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Starting computer audio

Have ThetaDigital ProBasic IIIA dac. What would sound best (have less jitter?), driving the dac with a Sonos Connect or connecting the PC to the dac with a Bel Canto Link usb-to-s/pdif converter, which reclocks the stream. Both are the same price. I do not need multi-room capability, but the Sonos offers convenience and control.
manniesmith
jax2
3,031 posts
 
The digital out from a Squeezebox Touch has very respectable jitter, Orr lack thereof. No idea how it compares to your own suggestions but it does have a convenient interface and might be a worthy addition to your queries.
manniesmith OP
3 posts
 
Thanks to you both. Tough call - the convenience of Sonos or Squeezebox vs the inconvenience of running and hiding the cable, but the advantage of reclocking with the Bel Canto. Is a puzzlement...Anyone else?
manniesmith OP
3 posts
 
Bummer! Just realized that Sonos Connect requires an ethernet connection, so cabling is also an issue there. Squeezebox plugs into AC outlet and can be strictly WiFi. Sonos out - Squeezebox now the other option.
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
Not so tough. The Sonos jitter is much higher than the SB Touch. Not that it is perfect, but definitely better. I would go with Touch.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
bondmanp
1,811 posts
 
I have the SBT and am very impressed with the sound from the digital output. With the SBT, USB issues are off the table, and, at least with 16/44 flac files, I have not had a single hiccup (no hi-res files on my server yet). Note that my dedicated music server (VortexBox Appliance) is connected to my home network via Ethernet cable. Plus, the damned thing is fun! I never thought I would enjoy the SBT vs. spinning CDs as much as I do, but once my whole collection is on the server, I don't think I'll be spinning many CDs.

And, oh yeah, the SBT is a bargain!
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