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Need Advice On A Network Music Player

I want to get into Hi Rez music downloads and need a player to make that possible. My initial research has identified the following as serious possibilities, but I can find no comparison reviews or anything to clearly differentiate them:



Logitech Squeeze Box Touch - $234.00

Cambridge Audio - Sonata NP30 - $599.00

Marantz - NA7004 - Network Audio Player - $799.99

Bryston - BDP-1 - Digital Media Player - $2195.00

My real concern is identifying what gives the best bang for the buck and still provides high quality sound output. The only purpose that I will be using this for is Hi Rez music downloads from HD Tracks, and some higher res music via USB thumb drives (such as the Complete Beatles Collection). I've read very positive reviews of all of these, but again, nothing comparing them in any way, so its extremely hard to gauge.



The only two concerns are that I have used Squeezebox software previously (when I owned a Transporter) and found it more difficult to use than I wanted to deal with, and hated the connection problems getting to their site. That's a negative to buying equipment from them. Also, over at the Hi Rez forum, they have many threads about how you have to spend about $400.00 modifying the Touch to get optimal sound. As far as the Bryston, as expensive as it is, Stereophile noted that the sound quality from it's USB input was not as good, and that would be a great concern for me.



I have Bryston BDA-1 DAC available for use with whatever I purchase. Any thoughts, recommendations, and expertise would be appreciated. I'm completely new to this game and could use the help. Thanks.
nightfall

Showing 1 response by elberoth2

elberoth2's avatar
elberoth2
1,223 posts
 
Having heard Logitech Squeeze Box Touch, Marantz NA7004 and Bryston BDP-1 in one system I can only say - go with the Bryston !

Sound qualty wise, it is completely another league then the other two. More resolution, more micro dynamics, more soundstage depth, more ... everything.

You need to get the iPad to take full advantage of Bryston excellent user interface though - if you don't have one already that is.

BTW - there is a great synergy between BDP-1 and Bryston DAC. To me, it is one of the best, if not THE best sub $5000 complete digital source you can buy. A friend of mine (Bryston DAC owner) ended up buying one after trying it in his system.
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