[kmunns2000]

Just tried some Hi Res tracks this weekend for the first time.  Sounds great with the following:

Laptop with 24/96 flac tracks from Hdtracks (via mediamonkey)
USB out to Musical Fidelity V-Link (USB to spdif conversion)
V-Link to Vision DAC (in preamp combo)
Ultravalve
Songtowers (standard)

Question - Can I get rid of the V-Link by using a Squeezebox touch?  If so, will it sound as good?
Thanks for helping a newbie.

[Listens2tubes]

What operating system are you using?

[kmunns2000]

Windows 7.

[charmerci]

You can hook the SB Touch directly into the Vision DAC - it has a digital coax out.

But you'll still probably keep your computer hooked up to the stereo regardless - as it's used mainly as a remote controller - that accesses the web and your computer via wifi.

http://www.stereophile.com/content/logitech-squeezebox-touch-network-music-player

[charmerci]

From the Stereophile article -

"Because most of the brains and all control of communications are taken care of by the Squeezebox Server program installed on your host computer, the link between it and the Touch is critical (footnote 1). Using an Ethernet cable will ensure the best and most reliable performance. But heck—if I were willing or able to run a wire from my PC to the stereo, why would I need the Touch? It could be replaced with some sort of remote control.


Footnote 1: The Touch differs from earlier Squeezebox devices by being able to operate without a host computer. When a USB drive is plugged into its USB port, a version of Squeezebox Server program that runs on the Touch itself is launched, and allows you to browse the music files on that drive in the same manner that you can on a host PC via the network.—Ed."

So you could hook a external hard drive directly into the SB Touch.

[martyo]

I'm not there yet but many folks on the Salk Circle including Jim and BigRed stream their music. I believe I've read of some using the Touch. In addition to what was already posted here they should be able to help. They are a very upbeat helpful bunch of music lovers over there and you are already in the club with your SongTowers.

[avta]

I'm a long time Squeezebox user and currently use a Touch. The Touch has the ability to play 24/96 files which was not possible with earlier models. In addition to providing the software ( Logitech Media Server ) which runs on your computer you can also use smart phone applications to control the Touch. I use iPeng. Sound quality is excellent in my view and the software allows you to play many file formats. I use mine in wireless mode since my computer is some distance from my music setup. Also, I enjoy listening to the many internet stations which can be played with the Touch. A great feature in my opinion.

[kmunns2000]

Thanks for all the help guys.  I think I might give the squeezebox touch a try just for convenience.  I am concerned with sound quality though, as what I am using now sounds really really good.

Kevin

 - good idea to check with Salk - will do.

[dminches]

The Touch is a great piece of equipment and very flexible when it comes to playing music stored on hard drives.

As far as sound quality is concerned, given that the touch has a digital output, you can use any DAC to tailor the sound to your liking.  This provides total flexibility.  The Touch is also economical in that you can use your existing computer equipment as oppose to getting a system which is an all in one.

I am using mine with the AVA FET Valve DAC and it sounds great.

[Tom Alverson]

I have a similar setup here;

Windows 7 PC
JRiver media player
USB out to Musical Fidelity V-Link (USB to spdif conversion)
V-Link to Vision DAC (in preamp combo)
Fet Valve 600R
B&W DM630i speakers

I have also used the SPDIF output from the computer instead of the V-Link and did not notice any difference. I got the V-link so I could use my laptop if I wanted.   I would recommend trying the 30 day eval of Jriver media player.  It is easy to set it up so all of the volume controls in Windows are bypassed and you get the direct bits from the music file sent to the DAC.  If your volume controls are working in Windows then your are throwing away some of those 24 bits to lower the volume.  You can turn all the sliders up to the max and you may get the full resolution (you will need to use the volume knob on the preamp).