Need feedback: Media server streaming vs PC/ USB DAC

[pyrocyborg]

Hi again everyone!

My current setup is pretty much an entry level AVR (Yamaha HTR-6230) which powers my Polk RTI6. Right now, I am using my PS3 as a media server using a PC program called PS3 Media Server, for those who know about it. Then, my PS3 is connected to my TV HDMI input, then redirected to the AVR by toslink. I am principaly playing FLAC files that are on my PC HDD, and they are streamed to my PS3.

With some good help from Club Polk, I've been able to see that people using a PC as their audio source use some asynchronous USB to S/PDIF like the Musical Fidelity V-Link or some good DAC to achieve uncompressed audio quality. However, most people reviewing those products compare their new DAC or V-Link to their onboard soundcard outputs, which, I understand, could create some jitters... and most people using a DAC have a stereo amp/receiver on which they can't directly connect a PS3 anyways.

I am on the fence about buying an entry level DAC or a Musical Fidely V-Link because I don't know if I will actually get any benefits from it except the fact that my PS3 and/or TV could now be cutted out of the equation, saving me a few bucks on my electricity bill.

That's why I am in need of some feedback about people who did the jump, people who were playing their files from their PC using wired or wireless media server (whatever which one). Did you see any increase in audio quality?

I know that in the long term, a USB DAC or USB to S/PDIF is really usefull if I ever upgrade to a stereo amp, but as it's not for tomorrow, I don't know if I'll get any benefits from using an entry level DAC (200ish) or a V-Link.

Thanks everyone

[falconcry72]

You should also consider the Logitech Squeezebox Touch. It's a wireless device that streams files from your PC.

it has its own DAC, with analog outputs, but it also has digital outputs, so you could use it with a better external DAC later on.

Sound quality is excellent, and on par with the best USB > SPDIF Converters.



Search "squeezebox" in the 2-channel and electronics forums before you start asking a million questions. LOL. This device has generated a lot of traffic in the last year.

[pyrocyborg]

Allright! So, from what I read, streaming by ethernet is already giving the maximum quality I can get, either from the PS3 or the Squeezebox (at least, the PC is pushing it at a maximum quality...). However, the squeezebox has an internal DAC which could be better than my AVR one, and has analog outputs.

But I can't seem to find anything except the Squeezebox Touch, which is more than 300$ here in Canada... I personnally prefer the Squeezebox classic as I have no use for a touch device... (and it cost less, but having to buy it refurbished online makes it a no-go because I can't try it first!).

Anyways, thanks for the suggestion, I'll look into this!