Squeezebox Mods Effective On Digital Output?

Cruz123

Your experience is very pertinent to my current quest. Really, all I want to do is take the Duet to a higher level of performance (and not just measurements on paper). I have been considering the Bolder mods, but the Robr45’s input regarding re-clocking devices perked my curiosity. My DAC has been modified and has very low jitter, but to be honest, I’m not sure what that means in regard to it (the DAC) being feed jitter from the Duet. If the Duet sends jitter to the DAC, does that DAC’s low jitter rating mean that it (the DAC) adds very little jitter to the signal it is fed, or does it mean that the DAC actually reduces a good portion of the jitter that it is fed?? I wonder if there is any documentation available on the comparison between a “Bolder type” modded SB vs a stock SB with a re-clocker (both being fed into a good DAC)?

As a result of the Bolder mod, what does the reduced noise floor and quieter background do for the overall musical presentation of your SB3? Does it add any clarity to any of the frequency ranges, or reveal more information in the music, does it gain your system any “finesse” (think nuances), or add to the transparency of the music being played?

These are the specific areas that I am trying to address. In this, my particular quest, I do not care about increasing the soundstage or enhancing imaging, I want to gain transparency and enhance the system’s ability to resolve details (which may equate to “clarity” and “better controlled/defined bass”, or enhanced detail/finesse). These are the areas that my current server is lacking in (albeit not by large margins).

Unfortunately, we have ventured into territory that I am not really qualified to speak on, at least in technical terms. But, based upon my extensive reading of articles and opinions on the on the subject, it is my "opinion" [emphasis added] that if you are using a quality transport and quality cables into a quality DAC, then the jitter that you would try to correct by reclocking may be so minimal that it is of no consequence - i.e. inaudible - in the first place. I would check with your DAC manufacturer to see how your DAC handles jitter. It's possible that it reclocks the signal on its own, especially if its an upsampling DAC. Just my .02 on that issue. Again, I would encourage you to read all you can on the subject and draw your own conclusions.

As to the bolder mods, in "my system" the lower noise floor offers exactly what you seek, i.e. a greater clarity and detail retrieval. You often hear, in audiophile terms, of "music emerging from a blacker background", and I think that terminology applies here. I experienced the same results when I added a battery powered preamp to my system and also when I had my Opus modded, which also included significant power supply upgrades. So, I suppose the Bolder mods just fall more in line with my system goals than a reclocking device. YMMV.

Thanks Cruz123. The Bolder mods are less expensive than a good re-clocker and I tend to agree with your opinion regarding jitter. I did contact Wayne, who said he was initiating a price increase at the end of this month. I don't know if my budget will allow me to get it done before that timeline.

Thanks again.

What DAC do you use?

My first thought is to look at that first.

Jitter reduction device second. Some DACs may accomplish that for you.

I'd only do mods to the SB after all else fails, but I suspect it should not have to come to this.

Mapman, I'm not having any issues with my WiFi, I just wasn't sure - after reading what I mentioned above, whether or not I was "streaming" the full 24/48 sample rate. Evidently, from what I'm reading, I have in fact been receiving the full sample rate via WiFi. My music server does not sound bad at all; I just want to take advantage of any tweaks/mods that can take it to another level. I am running the Duet through a Cullen Stage IV PS Audio DL-III. I have the Channel Islands 9v external power supply replacing the Duet's stock wall wart. I would like to gain some additional transparency (a high end music server – if possible) thus, my search regarding mods & re-clocking.