Squeeze box classic 3 vs. Slim Device Transporter.

2chniben, maybe you can enlighten the thought to the original question and that is 24/96 native download passing it through the tri-viasta 21 DAC which up samples to 24/192. Is this just measured/compensated electronically with improved musicality or should I switch to 24/96. I have a choice on the Tri-Vista 24/96 or 24/192. Thank you for your support and thoughts on this issue.

Thank you for confusing me with someone who fully comprehends this stuff! As someone who utilizes an SB device in conjunction with an up-converting DAC, I too have similar questions, especially when it comes to playing 24/96 files. We know that the SB3’s/Duet’s native sample rate is up to 24/48 (Transporter does do 24/96 natively) and that SqueezeCenter utilizes software to down convert sample rates that are higher (your 24/96 files). The question is, what happens when you take a 24/96 file, down convert it to 24/48 and then up convert it back to 24/96 via your DAC – is there anything lost in “translation,” or is it all the same? This is where you need a tech-savvy answer from a tech-savvy member…any takers?

I would assume that you would want to set your DAC at 24/96 when playing 24/96 files. The real thing to ask yourself is whether or not you can really hear a difference between 24/96, 24/192, or even 24/48 – these are pretty subtle differences (audibly). I believe you can run your computer directly into your DAC (bypassing the SB device) and play your 24/96 files – and you could play around with the 192/96 settings to see if you can hear any differences. What I don’t know, is whether or not there are any sample rate limitations with computer/DAC interfacings…say, USB??? Again, I must rely on the truly tech-savvy. Hopefully, someone will respond so you and I will both get some answers.

Okay, thought I would share my research on this issue. Slim device has released some interesting updates that will benefit the use of the SB2/SB3 to the original question on bit streaming. Old version 7,2 would only allow 24/48 to pass when downloading Hi-res 96/24 music such as from HDTracks. However if you download the newer version 7.3.2 from Slim Device this will up sample as high as 24/192 over in FLAC using a player such as Media Monkey.

Is there a benefit to doing this upgrade to the Squeezebox even if you don't use the 24/192??

Hi Audiowoman. You need to check your version in Squeeze center settings click on the toolbar under "information" if you already have 123 version than you are setup for 7.3.2 To check out the benefit that might suit your needs and desires you can find out on http://wiki.slimdevice.com/index.php/Release_Notes#7.3.2_Release_Highlights
Happy audio listening.

SB2, 3 and duet will only support up to 48/24. The newer software utilizes SOX, which will down convert higher sample rates. The only SB device that allows native sample rates higher than 48/24 is the Transporter. Go here for more information.

Believe me, I wish achieving higher sample rate playback via my SB Duet was as simple as a software update – it’s not.