Got my Squeezebox Touch today

[sups]

Frankly the second option is so simple and works so beautifully, that it renders other complex computer audio solutions obsolete. At least for a non techie like me

True, but SBT has lot of reported problems if a big size HDDs are directly connected to it.

 

[sivakuru]

When you stream music through an external HDD connected directly to the SB Touch through the USB port, the SB Touch connects to the Squeezebox server built inside the Touch. The computer is entirely removed from the chain. The router still needs to be powered on. The SQ is better with this option.

Why should the router be ON when the touch is directly connected
to the HDD?.

I will be getting my Touch in the next few days and thats why I would like to know.

Thank you.

 

[ajay124]

Sups

My HDD is 1TB. At the moment it is only 10% full. After getting the Esoteric CDP, I lost the motivation to rip and transfer more music. The Touch is very good. But the Esoteric is an entirely different league. As long as I can listen to music through the Esoteric, I see no reason for using the Touch for anything except listening to the radio.

There is very little information regarding HDD/Touch interface on the internet. But I have found the Touch interface to be so smooth, that I don't visualise any problems even with a full 1TB load.

Precautions to be taken:

Format the HDD according to the operating system with which it will be used.
Select only a single partition at the time of formating.
For Mac OS select the MS DOS/FAT 32 option while formating through Disc Utility. For Windows use the FAT32 option.
Use the HDD with only one operating system and nothing else.
Only connect the HDD to the computer to transfer music. Build a huge batch and transfer very occasionally.
Only store audio files on the HDD. No pictures/documents/films!!!!!
Eject USB HDD before disconnecting from Touch.
Don't fiddle around or go back, when the Internal Squeezebox Server of the Touch is reading the files.
If the server is not reading the files properly, clear the cache memory and let it re-scan the files.
If there are any corrupted or incomplete files on the HDD, connect it to the computer and delete the files.
My knowledge of computers is very basic, but I am quite sure about what can, and cannot be done with the Touch.

The Touch can hold its own when I connect it to the Bryston Pre Power/Vienna Acoustics/Transparent Audios. I do not feel that it is inadequate as a source. With less revealing amplification, speakers and cables one would be hearing only a part of what the Touch can achieve. Don't blame the Touch for limitations which may be caused by mediocre amplification, speakers or cables. The Touch is a good source. If someone is not happy with the final output, then perhaps it is the amp, speakers or cables which need to be changed.

Sivakuru

I guess the internal Squeezebox server on the Touch needs to be connected to the internet to function. I have a one box modem+router. The moment I switch it off the Touch stops playing. I have not bothered to dig deeper because I have an unlimited connection, and my modem/router remains on 24x7x365.

 

[anm]

Ajay - have you tried burning your music back to a CD and play it on esoteric? If it sounds the same, ripping CDs will give you a backup that you can utilize anytime, in case you end up loosing one or more of your precious CDs.

 

[ajay124]

anm

I don't believe in 'insurance' and back up. I bought the Touch because it was not very expensive, and I was without a source for the time being. Now that I have a CDP, it is my wife who is using the Touch. I had bought a Squeezebox Boom for her last year. Now she prefers the Touch, so we will be disposing of the Boom.

 

[anm]

ok maybe just for my academic interest, if you can burn your ripped music on a CD and play it on esoteric

 

[Kevian]

I too got my SBT and Lacie 2tb hdd. Everything working fine so far.

 

[vasishta.sushant]

Congrats.. Get into the groove now. Tell you what....this internet radio thing is awesome.

 

[Kevian]

Thanks buddy. I didn't know that ICs would be supplied by logitech. I'm glad they've packed one. One question for you...did you find any zameen aasmaan difference between your chrimson chord ICs and stock ICs? can you try it out let me know bro?

cheers!!
Kevian

 

[vasishta.sushant]

did you find any zameen aasmaan difference between your chrimson chord ICs and stock ICs? can you try it out let me know bro?

cheers!!
Kevian

Nothing like zameen aasmaan but there is little more clarity in the sound. The sound with chord is little less harsh.

 

[Kevian]

Thanks Sushanth, I should get nordost wyrewizard's OEM cables with silver ICs tomorrow and will be used to connect SBT and ra06 amp. So wanted to know your experiences between stock and chrod ICs. Thats it.

Thanks,
Kevian

 

[TaureanBull]

I guess the internal Squeezebox server on the Touch needs to be connected to the internet to function. I have a one box modem+router. The moment I switch it off the Touch stops playing. I have not bothered to dig deeper because I have an unlimited connection, and my modem/router remains on 24x7x365.

The modem is not required to be switched on for playing a USB. The Touch tries to connect to your PC and finding modem off shows error. What needs to be done is "Switch Library" from PC to USB.

I can vouch for this because I have used it many times even when modem was not there.

Secondly, one must give time as already said for touch to scan the files. The time would be longer for bigger disks. 1TB disk may take 10-15 mins.

 

[vasishta.sushant]

But still I wouldn't agree to the stated fact that Touch's DAC can beat dedicated DAC's under 500USD. It couldn't beat the DACMagic for sure.

 

[Kevian]

Thanks Taurean but could you be more specific regarding "Switch Library"? It'll help.

Cheers!!
Kevian

 

[vasishta.sushant]

Actually we had some discussions on some other threads about how good the Touch sounds. A lot of fellow friends on the forum stated that the inbuilt DAC of Touch can trounce the so called dedicated DACs under 500USD. Well I gave in to the hype. Sold my rDAC and bought the Touch. But my impressions were negative. The sound put out by Touch is average at the best. At least thats what I felt. The DACMagic that I bought later to complement the Touch showed a HUGE improvement over the stock output of Touch.

I wouldn't ever suggest the Touch without a dedicated DAC to anyone. At least not to anyone stepping into the notorious audiophile territory.

 

[Kevian]

Hey Sushanth..when the hell did you get DacMagic? rechecked with your signature..thats so fast man. So, did you post a detailed review between touch's DAC and that of Dacmagic's? I was wondering if I've missed it?

cheers!!
Kevian

 

[heliumflight]

I have the Squeeze box Classic and found that the inbuilt dac is very average and flat but when I connect the exeternal Beresford Dac then it brings life back with rhythm and musicality.

--
helium
SB Classic> Beresford DAC 7510 MK4> Lyrita SET GM70 + PMC TB2/ Vintage highly modified B&W DM4 > Lyrita ICs + Cables => MUSIC

 

[vasishta.sushant]

Hey Sushanth..when the hell did you get DacMagic? rechecked with your signature..thats so fast man. So, did you post a detailed review between touch's DAC and that of Dacmagic's? I was wondering if I've missed it?

cheers!!
Kevian

Yes it was an impulsive purchase, rather a purchase made out of frustration. I missed the second hand deal for dacmagic in the For Sale Forum, which was live few days back, even after confirming that I'll pay ......so I just said to myself WTH and bought a new one :lol:

No I didn't do any review and don't plan to do it either. I want to move away from this upgrade cycle and this site Writing a review won't let me do any of these :sad:

Would just tell that dacmagic makes tremendous difference to the sound.

 

[TaureanBull]

Thanks Taurean but could you be more specific regarding "Switch Library"? It'll help.

Cheers!!
Kevian

"Switch Library" is a menu/sub menu depending upon your settings which lets you choose the Library to be played out of the various options available - PC, USB, SD Card.

 

[imgene]

+1 to DACMagic, it adds heart and soul to music.

Yes it was an impulsive purchase, rather a purchase made out of frustration. I missed the second hand deal for dacmagic in the For Sale Forum, which was live few days back, even after confirming that I'll pay ......so I just said to myself WTH and bought a new one :lol:

No I didn't do any review and don't plan to do it either. I want to move away from this upgrade cycle and this site Writing a review won't let me do any of these :sad:

Would just tell that dacmagic makes tremendous difference to the sound.