Dac suggestions to pair with Squeezebox Touch

It's probably worth weighing in here that an outboard DAC is only as good as the connection used. The right SPDIF cable can make a DAC you thought was "just OK" sound damned fine. The key is finding the right one. I usually pick the manufacturer's collective brain for a place to start. If they'll tell you what cable was used to voice the DAC, you can achieve some amazing synergy. This could be one reason the Squeezebox's internal DAC beats so many previously respected outboard DACs and why some disagree with others' comparisons.

Crooner,

A number of people around the net have reported that the DACMagic does not compete well with the SBT's internal DAC. If the Bifrost beats it, it's a steal at $349. I have not heard reports on the DACmagic Plus that was just released...but it retails for $600?

Crooner, I have a bifrost on order and I am concerned about your comment regarding bass. Can you elaborate? Compared to which dacs or players do you find it bass shy?
Thanks.

I think the leanness was subjective because I happen to have switched from the Pioneer SP-BS41-LR that I have been using for a couple months to a pair of vintage 15 ohm Rogers LS3/5A's. And the Pioneer's bass response is a tad exaggerated compared to the more refined Rogers.

I made the switch shortly after hooking up the Bifrost so I had the wrong impression the Bifrost was responsible for the bass response change.

I have continued listening to the Bifrost and the bass is definitely there. No shortage in that department.

So, order with confidence. Nice DAC and huge bang for the buck!

Vhiner, I haven't heard the DACMagic, but I can confidently say the Bifrost is superior to the Lite DAC60 with tube output stage and an older EAD DSP-7000 Series III, both retailing for more than $349.