USB Ext Sound Card Vs. Squeebox

Seanchau wrote:
"USB is better than Wireless"

This is not a sound conclusion. Certainly not the case. Your experience shows that the particular implementations of wireless servers you auditioned are not as good as the particular USB implementations you auditioned. No broad conclusions can be drawn from this.

I say this because the fundamental physics of networked/wireless servers is actually superior to most USB implementations. Bit-perfect and local master clock. This is superior to most USB implementations. There is one exception that will match the quality possible with networked, namely the Crimson DAC from Wavelength which uses Asynchronous USB protocol.

You just need to listen to the right networked system and you will change your mind.

I just dont want others reading your post and being deterred from buying squeezebox, Sonos or others. They can sound as good or even better than USB with appropriate ancillary hardware.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
Manufacturer

Drubin - Probably because the SB3 jitter is worse than the HagUSB jitter. If both are playing back 16/44.1, the only difference should be jitter. However, depending on the software that you are using with the HAGUSB, such as ASIO and different players such as Foobar or Jriver, this can also have an effect, both positive or negative.

With networked players, either wired or wireless, there is only the bit-perfect data and the jitter. No software gets in the way.

If you want inaudible jitter with a SB3, Sonos or AirPort Express, then my Pace-Car reclocker can provide this:
http://www.empiricalaudio.com/frPace-Car.html

I am giving one away this year with the enjoythemusic.com promotion. If you join their mailing list, you are entered in the contest. There is no digital source available with lower jitter.

Steve N.