Dedicated DAC vs using Squeezebox Touch analog outputs?

[Saturn94]

Currently for my headphone setup I’m using a Squeezebox Touch‘s analog outputs to my JDS Atom+ headphone amp. The Touch is being used as a Roon endpoint. Headphones are Drop+DCA Aeon Closed X. This setup sounds great to me, but I have very limited experience in this area.

How likely would adding a DAC, such as the JDS DAC+, and using the Touch’s digital optical output to the DAC result in an real audible improvement in my setup?

Based on these reviews, it seems the Touch measures well.

Logitech Squeezebox Touch network music player Measurements

Sidebar 3: Measurements

www.stereophile.com

MEASUREMENTS: Logitech Squeezebox Touch. [Updated 2013-06-22]

A blog for audiophiles about more objective topics. Measurements of audio gear. Reasonable, realistic, no snakeoil assessment of sound, and equipment.

archimago.blogspot.com

To be clear, I’m not interested in chasing the best numbers. I’m wondering if based on measurements if there is any likely audible improvement to be had by adding a DAC. If there isn’t a likely audible improvement to be had, I’d rather spend the money on more music.

Thanks.

 

[gvl]

How likely would adding a DAC, such as the JDS DAC+, and using the Touch’s digital optical output to the DAC result in an real audible improvement in my setup?

Not very likely, but sounds like you knew that already.

 

[Phorize]

Nothing to gain in my book. Linearity could be better, just like my topping nx4 and I can’t say I notice the LF/HF droop at all.

 

[Saturn94]

Not very likely, but sounds like you knew that already.

Thanks.

I wasn’t sure, so I figured I would get feedback from those with more experience (I’ve never used a separate DAC before).

 

[Saturn94]

Nothing to gain in my book. Linearity could be better, just like my topping nx4 and I can’t say I notice the LF/HF droop at all.

Thanks for the feedback.