Thoroughly "Touched" (long)

[E-Stat]

The beauty of the Touch, as I understand it, is that it "pulls" the data from the server asynchronously (so to speak) unlike the USB interfaces many DACs employ that are controlled from the computer end.

Yeah, I prefer that concept. Another advantage is that you can run multiple players from a single server. The server is located in my home office on a different floor. I chose to configure the Touch for the server to do all the FLAC processing as opposed to having the Touch do that. Some are concerned there is an issue with the Touch not being able to keep up with the processing demands. Using the Win7 resource monitor, running two Touches simultaneously draws under 1% CPU power from a quad core, eight thread i7-870. No worries.

Is the Touch to DAC coax? If so, you might consider Charles Hansen's advice to use a long, 15+ foot, cable to eliminate jitter due to reflections caused by impedance mismatches between source and target.

It supports both USB and S/PDIF. As for length, you'll note his comment used a somewhat arbitrary estimate. Others, like Steve Nugent of Empirical Audio have calculated the minimal length at 1.5 meters. Mine is somewhat longer.

Are the Welbourn labs power supplies price? I could use a 9VDC to power my own DAC.

Pricey is a relative term. Others I've found are far more expensive. The unit was $224 assembled (kits available).

Click here for more information.

edit: DAC to arrive tomorrow. Need to drill a hole in the office ceiling up to attic for CAT6 run from router to main listening room.