Once more unto the breech: Transporter, or a Squeezebox to an external DAC
Yes, I know this has been discussed a fair amount in the recent past, and some folks were getting ready to make decisions on one or the other. But I'm about to plunk down my money for one of these combos to feed my soon-to-arrive Summits, and I would love to hear the latest thoughts on these.
Without listening to either yet (which I'll obviously do before my final decision), my impression is that both routes produce high-quality music with relatively small differences. Now I don't consider myself a 'purist' audiophile. There's no question I really enjoy good music and I love the sound I get from high-quality gear, I'm just not interested 'squeezing out every nuance' from my system. Also, my system is in the 'sonically challenged' family room and doubles as a home theater for the rest of the family. (Probably 60% 2-channel music for me, 95% home theater overall.) Given that the music quality is good enough, I'm not sure the room will let me hear the differences (and I'm not sure it would bother me if I could).
So what's probably left is cost and appearance. Depending on the DAC, I can get a high quality SB3/DAC combo for somewhere in the $800-$1300 range, while the Transporter will run me $2000. Obvious advantage to the SB3. On the other hand, I really like how the Transporter looks. (Its probably just me, but I think the SB3 looks a little hokey.) Advantage to the Transporter.
Oh well, hopefully I'll get some more input. (Which, of course, will probably be conflicting. )
Yes, I know this has been discussed a fair amount in the recent past, and some folks were getting ready to make decisions on one or the other. But I'm about to plunk down my money for one of these combos to feed my soon-to-arrive Summits, and I would love to hear the latest thoughts on these.
Without listening to either yet (which I'll obviously do before my final decision), my impression is that both routes produce high-quality music with relatively small differences. Now I don't consider myself a 'purist' audiophile. There's no question I really enjoy good music and I love the sound I get from high-quality gear, I'm just not interested 'squeezing out every nuance' from my system. Also, my system is in the 'sonically challenged' family room and doubles as a home theater for the rest of the family. (Probably 60% 2-channel music for me, 95% home theater overall.) Given that the music quality is good enough, I'm not sure the room will let me hear the differences (and I'm not sure it would bother me if I could).
So what's probably left is cost and appearance. Depending on the DAC, I can get a high quality SB3/DAC combo for somewhere in the $800-$1300 range, while the Transporter will run me $2000. Obvious advantage to the SB3. On the other hand, I really like how the Transporter looks. (Its probably just me, but I think the SB3 looks a little hokey.) Advantage to the Transporter.
Oh well, hopefully I'll get some more input. (Which, of course, will probably be conflicting. )