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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
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
6,695 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.
realremo OP
460 posts
 
Incidentally, the Bifrost looks really nice. The Furutech does not have digital coax inputs, I would be unable to connect my Denon changer.
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