Hi everyone,

I was just wondering if any one had an idea as to the sound quality of the Squeezebox 3 when using the analog outputs to connect to an integrated amplifier? I am particularly interested in the dynamic range of this device. Would the audio quality be any better or worse than my old marantz cd-48 cd player? I also have an emu 1212m lying around the house but have to order in 1/4" to rca cables as you can not buy them in my city and the 1/4" to rca adapters are horrible. I am assuming the analog output of the emu 1212m will be much better than that of the Squeezebox 3? I have found the emu's analog output to be better than anything my $1500AUS amp/speakers could cater for.

regards,
Andrew

If you noticed something, chances are it's either true or placebo effect is making it so; in any case, you'll probably stick with your first opinion, regardless of what people tell you, so just take a guess;

That, and, quality is very subjective.

If you want to compare, you can always pull out the schematics or open both devices and compare the specs on the output buffers and opamps.

Good luck,
Tristan.

The only issue might be the noisefloor of the Sqeezebox, which I don't know anything about that device, so that's why I'm leaving this door open. If you hear hiss when it's connected, then clearly the 1212m will be better. However, so far as dynamic range, most popular recordings use 25-35dB of the 96dB possible with a CD. The rare, very well produced classical recording made with the best recording equipment in a very quiet performance hall might use 70-80dB total range. Most DAPs tend to measure in the high 80 to low 90 range for SNR. I would expect the Squeeze box to use similar level ADCs and analog buffer circuits as typical DAPs. This is more than sufficient for noiseless playback[assuming that levels/gains are set correctly for the system].

-Chris

Excellent, thanks for the quick responses.

regards,
Andrew

Careful making assumptions. The Squeezebox 3 uses a Burr-Brown PCM1748 DAC. This is a very high quality 24bit DAC, and the SB3's noise floor is very low (well under -100dB).

I use a Squeezebox 2 (which has identical hardware to the SB3 apart from a minor difference in one of the internal power supplies). It is connected via its analogue outputs directly to a pair of ATC SCM100A active monitors, and it sounds *stunning*. The Squeezebox is truely one of the great audio bargains around right now.

I think you took my statement to be a negative thing. In fact, I meant it to be a positive statement. The typical DAP today has excellent performance compared to what is needed to remain transparent to human ears. I meant to say that I would expect the Squeeze box to 'at least' have equivalent DAC/buffer circuits as a modern typical DAP.

-Chris