This is the version 3 of Squeezebox (SB3) and I can get it about 1,500 HKD in Mongkok computer center, Hong Kong.
This network player must be used with a computer or a NAS (network attached storage). I use both as I have a old Qnap TS-201 NAS. This is really a pain to install the squeezecenter in the Qnap as there is no more support from Qnap. Finally I get it done with the help of the link here.
http://forums.slimdevices.com/showpost.php?p=302757&postcount=332
The SB3 has both optical and SPDIF (RCA) out plus a two channel analogy output. I do not use the analogy out put but only the digital input and my D1V3 or D1V33 DAC. I have modified the SB3:
- Outbox 5V 1.5A linear regulator to replace the stock switch mode power adapter.
- Add 3.3V regulator for CPLD and HCU04 ICs which hopefully can improve the jitter of SPDIF signal.
- Sync one of the clock to CPLD (11.2896MHz) from outside DAC – D1V3 via a SMA coaxial cable.
- Finally I settle with a XO to replace outside clock due to flexibility of my DAC to receive different sampling frequency from 32kHz to 96kHz.
Ok, the sound!
I would say SB3 is very good relative to normal CD/DVD Player (I have Marantz DV7600 and Yamaha DVD S2300MKII) or low cost transport. Compare to CD-PRO2, it lack the lower bass authority. Other than lower frequency, I think the SB3 is very good in mid and high frequencies. This is a real bargain if you use it to replace your CD transport!
