I can understand the reluctance and skepticism of people who question the modding of audio gear. I consider myself a cheapskate when it comes to buying ANYTHING. So a great deal of rationalization was brought to bear when I decided to purchase a Red Wine modified SB3. Firstly, I rejected the idea of using an outboard DAC. As well as the added expense, there is the whole SPDIF interface mess that complicates what is an otherwise elegant solution, inherent in the SB3's design. I know that different DACs will result in different 'flavors' and I was willing to throw in with the quality of the slightly better K DAC that Vinnie offers. Secondly, and correct me if I'm wrong, there seems to be almost universal agreement that a power supply upgrade offers a qualitative improvement in both the analog and digital outs. Having drunk the koolaid of the SLA battery crowd, it seemed to be an elegant solution to eliminating a whole slew of circuitry in the 'less is more' camp, and the concept of 'getting off the grid' appealed to my rebel mentality. I could never get over the fact that some are willing to pay triple the price of the SB3 for a fancy power supply. Seemed like putting the cart before the horse to me. Lastly, and most importantly, I picked up the phone and called Vinnie. Many times. Every conversation was enjoyable and we found much common ground. I was patient enough to delay delivery until Vinnie offered his revised mod 'package' utilizing the upgraded opamp, as I was using a passive 'pre' and needed the extra gain. He even agreed to use a different opamp, than the one he offered as standard, at no additional cost ( pm me if you're curious). I had bought the SB3 when there was the 'special' pricing and Vinnie offered his special pricing on top of that. So I figured I was 'saving' $100. So, in the end, I paid $778 for a modded SB3 that is completely unique. I'm very happy with it. Is it 'the last word' in digital sources? Absolutely not. But, I feel, you'd have to spend MUCH more to realize any significant improvement in quality. I'm sure the Transporter will be an improvement over what I have, but I neither require the myriad of in/out options it offers or can justify paying that kind of money for a digital source. Like I said, I'm a cheapskate.
-- konut ------------------------------------------------------------------------ konut's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=1596 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=26691 _______________________________________________ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
