[CJ Paul]

I have an M500 Soundbridge.  I really like the functionality and generally think that it could be a great primary digital source.  BUT, I'm using the internal DACs right now and running out of the analog outputs.  At some point, I want to upgrade my amp, preamp and DAC, and while NORMALLY I think it might be odd for someone to claim the DAC is the weakest point in their system, I'm wondering if the DAC in the M500 is bad enough that I should get a DAC ASAP.  Here is my current system.

Amp/Preamp: Harman Kardon 3380 stereo receiver
Speakers: Magnepan MMG and four 15" infinite baffle sub
Source: Music Hall MMF 2.1 turntable and ROKU M500

Thoughts?

[Rich Carlson]

I have a Soundbridge 500, and I run it into an external DAC.  I would say that its built-in DAC is just OK, and you're likely to hear a significant improvement from a fairly modest external DAC.

[CJ Paul]

Thanks!

[Inscrutable]

CJ,
If you are still out there, I totally agree with Rich.  I went with the Squeezebox largely because its internal DAC is a little better than the Roku, and even that is only sufficient (IMO) for my more casual 2nd/3rd systems.  For my main squeeze (ouch), I will run to an external DAC.  I have heard modded SB's and the mod makes a pretty big difference on the analog output (not so much to me on the digital), but an external DAC still sounded better.

BTW, I heard Mike's new LiteDac (and his old Benchmark) and I would highly recommend the Lite, especially for the $.
Tim

PS. And if you want to up the ante, there is a modified Lite Dac that has pleased some people - I've not heard it.