Audio Transport 2004


Like many folks, I can't believe why someone can't come out with a good audio transport for $1000. or less. Thanks to computers, there's plenty of CD/DVD drive units available. I don't need or want to pay for noise
polluting unuse video circuits.

There's a whole wave of new audio equipment with built-in DACs/Processors that have digital inputs.

So here's my audio transport request for 2004: plays-SACD,DVD-A, DAD, all CDs and can output a 24/192 PCM signal on XLR, BNC and RCA. Converts SACD DSD to PCM. Good power supply with RF/EMI shielding, low jitter clocking circuit, damping, and IEC AC connector(keep the $1.50 PC, I'll provide my own). No fancy faceplates, put the money inside the box.

Please have it ready by Saint Patrick's Day, then I'll have two things to celebrate.
kana813

Showing 1 response by sdecker

I couldn't agree more with the original poster. Many of us have excellent standalone DACs that would benefit from not only top-level transport sonics, but take advantage of the newer formats w/o the video or multi-channel overhead. There are some great new CDPs and universal players for less money now, but nobody seems to be making a new-tech 2ch audio transport for a reasonable price.

The hi-rez format copyright limitations might compromise how much 'fidelity' is available at the digital outputs for SACD and DVDA, and I dunno if they've implemented a DSD-PCM converter that sounds good and is 'legal'.

I've been listening to a number of transports lately, both high end CD audio and universal. There's a market for a 2ch audio mixture of the current technologies - with plenty of useful control flexibility, a great drive mechanism & servos, and good output buffering - for well under $1K. Please let me know when it becomes available...