To Doug Schneider,
Having ripped half my CDs to my computer, I am now looking for the best way to play those files on my stereo.
I have read the article on the Logitech Squeezebox Touch and it seems promising, but would getting a DAC like the Simaudio 300D or Wyred 4 Sound DAC-2 give me an obvious improvement in sound quality? Either would be connected to my Bryston preamp. I could also use the DAC for the cable box and DVD player. Any insight would be appreciated. I understand the difference in cost, but the article on the Squeezebox seems to imply I would have to pay a lot more to get a sound improvement.
Rene Fortier
The reason that the article implies that you’d have to pay a lot more to get a significant improvement in sound quality is because the Squeezebox Touch is an outstanding device. Frankly, it can better the sound of a lot of external DACs, and it has features that none of them has. For what Logitech is asking for the Touch, it’s amazingly complete.
But that doesn’t mean that you can’t improve on its sound -- the Touch is great, but it isn’t the final word in high fidelity. Which DAC would be better, though, isn’t easy to say because it will depend on your own listening preferences and, also, on the other components in your system. Therefore, you’re really going to have to try things out yourself to know.
If I can make a suggestion, though, it’s this: get a Squeezebox Touch. Frankly, I don’t think you can go wrong with it, particularly for the price. Even if it doesn’t remain as your main DAC, I’m pretty sure you’ll still find use for it in your main system or, perhaps, another system. The reason that I’m recommending buying the Touch is that it’s a very cost-effective way to get started and it can serve as a great benchmark as you look for other DACs that might better it. But as the review implies, don’t be surprised if you have to pay much, much more to get a significant improvement. . . . Doug Schneider
