What is the best transport?

Neal, the system will not allow me to see your contact info. I am not sure how to manage this new Agon.

Audioengr,

Has the computer based system fully arrived? I have follwed discussions about this format on this forum and others. It seems the manufactuers disagree on usb, firewire and hdmi connections. additionally, opinions on the software are scattered.

I do not doubt this is where the music business will wind up, just not sure if things won't settle out a bit in the next 3-5 years. Do you think JA paid for his gear?

Ericminer,

I had not been aware of the PS Audio option. Thanks.

Howdy Jfreh, I have not thought of dCS, but the heads up on the price point is interesting, I had always been under the impression that dCS was more expensive.

Audioengr, I am a mechanical engineer with a PE. I work with computers all day every day. I would consider myself tech oriented. Not techie.

At night and other off hours I am more interested in relaxation than doing another analysis. However, I am reading youe web pages and considering your products.

This thread is helpful with several good inputs,

thanks to everyone,

Happy New Year to all! The update as to what I have done and am currently doing is as follows:

1.Bought a PS Audio PWT
2.Auditioned an Esoteric P-03 and had a shoot out with the PWT.
3.The Esoteric was returned to the dealer. I could not hear a $15K difference.
4.I am in the waiting period for delivery of a Music Vault server from Sound Science.

A friend of mine bought a Music Vault server and his experience with Neal Van Berg has been exemplary with regard to installation and start up. SQ may/may not meet my expectation. At the least I have gotten off the snide and am inching forward with something different .

The old adage - " suck it and see " is where I have landed.

The Audio Note has a AES/EBU input. Neal van Berg is providing the digital cable.

No question computer audio has a complexity level. Having the tenacity to persevere is the biggest challenge for the installer.

My reasons for interest in having a music server for a transport:
1. To preserve my vinyl collection. I plan to rip my LP collection.
2. To play Spotify and Pandora though my system. ( I enjoy the ability to preview the album before the purchase)
3. E-mail, downloading and wireless is replacing the printing press, publishing houses and the world I grew up in.
4.I am joining the this movement only because I have no desire to miss the wave. If I have learned anything in 36 years of association with the engineering business it is : the only technology which is insignificant it is the one which has been left behind.

What we are now using my be obsolete by the time this is posted. Who knows?

I did not light the fire but I might as well warm myself with it.