Hey Roger and Richard,
"So what about the influence of the router on the sound? Is bandwidth not an issue for streaming hi-rez audio files to the transporter? What about the optical drives in our PCs? Does it matter? Why does the same CD ripped and played through the transporter not sound as good as when its played on the Forsell/Audio Synthesis combo??"
Roger,
I'm following you now, however I'm shocked to learn that your Meridian Pre/Pro doesn't have an analog pass-through.
Bandwidth streaming and buffering can certainly be an issue wirelessly, but if you use a wired ethernet cable, then it should not be an issue.
Optical drives can be an issue if you accidently knock into the side of your computer while you're ripping your CD's, especially with a laptop, otherwise they're pretty solid. I have error correction checked in iTunes importing preferences. I also keep cross fade, sound enhancer, sound check, and equalizer settings all off. I would not be surprised if a high-end CD burner hooked up to a computer would out perform a $50 plastic drawer CD-R Drive. When using digital output on a computer directly into a DAC, you will need to have the master volume on the computer and in iTunes all the way up, as to not trump resolution.
When you run the DAC-2 and the PS Audio DAC, through the Meridian Pre/Pro and it undergoes another A/D then D/A conversion by the meridian, then everything that comes out of the Meridian will have a similar sound to the Meridian. So, I'm thinking that it probably doesn't matter what DAC you use, since they should all sound like the Meridian, however you say the the DAC-2 always wins the DAC battle. I'm not sure why this would be the case, but it is what it is.
I think if you want to take your system to the next level, then you will probably need to purify your 2 channel Analog Signal coming from any "NEW DAC" that you may settle on, and then get some type of Analog Linestage/Preamp with an Analog Home Theater Pass-through.
No wonder you think the DAC-2 is still good, because in my opinion it's acting like a bridge to your Meridian instead of a DAC.
The DAC's that you're trying, like the PS Audio or Transporter are not being able to shine through because the Meridian is acting like a Big Fat Bully!
Yes, Correct Richard, you need a Preamp/Linestage too with a home theater pass-through. The Theta and Meridian are two of the best processors out there, however they need to step aside and let the sunshine through! I'm only saying this because you guys are trying to better your current systems, if you were thrilled with your set-up, then I wouldn't be suggesting additional equipment.
Ok, If Routers and Ethernet cables matter, then I'm just gonna shot myself. I could just see it now, "Bel Canto is proud to announce its new High-End Audiophile Quality, Tubed Wireless-N Router with gold connectors, and battery operated." Or, how about Kubala-Sosna is proud to introduce its brand new line of Ethernet Emotion Category 6 Cables for $2000 per meter."
Roger: ""So what about the influence of the router on the sound? Is bandwidth not an issue for streaming hi-rez audio files to the transporter? What about the optical drives in our PCs? Does it matter? Why does the same CD ripped and played through the transporter not sound as good as when its played on the Forsell/Audio Synthesis combo??""
For one, I think you mentioned the you were using AES 110 ohm balanced for the Forsell/DAC-2 and I know that the Transporter as well as the Squeezebox are weak in the 75 ohm SPDIF Output. There may be other differences, like better power supplies, cabling, and isolation in the other equipment, and possibly a comfort level of a sound that you're used to. Your not using a pure signal, so all bets are off.
The reason I'm comfortable with my findings, has to do with the following:
I've ripped all of my CD's on a MacPro Tower, using Apple Lossless and iTunes, and I have a Netgear Router, and I'm using the Ethernet over Power-line protocol to run the signal wired through my house wiring inside the walls and then into the Transporter using a "cheapo" ethernet cable, then the signal goes Digital out using Kubala Emotion AES/EBU to an MBL 1611F DAC, to an MBL 6010D Preamp, to a pair of MBL 9008A Monoblocks, to Kharma Mini Exquisite Speakers. I use all K-S cabling, I have no power conditioning, nor do I have any room conditioning, I don't have a subwoofer, nor do I have expensive equipment racks, although I plan on getting some next year.
All I can tell you is that the sound that I am getting from this rig, is nothing short of extraordinary. It is probably one of the two best systems that I have ever heard, and I've been doing this for at least 20 years.
I'm going to be a little repetitive here, but I see this question asked a lot, and that is," If the Transporter is as good as your Forsell (or a very good transport)? "...., but the short answer is, Yes, that I have compared it to an MBL 1621A Transport feeding an MBL 1611F DAC, and although the MBL 1621A transport was marginally better it wasn't worth writing home about. I only use the Transporter as a streamer and not as a DAC. I could probably move your speakers 2 inches and it will make a bigger difference. This is why I'm pretty confident to say that I feel that the ripping method that your using, to the router and so on, is not your problem. It's all of the other things that I've mentioned, starting with your lack of an Analog Preamp/Linestage.
FWIW, I think the Squeezebox using its 75ohm SPDIF, is terrible as a high-end streamer, and the same goes for the Transporter using its 75ohm digital SPIF output, however, I seem to be the only one who talks about it. I have never even seen it mentioned in any one of the many Transporter/Squeezebox reviews.
Bottom line is that in my opinion, the Transporter using its 110 ohm AES/EBU digital output as well as an upgraded power cable, is one of the best transports currently available. However, there's not much competition right now, so I expect things to heat up!
About 15 years ago people thought that digital cables didn't matter, but obviously they do. My prediction is that you will be seeing high-end; Routers and Ethernet Cables shortly.
Not Proofread to expedite posting!
Rich
