[WC]

I keep on debating which one to get, but have yet to make a decision. Why did you choose what you did?

I have a computer that I could use to connect to a DAC, but I don't have a DAC yet. If I put the computer in the rack it will be more inconvenient to rip new CDs.

[TrungT]

SB still need the computer to run SB server.
DAC may cost more than the SB.
 
 

[firedog]

For The best result: get any inexpensive computer, even an older one, it doesn't need to be any more powerful than a netbook. Use it exclusively as a music server. Load SB server software and your music on it.

Get SB Touch use it as controller/interface for server. Use analogue outs. If you can afford it, use digital outs with an external DAC.

[krikor]

My main reason for going with and thus far staying with the SB was (1) to keep my computer out of the listening room and (2) ease of setup and use.  I built a very inexpensive dedicated computer for CD ripping using EAC, Accurate Rip and a specifically selected CDROM drive.  Although very noisy, it also works as my server in the basement.

I use the Squeezebox... originally an SB3 now a Touch... hardwired via Ethernet.  This keeps my audio system isolated from the computer, both audibly being in the basement and electrically since pulse transformers are part of the Ethernet interface. I'm connected to my DAC via coax.

I have a cheap netbook (ASUS Eee PC) that I've recently starting messing with as an in-room PC source into my async USB-capable DAC, but have found it thus far somewhat cumbersome to set up and control.  Based on a couple initial listening sessions, it's sounding at least as good as the SB via coax into the DAC but I still prefer the SB Touch for its ease of use.  Still thinking I might build a silent dedicated music PC for the listening room, but it just gets so complicated and there are so many options/ways to go with it.

My recommendation is the same as firedog... since you've already got a computer give the SB Touch a try on its own. If you like how it works consider a DAC down the road.  Keep an eye out at Logitech and join the mail list for specials and deals on the Touch (also Crutchfield).

If you do go with the SB Touch, you should also consider the following:

• Set up a wired interface if possible rather than wireless
• Go to Soundcheck's Audio Blog and use his Toolbox to optimize your Touch for sound quality (it takes a bit of learning to setup if you don't know Linux, but the instructions are clear and easy once you get the hang of it - http://soundcheck-audio.blogspot.com/2011/01/soundchecks-squeezebox-touch-toolbox-20.html)
• Use a linear power supply... even an inexpensive one such from Elpac or Jerome

[Steidl Guitars]

SB still need the computer to run SB server.

That's not true with the Touch, which runs a version of SB Server natively; it is basically a small Linux box.

It works well, provided you're patient as it indexes your music. 

[Big Red Machine]

I use a cheap eMachines desktop ($150) as my Squeezecenter source and surf the web while listening.  I don't do anything else with the computer in that room.  Hardwired via ethernet.

[firedog]

That's not true with the Touch, which runs a version of SB Server natively; it is basically a small Linux box.

It works well, provided you're patient as it indexes your music.

Works well is a relative term. Go over to the slimdevices forum and see the very long thread with users who were so frustrated by the Touch as a stand alone device that they gave up on it. Yes, for some people it works fine as a standalone (me included); for others it doesn't. Hit and miss.

Apparently the specific HD you use has an effect. Problems reported are with indexing, playback, and album art display.


The Touch based Tiny SBS is a stripped down version, so you also lose some of the functionality of the full SBS - including the use of plugins. Personally I much prefer the SBT as an interface with an additional server running full SBS. In my case I think the SQ is also better with an external server. This may be due to the wall wart PS of my external HD.

[eclein]

Bob from St. Louis gave me a tip awhile back that works fantastic- I tell SB server to look at one file called: Music.
In that folder I have subfolders like HD Tracks, MP3 CD's, itunes (the whole itunes folder is there from my original music storage) When I rip CD's I just add them to the appropriate folder in there and as soon as my rip is done its there...when in the player you navigate to the Music Folder where MUSIC folder is then open MUSIC find sub folder open navigate to playlists, individual bands etc.. pick it play it, the new stuff is always there right away. I never wait anymore for indexing.
 I soon will have 4 TB of music and the longest I wait for music is to scroll through all the bands I have and find the one I want, takes no time really....very easy.
 My music is stored on several USB drives attached to my laptop but soon I'll be getting a NAS which I'll hook into the network (the router) and that way my laptop is free to do anything else I want with SB server running in the background picking the tune and sending it to the player. Very simplistic setup, I use a two year old laptop.....TY BOB!!!!

[Steidl Guitars]

Works well is a relative term.

No argument that using the Touch as a server is a compromise, but it worked perfectly for me.  That said, before I set it up, I took the advice of folks like John Swenson on how to use it and what to expect from it realistically. 

Don't get me wrong, a dedicated server is absolutely better.  But the fact that you can stick a USB drive or HD in this < $300 device and have it serve files and feed digital and analog outs is pretty remarkable, IMO. 

[wisnon]

Anyone here uses the kernel at www.jplay.eu to improve playback from PC to audiophile levels?

[lcrim]

The SqueezeBox Touch is a computer. 
I have to agree w/ Firedog that the use of a lower level pc (like a netbook) remote to the listening environment, running the SqueezeBox Server and having the music storage connected via USB to that pc makes the most sense.  Connecting this to the Touch via wired ethernet also makes the most sense.  I would be wary of a NAS device as they are often underpowered for this task.
Installing Soundcheck's mods on the Touch is also a step up. (TT 3.0 due soon)
Larry

[firedog]

Anyone here uses the kernel at www.jplay.eu to improve playback from PC to audiophile levels?

I've tried it -in sonics it is quite impressive. It can bring a noisy PC with NO special audio software setup or specialized components to a high level of playback. Very black clear background, your playback seems much more detailed and alive. So it competes with specialized audiophile servers costing much more.

My problem with it is that using it is like going back to using CDs: load a playlist (like choosing a CD) and then play it.

One of reasons I love computer audio is just to avoid that scenario. Not being able to shuffle tracks, or easily pick and choose tracks as the mood strikes me is a compromise in the user experience I'm just not willing to make.  But if you like listening in "CD mode" jplay is a great alternative.

[Phil A]

Bob from St. Louis gave me a tip awhile back that works fantastic- I tell SB server to look at one file called: Music.
In that folder I have subfolders like HD Tracks, MP3 CD's, itunes (the whole itunes folder is there from my original music storage) When I rip CD's I just add them to the appropriate folder in there and as soon as my rip is done its there...when in the player you navigate to the Music Folder where MUSIC folder is then open MUSIC find sub folder open navigate to playlists, individual bands etc.. pick it play it, the new stuff is always there right away. I never wait anymore for indexing.
 I soon will have 4 TB of music and the longest I wait for music is to scroll through all the bands I have and find the one I want, takes no time really....very easy.
 My music is stored on several USB drives attached to my laptop but soon I'll be getting a NAS which I'll hook into the network (the router) and that way my laptop is free to do anything else I want with SB server running in the background picking the tune and sending it to the player. Very simplistic setup, I use a two year old laptop.....TY BOB!!!!

That is a great idea.  I have mine temporarily running on an old XP Machine will WMA lossless files from an old Zune player.  My new PC is supposed to come today and when I start ripping stuff I am going to keep that concept in mind.

[wisnon]

I've tried it -in sonics it is quite impressive. It can bring a noisy PC with NO special audio software setup or specialized components to a high level of playback. Very black clear background, your playback seems much more detailed and alive. So it competes with specialized audiophile servers costing much more.

My problem with it is that using it is like going back to using CDs: load a playlist (like choosing a CD) and then play it.

One of reasons I love computer audio is just to avoid that scenario. Not being able to shuffle tracks, or easily pick and choose tracks as the mood strikes me is a compromise in the user experience I'm just not willing to make.  But if you like listening in "CD mode" jplay is a great alternative.

Thanks,

Very informative.

[Bob in St. Louis]

Bob from St. Louis gave me a tip awhile back that works fantastic- I tell SB server to look at one file called: Music.
In that folder I have subfolders like HD Tracks, MP3 CD's, itunes (the whole itunes folder is there from my original music storage) When I rip CD's I just add them to the appropriate folder in there and as soon as my rip is done its there...when in the player you navigate to the Music Folder where MUSIC folder is then open MUSIC find sub folder open navigate to playlists, individual bands etc.. pick it play it, the new stuff is always there right away. I never wait anymore for indexing.
 I soon will have 4 TB of music and the longest I wait for music is to scroll through all the bands I have and find the one I want, takes no time really....very easy.
 My music is stored on several USB drives attached to my laptop but soon I'll be getting a NAS which I'll hook into the network (the router) and that way my laptop is free to do anything else I want with SB server running in the background picking the tune and sending it to the player. Very simplistic setup, I use a two year old laptop.....TY BOB!!!!

You're very welcome Ed. Glad I could help. 
Although I've been getting increasingly frustrated with "all things Squeeze".
I'm running a BOLDER modded SB3 (Love the sound quality!) and a stock Duet, but the UI just .......BLOWS. Too glitchy and buggy.

Have been contemplating selling the SB3 and Duet and going PC.

Bob

[mcgsxr]

Valid points about the UI with Squeezebox products for the most part.

iPod Touch and Penguin App for the win!

[audioseduction]

Have been contemplating selling the SB3 and Duet and going PC.

Bob

PC and JRiver Media Center 17 is the winning ticket in my book!

[Bob in St. Louis]

PC and JRiver Media Center 17 is the winning ticket in my book!

Yea......I understand what you're saying. I've seen JRiver and all it's wares.....but.....

It's just a (noob) question of how to get from "A" to "B" when all you know is this route, when you know nothing about that route. 

All things "Squeeze" have offered us (noobs) a certain amount of safety and security, but to change our path from that (F'd up) path of all things "Squeeze"....that's a scary path......

Bob

[ajzepp]

You're very welcome Ed. Glad I could help. 
Although I've been getting increasingly frustrated with "all things Squeeze".
I'm running a BOLDER modded SB3 (Love the sound quality!) and a stock Duet, but the UI just .......BLOWS. Too glitchy and buggy.

Have been contemplating selling the SB3 and Duet and going PC.

Bob

That's what happened to me. I got tired of all the connectivity issues with the SQ, so I came on here for advice and went away completely happy. I now have iTunes outputting my tracks via a USB-to-spdif converter, into my DAC, and then into the preamp. I control it all with the "remote" app on my iPhone. Didn't cost me a dime and it works MUCH better than my SB Duet was working 

This is the product I've fallen in love with : http://shop.mapleshadestore.com/prodinfo.asp?number=USBADAPTER-CL

The internals are identical to an Italian made adapter, which is (from my research) considered the best on the planet...and then Mapleshade fabricates the outer covering for it (they love their maple!). It's a fantastic piece of gear.

[wisnon]

Azepp

How does your solution replace the SB? Where is the wireless component? Is you PC located right beside your DAC and stereo system? If so, how do you access the mass of music on a NAS which holds more than any typical PC?

Please elaborate.