2. digital
  3. 1244579516

Do you need a DAC for internet radio only?

I'm thinking about trying out the Squeezebox Duet but I think only to have the ability to listen to Pandora, Rhapsody or several internet radio stations at this time. I have a very nice Modwright CD player and an older Sony Jutebox CD player as well. I know the jutebox would benefit from a good DAC but I only listen to it now on random for background music which would be the purpose of the Squeezebox. Does the Squeezebox benefit from a DAC when only listening to the internet? At this time I do not think I will rip my CD's to a hard drive.

I'm not adverse to a DAC and if there is an improvement, I would consider a DAC in the $500 range. Suggestions if appropriate would be appreciated as well. Thanks, Mike
mmurt
2chnlben
595 posts
 
Not really. The Duet has its own internal DAC (actually a pretty good one at that - Wolfson) so you can just use it to "stream" internet radio via your preamp. A good external DAC will definitely improve the quality of playback if you're feeding the Duet CD-quality (or better) sample rates (i.e." 44.1/16. 48/24, 96/24, 192/24). Unless you have cash to spare, the purchase of a good DAC for internet radio playback (only) is probably overkill.
kenyonbm
141 posts
 
The Internet Radio streams are not very high resolution, and an external dac won't hurt, but for radio only, will not add much.

I just love internet radio, but hi-rez, it is not.

Ken
mmurt OP
7 posts
 
Thanks for the responses. It was pretty much what I thought. My Jutebox is 15 years old so it is a matter of time, (knock on wood) maybe I'll start with the Squeezebox only then start to set up a computer based playback for my CD's. This will occupy a lot of time, I have to educate myself since I don't know a FLAC from a WIDGET!

Thanks again, Mike
2chnlben
595 posts
 
If you get the Duet, you should try ripping some CDs or downloading some lossless files. You will be very surprised at how good these music files will sound compared to your CDs played via your CD player. Then, think how good the same files will sound fed through a good DAC. You can have the same quality sound that you get via the Modwright in a music server that allows you access to literally every song you own (and so many more) via one touch of a remote from your sitting area - you never have to get up! You will be hooked. This is the way of the future for digital playback - and you don't have to compromise on the sound. You may want to read up on things first. Before you spend anything, go to PS Audio's website and learn about their new DAC (Perfect Wave DAC) and the forthcoming "Bridge," which will transform this DAC into a true high-end music server. If you’re interested, I'll know more about this DAC in about three weeks, as I am awaiting one for audition.
mmurt OP
7 posts
 
Thanks, I know it is a matter of time before I get hooked, maybe that is why I've resisted. I have been looking for an all in one source to get educated so I'll hit the PS site. Thanks for the tip. BTW, does any one have a preference on the squeezebox version, I have read some negative things on the Duet being a little unreliable?
More to discover