CD transport vs streamer?

Thanks for the link.

WAV and FLAC list similar transcoding statements as ALAC does, so I don't think it's an issue. Technically all of these Codec's have to be transcoded. I have heard that larger lossless files that are streamed wirelessly can further tax the streaming buffer, but that's about it.

I'm hoping that he wont want to return it; unless he either wants to buy a used one, or I fell off my rocker.

Mlsstl, what file streaming settings are you referring to?

Rich

...WAV and FLAC list similar transcoding statements as ALAC does,

No, that is a very different statement. It applies only to the original SliMP3 and the first generation Squeezebox 1. No one is talking about those models in this conversation.

Here's the WAV/FLAC statement: "- Must be transcoded (automatically) to play on SlimServer with older (SB1/SLIMP3) hardware"

Decoding for WAV/FLAC in all later Squeezeboxes (version 2 & 3/Classic; Duet and Transporter) takes place natively in the unit.

As to file streaming settings, there is a settings link at the bottom right of the Squeezecenter web page. Locate the "file types" settings for the server. The "convert.conf" file can also be directly edited.

There are a number of important settings in Squeezecenter that impact sound quality. As true open-source software, they give you as much rope as you need to fine tune things or really screw them up. ;-)

Thanks for the explanation!

Rich

Thanks guys. I will certainly try recording in FLAC and then compare the difference. Hope to have some time this weekend to do it and will feedback. I suppose if there is an improvement, then FLAC with a transporter may even be better.

I have an alternative as Weiss may be working on an upgrade to the Medea which allows direct firewire from a MAC into the DAC. But there is no timeline for this upgrade yet!

Thanks again.

Jglim Quote:"Has anyone here tried sticking an Apple Mac using the optical miniplug output straight into the DAC? Wondering if this more direct connection would outperform streaming."

Yes, I have the optical output on the MacPro plugged directly into the Benchmark DAC1 and then into a pair of Audioengine A5 Speakers and it does sound better than the Squeezebox plugged directly into the DAC1. Both tests were done using Apple Lossless Files.

The Optical Digital out from the MAC directly to the DAC1 had; better resolution, sense of space, improved tonality, greater inflections in the Vocals, better PRAT, and a more 3D soundstage.

The Squeezebox received its signal via a wired ethernet cable, then it was connected to the DAC1 using the same cheapo, Optical Monster Cable, feeding the DAC1. The volumes were matched by ear and not by using a meter, which I couldn't find. Anyway, the sound from the Squeezebox revealed; less resolution, less transparency, the soundstage sounded flatter, compressed and more homogenized, and the music was less involving which I will refer to as less PRAT.

iTunes doesn't support FLAC. You will need to find a new media player for the MAC, a plugin-in, or a FLAC file converter.

Rich