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Recommendation for Computer/Digital

So I've been doing research into various solutions to my issue- most of my music is on my computer. I don't have a pretty low-end CD player right now and instead of spending money on a decent player I have been exploring computer based audio solutions- Squeezebox, Roku, new soundcards (M-Audio etc.). I have a laptop and its internal soundcard is all I have.

I've been getting caught up in the idea of a squeezebox right now, and with the cost of mods it's getting out of my range. I'm looking to spend up to $500 max. An M-Audio transport, which is the basis of the Red Wine Audio USB Select solution (a $500 solution) costs $99. I'm having a huge problem in figuring out how the variety of solutions compare and where the most bang for the buck lies. I've even been using my XBOX as my digital music player for awhile now.

My request- your views on the best way to get great sound in my price range from a computer with a crummy soundcard. Personal experiences are greatly appreciated. Is a stock Squeezebox a good thing? It seems that all the raving is from the modified end.

My system so far: I have a McIntosh MA500 Amp and B&W Nautilus 803D speakers (I think that's the right Nautilus model- I'm away from home for several months for work). Any suggestions to improve that would also be appreciated. I'll admit I bought without knowing too much- my wife's ears were the main reason we ended up with what we did, even though I'm more of the music lover.

Thanks for any responses.

Nick
uzelacn4bc2
wireless200
415 posts
 
I would suggest an M-audio card preferably with the RCA outputs. They do a great a deal of audio recording gear which is in large part done with a computer now. I had an M-audio card and it sounded good.
matt8268
92 posts
 
I have the Red Wine USB Select and love it. I bought the $400 version (I'm feeding SP/DIF into a ack Dack 2.0). It sounds truly amazing. If you need a solution for $500 that includes a DAC, you may want to try the version with analog outs. If you need remote access, I'd try a Squeezebox. You can always modify it later if you like it.
ckorody
643 posts
 
You have some pretty nice pieces. And there is no way that you can get a traditional source of suitable quality for anywhere near $500.

I think that you will do well with a stock SB - just upgrade the power supply and be sure to use a pair of ICs that is as good as the rest of your system - after all its a source... What you will have to do to get great sound (mod or stock) is do a good job of ripping - no hope for MP3s...

As Matt points out, you can always send the SB away later. Or you can add a DAC or the mod and a DAC.

BTW I agree with your overall approach and went much the same route myself - no regrets. In fact, with the modded SB units I go analog out to the preamp. From a dollar point of view this means that I have also skipped the DAC, the extra pair of ICs and the extra premium source power cable, plus the tweaks for the DAC. When you start to add all that up, it makes the mods look like a total bargain.
artizen65's avatar
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artizen65
272 posts
 
Nick,

I think I would go with the SqueezBox to start at $250.00 I don't feel you can go wrong. I chose the Roku but I am going SPDIF out to my MF Tri-Vista DAC. I have heard the analog out of the SqueezBox although it has been a while. I feel that the SB is better than the Roku in this area. Instead of modding the SB I feel that when funds permit you can go with a standalone DAC fed by the SB. I haven't heard any of the USB DAC's but that is also an option.

Michael
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