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SB Touch w/upgraded power supply: good next step?

I'm enjoying my SB Touch and so far using it stock, and taking analog out into my pre. As is it performs on par with my Rotel RCD1072, but want to take another step forward.

The Soundcheck mods are enticing, but for the time being I need to continue to use wireless and the Touch's screen, which are 2 big impact areas of that toolbox, so I'm thinking of waiting there a bit.

An outboard DAC is the logical upgrade, but more expensive. Maybe a Metrum Octave.

An upgraded power supply, like a Teddy Pardo, would run at around $300 and would be doable now. But how significant should I expect that upgrade to be if using analog out and stock settings? Should I go here now or wait a few months and get Soundcheck mods and the DAC first?

FWIW, I have 2 dedicated power lines, Oyaide outlets, upgraded power cables, Lamm LL2D, McIntosh MC275, B&W 804S, Rel sub.

Thanks!
lewinskih01

Showing 3 responses by rbautista

rbautista
97 posts
 
Obviously the power supply, dac, and SoundCheck mod all make incremental improvements. If money is an issue and you don't hear any clicking sounds through your speaker using the stock walwart, I would say hold off for now. Get a wireless adapter like the Netgear WNCE2001 and install SoundCheck's mod. I heard a big difference than stock SBT. When I upgraded to the Channel Island Audio power supply, it refined the music and added a smoothness but IMO not as big as SoundCheck's mod. I keep the screen on for my wife and the difference between having it on/off is not that big to my ears. There is a difference but not enough to annoy my wife.

I haven't heard the SBT using analog out since I already had a DAC so can't comment there.
rbautista
97 posts
 
Lewinskih01

The bridge will allow you to connect to an existing WiFi network. If you already have a router that has the capability to extend your current WiFi network, that will work too. You will get more Ethernet ports that way.

If the funds are low, the used market is a good way to go for a good dac. If that is still out of your reach, the SoundCheck mod is your next best bet. One.good thing about the mod is, if you don't like the way it sounds, all you have to do is a factory reset. Check the SBM forum under audiophile section to read more about other peoples findings and opinions.

BTW, if you were to buy on the used market what you be your budget?
rbautista
97 posts
 
Lewinskih01,

If you want to try a solid state DAC, I recommend the Northstar DAC. It came very close to my Lector DAC and was a step above my Bel Canto 2. I know the Lector is tubed base, but with the tubes I have now it just beat out the Northstar.

The Northstar also has USB async in case you want to go that direction down the road.

Without any doubts, I say apply Soundcheck's Mod first. It may hold you off on buying a DAC for a while to save up more pennies.
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