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Squeezebox Vs Duet

Which has better sound quality?
I really like the duet remote but if sound quality is better on the sb3 I could go that way and add the duet remote later.
Current 2 ch system is an Arcam se8 to Modded Lite Dac Ah to B&K reference 20. I am looking to make a move up in sound quality and at the same time add the convenience of pc based audio.
Thanks
Steve
scoly1
kana813
956 posts
 
Scoly1 - IMO, the Duet's digital output sounds much better than the SB3.

Doug- a 32Gb ipod touch + the Duet receiver is $650.
Why spend the extra $250.?
scoly1 OP
74 posts
 
Kana,
Thanks!
Reading lots of reviews had confused me. There seems to be a bit of controversy over which has the best sound so glad to hear your opinion. I will eventually add a better dac with usb. Any suggestions >$700.00?
What about the sound quality compared to mid level cd players? I've considered a Jolida and the Rega players but hate to put out the cash if I can get a pc based system with comparable sound.
Doug,
Appreciate your input.
I would have a hard time spending an extra $180 on the touch. Sound is my main priority and it seems that the duet remote would give the flexibility I need. What does the touch add?
Thanks
Steve
doug_kraz
14 posts
 
The touch is lighter, bigger screen, allows you to surf the net, and take your music with you (obviously). Maybe look into the 16GB ipod touch to save some money. The duet remote is a waste if you EVER plan to buy the ipod touch (IMHO).

I must admit I approach the situation differently then you. I have a squeezebox ALREADY, and was thinking about buying the duet remote. CLEARLY the ipod touch is the way to go in this situation, and would provide maximum flexibility. While not the most cost effective setup, it is the way to go, if possible.
Post removed 
kartracer
37 posts
 
I guess I got lucky. About a month ago, I won an auction here for a Duet and a (stock) PS Audio Digital Link 3. Since I got them together, I didn't really listen to the Duet analog outs; pretty much went straight through the DAC. All I can say is wow. ;) My cdp is a Music Hall CD25.2 with Underwood level 2 mods. Last January, I upgraded my Von Schweikert speakers from VR-4JRs to VR-4SR MkIIs. The latter have a pretty hot top end. The DAC tamed the digital harshness so now everything is listenable (wasn't the case before) and what was good before is now great. (I'm still very tempted to send it to Cullen for a Stage 3 mod.)

The Duet is pretty cool. I'm using EAC to rip my CDs to FLAC on my laptop. Prolly will get an external USB drive for backup.

When the novelty wears off, I'll compare the Duet analog out to the cdp to the Duet through the DAC and note differences.
Actually I've already done cdp vs. DAC and all I could do was shake my head back and forth at how nicely the DAC sounded.
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