Apples and Oranges

Steven Stone -- Fri, 06/13/2008 - 14:16

I'm a bit confused by your question. But then it's Friday and I'm usually confused by then...

The Squeezebox has no USB audio output. It does have Coax digital.

If your point is to compare an i-Tunes output from a PC going into a USB DAC with an i-Tunes output transferred wirelessly to a Squeezebox and then outputted to a conventional DAC I think that you also have to factor in ergonomic and economic issues.

Is this a desktop or room to room distribution system?

What are the quality of your source digital files? If you're using lossy files then the question is largely moot as the files are the weak link in the sonic chain.

There are several different technologies and chip sets for translating USB to SDIF. Some claim better jitter reduction capabilities but I have not compared individual chipsets as they are all part of complete DAC packages so comparisons of the individual methodologies is not possible. Some manufacturers claim they have made comparisons and their final choices were the best, but well, they would say that, wouldn't they?

USB DACs have a very specific application - offering an alternative to the internal USB to SDIF in most computers. Whether they offer a superior sonic option to a SPIF output into a DAC without USB (or a particular DAC's USB vs SPIF inputs) depends on the particular computer, DAC, cables, and finally the listener's personal tastes.

YMMV and usually does....

Steven Stone -- Fri, 06/13/2008 - 14:18

Somehow I posted this reply under a new subject rather than as a reply.

Here's the original question:

Posted: 13, Jun Fri 2008 11:59 am Post subject: USB DACs vs. Squeezebox
I have read some articles extolling the virtues of USB DACS (such as those from Wavelength Audio), and wondered how such DACs compare with a "conventional" DAC used in conjunction with a Squeezebox.

Any feedback is welcomed.

Larry
_________________
"Once you listen to something like a single driver Cain and Cain running off a 300B output tube, you realize that so much of your sense of hi-fi reality is in the midrange." Neil Walker

Steven Stone
Contributor to The Absolute Sound, EnjoytheMusic.com, Vintage Guitar Magazine, and other fine publications

LarryB -- Fri, 06/13/2008 - 14:30

Thanks Steve. My ignorance is almost limitless but what I was trying to get at was in fact this:

Quote:If your point is to compare an i-Tunes output from a PC going into a USB DAC with an i-Tunes output transferred wirelessly to a Squeezebox and then outputted to a conventional ....There are several different technologies and chip sets for translating USB to SDIF

I have not yet implemented a system, but am curious as to whether the USB DAC approach is indeed superior to the Squeezebox one.

Larry

"Digital finishes what the transistor began" James Boyk

Steven Stone -- Fri, 06/13/2008 - 19:14

The squeezebox solution is best suited to moving audio over a distance not ergonomically applicable to hard-wiring.

A USB DAC is usually for a system that is very near the computer that has your music files.

As for which "sounds better" I think a lot depends on WHAT USB DAC and what conventional DAC are compared. The technologies by themselves do not insure superior sonics for either solution.

So, in short a definitive answer to your question is not currently available. :oops: