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In Reply to: What "sounds" best: PC, MAC Mini, or Linux based transport? posted by davehg on November 2, 2005 at 13:02:18:
If you're using a Squeezebox sound quality is NOT dependent on what computer or storage media you choose. The data will be buffered in, and clocked out from, the Squeezebox. As long as your computer can keep data in the buffer (very easy to do even with 10mb Ethernet) the only thing left to worry about is getting "secure rips" and using a lossless audio file format.
The problem with USB DACS right now is they are designed to match the USB audio transmission mode. USB DACS follow the data rate of the USB transmission. They do not have large buffers to isolate the DAC from the computer. To do that would require audio server software designed for the DAC, like Slimserver for the Squeezebox. This way the DAC is 100% isolated from the computer.
Follow Ups:
Even large buffers don't isolate you from having to follow the USB clock.The Squeezebox is the master clock for the playback and it pulls the data on demand at the rate it's local clock is sending it out through the S/PDIF interface.
For most USB interfaces a piece of software int he PC is the master clock and the data is pushed at that rate down to the interface. Whether large buffer or not the USB converter needs to estimate the rate at which it is beeing fed this data and adjust its S/PDIF clock to keep in sync.
Cheers
If the device simply requests data to keep it's buffer from running out it's clocking can be independent of the PC interface, USB, Ethernet, Firewire, or whatever.
The Squeezebox gets data in bursts, when needed, so it won't run out. It's happy to get that data at whatever rate the local Ethernet can manage (up to 100mb). There is no clocking between Squeezebox and computer.
It's the "audio mode usb" that requires a USB DAC to follow the data rate of the usb interface. Don't use audio mode and that clocking problem is solved. There's no reason a USB DAC couldn't work in a way simalar to the Squeezebox. The problem is it requires custom software on the computer to satisfy the devices requests.
have a junky DAC in it?Can you avoid the Squeezebox DAC and go digital out of the Squeeze box?
n
The SB2/SB3 has a very respectable dac in it. What it does have is a piece of junk power supply. The Bolder modded SB2 with the upgraded power supply bettered my reference tube SACD/CD player. I sold it on Audiogon and I'm enjoying the SB2.
Looking forward to your comparison of modded SB2 and Benchmark.
I run a squeezebox 2 into a Big Ben (to reduce jitter) into a Tact 2.0s (room correction system) into a Benchmark Dac1. The big step up in sound quality was the Tact. The next big step up was using the Squeesebox as oppossed to a CD based transport. The improvement was HUGE.
Gerry
Still working on the comparision. Follow the link to the previous thread for an update.Later,
Correct link
I'll eventually compare the SB2's DAC to my Theta DAC.For the purpose of comparing the use of conventional transport vs. lossless from a hard drive, I'll run both through my Genesis Digital Lens and then Theta DAC so I can have a remote controlled input selector. Might fool with this tonight.
Now to get all those damn CD's ripped...
marc g. - audiophile by day, music lover by night
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