Wireless DAC? | AVguide

default -- Fri, 12/11/2009 - 07:02

I'm currently using an Apple Airport Express (APE) to wirelessly receive music from my server. The APE uses 802.11n to communicate and seems to stream cleanly without skipping or dropouts. The APE offers a choice of either a 1/8" headphone jack for analog out or an optical digital connection (same jack) to be used with an outboard DAC.

Since the APE's analog out has all the sonic quality of the cheapest iPod, I have two choices for better audio - add a higher-quality external DAC or replace the APE with a wireless DAC of superior quality. In the spirit of "less equipment is better equipment," I'd prefer the latter option. Unfortunately, the only wireless DAC that I've been able to find is the Chord (which lacks balanced outputs).

Which (finally) brings me to my question - who else makes high-quality wireless DACs, preferably with XLR balanced outputs?

Thanks - Boomzilla

Steven Stone -- Fri, 12/11/2009 - 13:09

PS Audio WILL have a wireless DAC solution by early spring with a board for their current DAC.

I suggest investigating S/PDIF DACs with 192/24 capabilities and XLR outs and then use your Apple Express for a while.

Do you have a DAC now?

Eventually there will be more higher rez streaming solutions, but most wireless streaming devices currently stop at 48/16.

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

Boomzilla -- Fri, 12/11/2009 - 13:36

I'm currently DAC-less. I'm using the APE until a better solution comes along. Do you know of any 192/24 DACs with XLR outs? Thanks.

A good sense of humor makes it ALL sound better!

Vito Rasenas (not verified) -- Mon, 02/01/2010 - 07:31

The Logitech Transporter has 96/24 capability. It sounds great but is pricey ($1,9999.99 wsrp, you can get it for about $1,500). However you are locked in to their interface, you cannot use Itunes, for instance, as your media player. It has XLR inputs and outputs.
Another product that just came out is Micromega WM-10 “AirStream” ($1,595 MSRP) features a 24-bit/192 kHz DAC. You can find out further spec's on their website.

Tom Martin -- Mon, 02/01/2010 - 09:53

Playback will be starting the review process for the Micromega WM-10 this week (weather willing).

You may wish to note that the Squeezebox Touch will do up to 24/96 files, and the price is quite attractive. I haven't heard it, so I can't vouch for the DAC or limitations of the wireless feature.

CEO and Editorial Director, Nextscreen LLC

Steven Stone -- Fri, 08/06/2010 - 09:04

The Touch will be in the next issue of TAS.

It's USB slot allows for playing from USB drives. I've been enjoying the Beatles 48/24 FLAC files throuugh it.

Cemil Gandur -- Mon, 08/30/2010 - 04:57

Chord's Chordette is a wireless DAC I think - uses Bluetooth instead of WiFi.

Steven Stone -- Mon, 08/30/2010 - 09:03

Actually it uses DIGITAL bluetooth using the APTX system. Jaybird headphones use the same methodology.