Pleae don't think I'm trying to hijack this thread, but I'm going to throw my $0.02 worth into the "Transporter" discussion...
I have been LUSTING over the Transporter since it first came out, but $2000 for a device to play digital to my system, that comes with NO storage, takes a seperate shelf in my rack, and has a "pretty good DAC just doesn't seem like it makes sense in my current setup, with the Benchmark.
I already have an AWESOME laptop, with a big hard drive, and it's got built-in wireless networking. It's an Apple MacBook Pro 17", and with iTunes as my Music program, and the default ripping set at "Apple Lossless", it sounds pretty darn good.
Plugging it in directly to the Benchmark, however, means I can't use the computer while I listen, so I bought an AirPort Express. This little doodad is about the size of a pack of cigarettes, and not only will let me stream wirelessly from my computer from just about anywhere in the house, but also acts as a wireless print server (USB and Etherenet ports), AND it has a TOSLINK port, so I can feed the digital stream directly into the Benchmark.
So I can stream wirelessly from my computer while I work on other things, AND get the benefit of the Benchmark DAC. And if I add more AirPort Expresses, (by simply plugging them into an outlet and connecting them to other systems throughout the house) I can not only do simultaneous streaming throughout the house, but extend the range of my router to give REALLY hot wireless coverage through the whole house (2-story, brick and wood construction) AND have printers whereever I want them. And if I ad an AirPort Extreme (Apple's wireless Router hub), I can hang any standard-issue USB-2 hard drive off it to use as a NAS for music and file sharing, leaving our laptops HDs free off our massive music collection...
So yeah, I think the Transporter looks tres chic, and I TOTALLY dig the retro meter displays, and it has a LOT of features and a pretty sweet DAC, but when I've already got a wireless network, a Benchmark in the main rig, and "consumer-grade" (Sony, Technics, etc) for my "secondary systems" (parlor, kitchen, guest bedroom) the outlay for a Transporter just doesn't make sense for me anymore.
And if you are a stereo geek AND a computer geek like me, this solution that Apple has (various AirPort boxes) is REALLY easy to set up, cross-platform compatible (we have a Mac and a Dell running XP, and they both work flawlessly with AirTunes) and it gives you an extra level of techno-geek bragging rights with your techie friends AND your stereo buddies.
--Richard
