A good one box player SHOULD beat seperates IF properly designed and executed. Shorter signal path, less cabling, lower jitter, etc... are all common sense reasons why this should hold true. However, many designs are not well executed and don't take advantage of the benefits that do exist. This is not to mention that many one box units are built to an overall lower price point i.e. use lower grade parts, smaller and fewer power supplies, are not sensibly laid out in terms signal path, etc... Given these variables, you can end up with a hit or miss situation on either a one box or transport / DAC combo. Sean
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