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The PecanPi+ Streamer is a high‑performance streamer and DAC featuring AKM’s VELVETSOUND® architecture, delivering clear, natural, and detailed sound in a compact, elegant design.
Product Documents
All About the Orchard Audio PecanPi+ Streamer …
The PecanPi+ Streamer is Orchard Audio’s high-performance digital front end — a compact,elegant streamer and DAC designed for music lovers who want exceptional clarity, natural tonality, and effortless musicality without unnecessary complexity. Built for audiophiles, studio professionals, and everyday listeners who value sound quality above all else, it delivers impressive resolution, wide soundstage, and precise imaging in a beautifully simple package.
Powered by AKM’s acclaimed VELVETSOUND architecture and engineered with Orchard Audio’s ultra-low-noise proprietary analog output stage, the PecanPi+ Streamer reveals detail and texture that many entry-level and mid-tier streamers simply miss. Its clean, transparent presentation makes it an ideal upgrade for anyone looking to elevate their digital playback.
What Makes the Orchard Audio PecanPi+ Streamer Special?
What sets the PecanPi+ Streamer apart is its combination of advanced DAC technology, low‑noise design, and intuitive streaming platform — all in a compact chassis that fits effortlessly into any system.
Here’s a snapshot of the key performance highlights:
- AKM VELVETSOUND DAC architecture for natural tonality and excellent resolution
- Ultra‑low‑jitter clocking for clean, accurate digital playback
- Balanced XLR and single‑ended RCA (optional) outputs for flexible system integration
- Built‑in headphone amplifier (requires adapters)
- Volumio-based streaming platform with support for high‑resolution audio
- Compact, elegant design that fits anywhere
- Low noise and distortion for fatigue‑free listening
This blend of performance, simplicity, and versatility makes the PecanPi+ Streamer a standout choice for anyone seeking a high‑quality digital source without stepping into flagship pricing.
Designed for Real-World Music Lovers
While many streamers emphasize features over fidelity, Orchard Audio’s design philosophy focuses on delivering the best possible sound. The PecanPi+ Streamer offers:
- Clear, detailed, and natural sound
- Excellent imaging and spatial accuracy
- Smooth, musical presentation
- Consistent performance across all genres
The VELVETSOUND DAC architecture, paired with Orchard Audio’s precision proprietary analog stage, preserves the nuance and emotional impact of your recordings. Whether you’re listening to jazz, classical, rock, or electronic music, the PecanPi+ Streamer remains composed, engaging, and highly musical.
How the Orchard Audio PecanPi+ Streamer Fits Into Your Audiophile System
The PecanPi+ Streamer is designed to integrate seamlessly into a wide range of systems. With both balanced XLR and single‑ended RCA outputs, it pairs effortlessly with preamps,integrated amplifiers, and active speakers.
Use it as:
- A high‑quality streamer
- A standalone DAC
- A digital preamp
Its compact footprint and intuitive touchscreen interface make it easy to place, easy to use,and easy to enjoy.
The Reviewers Are Raving About the Orchard Audio PecanPi+Streamer
The audiophile press is raving about the Orchard Audio PecanPi+ Streamer. Here’s what they have to say…
Ric Mancuso – Enjoy the Music (January 2025)
"…when it comes down to enjoying the music with the highest level of entertainment experience, look no further than the PecanPi+ Streamer Premium."
Matt Bonaccio – SoundStage Hi-Fi (October 2024)
"Orchard Audio embraces a philosophy and a build that prioritizes performance over comfort and convenience. This is a proven paradigm, one that has certainly served Lotus well. In fact, I’m sure that the same sort of people who appreciate the focused design of a Lotus hypercar would also appreciate the focused design of the PecanPi+ Streamer Premium (that is, when they’re not busy chasing down Porsches and Ferraris). I’m sure many others will too."
Greg Handy – Future Audiophile (May 2024)
"The Orchard Audio PecanPi+ Streaming DAC is for the audiophile in the know who prioritizes high-quality parts, proprietary design, and engineering over a mass-produced design.” and “…the Orchard Audio PecanPi+ hits a sweet spot with a high-value performance price proposition that is enticing."
Who is the Orchard Audio PecanPi+ Streamer Best Suited For…?
The PecanPi+ Streamer is ideal for:
- Audiophiles seeking high‑quality digital playback at an accessible price
- Systems built around balanced or single‑ended preamps, integrated amps, or active speakers
- Listeners who value clarity, imaging, and natural tonality
- Enthusiasts who want a simple, elegant, high‑performance streamer/DAC
- Headphone listeners who want a clean, capable built‑in amplifier
- Anyone upgrading from entry‑level streamers like the Node, WiiM, or similar
It pairs beautifully with Orchard Audio amplifiers or any system where musicality and transparency are the goal.
Software
The PecanPi+ Streamer runs on Volumio. It can be controlled wirelessly from your smartphone, tablet or computer.
- MyVolumio Premium (not included) supports the following:
- Qobuz and Qobuz Connect
- TIDAL and TIDAL Connect
- Highresaudio
- Spotify
- UPnP
- Playing local files and files from network-attached storage (NAS) (no premium subscription needed for this)
- Radio stations (no premium subscription needed for this)
- Android App — Control the streamer using your Android phone or tablet
- Apple App — Control the streamer using your Apple phone or tablet
Want to Learn More?
In a market full of feature‑heavy but sonically mediocre streamers, the PecanPi+ Streamer stands out by focusing on what matters most — sound quality. With its VELVETSOUND DAC architecture, low‑noise design, and intuitive streaming interface, it delivers a level of performance that brings your music to life.
Product Specifications
Full product specifications at this link:
Read more here
Warranty / Return Policy
One (1) year warranty included.
Return / Refund Policy
Customs Disclaimers (for non-U.S. customers):
Any customs fees are the customer's responsibility.
We won't under-value merchandise or mark the item as a gift on customs forms. Doing that is
against U.S. and international laws.
Shipping Information
| Weight | 6 lbs |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 12 × 9 × 6 in |
| Software | Volumio, Roon End Point |
Jeffrey T. –
I’ve had this for streamer for a few weeks, and I’ve played about 50 hours of music through it. I was using a Bluesound node N130, which isn’t even in the same league as this streamer. The sound is warm, spacious, and you can literally point to the different instruments playing between your speakers. Vocals are also incredible. I’m using Dynaudio Evoke 30 speakers with a NAD M22 amp. The pecanpi+ preamp is outstanding. Volumio is very good. Perhaps a little bit more of a learning curve than the Bluesound node, but not by much. The value for the money from this streamer is almost silly. It’s that good. It’s also small, so it easily fits in my stereo cabinet. Absolutely a 10 out of 10.
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William S. –
This DAC doesn’t have an equal. You can spend a lot more and never get better. In fact, I have spent more for less. Very few DACs in existence come close to the sonic perfection the PecanPi+ presents and they all cost many times more. My search for the perfect conduit for which to bring my music from the realms of 1s and 0s has finally come to fruition. This DAC is my endgame. This is the grail. Thank you, Leo!
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Leo A. –
Thank you very much for the review. I hope you enjoy the streamer for a long time to come.
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Asa E. –
Amazing product and support. Will consider purchasing more from Orchard Audio, for sure!
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Neil F. –
The pecan pie plus replaced an NAD c 698. It is a clear improvement in performance and a clear step back in features. Of course, what I do is listen to it so the improved performance is really all that matters. Very happy.
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Leo A. –
Neil, thank you for the feedback. Have a happy new year.
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Peter B. –
I should preface this review by saying that I’ve only used the dac built into my streamer and one decent $400 standalone dac before this, so my points of comparison are limited. However, the pecanpi+ sounds much better than both of those dacs. It’s hard for me to imagine a dac sounding much better than this. Leo was very responsive and helpful.
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Leo A. –
Wow, that’s fantastic to hear! We strive to deliver exceptional sound at a great value, and reviews like yours mean a lot. Thanks for mentioning my responsiveness – I’m always happy to help. Enjoy the music!
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Mark B. –
Wonderful sounding DAC/Streamer! I am using this with a Flux Labs FA-10 headphone amplifier, which makes an excellent desktop music system!
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Leo A. –
Thank you for the feedback. I am glad the streamer helped you achieve your audio nirvana.
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Arun A. –
A very transparent and resolving DAC with an equally good streamer. Best combo with my starkrimsom monoblocks. Highly recommended.
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Leo A. –
Thank you for the feedback. Enjoy the music.
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Alan S. –
The Orchard Audio PecanPi Plus is an awesome sounding streamer/DAC. For three years I had been using a Matrix Audio Mini-I 3 Pro as a Roon endpoint/DAC in my main system. My main system is simple with a Rotel integrated amp with pair of Golden Ear tower speakers. After listening to a PecanPi Plus in a system at the recent Axpona show in Illinois, I decided to bite the bullet and purchase the PecanPi Plus.
When I received the PecanPi Plus, I was surprised that it is larger and much heavier than the older PecanPi, which I use in my secondary system. There must be some good components inside the PecanPi Plus to add the additional size and weight. It was easy to get the device set up and connected to Roon. It sounded good upon first listen. Even before the PecanPi Plus was fully broken in, I realized that the Orchard Audio device is a major step up in sound quality over my Matrix streamer.
The sound stage of the PecanPi Plus is wide and deep with excellent separation. On good recordings, it sounds three dimensional. The digital harshness that I sometimes heard from the Matrix streamer is gone. There is lots of space between the instruments and voices. The noise floor seems much lower than what I had with the Matrix streamer. With some recordings, sounds seem to move within the soundstage. Percussion instruments like wood blocks and bells are vivid. My Rotel integrated amp supports A/B speakers and I I have a set of inexpensive Polk Audio outdoor speakers in my basement/Man Cave. I was pleasantly shocked by the improvement in sound from my inexpensive Polk speakers. The Pecan Pi Plus makes the Polk speakers sing.
The downside to both PecanPi streamers is that they are not fully featured, super flexible devices. They work great as Roon Endpoints and the PecanPi Plus can be used as a DAC using a COAX connection. As a Roon user, the PecanPi Plus’ feature set is all that I need. It is important to note that I temporarily tried out the PecanPi Plus as a preamplifier by connecting it to the pre-in connections on my Rotel Integrated. With that configuration, the sound was crisp and clear, and the volume adjustment was linear and smooth. Since I use the remote to adjust various settings, I will stick with using the remote.
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Leo A. –
Hi Alan, thanks for the fantastic review of the PecanPi+! Thrilled you’re enjoying the wider sound-stage, clarity, and detail.
Great point about the Roon compatibility – the PecanPi+ is built to shine with Roon.
I am glad it even breathes new life into your Polk speakers!
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David B. –
Excellent addition to my headfi kit.
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Leo A. –
Thank you for leaving the review. Enjoy the music!
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Chester P. –
Leo is ridiculous. I just plugged the Pecan Pie+ into my audio chain. Outstanding! Music is tight and clear. Soundstage is fantastic!
I’ve been happy with his Pecan Pie but I upgraded my headphone amp and thought maybe it was time to upgrade my DAC.
I was seriously considering the Eversolo DMP-A6 ME or the Holo Red/Cyan 2 combo. Then I thought I better check in with Orchard Audio. Pecan Pie+ with the new AKM chip and new Leo voodoo. Hmm. Cheaper than both my other considerations. I don’t care about a screen because I use a tablet anyway with Roon. But damn it’s ugly compared to the other two. It’s built like a tank and looks like one. What I care about most is sound quality. So what the heck let’s give it a shot.
Plugged it in and well damn, a major upgrade! These things make my Arya Stealth headphones sing! Music is crystal clear, tight and controlled. I do use Roon to upsample Qobuz FLAC files to 32bit 384kHz. Why not? Let’s max this puppy out. I’m glad I didn’t pay almost twice as much for a screen or separates. Really, really well done and worth the upgrade over the original. Leo is killing it with his audio voodoo.
My chain,
Intel Nuc i7 running Roon mostly streaming Qobuz upsampled with no filters
Ethernet to Pecan Pie+
Mogami balanced out
Vioelectric HPA v222
Hart balanced out
Arya Stealth
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Leo A. –
Thank you very much for your review/feedback. I am glad you are enjoying your purchase.
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John R. –
Pecan Pi + forever changed my system. When I hit the button on my Yamaha AS2200 from CD (old DAC) to Balanced (Pecan Pi +), the difference is stunning and immediate. Sure there is a ton of nuance and clarity, detail and presence, but you notice the change immediately. My Yamaha is very revealing and connected to the Sonus Faber Lumina II Amators and REL sub, it finally allows them to open up with this DAC. They are very polite but clear, now they are very open but still very natural sounding. I feel that I hit the perfect balance of amp, speakers and now DAC. Leo is a whiz and works tirelessly, you can tell he loves his craft. I have spent way too much money recently upping my system, but this upgrade has been the least expensive and most impactful. Many thanks and for anyone considering this DAC just do it, even if you find others with the top of the line AKM chips it will not sound as good as this one. Thanks again Leo!
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Lance L. –
The PecanPi+ Streamer/DAC is a fine example (and appropriate) for those who want to move to the next level towards the so called Absolute Sound. At a terrific price point, it mates well with most entry and better Hifi gear elevating your experience when listening to all types of music.
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Leo A. –
Thank you for the feedback.
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Earl F. –
Pecan Pi+ was good – however the Volumio software was a PIA. Ultimately returned it, preferred a R2R ladder dac. The owner, Leo, was a joy to work with.
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Leo A. –
Thanks for the feedback.
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Rollim P. –
Received PecanPi+ on 12/1/23, unfortunately my ROON Nucleus “died” at same time, Received it back (after 30+ days), from ROON with a replaced power switch, Previously had been using BlueSound NODE. 1000% improvement in all music files (2TB-WAV) along with Qobuz streaming. Leo’s implementation of AKM chips and quality of build is FANTASTIC, a very happy owner.
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Leo A. –
I’m thrilled to hear about your positive experience with the PecanPi+! It’s unfortunate about the ROON Nucleus, but I’m glad it’s back in action. The 1000% improvement in music files and Qobuz streaming is fantastic to hear. Enjoy the enhanced audio experience, and thank you for being a happy owner!
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Ryan M. –
I have had my PecanPi Plus for about a month now and I am extremely happy with how my system sounds and performs with it. Instead of listening to music passively like I did before, the benefits of a dedicated streamer/DAC have exceeded my expectations for how digital music can sound. While I have not tested more expensive DACs, my music through Qobuz/Volumio comes out clean and warm. Excellent customer service too. I wasn’t sure what connections I needed for my old system, but the owner responded quickly and didn’t try to upsell me on any connections I didn’t need. That’s how you get a repeat customer. I will gladly return to Orchard Audio when I am in the market for another component.
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Leo A. –
Thank you for sharing your experience! It’s wonderful to hear that your PecanPi+ has elevated your music enjoyment. We’re thrilled that our dedicated streamer/DAC exceeded your expectations, providing clean and warm sound. Our commitment to excellent customer service is paramount, and we’re delighted that you found value in our prompt and helpful responses. When you’re ready for your next audio component, we’ll be here to assist you. Looking forward to serving you again at Orchard Audio!
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Carol B. –
The Sound is like someone is pouring honey in your ear. So good. Thanks, Leo.
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Leo A. –
I am glad you are enjoying your purchase. Happy New Year!
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Jeff M. –
Excellent DAC for the price.
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Leo A. –
Thank you for the review. I am glad you are enjoying your product.
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Judydudi –
The PecanPi+ has really excited me. Leo not only designs sonically uncompromising devices, but also rugged and perfect enclosures. Having listened to over 40 I2S DAC boards as a Volumio soundcheck organizer, the unit is the best I’ve heard yet. Wide, velvety, detailed, spectacular. I would not have believed my speakers to do so 😉
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Leo A. –
Thank you so much for your kind words about the PecanPi+. We’re so glad that you’re enjoying it!
We know that there are a lot of I2S DAC boards out there, so it’s really gratifying to hear that you think the PecanPi+ is the best you’ve heard.
We put a lot of care into designing the PecanPi+, and we’re always happy to hear that our efforts are appreciated.
We’re always looking for ways to improve our products, so we appreciate your feedback. We’ll definitely keep your comments in mind as we continue to develop future products.
Thanks again for your support!
Regards;
Leo
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Christopher W. –
Leo answers the phone and takes time to answer all of your questions. My Starkrimson ultra is fabulous
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Noah –
I’ll keep this short and sweet. The PecanPi+ DAC with AKM AK4499EXEQ is one of the best sounding DACs I’ve heard regardless of price. It has an “analog” je ne sais quoi that is known and loved by R2R enthusiasts (“smooth,” “liquid,” “warm”), but with a startling clarity and linearity that somehow doesn’t scream “I’m a perfect DAC!” like most delta sigma implementations do. Personally, if the asking price were just for the DAC, after hearing it I’d say it was worth it. But it’s also a streamer, in a well built package. Outstanding value.
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Lam J. –
The first impression of PeacanPi+ streamer is heavy and solid, and the connectors are separated so even the cable larger still have room. Sound quality excellent even in run in period. Volume adjust feel smooth, with reasonable price without breaking the bank, appreciated.
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Leo A. –
Thank you for your feedback.
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Todd S. –
This is a review of the new Orchard Audio Pecan Pi Plus streamer/board. As with the current Pecan Pi model, it is a board that can work with certain Raspberry Pi and ASUS Tinkerboard models. This new board uses the new AKM “VelvetSound” chips: AK4191EQ to process digital signals, and the AK4499EXEQ DAC chip. This is in place of dual Burr-Brown (TI) PCM1794A chips in the current Pecan Pi model. Even with the design changes, the form factor is the same as the current board.
I have several Pecan Pi boards, either in Orchard-designed cases or in one instance inside a DIY streamer/amplifier. I am familiar with the sound of the boards, and have stated that they are one of the best bargains in audio – they provide so much great sound for little money.
Leo at Orchard mentioned that the AKM DAC chip measure better than the BB chip, and that was part of the reason for this new offering. I have also heard several implementations of the older AKM AK4xxx series of chips, and generally thought they were well-done with good sound. I was very curious to see how the newest chip would work with Leo’s design.
Once I received the board, I swapped out a current Pecan Pi (Rev 3) board from its case and installed the AKM Plus board. Initially I listened to a bit of Roon radio and then a few select songs. The streamer drove a modded Class D amplifier and NEAT Iota Alpha speakers. The difference on this system was easily noticeable. As good as the Pecan Pi (BB version) is, this takes it perhaps several steps forward!
The first difference I noticed right away was an increased soundstage (especially depth), and – from the midbass all the way up to highs – a transparency and clarity that pinpointed instruments and voices better. The old adage “I heard things I hadn’t heard before” basically applied here. I DID hear them on the current Pecan Pi, but I heard MORE detail and better pinpoint image accuracy with this Plus version. Everything was so clear, so smooth, yet no detail lost.
I then moved the Pecan Pi and Pecan Pi Plus streamers and amp to my main system, that has better speakers (3-way dynamic/planar/ribbon design) as well as a KEF KC62 subwoofer; all in a larger & better room as well. The same differences noted above were even more pronounced in the better room with more resolving speakers. But I also noticed even more depth and incredible definition in the bass that I couldn’t tell with the NEAT’s. I noticed more clearly the dynamics, reverb, and decay on piano keys; and also on other struck/percussive instruments like drums and even triangles. Stringed instruments, especially Cello, Nyckelharpa, and more, had more clarity in tone, and deeper resonant sound. All just more realistic, more of an already-good thing.
The original Pecan Pi was so good, it matched or bettered much of what I heard up to and over ~$2k. Right now, I have one streamer/DAC/pre that lists for ~$3.8k, and I think the new Pecan Pi Plus will be its sound equal. That unit offers more digital inputs and some other bells and whistles. But if you just want streaming (and the option of coax S/PDIF input), the new Pecan Pi Plus is my new favorite audio bargain….replacing the Pecan Pi. I will use this one, and will definitely order another for the above-mentioned DIY streamer/amp unit.
Another fantastic piece, Leo!
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Leo A. –
Thank you. I appreciate you taking the time to write up such a detailed review.
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