2. digital
  3. 1310863262

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
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.
wolf_garcia
6,711 posts
 
I downloaded a Touch remote app to an old iPhone...I can sit on my couch looking at the iPhone screen and see exactly what's happening on the Touch and change from Pandora to my lossless iTunes pile or to Linn radio or whatever. I leave the Touch in the "VU meter" mode so it seems alive.
johsti's avatar
johsti
102 posts
 
Yeah, I though the Bifrost was a joke at first because of the name and it sounded too good to be true for the money. Of course I'll have to wait and see how it sounds, but on paper it looks good. No upsampling and 24/192 usb support with no mac drivers required. They are supposed to release two more dacs in the near future with balanced outputs, etc. Made in the US and 15 day return policy is comforting.

trebejo
102 posts
 
I dug around a little bit and found this recommendation for a USB -> SPDIF converter, Kingrex UC192,

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=92537.0

This is probably a more correct approach, since coax or optical digital is a stable long-term format whilst USB is hardly that. If you must use USB, that's one way to do it without severely curtailing your DAC options.

I now I keep trying to steer you away from USB. But I have my reasons! None of which put a dollar in my pocket. :)

I think "classic" audio companies have not gone after this feature for many reasons, so when you insist on that kind of connectivity then you are discarding some truly excellent DACs. There, that's all the steering I'm going to do for today. Good luck!
trebejo
102 posts
 
Audiogon and its http policies...

www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=92537.0

is the reference in question.
More to discover