Looking for a DAC for the Squeezebox Touch.
ronrags -- Fri, 10/29/2010 - 18:35
I recently purchased the Logitech Squeeze Touch(thanks to the TAS review) and I'm looking for a DAC under $500. I'm not sure how much of a sound improvement will I gain over the unit's built in DAC at this price range. The analog outputs are connected to my Simaudio I-3 amp. I've considered the V-DAC and the Cambridge DAC Magic. I have also considered the more expensive Simaudio 100D.
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I don't have the Squeezbox Touch at the moment, but do have the Dacmagic plus I also have the Little Dot DAC II/Headphone amp. The Dacmagic is a great DAC and has nice features. USB plus spdif optical and coaxial in, and the digital out and XLR out are nice features that some DAC's lack at an even higher price range.
However the Little Dot DAC II is about $150 less than the Dacmagic, and I think sounds more musical and natural than the Dacmagic. It has the same knack for detail as the Dacmagic, but better balance IMO with more natural bass/mids/highs that combine very naturally. The Dacmagic does emphasize the highs a bit and is a little thin sounding compared to the Little Dot DAC II. The LD DAC II is only available via mail order from China, but I did not have any issues with ordering or delivery of the unit.
So another very good quality DAC to consider, one that you hear very little about in the audiophile community. It does not have digital outs, but has upsampling to 24 bit 192Khz and has USB, AES and SPDIF coaxial and optical inputs.
Paul
The DAC on the Touch is pretty good.
You may not get any benefit from a modest external DAC. The DAC on the Touch is much better than the SB and Duet. I know of some Duet and SB owners who were using external DACs and stopped after getting a Touch.
I'd try before I buy, or at least buy a DAC with possibility of return.
You are probably correct about buying a modest external DAC vs the DAC on the Touch. I'm not in the position nor do I wish to spend mega-bucks on a DAC. There was hardly any difference in SQ playing a cd thru my Sim Equinox compared to the Touch. The main reason I purchased the Touch was the convenience of selecting and sorting my music.
There is a store that will allow me to audition DACs at home. I might just try it and see if there any major diffenences.
Thanks for your comments.