jezzaboogie Posted July 3, 2013 Posted July 3, 2013 I've been thinking lately about what the next step is. I've been running a Squeezebox into a DAC for a couple of years now (optical connection) and occasionally wonder if there is an obvious move that will improve sound quality. I'm happy and settled on the convenience of the Squeezebox; not looking to make a change there. What's the go with digital interfaces for reducing jitter? Is it really worth the extra investment for the improved sound quality? Just read Jonny Darko review on the Audio-gd DI. The conclusion seems to be that this would be a great idea, but I'm still left wondering if there is another option I'm not thinking of. http://www.digitalaudioreview.net/2011/07/audio-gd-digital-interface-class-a-psu/ Sorry if this has all been comprehensively dealt with elsewhere; I'm sure it has. Cheers.
pete_mac Posted July 3, 2013 Posted July 3, 2013 The DI is a definite improvement when used as a reclocker between the SBT and an external DAC. The Empirical Audio Synchro Mesh is a step above the DI, but is more expensive. If money isn't an issue, go straight for the Smesh. I initially owned a tricked-up DI with Tentlabs XO, then I upgraded to the Smesh and loved the further improvement that it yielded. After selling the Smesh to free up some funds, my system took a step backwards in terms of sound quality. Luckily I managed to secure a V1 DI direct from audio-gd as a special order only a few months ago, and this helped to reinstate the musicality which was missing.
pete_mac Posted July 3, 2013 Posted July 3, 2013 Oh btw, you may find that the current model DI with the usb32 chipset will now work in asynch mode with the SBT and the EDO app. This means that you don't need to muck around with the DI as a SPDIF reclocker a such... It simply functions as an asynch USB to SPDIF converter between the SBT and your DAC. There is firmware-related info on the audio-gd website now, and I bet Kingwa can assist with any questions. There is one clock for the USB input that can be upgraded. I'd either get audio-gd to do this for you, or grab a Tentlabs XO later (assuming you go with the DI, of course!)
Jventer Posted July 3, 2013 Posted July 3, 2013 There is a guy on Audiogon selling a modded Squeezebox with a Synchromesh for a very good price.
A J Posted July 3, 2013 Posted July 3, 2013 There is a guy on Audiogon selling a modded Squeezebox with a Synchromesh for a very good price. Mustave gone I couldnt findit doh
Peter_F Posted July 3, 2013 Posted July 3, 2013 Mustave gone I couldnt findit doh Time to get the soldering iron out again AJ - modded SBT's!!
evil c Posted July 3, 2013 Posted July 3, 2013 (edited) Still there - just look under Empirical in Computer audio http://app.audiogon.com/listings/media-servers-empirical-audio-pace-car-reclocker-superclock-4-with-logitech-squeezebox-v3-2013-06-11-computer-audio-china Oops - might be different! Edited July 3, 2013 by evil c
Guest yamaha_man Posted July 3, 2013 Posted July 3, 2013 The biggest improvement in sound quality I have made with my Squeezebox Touch was to Introduce the Teddy Pardo power supply. Very highly recommended.
A J Posted July 3, 2013 Posted July 3, 2013 The biggest improvement in sound quality I have made with my Squeezebox Touch was to Introduce the Teddy Pardo power supply. Very highly recommended. Yeah I was going to say - two base improvements would be to add a good PSU and use the SPDIF output with the EDO mod - I do and its pretty good. I've had both an Audiophilleo and Synchromesh in the past.
Braddles 63 Posted July 3, 2013 Posted July 3, 2013 (edited) I found improvement to my SBT by adding one of AJ's power supplies and an AP2 to my Audio gd Ref5 Dac. To the point I was happy to sell my Raysonic Cd128. YMMV but I can highly recommend a similar path. Edited July 3, 2013 by Braddles 63
jezzaboogie Posted July 3, 2013 Author Posted July 3, 2013 (edited) Thanks for the info guys. What is the EDO mod? I've got a Duet and a Squeezebox Classic (not a Touch), but I'm assuming the improvements from a digital interface and/or upgraded power supply would be similar to the Touch? I've got to say I'm skeptical about how much improvement I'll actually hear but I'm ready to stand corrected. I'm definitely leaning on the side of a digital interface as a first go. Is there general agreement about that? Edited July 3, 2013 by jezzaboogie
pete_mac Posted July 3, 2013 Posted July 3, 2013 (edited) If you intend using optical cables into the future, then the Smesh is the only reclocking option which is compatible. The DI only offers SPDIF and BNC connections. Also, as you have a Duet and SBT, the Enhanced Digital Output mod (which is a software mod that can be selected from within the SB Touch) is not applicable. Likewise, you can't use a USB equipped interface for your current Squeezeboxen, so the Audiophilleo and also the DI V3 is not applicable. Yes, the DI V3 can be ordered with a SPDIF input and output, but it lacks the DSP-3 processor as found in the V1, and this is important when it comes to reclocking. Kingwa recommended that I stick with the V1 if I was going to reclock SPDIF. I'd be surprised if you didn't hear an improvement with a DI or Smesh added to your setup. Even if the difference seems subtle at first, leave it in place for a month or so, and then remove it from the signal chain and have another listen. When I did this, I was amazed at the negative change. Which DAC are you using BTW? I still haven't tried a PSU with my SBT as yet, although I may get around to it some day. Edited July 3, 2013 by pete_mac
Guest yamaha_man Posted July 3, 2013 Posted July 3, 2013 The PSU improvement is chalk and cheese! It really that big! I ordered the Teddy Pardo whilst drunk and reading about it here. A few weeks later this parcel turned up from Israel and I'm life WTF is this???? Completely forgot about the order let alone that it was made in Israel. Anyway, plugged it in and my jaw hit the ground! I too was a little dubious about the difference a PSU could/would make. Trust me, do it!
Jventer Posted July 3, 2013 Posted July 3, 2013 There is a guy on Audiogon selling a modded Squeezebox with a Synchromesh for a very good price. Edited Squeezebox with a reclocker, sorry
Jventer Posted July 3, 2013 Posted July 3, 2013 Mustave gone I couldnt findit doh Still there - just look under Empirical in Computer audio http://app.audiogon.com/listings/media-servers-empirical-audio-pace-car-reclocker-superclock-4-with-logitech-squeezebox-v3-2013-06-11-computer-audio-china Oops - might be different! Sorry guys It is that one , my post was wrong it is a Squeezebox with a pace car reclocker Still think the price is good. (I am not buying as I have just bought a Squeezebox)
jezzaboogie Posted July 3, 2013 Author Posted July 3, 2013 DACs are Stello DA100 and a MHDT Paradisa. Thanks again for the extra info. Will chew it over.
jezzaboogie Posted July 3, 2013 Author Posted July 3, 2013 What are the options for a PSU? I balk at the cost of the TeddyPardo.
SteveC Posted July 4, 2013 Posted July 4, 2013 http://ifi-audio.com/en/iUSB.html Later if you use a computer or USB source you can also run the USB through the iFi into your Stello.
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