dublin
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USB converter > DAC, or Squeezebox > DAC?
jazzfan
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Joined: Sep 8 2005 - 8:55am


Quote:
I have recently purchased a Musical Fidelity KW DM25 transporter and dac. http://www.musicalfidelity.com/products/archived/kwdac.html

One of the reasons for choosing this model, was that it offered a switchable facility for the dac - you can switch between the transport and a spare spdif connection.

I am now keen to use computer based audio as well as CDs.

My question is: What is currently thought to provide the best sound quality given my set up?

Option 1: Laptop (I have one spare) with something like an Empiracle Audio USB off-ramp Turbo 2, fed into my DM25? This model is a few years old now.

Option 2: Power supply modded Squeezebox Duet, fed into my DM25?

Option 3: ??? Other ideas ???

I am quite happy to build something, or DIY if needed.

I am also happy not to spend too much cash, if I can help it.

I know that this subject is often covered, but computer gear changes so quickly these days - apologies.

Hi Dublin,

Since I seem to be fast becoming "Mr. SqueezeBox" around here I would have to say go with option #2 but with a few changes:

First why the Duet? A SqueezeBox Classic (as Slim Devices now calls the original SqueezeBox) is cheaper and you only have one networked device to worry about rather than two with the Duet (the SqueezeBox Receiver and the Controller). Also why do you feel that you would need a modded power supply? Why not try the device with the standard power supply first and than test it with a different power supply to see if you can hear any difference?

In any event going with some type of network music player is the most forward thinking approach and will give you most options for future expansion. I started out with a Transporter and I now have a total of four devices, each with the ability to play anything from my ever expanding digital music library.

tomjtx
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X2 on jazzfan's idea.

If you have an iphone or itouch that could act as your remote.

I have a modded PSU for my SB3 but I found that plugging the stock PSU into one of the isolated digital slots on my power conditioner yielded the same improvement as the modded linear PSU.

You might want to try that before buying another PSU.

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