darrenyeats wrote: > Robin Bowes;291195 Wrote: >> Perhaps you were expecting too much? Difference between digital sources >> >> really are minimal. >> <snip> >> If you're happy with the SB3 then rejoice - you've saved yourself a >> shed-load of cash, so you can buy more music! >> R. > Robin, > I've not compared an SB3 and Transporter yet - and probably it depends > on the other components - but yours is a very sensible view IMO.
It certainly does depend on the other components. Some time ago, myself and ModelCitizen compared SB1 analogue out to SB1 + a variety of DACs (modified Art DI/O, Arcam Black Box, Perpetual Technologies P-something + P-something else - a very expensive combination). On the system I had at the time neither of us could hear any difference. I then modified my amp (a Rotel RA820A), disconnecting the tone control circuitry completely, replacing capacitors, upgrading op-amps, etc. Wow, what a difference. Even though the amp had a tone control on/off switch, it was not completely disconnecting it from the audio path. Fixing it that *completely* changed the sound of the amp - it made it so much more musical. I believe "lifting a veil" is an oft-used audiophile expression; well, in this case, "lifting a carpet" would be more appropriate! With the modified amp, it became easier to distinguish between sources. But, even with an appropriately revealing/accurate system, source differences are not massive. They tend to be subtle, textural effects that are difficult to describe, and are only discernible on extending listening. Anyway, I'm happy with my Transporter. R. _______________________________________________ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
