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Why use CD Transport instead of computer source

I have been seeking a new digital front end setup and would like some advice on what solution will produce the highest quality digital playback.

My current plan is to add a Slim Devices Transporter possibly mated to an external DAC, after evaluating the Transporter on its own to determine the quality of the internal DAC (which I understand is quite high).

Why would I consider a CD Transport and DAC as an alternative to a computer based source such as this? If I am using EAC to get bit-perfect rips of my CDs and I encode them in a lossless format like FLAC, there doesnt seem like there could be any benefit to using a CD Transport, in fact, the computer based source should be better if the rips are done bit-perfect.

Any comments on why there is still a high end market for CD transports given the availability of top computer based sources like the Slim Transporter?
superquant

Showing 3 responses by mdconnelly

mdconnelly
133 posts
 
Interesting question that I've been pondering for a year... I have two Squeezeboxes and have tried a Transporter in my system. But, none have sounded quite as good as CD players/transports to me in my system and I've tried 3 of those (Wadia 830 w/GNSC mods, Cambridge Audio 840c, Oracle transport).

So, I use both. For critical listening, it's either my CD transport or my turntable... both satisfy quite nicely. But, my Squeezeboxes are in constant use otherwise and the level of convenience is wonderful. Many have said that modded SB3s or Transporters do exceed even the best CD players. That may be true but I have not gone done that path (yet).

I don't doubt that someday, hard-disk/memory based players will sound as good or better than even the best CD players/transports today. But, will I get rid of mine? At this point, I still use my turntable so I'm guessing I'll still be wanting to spin CDs in the future as well... just the dinosaur in me, I suspect.

Mike
mdconnelly
133 posts
 
Ncarv... I echo Tonyptony. Streaming lossy internet radio is good, FLAC lossless is far better, but still not quite the same as sourced from my CD transport. My comparisons were with FLAC lossless copies ripped from the same CD using EAC and volume matched.

I don't doubt that the highly modded units can match or exceed a good CDP or transport. But to be honest, there is something about selecting a CD and dropping it in the transport that I still enjoy almost as much as I do with vinyl. For that reason, I will likely always have a transport even though the vast majority of music playing in my house every day is via the Squeezebox.
mdconnelly
133 posts
 
I own an SB3 with a linear PS and use it via its digital out. I also have have had the opportunity to compare it to a stock Transporter also just using digital out in my system. While I felt the Transporter did sound better (more relaxed and refined, less edgy), IMHO it wasn't enough to warrant the the substantially higher price. Then again, for my critical listening I still use my turntable or Oracle transport.
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