dac player for usb 32gb drive to play flac files

deseroner

hello i am looking for a dac player the will allow me to use my 32gb usb drive,i have lots of flac files. any suggestions 200-400 range.

falconcry72

The only drive player I know of is the Bryston BDP. It's supposed to be awesome, but it runs 2300 new, 1700ish used.:eek:

Can you used a laptop or other computer? If so, your options will be greatly increased. There are a bunch of quality USB DACs and USB > SPDIF converters in that price range, but the ones I'm familiar with aren't "players", so you have to use a computer.

Sorry I'm not much help! :redface:

heiney9

What is a DAC player? Do you mean a cd player that has a digital input? If so, you can't just hook an HD to the digital input. I am not at all understanding your terminology, nor have you explained what you are trying to do or the gear you already have to use with it.

Perhaps you mean something like the Squeezebox Touch? While it has a USB input, it's not designed to actually take large blocks of data and "manage" it for organized playback. The USB input was designed as a way of having friends plug in a smaller thumb drive to play a few files, not manage an entire library of files from a large HD. It doesn't have the processing capabilities.

There are units out there like the Logitech Transporter (the bigger brother to the Squeezebox) but they are costly. I'm not sure an inexpensive alternative that sounds good is available. I believe the X-Box and/or Playstation do this to some degree, but I'm sure the sound is compromised. But then again I have no idea what your expectations are for quality sound.

H9

deseroner

ok i have a onkyo nr708 that accepts usb flash drive with files and plays it thru with no problem,it supports 24/96,i recently just sold mine, and have upgraded to a pioneer elite sc37 , but it does not play flac thru usb only network, i would rather get a usb dac player that can do the same as the onkyo nr708 receiver.see pic onnr708 on left usb flash drive plugged in look at screen.

deseroner

something like this but in the 200 to 400 range http://www.avguide.com/review/naim-dac-digital-converter-hifi-plus-71

deseroner

i guess this is it what i want http://www.logitech.com/speakers-audio/wireless-music-systems/devices/5745

nwohlford

You could also look for a used network audio device like the Denon DNP-720AE or Marantz na7004. Both appear to do what you want but may be hard to find for $400.

deseroner

actually they both are on ebay, but 500 each, any other suggestions

heiney9

I just noticed in your sig you are using two different type caps in your LSi 15's. Why?

H9

deseroner

claritycap wins sounds clearer than sonicaps

heiney9

So...........are you going to make them the same someday so your sound isn't lop-sided?

H9

deseroner

[PHP][/PHP]

heiney9 wrote: »

So...........are you going to make them the same someday so your sound isn't lop-sided?

H9

yes of course,back to topic , any other usb flash players dac out there for 300-400

heiney9

deseroner wrote: »

[PHP][/PHP]

yes of course,back to topic , any other usb flash players dac out there for 300-400

Sorry to pick you apart, but there is a big difference between a full blown hard drive vs. a flash drive. I guess I originally assumed you were talking about a HD not a flash/thumb drive. Why not look into the Squeezebox Touch? It can accomodate a USB flash drive if the root directory is set-up properly. It will be cumbersome and probably a little slower than if you were using it as a wireless music server, but with the screen you will be able to navigate and it has a remote.

I don't think you will find much else in your price range.

Good luck

H9

deseroner

heiney9 wrote: »

Sorry to pick you apart, but there is a big difference between a full blown hard drive vs. a flash drive. I guess I originally assumed you were talking about a HD not a flash/thumb drive. Why not look into the Squeezebox Touch? It can accomodate a USB flash drive if the root directory is set-up properly. It will be cumbersome and probably a little slower than if you were using it as a wireless music server, but with the screen you will be able to navigate and it has a remote.

I don't think you will find much else in your price range.

Good luck

H9

from what i see i agree that is the cheapest method,hopefully the sound is good.

heiney9

deseroner wrote: »

from what i see i agree that is the cheapest method,hopefully the sound is good.

It's pretty darn good, although using a dedicated linear power supply improves things over the wall wart that comes with it. By that time though the cost of the unit and external PS takes it out of your budget. For what it is as a stock unit, it's pretty good.

H9

deseroner

heiney9 wrote: »

It's pretty darn good, although using a dedicated linear power supply improves things over the wall wart that comes with it. By that time though the cost of the unit and external PS takes it out of your budget. For what it is as a stock unit, it's pretty good.

H9

well i plan on running it thru my pioneer sc-37.

heiney9

deseroner wrote: »

well i plan on running it thru my pioneer sc-37.

Doesn't change anything about what I said. I run mine through a separate stand alone dac and the linear power supply made a big difference. The dac's in the SQB Touch are pretty good and might give the sc-37 dac's a run for their money. Either way you will get some decent playback. I haven't really used the USB input so be sure and do your research to make sure it will work in the manner you expect it to via the USB input.

H9

cdn5003

I am in pretty much the same situation as the OP, I want to use my external hard drive with all of my music.

Right now I am using a laptop to play via usb DAC but there is some jitter because it is not Asynchrounous usb.

So there are three options to think about:

1. Asynchronous usb to spdif/coax converter then use other input in DAC

2. Buy a DAC with Asynchronous usb

3. Squeezebox Touch using spdif/coax output to DAC

I am trying to decide which option is best. It will weigh heavily on if I want to use a laptop or squeezebox to manage music.

heiney9

You guys are making this pretty complicated. The main idea with the SQB is to run it wirelessly from a computer which can be in another part of the house where you would have a HD with your music on it. My computer (a networked 2nd computer) is downstairs and I stream everything wirelessly to the SQB which is sitting on top of my dac in the main rig. My main computer is networked to the slave computer in the basement so I can rip my music in my office and send it to the computer in the basement.

Or you can just use your main computer and stream wirelessly from there.

H9

cdn5003

I would set up the Squeezebox server on an office computer and stream it on the network.

falconcry72

cdn5003 wrote: »

1. Asynchronous usb to spdif/coax converter then use other input in DAC

This one.

This is, of course, personal preference, but I will always vote this way.

Using a full blown computer to manage music is invaluable to me. So easy, you can do anything. Another plus side is that with a good USB > SPDIF converter you can use any external DAC you want, including any older, awesome models that don't do USB, so your options on the used market are limitless.

I'd recommend the Musical Fidelity V-Link as a very good, less expensive option at about 120.

The best I've used is the Audio GD Digtial Interface with Audio GD external power supply. Not only does it look awesome, it really sounds great. Sounds better than my Parasound CDP-1000 CD transport. That's not a boutique transport by any means, but I was pretty stoked to be able to get playback from my PC that could best a decent CD transport.

The DI, with external power supply and upgraded clock, will run about 290 shipped to your door from Audio GD:

http://www.audio-gd.com/Pro/dac/USBface/Digital1EN.htm

heiney9

falconcry72 wrote: »

This one.

This is, of course, personal preference, but I will always vote this way.

Using a full blown computer to manage music is invaluable to me. So easy, you can do anything. Another plus side is that with a good USB > SPDIF converter you can use any external DAC you want, including any older, awesome models that don't do USB, so your options on the used market are limitless.

I'd recommend the Musical Fidelity V-Link as a very good, less expensive option at about 120.

The best I've used is the Audio GD Digtial Interface with Audio GD external power supple. Not only does it look awesome, it really sounds great. Sounds better than my Parasound CDP-1000 CD transport. That's not a boutique transport by any means, but I was pretty stoked to be able to get playback from my PC that could best a decent CD transport.

The DI, with external power supply and upgraded clock, will run about 290 shipped to your door from Audio GD:

http://www.audio-gd.com/Pro/dac/USBface/Digital1EN.htm

Except if he goes the route of the Squeezebox there is no USB involved. I guess the OP has to decide the exact method he wants to do and then solicite recommendations. The USB route is fine if you want a physical computer tied to the rig. It works fine for me in the office rig since the computer and associated gear is close by. But I would never want a computer running right next to my main rig, others may not care. It's one of the reasons I use the SQB and also because the SQB is a helluva lot more convenient than using a computer when sitting on the couch trying to listen to tunes.

H9

falconcry72

heiney9 wrote: »

......But I would never want a computer running right next to my main rig,...

How come? Just curious.

the SQB is a helluva lot more convenient than using a computer when sitting on the couch trying to listen to tunes.

I think this is subjective. Having a remote may be physically more convenient, but, for me, being able to use a full blown PC interface, media player, and folder system makes managing music much more convenient than what a SQB offers. I'm still intrigued by the SQB, though, and I may give one a whirl at some point.

I've only been into the "PC as hifi player" for a about a year, and while I feel I have arrived at a very competent solution, I always keep my ears open to better alternatives/tweaks.

heiney9

falconcry72 wrote: »

How come? Just curious.



I think this is subjective. Having a remote may be physically more convenient, but, for me, being able to use a full blown PC interface, media player, and folder system makes managing music much more convenient than what a SQB offers. I'm still intrigued by the SQB, though, and I may give one a whirl at some point.

I've only been into the "PC as hifi player" for a about a year, and while I feel I have arrived at a very competent solution, I always keep my ears open to better alternatives/tweaks.

No space for one, the bulk for two and having to dick around with what you call more convenient with the "full blown PC experience". I also don't want to rip my music in my living room.

So I gather you've never used a SQB? Because it has all the things you mention about the "full blown" PC as far as the play back, menu and folder system. In many aspect it's more convenient and you get even more choices and never have to get off the couch. I also am not fully sold on Asynchronous USB being the be all end all at this point. Atleast I don't think it's always superior. Like I said it works great in my computer rig for my office system because I'm right there to run the music the way I want, but for the main rig who the hell wants the extra bulk, noise, cables, etc running.

I guess it comes down to personal choice, but if you have never even used a SQB - Touch I don't know how you can say a PC is better.

H9

falconcry72

heiney9 wrote: »

I guess it comes down to personal choice, but if you have never even used a SQB - Touch I don't know how you can say a PC is better.

I'm not saying it's better. It's definitely a different lifestyle choice, and it may present a better option for some people... like me.

Here's what I like about running a PC as opposed to a SQB:

- You can click through files with a mouse. This means you can create playlists in a matter of seconds. You can do anything you want... quickly.

- The entire internet is at your disposal, not just certain apps or widgets. If it exists on the internet, it can come through your speakers. Again, it's easier to navigate the internet on a computer, with a mouse and a keyboard, than on a handheld device.

- My PC can play any format of audio files: WAV, FLAC, SHN, APE, OgVorbis, AIFF, ALAC, WMA, MP3, etc. You name it, I can play it.

- See above, but with all video formats.

- I do not rely on an internet connection to be able to use my system and have immediate access to all of my music.



edit: I would like to add that you can buy a really decent PC for the price of a SQB.

edit 2: I would also like to add that when I redo my HT, I will have a HTPC as the heart of the system. There are video cards now that output full HD 1080p 3D and the new audio formats like dolby truehd and dts ma via HDMI. This would be a good solution for the OP since his system includes a HDTV.

heiney9

falconcry72 wrote: »

I'm not saying it's better. It's definitely a different lifestyle choice, and it may present a better option for some people... like me.

Here's what I like about running a PC as opposed to a SQB:

- You can click through files with a mouse. This means you can create playlists in a matter of seconds. You can do anything you want... quickly.

- The entire internet is at your disposal, not just certain apps or widgets. If it exists on the internet, it can come through your speakers. Again, it's easier to navigate the internet on a computer, with a mouse and a keyboard, than on a handheld device.

- My PC can play any format of audio files: WAV, FLAC, SHN, APE, OgVorbis, AIFF, ALAC, WMA, MP3, etc. You name it, I can play it.

- See above, but with all video formats.

- I do not rely on an internet connection to be able to use my system and have immediate access to all of my music.



edit: I would like to add that you can buy a really decent PC for the price of a SQB.

You can do all that and more with the SQB with the exception of video, apps and widgets aren't used by the SQB. I would also challenge the mouse vs. remote or handheld.

That's cool that this is your preference, nothing wrong with that. I just wanted to comment that what you think are PC strengths the SQB also does and IMO and in my use the SQB is easier to integrate.

It seems like you are talking about a Home Theater PC since you want to surf the internet and play video. That's not really a fair comparison to the SQB which is just for music. It's not going to be an HTPC which it seems you have and want the added features. For music playback the SQB will do just about everything a PC will only it's less complicated and more user friendly, IMO.

Anyway, the OP has to decide what direction he want's to go and what he's going to ultimately use it for.

Again you having never used a SQB means you really can't comment on how it integrates or what it can do compared to your HTPC.

H9

P.s. With the SQB you don't rely on an internet connection to have access to all your music either, not sure why you listed that as an advantage to a PC vs. SQB.

falconcry72

I wasn't talking about the HTPC side of things at first. I got there through rambling... i'm a little hungover....

I am going to try a SQB at some point, mainly just to evaluate the SQ differences between it and a good async USB > SPDIF converter. Whichever one wins in SQ will be my end point, regardless of the interface differences.

heiney9

falconcry72 wrote: »

edit: I would like to add that you can buy a really decent PC for the price of a SQB.

But with the computer you also have to buy a DAC. The SQB has internal DAC's that sound pretty darn good by themselves. So in the end unless you are using a receiver with built in DACs and a USB connection it will cost about the same or more.

H9

heiney9

falconcry72 wrote: »

I wasn't talking about the HTPC side of things at first. I got there through rambling... i'm a little hungover....

I am going to try a SQB at some point, mainly just to evaluate the SQ differences between it and a good async USB > SPDIF converter. Whichever one wins in SQ will be my end point, regardless of the interface differences.

Just be sure to compare apples to apples......meaning using the same DAC for each device.

H9

heiney9

You really need to use a SQB Touch because your perceptions are way off about what it can and can't do and the convenince, etc.

H9

falconcry72

heiney9 wrote: »

Just be sure to compare apples to apples......meaning using the same DAC for each device.

duh.

You really need to use a SQB Touch because your perceptions are way off about what it can and can't do and the convenince, etc.

fine.