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Squeezebox Touch simple 24/192 output mod

A call to all owners of the Squeezebox Touch. You can now install a simple third party app ("Enhanced Digital Output") developed by Triode that allows your Touch to output true 24/192 to your DAC via USB or Coax SPDIF. You need the latest updated Media Server 7.2 installed first. It installs a linux kernal that enables the high res digital output and disables the analog outputs (which you don't need if using a DAC anyway). I installed in a few minutes and can attest that it does improve the overall sound quality. My Bel Canto DAC3 is an earlier model that is capable up to 24/176.4 input and I successfully passed a file of that size and it sounds great. Many others who have 24/192 capability have successfully passed files of that quality as well as long as their processors can handle that input. Logitech is not officially supporting this app, but it really lets your Touch shine and handle the high res files. Apparently the Touch has had this capability all along but has not been unleashed yet. Please share your experiences and get the word out. The Touch will be an even better value than it is now. Enjoy!

For more info go to http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?94512-Announce-Enhanced-Digital-Output-app-USB-Dac-and-192k-Digital-Ouput
swanny76109

Showing 6 responses by kennythekey

kennythekey
593 posts
 
I had installed this app on my SBT and played a couple of 24/192 Flac files that I downloaded from HDTracks. My excitement impressed me more than my ears, so I imagined I had better sound. Guilty as charged!

After further listening, I found the 192 files to be inferior to my 96 files. So, closed or flat sounding with annoying low-level distortion, and no air in the form of information between instruments. My 96 files are wide open and much more involving in comparison.

There's a recent thread on this where John from Benchmark explains what's going on. The Enhanced Digital Output App does not seem to affect the SQ of my 96 files, so I'll probably keep it installed for now.
kennythekey
593 posts
 
Swanny, Click on my System link to see all of my equipment, only the SBT is missing.
kennythekey
593 posts
 
I will have to spend some time listening to my 16/44 files and decide to leave the mod installed or not.

Ozzy, What were the improvements that you heard with the Bolder Cable Mod. I'm getting the Welbourne PS kit because they're running a sale, and I was also considering the BC Digital Mod.
kennythekey
593 posts
 
Ozzy, Good to hear. The current state of my SBT sounded as good as my old but once excellent Theta Data Basic II CD Transport. I will not be purchasing a new CD player/transport, so my goal is to rip all of my CDs. IMO - the 96/24 files sound better, if not as smooth.

Someday, I will get a non-PC-based music server to replace my SBT when the industry has hopefully settled down more in these markets. Who knows?

I do want to make improvements to the SBT, but up to a point. I too have heard mixed things about the Welbourne PS, but there seems to be that for everything. Bolder Cable recommends three power supplies on their website and one, the Jerome Industries doesn't seem to be available. Bolder's own Standard PS is $600, and I won't spend that. For me, the Welbourne PS seemed reasonable on sale, so I will later provide my thoughts after I compare it to the wall-wart.
kennythekey
593 posts
 
I only use the digital out (SBT) as well, so we'll see how it (Welborne PS) fairs. Nice Audiocircle review, however.

Has anyone become familiar with the term Software Jitter? The main culprit appears to be power supplies used with playback sources. At least, I read a short article in the latest P.S. Audio Newsletter.

Anyway, I will be happy to lose the wall-wart.
kennythekey
593 posts
 
Mofimadness,

It just arrived, and I have to build it as I purchased the kit! I will get back with my impressions when built and burned in.
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