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Need DAC suggestion

Coming into some $$$ soon. I want to upgrade the sound of my Denon DCM-27. I also want to be able to stream my iPod library, in addition to getting into hi-res files.
All this means I need a DAC that has a digital coax input and a USB input that will take a 24/96 signal. USB 2.0 would be great.
Does the Squeezebox Touch do all this? I know it has a USB port, but can it take 24/96 through it? All my music is on an external flash drive. If the SB Touch cannot do 24/96 through the USB, can it stream this format wirelessly? Also, I saw this: "The capability of Squeezebox Server on a PC to import (scan) a library maintained by iTunes is not supported." Huh?
Oh, and budget is a problem, I'd rather not go much above $400...
realremo
devilboy
1,176 posts
 
I thought the Furutech handled 24/96.
johsti's avatar
johsti
102 posts
 
Check out the upcoming Schiit Bifrost. It handles native sample rates up to 24/192 through all inputs including usb and it's priced at $450. I preordered one and am anxious to see how it competes with my current dac.

http://schiit.com/cart/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=0&products_id=7
pcking
49 posts
 
The Touch does not have a digital input, so you can't use it as a DAC for your CD player. It will play 24/96 files in flac format through the squeezebox server software. Playing music on the usb input through a flash drive has been problematic for me, but others have reported great success. I run the touch via ethernet from a netbook with a SSD hooked up to 2TB external drive and the iPeng ipad interface. I use an old Theta DAC, but the internal DAC in the Touch is pretty good. I auditioned an EE Minimax DAC for a couple of weeks and the Touch's analog output was indistinguishable from the EE.
wolf_garcia
6,696 posts
 
I use a SQ Touch into a Dacmagic (coax)...works VERY well streaming itunes lossless via wifi.
realremo OP
460 posts
 
SQ Touch users - how is the use-ability of this unit? I know it has to be cabled to a DAC or pre-amp, but it has a remote, so you can still control track selection that way, but the screen is kinda small. Do you have really long inter-connects, and control the Touch on-screen, or do you keep the ICs short and use the remote? I'm assuming the remote users out there have the Touch close enough to see the tiny screen. I still have very good eyes, even after a 15 year career of staring at computer screens, so using the remote might be OK.
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