Slow day at work, so I thought I would post my thoughts on a recent purchase, the Squeezebox Touch (SBT).
The SBT is a discontinued wireless transport from Logitech with amazing support from the die-hard modding community. The essential Enhanced Digital Output mod, for example, adds two key features:
1. The ability to connect asynchronous USB DACs (WITHOUT hearing clicks & pops)
2. 176.4KHz and 192KHz playback via S/PDIF and USB
The device also has an amazing DAC which can easily compete with higher priced dedicated DAC.
So, why did I end up purchasing the SBT? Well, I've often heard that PCs are not suitable as a transport due to the noise from other components and PSU. This is why some prefer using a laptop with linear power supply as opposed to a switch mode. The SBT then, in theory, should output a cleaner sound than my main PC.
For what it's worth, my PC has a x99 motherboard with a separate power for 2 of the USB ports for cleaner output (according to the manufacturer, the usb ports is powered separately from the rest).
After a few weeks of testing, I can confidently say that the SBT is indeed a better source for my setup. There seems to be a digital harshness when I use my PC as a source. Piano sounds, for example, seems to have this harshness / tinkly sound to it. Whereas with SBT, the piano sounds completely natural. Noise level has definitely dropped down as well.
To sum it up, the SBT is a quick and relatively cheap alternative to a proper transport and will provide a noticeable upgrade to your common PCs, especially if you don't have a DAC already.