Anyone have experience with the new ELAC DDP-2?

The headphone amp has thankfully gotten a bit better since I’ve left headphones on it for a few days to break in if it needs that. Picking up the headphones again, I found it had improved and sounded more fleshed out. So there’s hope. 

On streaming from services, I’m using Spotify connect and it’s worked very well with the DDP-2. No playback issues, no dropouts, no noise, no problems. 

There are zero instructions for how to get my flac files to stream to it and it and the web interface is barebones. You can only rename the device on the network and login to the WiFi. That’s it. So for streaming on your own network or for non-Roon browsing and playing your files, it offers no solution. 

For that alone, because of the amount of files I have, I may be returning it so I can get a better and more cohesive streaming solution with a Bluesound Node and a different less costly DAC. 

Hi Rick, 

Just came across this thread. In the most recent update, we added DLNA support. We did not officially announce it yet since we are still tweaking it a bit. You should be able to use apps like MConnect (For content on your phone as well as Tidal/Quobuz) and Jriver for your laptop to playback files stored on your PC through the DDP-2. I forwarded this thread to Peter so I am sure he will add some comments. We are working on updating the manual to reflect the most recent updates. 

Peter is traveling at the moment, however, I am guessing he will respond soon.

Chris Walker
ELAC

Chris,
So Elac doesn't have its own streaming phone app?  How does BubbleUpnp work?   How do you recommend streaming internet radio? 

Hi Chris,

I appreciate the response. While the methods you mentioned are possible, in my mind it kind of defeats the purpose of having a streaming DAC if I have to connect it to a computer.  If I’m doing that, I might as well do all of the streaming from a computer and get a DAC that doesn’t have the capabilities for it built in. I know it’s pretty much the standard these days, but i really wish products wouldn’t be released until they are fully baked and not with an asterisk beside certain advertised features.  I know that’s not always possible.  

 Apparently all the hifi developers are hardware guys who think software is just an after thought.   When my streamer locks up mid song and I not only have to shut it off but unplug it to clear the problem,  then it doesn't matter how good it sounds when it's playing,  my listening experience has been ruined.   It appears that Elac is trying to avoid some software problems by relying on other people's software.   Good luck.   Auralic states that they are giving up on Android software and only developing iPhone apps.  Good luck in kissing off half your market.   I have a suggestion,  farm out your software development to a company that specializes in that sort of thing.