Looking for a DAC for the Squeezebox Touch


I'm new to digital since buying a Squeezebox Touch a few months ago. The Touch is connected to an external USB hard drive that contains cd ripped Flac files. I'm looking to buy a DAC for around $1k from the SB Touch and connect it to my Sim I-7. I'm considering the Moon 100D and the Wyred4sound Dac1 based on some reviews and comments in various forums. I might consider increasing my budget to possibly the 300D and Dac2 if it would make a substantial difference.
ronrags

Showing 10 responses by ronrags

From your responses it appears the power supply is the way to start. I'll look into both the Welborne and the Bolder for prices. I know DACs sound different and I guess it depends on my taste in sound quality. I looking for a DAC that will have a tight bass response and smooth highs. I listen to variety of music from jazz, classical and rock. Most often rock recording aren't that great especially on CDs. I'm not sure if a DAC will help the sound quality on these recordings.
Concerning the power supply, I ordered one from Welborne yesterday. They had sale for 20% off plus free shipping so I jumped on it (oh well, there goes the battery option).

Lewinskih01: I rather not spend that amount if I can can get something comparable for around $1k.

ska man: The PS Audio DAC is sold. Has anyone tried the PS audio DL3? There is a new one listed for $799.
Smortega, I received the Welborne power supply for the SB Touch last night but didn't get a chance to use it. I assume there is a break-in period as with all electronics. What difference can I expect to hear using this power supply over the stock power wart and how long is the break-in period?

I'm also waiting the delivery of the W4S dac1. What kind of break-in period can I expect?
Well I'm back again looking for a DAC in the $1000 range. I tried the W4S DAC 1 and wasn't totally impressed. It was connected to the dac using a Black Cat coax cable. It was a bit dry and grainy in my system when compared to playing a cd thru the Oppo 95. I'm using an upgraded power supply with the SB and an external USB hard drive. My system also includes the Classe SSP-600 and CA-5100 driving the Focal 1027be.

I recently read an interesting review of the Burson DA-160 from 6moons. From what I read, the Burson is musical and analogue-like. I'm also considering the Rega DAC.
Bondmanp, as you stated,it would be a difficult choice without a return option. I'll consider it but I need to do more research.
Vic,

I appreciate your response especially your advise not to go overboard. Digital is not my main source but I would like to hear music smooth and full and not too digital. From what I read the Rega and Burson might fit the bill for under $1k. I'll look into the Octave also. My digital system is simple, I'm using the Squeezebox Touch connected with a USB cable to an external hard drive and will feed the dac with a coax cable.
My squeezebox touch died over the weekend. The logictech logo appears only and then shuts down after about 2 minutes. I unplugged it but it did the same thing again. Instead of looking for a dac, now I need a music server also. So I decided to step away from the Touch and purchased a almost new Olive 04hd music server here on agon. It's an all in one system (Cd ripper, music server and dac with both analog and digital outputs) so I don't need the Welbourne power supply I purchased and the separate 500gb powered hard drive. Anyone interested in purchasing the Welbourne power supply let me know. I'll throw in the hard drive also.