[Jazzman53]

I've been researching alternatives to my little Squeezebox Touch, within a $1K budget, and I'm now starting to realize just how well a $299 SB compares to the newer, higher priced offerings.  The DAC's are rated better in other players, but since I'm using an outboard DAC anyway, I'm discounting DAC's in my comparisons.         

My system is tri-amped using a digital crossover, and I'm using the SB Touch as both a streamer and a preamp; with the signal path as follows:   
SB > Toslink optical cable > Behringer DEQ2496 EQ > AES digital cable > Behringer DCX2496 crossover/DAC >  RCA analog cables > power amps > speakers
As opposed to using an analog preamp where there would be analog volume control plus multiple D/A & A/D conversions between components, using the SB as the preamp allows a fully digital path to the crossover, with only the one D/A conversion coming out of the crossover-- and this sounds markedly better to me.

I looked at every network player I could find for under $1K.   Of those, only the Cambridge Audio Stream Magic 6 ($999) and the Denon DN-700C ($899) had built in volume control, as would be required for use as a preamp.   In all others, the digital outs (if they had one) were merely pass thru.   In the CA Stream Magic 6, the volume control applies to the analog outputs only (digital outputs are pass thru).   So. for me, this leaves only the Denon DN-700C.  The Denon unit can volume control both analog and digital outputs, it has an Iphone/Ipad app, wireless capability, and it has a CD player as well.  However, it does not support FLAC or ALAC (would have to convert all my FLAC files to WAV) and it would play my AAC files in the Itunes folder.

In comparison, the little SB Touch has basically everything you'd want except a hard drive for storage and a CD spinner.  I'm now more impressed than ever with my Squeezebox, and now that its "obsolete" I could sell it used on Ebay for a lot more than the $300 bucks I paid for it new!   

       

   

[Phil A]

I'd concur the Squeezebox Touch is a great value for the money.  I'm not currently using mine but will eventually move it to a spare system.  I got mine with a 40% off coupon from Logitech several years back that just lasted several hours.  At $180 with shipping it was a steal.  I'm using a HAL MS-2 music server now which is much better and can do DSD or anything that Foobar or JRiver can handle, has a DVD drive and is a great value at $800.

[mdconnelly]

Just because Logitech gave up on the Squeezebox, doesn't mean the customer base has.   The Squeezebox is likely more popular now than when Logitech made the dumb decision to dump it.  Ebay prices only confirm that.   There's some interesting work being done to further extend the life of this great piece of tech.   You can find a lot of interesting doings on forums.slimdevices.com.

[HAITIMAN]

I agree. I was lucky to get the last one at a Best Buy in Saskatoon last November and now have two.

[Bob in St. Louis]

A year ago I was on the "Squeezebox and Logitech sucks goat balls train"..........   

But after a few small epiphanies, I've reevaluated my stance on the Squeezeboxes/Touch/Transporter hardware.
I think they've got a long life ahead of them and have even thought about buying units I don't necessarily need in the name of "hoarding", if you catch my drift.... 

So yea, the BOLDER modded SB3 I own has (re-)gained new appeal for me.
Now...if I can only get the rest of my system to "play well" with each other, I'd be in good shape.

I have no doubt the SqueezeBox salvage yard will live a long healthy life.

Bob

[Noseyears]

Without a doubt, the SB touch its a winner in most aspects.

However, I've heard that some Squeezebox users are involved on a new project: Olive one.

Anyone can confirm this?

[Jazzman53]

I'm kicking myself for not getting a Transporter when they were available and affordable.  You can't touch a used one for less than $2K now...

[firedog]

I'm kicking myself for not getting a Transporter when they were available and affordable.  You can't touch a used one for less than $2K now...

Just looked on Amazon: new one: $1995, used (like new) $1750

[Chuckdog2005]

No ones more disappointed than I am.

I couldn't believe what I read when logitech dumped them. I too use mine with an outboard dac. The on board dac is really good, but a bit bright for my taste when mated with 1.7 Maggies. I consider the Touch the best bargain I've ever got in a piece of audio gear.

I had one in my wish list at Crutchfield when they disappeared. I waited a bit too long to pull the trigger on what would have been my second one.

[HT cOz]

Maybe Logitech will sell Slim devices.  Maybe Olive will come through the Olive One

[mcgsxr]

I made the mistake of selling off my Bolder SB3 last year. 

I have since gone more HT for the basement system, and am using a hacked Pogoplug running Logitech Media Server s/w.  I use a USB-spdif converter into my receiver, and let it be the DAC.  Works well up to 24/96. 

I use iPeng on an iPod Touch to control it.  Works a treat but lacks the resolution of my past system for sure.

[Flac2Dac]

I've been an SB guy from the start; but I recently built myself a CA CAPS streamer, and ran JRiver and JRemote for control.

It was great...for my local files; but SB can't be touched, for services and Internet Radio, AFAIC. After coming to the conclusion, that JRiver isn't really close...to incorporating all that stuff; I sold the CAPS. I put my SBT (w/Channel Island power-supply) back into the Main rig (I wasn't going to sell it, until the CAPS satisfied all my needs; and it never quite did that. So the SBT went from Office system duty, back to the Main rig); and am using JRiver as server...to my PS Audio PWD mkII DAC w/Bridge (using Bridge for local files).

Sure...I'd love to have one thing that does it ALL; and Paul McGowen is promising a WaveStream update for the Bridge, that'll allow Services (among other things, like DSD, etc). But until then; the SB has a place in my house...and even after.

In fact...when the SBT went back to the Main system; I had to steal the Duet Receiver from the Family Room, for the Office...lol. Miss it there, so...I just picked up a Bolder-modded Duet, w/Paul Hynes power-supply; for the Office.

Long live SB!

[Phil A]

Just looked on Amazon: new one: $1995, used (like new) $1750

Here's a cheaper one - http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=118040.msg1239725;topicseen#new

[eclein]

Single best all around gadget for discless audio I think. Great way to start into the realm of hi-def files. That paired with a good power supply and your all set. I don't think I'll change it out unless it breaks or becomes antiquated some how. I've seen the SB Touch listed in many, many reviewers and magazines "Best Equipment" list for multiple years. Best choice I made I know that.....I have my files and whatever MOG offers and don't need to do much more than sit back with my tablet and program the days music....