[Furryman]

Ok. Thanks mcullinan. I've heard various debate over the SB Touch's ability to be a good digital source. I'd consider a streamer like that from Naim, but I really like the music library functionality offered by the SB using iPeng on my phone. Anyone care to offer an opinion on which would sound better: SB Touch + hi-end DAC (e.g. Naim DAC) vs. Naim streamer?
 
Best
Furryman

 

[Somnambulist]

From what I've read, getting a linear PSU (no need to spend silly money), loading the Enhanced Digital Output app thingy onto the SBT so you can get USB audio output, and then using a good USB to S/PDIF converter gives you a high level of performance from the Logitech device.
 
Quote:

Ok. Thanks mcullinan. I've heard various debate over the SB Touch's ability to be a good digital source. I'd consider a streamer like that from Naim, but I really like the music library functionality offered by the SB using iPeng on my phone. Anyone care to offer an opinion on which would sound better: SB Touch + hi-end DAC (e.g. Naim DAC) vs. Naim streamer?
 
Best
Furryman

 

[orkney]

Quote:

Ok. Thanks mcullinan. I've heard various debate over the SB Touch's ability to be a good digital source. I'd consider a streamer like that from Naim, but I really like the music library functionality offered by the SB using iPeng on my phone. Anyone care to offer an opinion on which would sound better: SB Touch + hi-end DAC (e.g. Naim DAC) vs. Naim streamer?
 
Best
Furryman

No opinion on the Naim -- though I'm sure either option would sound good -- but the SB Touch w/ EDO is great for the $ and matches up beautifully with the NAD M51. Interface is OK rather than top-shelf, and software can be buggy, but it's a fine package.
 
o

 

[ecohifi]

Quote:

No opinion on the Naim -- though I'm sure either option would sound good -- but the SB Touch w/ EDO is great for the $ and matches up beautifully with the NAD M51. Interface is OK rather than top-shelf, and software can be buggy, but it's a fine package.
 
o

Been to the Linn/Naim camp 30yrs ago, will never go down that path ever again, there are bigger bang for the dosh that this stuff!
 
Sorry, cant help you there!

 

[Furryman]

Thanks all.
 
I've got a linear PSU on the SBT, but hadn't considered S/PDIF to USB, and never heard of EDO app! I'll give those a go and see what that's like. And if/when I do get round to auditioning the NAD and NAIM DACs I'll report back!
 
Best
Furryman
 

 

[Somnambulist]

I think I read that you can't use the EDO app's USB output into the NAD as it's not recognised, but that using that output as your USB to S/PDIF works.
 
STILL waiting for mine. Audiologica may be used but in Audio Affair's case it's NAD being lame and not delivering any M51s. What man, I want my DAC.

 

[Mr.Sneis]

The DAC game... again!?  I am about 80% sold on this one so far.  Anywhere in the US can I get good price?

 

[grokit]

Best I've seen is Audio Advisor at $2K.

 

[Mr.Sneis]

Wishful thinking I remembered someone mentioning 1.7k

 

[mcullinan]

I got a demo version from Audio Advisor for around 1700, but it ended up being broken, so I sent it back. I think that price is the best you will find (2K) in the US.

 

[Somnambulist]

I should, in theory, have an M51 next week. Here's hoping.
 
Question for M51 owners. As I'll be connecting my Mac Mini directly, and it'll be a while before I get a decent USB to S/PDIF or AES converter, which is better
a) carry on using the toslink from the Mac
b) USB
 
Answers on a postcard!

 

[grokit]

Quote:

I should, in theory, have an M51 next week. Here's hoping.
 
Question for M51 owners. As I'll be connecting my Mac Mini directly, and it'll be a while before I get a decent USB to S/PDIF or AES converter, which is better
a) carry on using the toslink from the Mac
b) USB
 
Answers on a postcard!

Try them both with cheap cables, and then tell us all about it

 

[The Monkey]

I'd use the toslink, but I'll listen some more to both and report back. 

 

[orkney]

Quote:

I should, in theory, have an M51 next week. Here's hoping.
 
Question for M51 owners. As I'll be connecting my Mac Mini directly, and it'll be a while before I get a decent USB to S/PDIF or AES converter, which is better
a) carry on using the toslink from the Mac
b) USB
 
Answers on a postcard!

 
I use the Toslink from my SB Touch w/ EDO and the USB from my MBA (there's a fistful of acronyms). Haven't bothered to extensively A/B the two but can do so from my older Mac. The USB input sounds very good but the optical would be my choice for logistical reasons. With the Rega DAC I strongly preferred SPDIF; with this NAD it's far less clear-cut, thus far in my experience.
 
o

 

[Somnambulist]

I'll probably just stick with the current cable I have (a Fisual Pearl one since it was the shortest cable I could find at the time). I'll probably get myself a converter sooner rather than later anyway... still no idea what to get though. Having a quick look at what ones are cheaper in America since my parents are going to be holidaying there in a couple of weeks and I always give them a shopping list! Won't be an AP or OR though, just too much moolah.
 
On a semi-related note, about 95% of the electronics for my Linkwitz Plutos are ready, just waiting for a friend to solder it all up and then we can start the fun and games of making a full speaker out of it. Should be a good match for the M51, especially as the Plutos need a pre to control the volume and the M51's one is supposed to be stellar.