[brett11]

Hi all - I am running the wonderful Salk STs with a Naim 112/150 combo and only use a Squeezebox 3.   Do you think an AVA DAC will make a significant difference?  I miss tubes, but the convenience and fun associated with the Naim gear is great.  I just miss the connection with the music and was wondering if the DAC will get me there?

[bpape]

If you're running a stock SB3, then getting a good power supply would be #1 on my list.  After that, a good DAC is certainly going to give you an improvment.  I've not heard the VA DAC but have heard a lot of good things about it from people who's ears I trust.

Bryan

[brett11]

Brian - What power supply would you suggest and where do I get one?

[brett11]

Sorry Bryan for the mis-spelling

[Wayner]

The Insight DAC is awesome.

Wayner

[gjs_cds]

The Insight DAC is awesome.

Wayner

Yeah--ditto.  Have no desire for tubes at this point.  None. 

[jhm731]

If you can afford it, get the Insight DAC.

Mr. Van Alstine has a 30-day satisfaction guarantee.

A good DAC will make a much bigger improvement than any PSU.

If want to upgrade the PSU, try this:

Acopian  B5G120

http://www.acopian.com/

[GBB]

If want to upgrade the PSU, try this:

Acopian  B5G120

I think the rating of this power supply (5v 1.2amps) might be a bit too low.  The stock switcher that comes with the Squeezebox is rated at 5v 2amps, so I'd want to get something at least rated that high.

---Gary

[DSK]

Agreed, the PS is the first step.

After that, if you are missing tubes, the AVA Ultra DAC may be a good option for you to try.

[gjs_cds]

Agreed, the PS is the first step.

After that, if you are missing tubes, the AVA Ultra DAC may be a good option for you to try.

Can someone please explain to me the sanity of why a DC power supply is more important than an improved DAC?  It's making absolutely no sense to me.  At all.  I'd like to be enlightened. 

[mcullinan]

I would go with an external DAC, I have both and with an external DAC it makes minimal difference. The switching PS can add noise into the system and there is a bit more clarity, but the DAC still makes a much greater difference.
Mike

[jhm731]

If want to upgrade the PSU, try this:

Acopian  B5G120

I think the rating of this power supply (5v 1.2amps) might be a bit too low.  The stock switcher that comes with the Squeezebox is rated at 5v 2amps, so I'd want to get something at least rated that high.

---Gary

Have you measured the SB3's current draw?

I'll bet you haven't, but if it makes you feel better get the 2.1amp B5G210, it's $20. more,
or if you want a lower ripple spec, get the A5MT510, $75. more.

Either way, it's cheaper than a BC or CIA PSU.

Once again, the bigger improvement will be a great DAC, like Mr. Van Alstine's Insight.

IMO, SB3 owners with external DACs should donate their units to a friend, and get a Duet, which has a much better sounding stock digital output, and a wonderful remote.

[martyo]

Anyone who's heard the AVA/SALK room at RMAF or in Detroit yje last couple of years has listened through a stock Squeezebox into an AVA Ultra DAC. That's what Jim Salk uses. 

[pardales]

Anyone who's heard the AVA/SALK room at RMAF or in Detroit yje last couple of years has listened through a stock Squeezebox into an AVA Ultra DAC. That's what Jim Salk uses. 

I heard that set-up at AKFest; I thought it was the differential system that was at AKFest, but maybe you meant at Jim's shop. Either way, I thought the AVA/SALK room was best in show. They were the rooms I spent most of my time in and where I found the most balanced, coherent, enjoyable sound.

[sueata1]

What the Hell is a Squeezebox 

Happy listening
Mel

[lonewolfny42]

What the Hell is a Squeezebox 

Happy listening
Mel

http://www.slimdevices.com/pi_squeezebox.html

[sueata1]

thanx Wolf 

Mel

[lonewolfny42]

thanx Wolf 

Mel

...........

I like this one...   

[kbuzz3]

i owe a pretty tricked out bolder SB3- but i firmly believe that you will hear a a greater difference by buying a dac first. The PSU is critical don't get me wrong, but in terms of initial listening "impact" the dac will exert a greater difference IMHO.

[gjs_cds]

i owe a pretty tricked out bolder SB3- but i firmly believe that you will hear a a greater difference by buying a dac first. The PSU is critical don't get me wrong, but in terms of initial listening "impact" the dac will exert a greater difference IMHO.

Thanks for the reality check.  All this talk about replacing a power source for a device w/ a digital output was just making no damn sense to me at all.  The thought just defies common sense.

And as an aside, I've been extremely happy with the Insight DAC.  Even my wife (and babysitters) have made comments.  (My 3 year old and 3 month old have yet to appreciate the sonic improvement.)  With Frank's in-home audition policy, it's a no brainer.  At most, you'll be out shipping.  And from personal experience, it won't be getting shipped back...