[eclein]

I've found that using a Duet with a linear power supply and feeding it via optical to my Grant Fidelity Tube DAC-09 a very nice match. The DAC was inexpensive and introduced the tube sound into the mix. When I took Waynes advice and bought a linear supply from PE that worked with the Duet things really got better. You may find that changing the power supply gives you what your looking for...it widened the sound stage and added the missing low end for me, I was shocked at how much improvement that change made. I've thought about upgrading to a touch but the sound I have now is excellent and I just haven't seen the buzz I thought would come about with the newest version. As far as DAC's go for $200 the Grant Tube DAC-09 or the Maverick D1 are a bargain and you have the option of tube rolling to really dial them in even more.
 The linear power supply and adding the tube flavoring were the best things I've done to make digital music sound analogue.

[mitch stl]

Those of you that find the Touch's sound "good", do you factor in sound stage width, separation of instruments, and 3 dimensional sound into your evaluations?  I run a stock Duet feeding a modified Music Hall DAC 25.2 and the Touch fell short for me in 2 ways. <snip...>
As always, YMMV. 

You're right - different people will come to different conclusions. My reference point for my system is small venue fully acoustic music. In other words, it would be feasible for the musicians to play live in my room. If my system gets that right, then I find I'm happy with all other forms of music I play. I've got no problem picturing several musicians left to right and front to rear when using the Touch analog outs in my system. Pianos sound like pianos, guitars like guitars and so on. When I play recordings with the voices of people I know, those sound accurate too. 

Other people listen in different ways for different things. It neither bothers nor surprises me that many people prefer different equipment choices in building a system for themselves.

So yes, YMMV.

[bigbwb]

Wayne,
I tried out the PE PS for my Touch(after modding it to the correct voltage) and felt it just ran too warm and I did not want to risk any damage.  If I buy the PS you posted a link to, would I be able to use the connectors off the Parts Express one to make it work?  Also, will this PS run cooler?

Thanks,
Brandon

In my experience with the SB products, much of the harshness can be reduced by using a linear power supply and removing the switcher from the wall outlet.

A very inexpensive 5 volt, 2 amp linear power supply can be found here . It will require the DIN DC connector to be removed and replaced with a 2.5 mm DC connector to fit the Touch. Higher quality power supplies will improve the sound even more.

The analog outputs in the Touch do have very low quality electrolytic capacitors in the signal path. Removing them will improve the sound quite a bit. Please note that the Touch is tricky to disassemble. Any removal of parts will void the warranty. The are other things that can be done to improve the power supply and the Touch. For more information on that, please ask questions in my circle.

[timind]

Surprised no one has mentioned the PS Audio DLIII. After researching different dacs for my mac mini it seemed like the best choice for the money. I got a brand new one for $500 shipped. I owned one about a year ago so I knew what to expect.
Sitting here feeding discs into the mini as I type this.

[Wayne1]

Brandon,

The Jerome Industries power supply comes with a DIN connector hard wired to it. The connector need to be cut off and a new one soldered on. I suppose you can use the cable you used with the PE and solder that to the wire out of the Jerome PS.

As long as you DO NOT use the Touch with a hard drive connected to it, the Jerome Industries PS should not get hot. I personally use one of my PS and there is no problem with heat.

[mfsoa]

My Jerome has a good bit of mechanical hum, so I keep a book on it to keep it quiet(er) - No issues w/ heat, even w/ the book.

-Mike

[bigbwb]

Wayne,
Thanks for the help!
From the pic below, can someone verbally walk me through the process that would be involved in swapping the connectors?  I am not good with electronics in anyway and before I do anything, I want to be sure its easy enough to do myself.  Mike, I assume you made the same change to your Jerome PS?
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=82815.msg810930#msg810930

Thanks,
Brandon

Brandon,

The Jerome Industries power supply comes with a DIN connector hard wired to it. The connector need to be cut off and a new one soldered on. I suppose you can use the cable you used with the PE and solder that to the wire out of the Jerome PS.

As long as you DO NOT use the Touch with a hard drive connected to it, the Jerome Industries PS should not get hot. I personally use one of my PS and there is no problem with heat.