Bigfish's Quest for a DAC to lead into Computer Audio

[mdconnelly]

Since Shane mentioned the Oracle, I just had to say a couple things... the longer I own this, the more I'm convinced that it is the single best audio purchase I've ever made (the 2nd best having been the CD Transport .   

What makes the Oracle DAC1000 so exactly perfect for me is that it is the consummate preamp for today's audiophile.  It has a world-class DAC, every possible input/output (except USB) I'll ever need or want, and an equally world class analog section - all in a single, drop-dead gorgeous box.   Before buying the DAC1000, I'd had a Tact that could do the same yet pushed the analog thru the digital section via an A-D-A two-step.   Sounded pretty damn good considering but I knew something was getting lost in the translation when spinning vinyl. As good as the Tact was, the Oracle is better sonically.  I also tried the Benchmark DAC/Pre but that wasn't even close.

With regard to the Touch and Transporter - I wonder if anyone has put these head-to-head using a high-quality outboard DAC?  My gut tells me they'd be hard to tell apart.  Years back I did compare a Transporter to the SB3 using an outboard DAC and while I preferred the Transporter, I couldn't justify the cost.  But the Touch is definitely a major step up from the SB3 sonically.

[Carlman]

I think at least some (if not a large) part of the improvement in the SB3 and Touch is firmware revisions.  I don't know about the Transporter, I didn't spend much time with it.. never really 'got it'.   But I would imagine it too has firmware versions that make it sound better or worse.

I've definitely noticed the sound changes as the revisions come out.. and the revisions are plentiful.  Currently, I have 2 identical SB3's and one definitely sounds better than the other... and they are the same firmware version... so I don't know what else is at play.. wireless/wired makes no difference on them.

In any case, I don't doubt you could use a Touch as a transporter (and preamp).  It'd certainly be easier than setting up a new situation for you, Ken. 

I still plan on upgrading my audio PC in the not too distant future.. it's just time.

-C

[mdconnelly]

Carl,  when I bought my SB3, it was from John and he had it cryo treated.   Are both of yours from John?  Just wondering if one of them might have been cryoed.  I've got one SB3 (cryoed), a Duet and the Touch.  The Touch is definitely better, but I always thought the SB3 sounded better than the Duet and, in my head, I attributed it to the cryo, but who knows...

[Carlman]

I think both were cryo'd... but maybe not.. I just think the manufacturing process probably varies.. as the SB3 is just a nice little toy, not really built to be true hifi.  

[Bigfish8]

I think both were cryo'd... but maybe not.. I just think the manufacturing process probably varies.. as the SB3 is just a nice little toy, not really built to be true hifi.  

I agree with Carl and think the Squeezebox Family of products were never aimed for the audiophile market.  They actually remind me a little of Microsoft with the continual updates of the software!

Concerning the ModWright Transporter I am happy to report it is now in the possession of its new owner as of 3:45PM today.  Now on to a new and better digital source!

Ken

[mdconnelly]

Since the Touch came out, there has been a continuous stream of firmware updates - often several per week - but they're painless and let's me know they're continuing to improve it.   Yep, it is a very cool toy and by far one of my cheaper ones that gets playing time on the main rig  

[Carlman]

I am a complete snob about digital playback...

[mdconnelly]

I am a complete snob about digital playback...

Say it ain't so!  But if so, you hide it well, are ever so cordial, and have a hell of a great sounding system as a result 

[Bigfish8]

I am a complete snob about digital playback...

[Carlman]

Thanks!   ... I had a bit of a realization after my 'toy' comment.. 
I'd like to hear your system as it stands today, Mike.. Last I heard it the term 'liquid ear sex' was coined.

[mdconnelly]

Carl, my system is sounding the best it has.  Your 'liquid ear sex' comment was during a full Aluminata assault by Shane at a G2G around this time last year I think.  But a few very positive changes since then including the Oracle DAC have taken it in a very nice direction.   

I'll have to find time to have a G2G this summer.   Unfortunately, between a huge work deadline the end of June coupled with a high-school graduating, college-bound daughter, I'm in way over my head and living the audio life vicariously through AN (and Ken! 

[Bigfish8]

Unfortunately, between a huge work deadline the end of June coupled with a high-school graduating, college-bound daughter, I'm in way over my head and living the audio life vicariously through AN (and Ken! 

Mike:

Congratulations on the daughter's graduation! 

I probably should apologize to all of you guys on this forum but I am really having too much fun!  There is an exciting world of audio and audio knowledge out there and I am determined to absorb as much as I can.

Ken

[Deton Nation]

Computer Audio is just as good as a Dac with a transport, probably better. Really what are you guys smoking. lol!
And cheap. It is as cheap as you want it to be, just like a transport and a DAC. The little ones & zeros coming off a CD into a DAC, not unlike the Ones and zeros coming out of a SB Touch.
M 

[ik632]

I agree that a properly built computer will sound quite good. The important factor is an appropriate sound card to send the digital signal to the dac, then the rest is standard from there. You've got more horsepower in a pc than a standard player (for digital players you are really limited to the Squeezebox stuff, Sonos, and then a PC). For me an appropriate pc is a very good option.

You can also get a 7" touch screen that's powered and video directly over USB so there's only one cable to run and you just touch it to play. You can also run whatever software you want and correct anything that you may not be able to adjust when using a dedicated player like a SB.

[richidoo]

Can you post a link to that kind of USB video screen? Thanks Nick!

Pro quality sound cards have good clocks onboard to clean up the digital output. Lynx and RME have extremely good internal clocks on the sound card, can even be used as wordclock for external DACs. They accept external word also. Jitter can only be as good as the clock, which can only be as good as clock's power supply and other factors.