Just get the Touch and if you are not completely happy with the sound buy a separate DAC.  Don't worry about where your PC is located or what type of server you have - doesn't mean a thing as far a sound is concerned (cost, energy use, library scanning etc. it does make a difference). 
 
As far as I know the only the older Squeezeboxes (version 3 and older) benefited from using a linear PS.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Audioexcels /img/forum/go_quote.gif
 
5) Most have said the PS is irrelevent with the touch, referencing other material where high end PS were used with basically not much of any gains. Erin,  though never stating what PS is in use, is the ONLY person to counter this.  I'd love to know precisely what Erin is using for a PS and maybe Erin can make some more so others around here can have their go at how it sounds vs. the one in current use.
 

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John Darko at Digital Audio Review has tried a few PSU's for the SBT, and concluded that there was no difference at all via digital out and only barely a difference analog out.
However in the below review he did find a slight improvement (digital out):
http://www.digitalaudioreview.net.au/index.php/audio-reviews/digital-source-reviews/item/250-sbooster-best-of-two-worlds-psu-for-squeezebox
 
As for my money I am need to get other things straightened out before I plunge into getting a linear PSU. These things includes mounting the clock I bought and make (some of) the software mods mentioned earlier in this thread.
 

I noticed the reviewer abvoe also stated his preference for the Jkenny MKII device to his Soundcheck's modded SBT, though it was very unclear in his review since he first alluded to stock SBTwhen referencing the MKII's superior sound, and never did go into discussing his thoughts on the SBT's sound with Souncheck's mods.
 
My questions are these:
 
1) Has anyone heard the Jkenny MKIII (most recent and supposedly night/day best version) against a modded SBT?
 
2) How much money are people spending on physical components to help better the SBT (i.e. clocks/internal and external parts/etc.)?  I ask this because I wonder what the most important elements are and also to tally up what such a device w/all beneficial mods applied will cost me.
 
3) I know many have said bye bye to CD transports for obvious reasons of not having loads of cds around, BUT, wouldn't a very nice stable platter best anything that can be done via use of a computer?  I guess this goes towards the ole vinyl concept where a well done vinyl rig simply sounds much superior to anything I have heard digital unless the recording on vinyl is horrid compared to the cd version.
 
Thanks and maybe I should post some of these questions in an original thread since those in this thread may not be able to present comparisons or even provide theoretical answers with respect to the absolute best sound in the digital world of things.

This post sums it up.
 
Quote:

max f said:

Just get the Touch and if you are not completely happy with the sound buy a separate DAC.  Don't worry about where your PC is located or what type of server you have - doesn't mean a thing as far a sound is concerned (cost, energy use, library scanning etc. it does make a difference). 
 
As far as I know the only the older Squeezeboxes (version 3 and older) benefited from using a linear PS.

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Quote:

dynobot said:

This post sums it up.
 


 

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I have a reference level pre/dac in one.  I'm just trying to figure out where to get the best digital signal transfer from (what transport to feed my pre/dac for absolute best sq).  See above post where I list a few options, incuding the touch.

Thanks!
 

Setting the screensaver when playing to off makes a small but notable difference for good to the sound quality.

 
Quote:

dura said:

Setting the screensaver when playing to off makes a small but notable difference for good to the sound quality.

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Screensaver?  As in when a computer goes into standby mode?  Right now via computer, I run the Hiface (junk), and the computer is always on, monitor off, etc...I don't even have my computer go into standby or sleep mode
 

Quote:

audioexcels said:

 


Screensaver?  As in when a computer goes into standby mode?  Right now via computer, I run the Hiface (junk), and the computer is always on, monitor off, etc...I don't even have my computer go into standby or sleep mode
 

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I meant on the Touch
 

The biggest gains by far on the Touch can be had by properly implementing Real-Time priorities.
 
The Touch has the Real-Time kernel installed, my mods take full advantage of this by prioritizing the audio threads properly.  The difference in sound is not subtle.
 
 

Quote:

dynobot said:

The biggest gains by far on the Touch can be had by properly implementing Real-Time priorities.
 
The Touch has the Real-Time kernel installed, my mods take full advantage of this by prioritizing the audio threads properly.  The difference in sound is not subtle.
 
 

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I can't even get past step 1 in WinSCP. "Network error: Connection refused." Am I actually supposed to enter root and 1234 or is that just an example?
 

Quote:

turn&cough said:

I can't even get past step 1 in WinSCP. "Network error: Connection refused." Am I actually supposed to enter root and 1234 or is that just an example?
 

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On second thought, this mod might be too intensive for those who do not feel comfortable messing around with the inner workings of an operating system.  I would not want someone to screw their product up with a mistake.
 

Quote:

dynobot said:

On second thought, this mod might be too intensive for those who do not feel comfortable messing around with the inner workings of an operating system.  I would not want someone to screw their product up with a mistake.
 

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Maybe. I'm no networking expert but with a few simple explanations I thought this would be just a question of following a reversible step by step procedure. Oh well I guess I'll have to settle for mediocre sound.

Thanks Dynobot I just received your PM.
Unfortunately my Touch screen is disabled as in permanently disabled as in I broke the flat cable connector while doing an internal mod. So I won't be able to enable SSH.  This is the main reason I was holding off on Soundcheck mods as I was afraid I would have to do a factory reset on the Touch ans consequently would be unable to reconfigure it without a screen. I'm "living on borrowed time" and will eventually have to order another Touch.

Yeah thats the problem with trying to do hardware mods to the Touch.
 
99% of the time its really not worth it and the improvement is only fractional at best.
 
Oh well....

Quote:

turn&cough said:

Maybe. I'm no networking expert but with a few simple explanations I thought this would be just a question of following a reversible step by step procedure. Oh well I guess I'll have to settle for mediocre sound.

Click to expand...

 
 
Wow, even after your hardware mods you still think your sound is mediocre ???
 
That's too bad....