Question Advice Needed: Raspberry Pi 4 + DAC + Creative T40 for 24/7 Music Streaming

[VortexShade]

I’m setting up a system to stream music 24/7 with a Raspberry Pi 4 Model B (4GB). The music will be played through Creative GigaWorks T40 Series II speakers. To optimize audio quality, I plan to use a Topping D10 DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter) as an external USB DAC.

The goals for this setup are:

• Streaming high-quality audio (45 Hz – 20 kHz) without any loss of quality.
• Ensuring stable 24/7 operation without glitches or overheating.
• Using an external DAC to improve the sound quality compared to the Raspberry Pi's built-in audio output.

Hardware Setup:

• Raspberry Pi 4 Model B (4GB)
• Topping D10s DAC (connected via USB)
• Creative GigaWorks T40 Series II (connected via RCA or 3.5mm jack to the DAC)
• Cooling: yet to be determined (passive vs. active)
• Power supply: The Raspberry Pi 4 and DAC need to be stably powered (possibly a separate adapter for the DAC required)

My questions:

1. USB audio performance: Does the Raspberry Pi 4 work well with a USB DAC like the Topping D10s? Are there known latency or compatibility issues?
2. Cooling: Is active cooling necessary for 24/7 operation, or is a passive solution like the Flirc Case sufficient?
3. Stability: Are there known issues with long-term streaming via a Raspberry Pi 4? For example, memory leaks or system crashes with extended usage?
4. Improvements: Are there hardware or software tweaks to improve audio quality or stability further?
5. Software: Any OS/software recommendations or tips you think I should consider?

I welcome all tips, experiences, and advice! Thanks in advance for your input!


Note: This setup is purely focused on audio, without additional DSP processing, EQ adjustments, or complex streaming software. My focus is on stable audio output with minimal latency and lossless playback.