[klackto]

Hi
Been using the squeezebox for a while into my audio synthesis dax via glass toslink(existing cd transport via coax).
Got it going thanks to Wayne's great advice and have spent the past few wks building a diy linear power supply(can't afford the ultimate ps yet) & ripping my cd's.
Now thinking about mods......will probably get full mods and do my own comparisons later but will keep my preamp as I listen to lots of vinyl also.
Would also like to keep my cd transport as I probably won't rip my entire collection so it would be more convenient for me to use toslink into the dax.
So my questions are:
Is using toslink a downward step compared to coax and will the digital mods with bybee do much(anything?) for the toslink output?
I know this has been discussed before but how would analog out(modded) compare to using a dac like my audio synthesis.
Finally, assuming I get the analog mods done, would I be better off putting the bybees in my preamp after the input selector rather than on the output of the squeezebox(that way the other sources benefit as well)?

[playntheblues]

Hi, and welcome.  I have an Audio Logic DAC and at least on mine the Tosk link is a BIG step down from the rca or bnc.

[Wayne1]

The digital mods are mostly centered around improving the internal power supplies that are used for the network chips, CPU, and the digital buffer.

The RCA output connector is replaced with a WBT NextGen and the signal is rerouted for improved transfer.

The power supply work WILL help out the toslink section.  The Bybee Purifier is installed in the coax signal path. It will not do anything for toslink.

FWIW, I do prefer the sound of coax over that of glass toslink. For non-critical applications, like the digital audio output of my cable box, toslink is fine. For my SB I use the coax output in my HT system.

While other sources may benefit from Bybee Purifiers downstream of the SB, the SB does benefit from them built into it.

There is no reason you can't have multiple Purifiers in your signal path. I have them on the output of my SB and my DVD player. I have them on the inputs of my speakers. My Equi-Tech balanced power conditioned has then built into the secondary of the transformer. My Ultimate PS has four of them in it. I even built them into my component video cables from the HDTV cable box to my RPTV 

I have never heard that particular DAC. I have compared the analog out of a modded SB2 with Sonicap Platinums with no Bybee Purifiers to a Lavry DA-10, both direct into my power amp. I did prefer the sound of the modded SB. TO me, in my system, the Lavry sounded too "PRO AUDIO". It reminded me of the sound of JBL 4311 monitors. Very bright and in your face.

Other folks may prefer this type of sound. The only way you can know for sure is to listen to it in your own system in your own room.

I am afraid I do not have any demos available for audition at this time.

[mcgsxr]

Klacto, where are you located?  I have a fully modded Bolder SB3, if you happen to live anywhere in Ontario, Canada, that you could borrow.

[Daygloworange]

  I have a fully modded Bolder SB3

Show off!   

Cheers 

[klackto]

Thanks for the replies and also to mcgsxr's generous loan offer.
Unfortunately I'm in Sydney, Australia so not exactly local but thanks very much anyway.
One more question for Wayne:
I'm trying to get my head around this bybee thing.
My preamp (Allen Wright fvp) has inputs directly wired to the selector switch and then onto the output buffer via stepped attenuators.
So will bybees fitted inside the squeezebox be much more usefull than further down the signal path even though the signal will eventually go down that path anyway?