected directly to the amplifiers (no preamplifier), and with a few clicks in the Volumio app switching to variable output, the streamer was now controlling volume. As a preamplifier, the PecanPi+ Premium worked astonishingly well. Imaging continued to impress, with a vast amount of clarity and soundstage. Another advantage of this type of connection is that volume control is now with my mobile device. I was able to walk around my home, controlling the track and volume. While my Pass Labs XP-22 had a sonic advantage, the difference was not as dramatic as you would think. Using a streamer DAC player as your volume control does not always yield optimal results. It is not a given, nor should it be expected. However, when it does perform well, it is an opportunity for individuals on a tight budget or seeking a simpler solution: if streaming is your preferred way to enjoy music, you can build a system around the PecanPi+ Premium and allocate more funds to amplifiers and speakers to complete your rig, with excellent results.
Continuing with the Orchard Audio PecanPi+ Premium in preamplifier mode, I played the track “Shape of My Heart” (Qobuz FLAC, 44.1 kHz, 16-bit) by Sting from his 1993 Ten Summoner’s Tales album. Instrumentation was articulate and clear, with excellent imaging. The black background continued, as with the first track, providing fantastic depth and separation of the musicians and Sting’s dry, textured vocals. The overall capability of the Orchard Audio PecanPi+ Premium is spectacular.
I had on hand the Bluesound Node Icon (read my review), with a retail price of $1,199, similar to the PecanPi+ Premium. A side-by-side comparison, with both units connected to my preamplifier, revealed that the PecanPi has a slight audio quality advantage. Both sounded good, but I could hear additional smoothness in vocals, clarity in cymbals, and more intense midrange instrumentation. It is not a staggering difference, but a difference there is.
I did a quick comparison of the PecanPi+ Premium to a HiFi Rose RS130 Transport ($5,295) and their RD160 DAC ($5,195) just for fun, as the price difference is massive. Notably, the HiFi Rose DAC utilizes the same AKM chipset, albeit in a more elaborate, separate right and left dedicated DAC layout. The HiFi Rose stack did have sonic advantages, but the differences, while noticeable, were not as dramatic as one would think. Welcome to the world of high-end audiophile DACs, right? An elevated level of higher-frequency airiness, as well as an even darker backdrop, was evident. Additionally, the Rose set up benefits from sophisticated casework and full frontal screen display, along with a vast array of connectivity and configurability on both Rose components. However, there is also a $9,000 difference that gives one pause, allowing time to ponder, for sure.
Will the Orchard Audio PecanPi + Premium Streamer DAC Keep Its Value?
Because the PecanPi+ Premium is a high performer and utilizes quality internal components, the player will last a long time, and consumers will be less likely to seek an upgrade, thereby limiting the secondary market supply and maintaining higher pricing. Consumers will be better off purchasing a new unit instead of hoping to save a few bucks on a used one. There also just isn’t that much room for an affordable component like the Orchard Audio PecanPi + Premium to depreciate.
What Is the Competition for the Orchard Audio PecanPi + Premium Streamer DAC?
The Eversolo DMP A8, priced at $1,999, is a full-width audio component with sleek looks and specifications to match. It uses the same AKM DAC chipset, configured with each channel receiving its own chipset: one set for the left and another set for the right. Casework quality is excellent. As for sonic performance and reliability, I am unable to comment. But this would be an interesting comparison.
The HiFi Rose RS250A (buy at Crutchfield) retails for $2,695 and boasts an excellent form factor, featuring a large screen and substantial casework that alone could warrant the extra investment. I have not used the RS250A, but based on my experience with other HiFi Rose products, it is worth an audition.
The Bluesound Node Icon (buy at Crutchfield), previously discussed and compared to the Orchard Audio PecanPi+ Premium, is a natural competitor. It is relatively close in price. It has the advantage of a Dirac Live upgrade for an additional cost. The casework is more conventional than that of the Pecan Pi+ Premium. However, as I mentioned, the PecanPi had a sonic advantage, but it is close. The Bluesound app and operating system are probably the best currently available, if streaming service integration is your priority, along with multi-room functionality across a wide array of Bluesound, NAD, and PSB products. If these types of features are important to you, the Bluesound Node could be an alternative.
Final Thoughts on the Orchard Audio PecanPi + Premium Streamer DAC …
The Orchard Audio PecanPi+ Premium is a compelling option for both mainstream consumers and audio enthusiasts alike who seek an elevated level of audio sonics. The PecanPi+ Premium offers performance that may lead one to wonder if spending more is worthwhile. Additionally, the variable output and volume functionality work well, allowing for a direct connection to an amplifier(s) for a budget-oriented yet high-performing system.
Recently, Jerry Del Colliano, our publisher here at FutureAudiophile.com, and I had a conversation upon his return from the Munich HIFI Show, which he thoroughly enjoyed. He noted that the massive array of really expensive audiophile products was the big consumer attraction, making him wonder who could actually afford these products and, more importantly, how to bring new and arguably younger people into the hobby – AKA: the Future Audiophile. The products highlighted at Munich are more likely to turn off the next generation of audio enthusiasts due to price. Ask any younger audiophile and they first thing they will tell you that matters to them is performance and the second is value. The third is value. The fourth too. And so on …
This audiophile value proposition dilemma is easily thwarted with the Orchard Audio PecanPi+ Premium. This discussion made an impression upon me, because I am guilty of drifting toward expensive audio jewelry components. I was reeled back to Earth by the Orchard Audio PecanPi+ Premium, as it reminded me that audio doesn’t have to be so costly. I can also say that the PecanPi+ Premium is worth the extra $600, compared to its predecessor, for its improved form factor and feature set. There are going to be a lot of very happy audio enthusiasts who just fall in love with this product, and it is easy to see why, especially at this compelling and accessible price.
Greg, thank you very much for your time and effort.