Re: [SlimDevices: Touch] External dac?
I think so. And personally I avoid the word "better" when comparing, because that's not what I actually mean anyway. I might prefer one over the other, but that's a preference, it's not a measured analysis... I am totally sold on the in-some-circles-uncomfortable fact that the digital data is immutable and reproducibly perfect, but the analogue domain is still a mess of options and tweaks that do make small differences, some of which you might like, some you might not. -- Hardware: 3x Touch, 1x Radio, 2x Receivers, 1 HP Microserver NAS with Debian+LMS 7.9.0 Music: ~1300 CDs, as 450 GB of 16/44k FLACs. No less than 3x 24/44k albums.. drmatt's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=59498 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=113922 ___ Touch mailing list Touch@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/touch
Re: [SlimDevices: Touch] External dac?
drmatt wrote: > I had a Chord Hugo (1) on loan for a while and IMO it sounded noticeably > sparklier than my then Naim Supernait built-in DAC, which also sounded > slightly murkier and weightier than the Mytek DAC I wound up actually > buying afterwards and which I still have (a very small difference that > one, and one that may not survive longer comparison, presumably because > they both were based off the same ESS DAC chipset). > > I think the Hugo measures a lot better stereo separation than the > Supernait dac at high frequency for a start, so that's not just my brain > tricking me into hearing things. So there you go ; DACs do seem to sound > different. > > And more to the point, the SBT is more than up to delivering very very > high end sound!I had a Musical Fidelity V-Dac for many years until I changed > to a Topping E30 late last year. There is nothing in the test results from Audio Science Review that would suggest they should sound different as although the V-Dac has poorer results than the E30 the differences should be inaudible. Yet I am pretty sure they do sound different. If I turn the amp to maximum volume with nothing playing there is noticeably less noise from the E30 but at normal levels it wouldn't be noticeable. This impression is not based on blind volume matched tests just general observations from playing familiar tracks. I did also change from a Touch connected via Coax to a piCorePlayer connected via USB but I also tried the Touch into the E30 using both USB and Coax and couldn't tell the difference. My main reason to try the E30 was to try asynchronous USB connection and the change from Touch to Pi was purely because I had an issue where the DAC would fall silent if the sampling rate changed and only recovered if I toggled inputs. That was obviously going to be a PITA so the Pi took over with the added bonus of being able to play DSD files natively. Sent from my Pixel 3a using Tapatalk slartibartfast's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=35609 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=113922 ___ Touch mailing list Touch@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/touch
Re: [SlimDevices: Touch] External dac?
Zombie wrote: > After the dust of the expectancy bias settled I heard no difference > between the SBT+Qutest and SBT+Quad USB DAC. > Tonight I will make one SBT stock and compare it to SBT+Qutest. I had a Chord Hugo (1) on loan for a while and IMO it sounded noticeably sparklier than my then Naim Supernait built-in DAC, which also sounded slightly murkier and weightier than the Mytek DAC I wound up actually buying afterwards and which I still have (a very small difference that one, and one that may not survive longer comparison, presumably because they both were based off the same ESS DAC chipset). I think the Hugo measures a lot better stereo separation than the Supernait dac at high frequency for a start, so that's not just my brain tricking me into hearing things. So there you go ; DACs do seem to sound different. -- Hardware: 3x Touch, 1x Radio, 2x Receivers, 1 HP Microserver NAS with Debian+LMS 7.9.0 Music: ~1300 CDs, as 450 GB of 16/44k FLACs. No less than 3x 24/44k albums.. drmatt's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=59498 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=113922 ___ Touch mailing list Touch@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/touch
Re: [SlimDevices: Touch] External dac?
I love the sound from my old (Slimdevices!) Squeezebox 3 coupled to an external Arcam irDAC. With a bit of luck you still might find a used one somewhere (e.g. 'here' (https://www.hifishark.com/search?q=irdac)); the irDAC and its successor irDAC II have both been discontinued. xetroV's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=69700 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=113922 ___ Touch mailing list Touch@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/touch
Re: [SlimDevices: Touch] External dac?
On my main touch system I use feed the digital audio to an Oppo BDP105D. On another system I have a touch with a Schitt BiFrost DAC (with "analog upgrade"). I think it's about 6 years old and was about $450 USD. I know that it has been superseded since. The difference between the touch DAC and the schitt is night and day (to me) when I A/B then through an Arcam analog amp. I'm not versed with the audiophile lingo, but the music seems clearer and more detailed, almost like you can hear subtle things through the schitt that you can't through the touch. It's a bit brighter too, but not overly. It's really a nice $500 DAC IMO, and a reasonable companion to a touch. As an aside, A while back, I decided to A/B the DAC in the schitt with the DAC in the Oppo, and I really couldn't tell the difference. The Oppo 105 was about a $700 analog upgrade over the 103. Redrum's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=33806 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=113922 ___ Touch mailing list Touch@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/touch
Re: [SlimDevices: Touch] External dac?
Heuer wrote: > I am very tempted by the Chord Qutest DAC as there is credible and > quantifiable technology in it to separate it from other DAC chips but it > does cost £1,200. It should be your starting point when looking at an > external DAC for your Touch as anything less is probably going to > disappoint. > [image: https://i.imgur.com/8R1rQmP.jpg] After the dust of the expectancy bias settled I hard no difference between the SBT+Qutest and SBT+Quad USB DAC. Tonight I will make one SBT stock and compare it to SBT+Qutest. Zombie's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=25009 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=113922 ___ Touch mailing list Touch@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/touch
Re: [SlimDevices: Touch] External dac?
Hey, I paid a small fortune for it! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dvz2SaHzn3U=emb_logo Heuer's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=2543 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=113922 ___ Touch mailing list Touch@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/touch
Re: [SlimDevices: Touch] External dac?
Heuer wrote: > Here is my latest audiophile upgrade to enhance my Topping E30 DAC: > [image: https://i.imgur.com/mCUxg62.jpg] > > A 1Kg puck of solid magnetic stainless steel to add weight and dampen > resonance in the DAC and the removable rubber rings allow you to adjust > the effect. A rubber base ensures it does not move or mark the > equipment. > [image: https://i.imgur.com/4or83Cf.jpg] > > A must for RPi cases and small DAC's and all true audiophiles should dig > deep and invest in one or more!I have something similar on top of my router > to stop it falling on the floor when I move a cable although in my case it is a glass ornament someone gave us which deserves to be out of sight behind the TV. [emoji3] Sent from my Pixel 3a using Tapatalk slartibartfast's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=35609 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=113922 ___ Touch mailing list Touch@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/touch
Re: [SlimDevices: Touch] External dac?
Brilliantly on-topic. Andrew On Mon, 15 Feb 2021, 17:42 Paul Webster, < paul.webster.9x4...@no-mx.forums.slimdevices.com> wrote: > > I have one like that and I have found that it dramatically improves the > audio in the hall ... mainly because it holds the door open. > > > > Paul Webster > http://dabdig.blogspot.com > author of \"now playing\" plugins covering radio france (fip etc), kcrw, > supla finland, abc australia, cbc/radio-canada and rte ireland > > Paul Webster's Profile: > http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=105 > View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=113922 > > ___ > Touch mailing list > Touch@lists.slimdevices.com > http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/touch > ___ Touch mailing list Touch@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/touch
Re: [SlimDevices: Touch] External dac?
I have one like that and I have found that it dramatically improves the audio in the hall ... mainly because it holds the door open. Paul Webster http://dabdig.blogspot.com author of \"now playing\" plugins covering radio france (fip etc), kcrw, supla finland, abc australia, cbc/radio-canada and rte ireland Paul Webster's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=105 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=113922 ___ Touch mailing list Touch@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/touch
Re: [SlimDevices: Touch] External dac?
Here is my latest audiophile upgrade to enhance my Topping E30 DAC: [image: https://i.imgur.com/mCUxg62.jpg] A 1Kg puck of solid magnetic stainless steel to add weight and dampen resonance in the DAC and the removable rubber rings allow you to adjust the effect. A rubber base ensures it does not move or mark the equipment. [image: https://i.imgur.com/4or83Cf.jpg] A must for RPi cases and small DAC's and all true audiophiles should dig deep and invest in one or more! Heuer's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=2543 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=113922 ___ Touch mailing list Touch@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/touch
Re: [SlimDevices: Touch] External dac?
Not 100% serious ... but how about this for a clever trick https://twitter.com/pd780c/status/1359043589456621569 For those that cannot view Twitter videos ... a Raspberry Pi Pico doing optical S/PDIF via the onboard LED. Paul Webster http://dabdig.blogspot.com author of \"now playing\" plugins covering radio france (fip etc), kcrw, supla finland, abc australia, cbc/radio-canada and rte ireland Paul Webster's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=105 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=113922 ___ Touch mailing list Touch@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/touch
Re: [SlimDevices: Touch] External dac?
Heuer wrote: > Get thee behind me Satan!I think my E30 sounds better than my old Musical > Fidelity V-DAC but I am not sure if it would be expected to [emoji3] Sent from my Pixel 3a using Tapatalk slartibartfast's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=35609 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=113922 ___ Touch mailing list Touch@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/touch
Re: [SlimDevices: Touch] External dac?
Get thee behind me Satan! Heuer's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=2543 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=113922 ___ Touch mailing list Touch@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/touch
Re: [SlimDevices: Touch] External dac?
Heuer wrote: > I have a Topping E30 DAC (£103) and it made a big difference to my SB3 > but of course the DAC in that is not as good as the Touch. I use an > external high-end DAC (Audio Synthesis DAX Decade, now 22 years old but > still exquisite) with my Transporter to good effect. I am very tempted > by the Chord Qutest DAC as there is credible and quantifiable technology > in it to separate it from other DAC chips but it does cost £1,200. It > should be your starting point when looking at an external DAC for your > Touch as anything less is probably going to disappoint. > [image: https://i.imgur.com/8R1rQmP.jpg] > > The Chord Dave is probably the ultimate if you have very good > amplification and speakers: > https://www.13thnote.net/2019/05/29/chord-electronics-dave/ > > [image: https://i.imgur.com/3nfFn1W.jpg]A blind test between a Chord Qutest > and an E30 would be interesting [emoji3] Sent from my Pixel 3a using Tapatalk slartibartfast's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=35609 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=113922 ___ Touch mailing list Touch@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/touch
Re: [SlimDevices: Touch] External dac?
I have a Topping E30 DAC (£103) and it made a big difference to my SB3 but of course the DAC in that is not as good as the Touch. I use an external high-end DAC (Audio Synthesis DAX Decade, now 22 years old but still exquisite) with my Transporter to good effect. I am very tempted by the Chord Qutest DAC as there is credible and quantifiable technology in it to separate it from other DAC chips but it does cost £1,200. It should be your starting point when looking at an external DAC for your Touch as anything less is probably going to disappoint. [image: https://i.imgur.com/8R1rQmP.jpg] The Chord Dave is probably the ultimate if you have very good amplification and speakers: https://www.13thnote.net/2019/05/29/chord-electronics-dave/ [image: https://i.imgur.com/3nfFn1W.jpg] Heuer's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=2543 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=113922 ___ Touch mailing list Touch@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/touch
Re: [SlimDevices: Touch] External dac?
I have a Topping E30 DAC (£103) and it made a big difference to my SB3 but of course the DAC in that is not as good as the Touch. I use an external high-end DAC (Audio Synthesis DAX Decade, now 22 years old but still exquisite) with my Transporter to good effect. I am very tempted by the Chord Qutest DAC as there is credible and quantifiable technology in it to separate it from other DAC chips but it does cost £1,200. It should be your starting point when looking at an external DAC for your Touch as anything less is probably going to disappoint. The Chord Dave is probably the ultimate if you have very good amplification and speakers: https://www.13thnote.net/2019/05/29/chord-electronics-dave/ Heuer's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=2543 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=113922 ___ Touch mailing list Touch@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/touch
Re: [SlimDevices: Touch] External dac?
You only need EDO if you want to play files above 24/96; it has no effect on "sound quality". The DAC in the Touch has held up surprisingly well, but there's no harm in trying a newer external DAC. I'd look at models from Topping to start. They range from $100-$850 US. The D30pro looks to be a winner, but it's not in general release yet. If possible, purchase from a store that allows returns just in case you hear no difference or want to try a different DAC. Some reviews of the Topping models and others are here: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?reviews/ Apesbrain's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=738 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=113922 ___ Touch mailing list Touch@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/touch
Re: [SlimDevices: Touch] External dac?
Heuer wrote: > Twelve years of progress with DAC chips to start with. If you want to > get the ultimate from a Touch you need to load the EDO (Enhanced Digital > Output) app to enable 192Khz output via USB. The Touch is 24/96 > natively. More here: > https://darko.audio/2012/05/enhanced-digital-output-applet-for-squeezebox-touch/ > > Then look to a Chord Mojo/Qutest/Hugo/Dave DAC depending on how much you > want to spend or other simpler USB DAC's (although I doubt they will be > able to offer a major improvement). Chord use Field Programmable Gate > Array (FPGA) circuitry, several times more complex, and accurate, than a > standard DAC chipset. > > The DAC32 is a combined Squeezebox streamer/DAC capable of 192Khz. It is > the sort of thing Logitech should be releasing although I doubt they > could do it at that price point which is slightly less than you can buy > a Touch for on eBay. If my hopes for DAC32 are correct there will be a > lot of Touch's appearing on eBay in March! Thank you. Thats a lot of information. I prefer a plug and play solution, because I had a lot of probleem after updating lms and to connect spotify and tidal again. So the edo thing looks a bit above my league. But the better dac makes me curious. I don't think people will put their touch on ebay, because I think the screen is the best part of all the squeezeboxes. Verstuurd vanaf mijn SM-T720 met Tapatalk thekiller's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=67754 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=113922 ___ Touch mailing list Touch@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/touch
Re: [SlimDevices: Touch] External dac?
Paul Webster wrote: > I do not know if DAC32 will produce better sounds that the Touch - > however you would still be able to use your Touch ... but in this case > you would use it as a controller and set it to manage a different player > (the DAC32). > If you want the dancing meters then you would set the Touch to be in a > sync group with the DAC32 (but not connect anything to the outputs of > the Touch).Thank you. I didnt thought of syncing the devices. Perhaps i'm the > only one, but I still prefer to see the covers of the albums in the display. And I still using a remote to scroll through my music on the touch Verstuurd vanaf mijn SM-T720 met Tapatalk thekiller's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=67754 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=113922 ___ Touch mailing list Touch@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/touch
Re: [SlimDevices: Touch] External dac?
Twelve years of progress with DAC chips to start with. If you want to get the ultimate from a Touch you need to load the EDO (Enhanced Digital Output) app to enable 192Khz output via USB. The Touch is 24/96 natively. More here: https://darko.audio/2012/05/enhanced-digital-output-applet-for-squeezebox-touch/ Then look to a Chord Mojo/Hugo 2/Dave DAC depending on how much you want to spend or other simpler USB DAC's (although I doubt they will be able to offer a major improvement). Chord use Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) circuitry, several times more complex, and accurate, than a standard DAC chipset. The DAC32 is a combined Squeezebox streamer/DAC capable of 192Khz. It is the sort of thing Logitech should be releasing although I doubt they could do it at that price point which is slightly less than you can buy a Touch for on eBay. If my hopes for DAC32 are correct there will be a lot of Touch's appearing on eBay in March! Heuer's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=2543 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=113922 ___ Touch mailing list Touch@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/touch
Re: [SlimDevices: Touch] External dac?
thekiller wrote: > I really don't understand this advice. Why should this be better than my > sb touch? > I hoped there is a dac to connect to my sb touch to improve the sound. > The dac32 looks like a simple device > > Verstuurd vanaf mijn SM-T720 met Tapatalk It is indeed a simple device but it contains a very high quality DAC chip that will enable you to play 24/192 HiRes FLAC from LMS with no additional parts. The DAC in the SB Touch is good but without installing the EDO plugin it is limited to 24/96. If you install the EDO plugin then the output via USB can be 24/192 - one of the Toslink and Coaxial outputs will also then support 24/192 but can't recall which. As far as I can see the Blusound is Toslink only as far as digital input is concerned. At £500 it is a very expensive bit of kit. VB2.4[/B] STORAGE *QNAP TS419P (NFS) [B]Living Room* Joggler & Pi4/Khadas -> Onkyo TXNR686 -> Celestion F20s *Office* Joggler & Pi3 -> Denon RCD N8 -> Celestion F10s *Dining Room* SB Boom *Kitchen* UE Radio (upgraded to SB Radio) *Bedroom (Bedside)* Pi Zero+DAC ->ToppingTP21 ->AKG Headphones *Bedroom (TV) & Bathroom* SB Touch ->Denon AVR ->Mordaunt Short M10s + Kef ceiling speakers *Guest Room* Joggler > Topping Amp -> Wharfedale Modus Cubes Everything controlled by iPeng & Material on iOS d6jg's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=44051 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=113922 ___ Touch mailing list Touch@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/touch
Re: [SlimDevices: Touch] External dac?
thekiller wrote: > I really don't understand this advice. Why should this be better than my > sb touch? > I hoped there is a dac to connect to my sb touch to improve the sound. > The dac32 looks like a simple device > I do not know if DAC32 will produce better sounds that the Touch - however you would still be able to use your Touch ... but in this case you would use it as a controller and set it to manage a different player (the DAC32). If you want the dancing meters then you would set the Touch to be in a sync group with the DAC32 (but not connect anything to the outputs of the Touch). Paul Webster http://dabdig.blogspot.com author of \"now playing\" plugins covering radio france (fip etc), kcrw, supla finland, abc australia, cbc/radio-canada and rte ireland Paul Webster's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=105 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=113922 ___ Touch mailing list Touch@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/touch
Re: [SlimDevices: Touch] External dac?
Heuer wrote: > I agree, I think the DAC32 is going to be a giant killer. Looking at the > specs and the ethos of the company who have desinged it the DAC32 is > going to be a tough act to follow.I really don't understand this advice. Why > should this be better than my sb touch? I hoped there is a dac to connect to my sb touch to improve the sound. The dac32 looks like a simple device Verstuurd vanaf mijn SM-T720 met Tapatalk thekiller's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=67754 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=113922 ___ Touch mailing list Touch@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/touch
Re: [SlimDevices: Touch] External dac?
I agree, I think the DAC32 is going to be a giant killer. Looking at the specs and the ethos of the company who have desinged it the DAC32 is going to be a tough act to follow. Heuer's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=2543 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=113922 ___ Touch mailing list Touch@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/touch
Re: [SlimDevices: Touch] External dac?
Grumpy Bob wrote: > There are really two issues here: > > 1. You need to evaluate whether you prefer LMS or whatever music > management software comes with the Bluesound devices (of which I know > nothing). And does the Bluesound offer a better quality sound? > 2. You should maybe try out different DACs in the context of your HiFi > system and make your choice based on sound quality and the DAC's feature > set. I have read that the DAC in the Touch is pretty highly regarded. I > use a Cambridge Audio DACMagic 100, but mostly to quickly allow > switching between different digital devices. I don't think it is > superior to the Touch's DAC. > > Robert This same question was posted on a different section yesterday. As a result I looked at the specs of the Bluesound. Its maximum is 24/192 but only when used with BluOS whatever that is. Otherwise it has Bluetooth and Airplay 2. For close to £500 I think its a bit of a white elephant so far as LMS is concerned and my conclusion was that there are lots of DACs that would outperform it when coupled with a Pi based player. Personally I am now running a Pi4 with piCorePlayer coupled to a Khadas Tone Board in my main Living Room hifi and for a total outlay of c£220 including fancy cases I'd suggest that this outperforms the Blusound by some way. If I was the OP I think I would firstly look at the new Dac32 player at c £55. I suspect that will be in Touch sort of class and perhaps beyond. VB2.4[/B] STORAGE *QNAP TS419P (NFS) [B]Living Room* Joggler & Pi4/Khadas -> Onkyo TXNR686 -> Celestion F20s *Office* Joggler & Pi3 -> Denon RCD N8 -> Celestion F10s *Dining Room* SB Boom *Kitchen* UE Radio (upgraded to SB Radio) *Bedroom (Bedside)* Pi Zero+DAC ->ToppingTP21 ->AKG Headphones *Bedroom (TV) & Bathroom* SB Touch ->Denon AVR ->Mordaunt Short M10s + Kef ceiling speakers *Guest Room* Joggler > Topping Amp -> Wharfedale Modus Cubes Everything controlled by iPeng & Material on iOS d6jg's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=44051 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=113922 ___ Touch mailing list Touch@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/touch
Re: [SlimDevices: Touch] External dac?
thekiller wrote: > I am thinking to upgrade my streaming audio. I concidered to replace my > sb touch with a bluesound node 2i. > But... can I upgrade my sound with an externe dac? I still use the touch > dac (with a sbooster). I really am a dac noob. Can you help me? > > Verstuurd vanaf mijn SM-T720 met Tapatalk There are really two issues here: 1. You need to evaluate whether you prefer LMS or whatever music management software comes with the Bluesound devices (of which I know nothing). And does the Bluesound offer a better quality sound? 2. You should maybe try out different DACs in the context of your HiFi system and make your choice based on sound quality and the DAC's feature set. I have read that the DAC in the Touch is pretty highly regarded. I use a Cambridge Audio DACMagic 100, but mostly to quickly allow switching between different digital devices. I don't think it is superior to the Touch's DAC. Robert *Home: *Raspberry Pi 4/pCP7.0/LMS8.0.1/Material with files on QNAP TS-251A Touch > DacMagic 100 > Naim Audio Nait 3 > Mission 752 (plus Rega Planar 3 > Rega Fono Mini; Naim CD3) 2 x Squeezebox Radios, 1 X Squeezebox 3 (retired), spare Pi2/piCorePlayer *Office:* LMS8.0.0 running on Raspberry Pi3; Raspberry Pi 3 player with touchscreen/piCorePlayer/IQaudIO DAC and Amp *Portable:* Raspberry Pi 3B/pCP6.1.0/LMS8.0.0/Material, files on Seagate portable drive, powered via power brick Grumpy Bob's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=41857 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=113922 ___ Touch mailing list Touch@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/touch
[SlimDevices: Touch] External dac?
I am thinking to upgrade my streaming audio. I concidered to replace my sb touch with a bluesound node 2i. But... can I upgrade my sound with an externe dac? I still use the touch dac (with a sbooster). I really am a dac noob. Can you help me? Verstuurd vanaf mijn SM-T720 met Tapatalk thekiller's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=67754 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=113922 ___ Touch mailing list Touch@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/touch
Re: [SlimDevices: Touch] External DAC for Touch Advice?
Why not try the optical or coax out of the SBT into the NAD which probably has a pretty good DAC to begin with. tmauceri's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=41450 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=100028 ___ Touch mailing list Touch@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/touch
Re: [SlimDevices: Touch] External DAC for Touch Advice?
The Touch does have a good external Dac. I found that it was the equal of the Dacmagic. I have lately used an MF M1Dac and found this to be an improvement. It produced deeper and more articulate bass.I presume this was due to the Dac's internal power supply. It also produces a touch more detail and realism in the mid and the highs were cleaner and better defined. Worth trying a few. Corelli45's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=55246 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=100028 ___ Touch mailing list Touch@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/touch
Re: [SlimDevices: Touch] External DAC for Touch Advice?
Depending upon the speakers you're using with your NAD receiver, you may or may not, notice a significant improvement with an outboard DAC. If you have a highly resolving setup, it might be worth the effort. Previously, I used a Benchmark DAC-1 with my Touch, and it was slightly better than the Touch alone. However, I've since upgraded to a Bel Canto DAC 3.5VB, which is MUCH better, albeit at a much higher price point. Fortunately, I have a high-end setup with very resolving electrostatic speakers, so it was a no-brainer for me. Regardless, the fact that a $3500 DAC could take the Touch to a new level is further proof of how good a bit-perfect streamer it is! main system: touch bel canto dac 3.5vb conrad-johnson ct-5 preamp and premier 350 amp ml summits. audience au24e cables. secondary systems: sb3 in master br (russound r235ls amp driving in-ceiling speaker) and game room (powered swan s200a speakers), with boom in home office. member of the 'suncoast audiophile society' (http://www.meetup.com/suncoast-audiophile-society/) sleepysurf's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=14 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=100028 ___ Touch mailing list Touch@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/touch
Re: [SlimDevices: Touch] External DAC for Touch Advice?
Appreciate the link and the advice. Thanks. LJG's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=47925 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=100028 ___ Touch mailing list Touch@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/touch
Re: [SlimDevices: Touch] External DAC for Touch Advice?
Suggest you poke around / ask around in here: http://forums.slimdevices.com/forumdisplay.php?7-Audiophiles A number of posters have reported their usage and opinions of various Touch + Dac combos. toby10's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=12553 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=100028 ___ Touch mailing list Touch@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/touch
Re: [SlimDevices: Touch] External DAC for Touch Advice?
LJG wrote: Originally I was told the Touch itself had a very good DAC processor... That is still true. I`m wondering if purchasing an external DAC may be the best way to upgrade my system. I definitely suggest listening to one or two yourself before deciding - in the end you might realize they don't bring that much benefit. To try to judge the real from the false will always be hard. In this fast-growing art of 'high fidelity' the quackery will bear a solid gilt edge that will fool many people - Paul W Klipsch, 1953 Julf's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=42050 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=100028 ___ Touch mailing list Touch@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/touch
[SlimDevices: Touch] External DAC for Touch Advice?
I`ve had my Touch for several years now plugged straight into a NAD receiver using the analogue outputs. I`m wirelessly streaming FLAC in 16 and 96 from my computer. Originally I was told the Touch itself had a very good DAC processor... but as time has gone by I`m wondering if purchasing an external DAC may be the best way to upgrade my system. Any advice on a new DAC for use with the Touch? Or something else I should do to upgrade? I`m not the most technilogically savy person nor have I kept up with new technology. Have some 192 files... but not a lot... and so 192 compatability would be nice. Thanks very much. LJG's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=47925 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=100028 ___ Touch mailing list Touch@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/touch
Re: [SlimDevices: Touch] External DAC Eastern Electric Minimax
I have the Eastern Electric Minimax DAC now a week up and running and this thing indeeds slays the Dacmagic. This must be the best upgrade for the money that is possible. Amazing soundstage, detail en air... -- SilverRS8 Author of -'AlbumCatalogCreator' (http://acc.vanholt.nl)- for Squeezebox Server . 1xTouch, 1xSB3, 1xDuet, 1xRadio, 1xiPhone iPeng, Ubuntu NAS + SBS SilverRS8's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=12818 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=86573 ___ Touch mailing list Touch@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/touch
Re: [SlimDevices: Touch] External DAC Eastern Electric Minimax
CDLehner;631268 Wrote: I've owned both (as well as many others in between)...the EE SLAYS the DacMagic. CD Wow good to hear !! Just ordered one. Hopefully it arrives at the end of the week. After that I either will be selling my DacMagic or the Minimax if the upgrade was not substancial. -- SilverRS8 Author of -'AlbumCatalogCreator' (http://acc.vanholt.nl)- for Squeezebox Server . 1xTouch, 1xSB3, 1xDuet, 1xRadio, 1xiPhone iPeng, Ubuntu NAS + SBS SilverRS8's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=12818 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=86573 ___ Touch mailing list Touch@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/touch
Re: [SlimDevices: Touch] External DAC Eastern Electric Minimax
SilverRS8;630046 Wrote: I currently have a DacMagic and am looking for a new DAC upgrade. On my list was the Musical Fidelity M1DAC but I came across the EE minimax DAC and all the reviews are very positive. Is the EE minimax a serious 'upgrade' over the DacMagic? I like a more controlled base. How would you describe the higher frequencies when comparing one over the other. I like the clarity of the DAC magic so the Minimax should keep this while improving middle and bass reponse. Very curious about your feedback on this I've owned both (as well as many others in between)...the EE SLAYS the DacMagic. CD -- CDLehner CDLehner's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=21868 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=86573 ___ Touch mailing list Touch@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/touch
Re: [SlimDevices: Touch] External DAC Eastern Electric Minimax
ajayrav;622290 Wrote: I have both a CA DACmagic and a EE minimax DAC. Without question, the digital out of the Touch into the EE DAC has the best sound in my opinion...followed by the Touch through the CA DAC. I have since modded my Touch (Bolder digital mods) which took performance up a notch. I have also recently received my newly modded EE DAC and am excited to hear the changes Wayne from Bolder cables has wrought. Usual disclaimer...just my opinion based on my equipmentYMMV. Ajay I currently have a DacMagic and am looking for a new DAC upgrade. On my list was the Musical Fidelity M1DAC but I came across the EE minimax DAC and all the reviews are very positive. Is the EE minimax a serious 'upgrade' over the DacMagic? I like a more controlled base. How would you describe the higher frequencies when comparing one over the other. I like the clarity of the DAC magic so the Minimax should keep this while improving middle and bass reponse. Very curious about your feedback on this -- SilverRS8 Author of -'AlbumCatalogCreator' (http://acc.vanholt.nl)- for Squeezebox Server . 1xTouch, 1xSB3, 1xDuet, 1xRadio, 1xiPhone iPeng, Ubuntu NAS + SBS SilverRS8's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=12818 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=86573 ___ Touch mailing list Touch@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/touch
Re: [SlimDevices: Touch] External DAC Eastern Electric Minimax
I have both a CA DACmagic and a EE minimax DAC. Without question, the digital out of the Touch into the EE DAC has the best sound in my opinion...followed by the Touch through the CA DAC. I have since modded my Touch (Bolder digital mods) which took performance up a notch. I have also recently received my newly modded EE DAC and am excited to hear the changes Wayne from Bolder cables has wrought. Usual disclaimer...just my opinion based on my equipmentYMMV. Ajay -- ajayrav ajayrav's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=19853 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=86573 ___ Touch mailing list Touch@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/touch
Re: [SlimDevices: Touch] External DAC Eastern Electric Minimax
guidof;620888 Wrote: ... Better than the using the DAC in the Touch itself, even though the DAC in the Touch is pretty good. Your choice of which DAC (Touch or external) will depend on how much you value getting the best possible sound quality. For instance, if all you listen to is internet radio or background music, then getting an external DAC may be overkill. Guido F. Absolutely agree and very well stated. -- ralphpnj Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels - Snatch - The Transporter - Transporter 2 (oops) - Touch 'Last.fm' (http://www.last.fm/user/jazzfann/) ralphpnj's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=10827 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=86573 ___ Touch mailing list Touch@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/touch
[SlimDevices: Touch] External DAC Eastern Electric Minimax
Just curious if any other forum members have used external digital audio converters (DACs) with the Touch, and how you liked the sound in the place of the Touch internal DAC? I have gotten good results using the Eastern Electric (EE) Minimax DAC. Anybody else tried this DAC or other external DACs and with what kind of success? -- sta363 sta363's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=45148 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=86573 ___ Touch mailing list Touch@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/touch
Re: [SlimDevices: Touch] External DAC Eastern Electric Minimax
sta363;620783 Wrote: Just curious if any other forum members have used external digital audio converters (DACs) with the Touch, and how you liked the sound in the place of the Touch internal DAC? I have gotten good results using the Eastern Electric (EE) Minimax DAC. Anybody else tried this DAC or other external DACs and with what kind of success? I use a TOUCH with a Benchmark DAC I in one location. Works nicely and sounds great. But to be fair, if I didn't already have the Benchmark, I would NOT have purchased it for use with the TOUCH. Search the forums and you'll see lots of discussion of external DACs here. You'll also see a lot of comments that the internal DAC of the TOUCH is of pretty good quality. -- garym garym's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=17325 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=86573 ___ Touch mailing list Touch@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/touch
Re: [SlimDevices: Touch] External DAC Eastern Electric Minimax
sta363;620783 Wrote: Just curious if any other forum members have used external digital audio converters (DACs) with the Touch, and how you liked the sound in the place of the Touch internal DAC? I have gotten good results using the Eastern Electric (EE) Minimax DAC. Anybody else tried this DAC or other external DACs and with what kind of success? I use the DAC in my Cambridge Azur 840C CD player. The combination sounds terrific. Better than the using the DAC in the Touch itself, even though the DAC in the Touch is pretty good. Your choice of which DAC (Touch or external) will depend on how much you value getting the best possible sound quality. For instance, if all you listen to is internet radio or background music, then getting an external DAC may be overkill. Guido F. -- guidof *Front End*: Marantz TT 15S1 Turntable, Virtuoso Wood Cartridge; Cambridge Azur 840C CD Player; Oppo BDP--83 Universal Player; Squeezebox Touch Music File Player (digital out to Cambridge Azur 840C DAC) *Preamps*: Conrad Johnson Motif (Phono); Adcom GFP-750 (Line) *Amps*: Music Reference RM-200 Mk II (Main); Little Tube Mk III (Phones) *Subwoofer Equalizer*: DSpeaker Antimode 8033 *Speakers*: Martin Logan SL3s; REL T1 Subwoofer *Headphones*: AKG K701 guidof's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=40448 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=86573 ___ Touch mailing list Touch@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/touch
