These things are subjective, as you see, despite underlying technical issues that are objective indeed.
Here's my take on it: a SB3 is good. From what I understand, modded SB3s are equal or somewhat better. According to Tom, some mods approach the Transporter. Anyway, the Transporter is a lot better than the SB3. The SB with a high performance, studio-grade, jitter-eliminating DAC like the Lavry is a lot better than a SB3. In fact, I would say it is more or less comparable to the Transporter, the difference being one of nuance. The SB3 and Transporter through a Lavry sound the same -- like a Lavry. So, from a purely economic perspective, you could go with a SB3 and, say, a Lavry. However, the Transporter gives you far more functionality (extra inputs, etc.) and far greater aesthetics. These are important to some people. I like having four analog outputs (good for subs and mains), extra inputs, and the real good looks of the things. If these are NOT priorities... bluesdoc;162013 Wrote: > LOL....I am so glad I asked this question (my first posting!) and so > happy to see there is total unanimity <G>. It reassures me that I was > not missing something obvious to all. And that there is still room for > subjective experience. Once my head stops spinning from the excellent > comments, I'll have to make some decisions. I am not convinced yet that > the best SQ wouldn;t be from the Transporter and a decent quality > (around $1000-1200) DAC, but I wouldn;t refuse to spend less than that > if the SQ was as good. I also hate to give up my older Conrad-Johnson > preamp, although its not doing too much... other than adding nostalgia, > an additional set of interconnects, and the analogue volume control. > (I'm currrently using an older CJ Amp and older B & W speakers, but > auditioning newer everything). Oh, and while SQ is important, so is > domestic acceptability. Thanks, and please keep the excellent advice on > this subject coming. -- highdudgeon Relax. It's about the music. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ highdudgeon's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=2195 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=30530 _______________________________________________ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
