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Need Advice On A Network Music Player

I want to get into Hi Rez music downloads and need a player to make that possible. My initial research has identified the following as serious possibilities, but I can find no comparison reviews or anything to clearly differentiate them:



Logitech Squeeze Box Touch - $234.00

Cambridge Audio - Sonata NP30 - $599.00

Marantz - NA7004 - Network Audio Player - $799.99

Bryston - BDP-1 - Digital Media Player - $2195.00

My real concern is identifying what gives the best bang for the buck and still provides high quality sound output. The only purpose that I will be using this for is Hi Rez music downloads from HD Tracks, and some higher res music via USB thumb drives (such as the Complete Beatles Collection). I've read very positive reviews of all of these, but again, nothing comparing them in any way, so its extremely hard to gauge.



The only two concerns are that I have used Squeezebox software previously (when I owned a Transporter) and found it more difficult to use than I wanted to deal with, and hated the connection problems getting to their site. That's a negative to buying equipment from them. Also, over at the Hi Rez forum, they have many threads about how you have to spend about $400.00 modifying the Touch to get optimal sound. As far as the Bryston, as expensive as it is, Stereophile noted that the sound quality from it's USB input was not as good, and that would be a great concern for me.



I have Bryston BDA-1 DAC available for use with whatever I purchase. Any thoughts, recommendations, and expertise would be appreciated. I'm completely new to this game and could use the help. Thanks.
nightfall

Showing 1 response by 77jovian

77jovian
385 posts
 
I'm just starting to learn about this area myself, so take my suggestions with a grain of salt. I just bought a Touch because of the very reasonable price and it was a breeze getting it up and running with my home network. Note that its highest sample rate is 24 bit 96 khz, not 192khz, so it won't utilize the full capability of your BDA-1. I don't know of any threads about mods to the Touch (can you refer me to those?).

I have not compared sound quality of all of the outputs on the Touch, but it does have optical and coax digitals outs which would give you other connectivity to your BDA-1 than USB.

So far, the Touch seems a real bargain. For $234 you could try one out and, if you don't care for it, they sell pretty well on Gon. Good luck.
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