computer audio question

A network player like Squeezebox Touch connected via wireless G performs extremely well in all regards and helps effectively isolate your system from the music server host computer and associated noise issues. A very cost effective and simple solution.

Not sure what recent upsampling DACs Steve is skeptical about, but IME the relatively new ESS 9018 Sabre chip(when implemented in dual mono with well-executed discrete dc regulation) is an advance over any commercial offer that I've heard. Detailed, smooth, delivering a payload of life-like energy without fatigue. Unfortunately any DAC chip is no better than the sum of its surrounding clock, PS, and analog stage, so YMMV.

"Okay, but in the Bel Canto series cited by the OP, newer e.one series DACs are definitely better in just about every meaningful respect, except perhaps cost."

Read the upcoming review in TAS on this.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio

"How do you like the Burr Brown PCM 2702E"

Have not heard it yet. I know what I dont like: the AKM chips.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio

"A network player like Squeezebox Touch connected via wireless G performs extremely well in all regards"

A lot of audiophiles reclock the SB Touch, SB2, Duet and Transporter. Again, it's the clock that is most important. However the Touch is the best of the lot in stock form.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio