Okay I originally had the SB3 when it came out. It is a nive piece and an exeptional value. I moved to the transporter becasue I wanted the AES/EBU for my dCS Purcell and Delius DAC. Here are my observations.
>From an analog point of view the Transporter is worth the additional money. I used both stock and aftermarket power supplies with the SB3 and I have to say that the TP is better. >From a digital out standpoint they are hard to diferentiate. Addtionally the clock in the TP is very good. I was having a very hard time telling the difference between the internal clock setting and the world clock from my delius. Lastly, I'm sorry to say that when comparing the internal DAC on the transporter to using an outboard DAC, there's no competition. I have never used the Benchmark but if it sounds the same as the transporter in analog then I wouldn't want to even buy one. I know I'm comparin apples to oarnges when I compare the TP to the dCS gear, but it's no competition. If you intend to buy a player for it's analog capabilities, I wouldn't buy either. As a pure transport however neither can be beat, and either is an awseom value. Any of the premier DAC's can provide a MAJOR benefit to using either as an analog player. If you think the Benchmark is a toss up on sound quality with the internals, then I would say try Esoteric, dCS, or Wadia. The TP can easily hang with the most expensive transports in the world, and there is a HUGE difference in sound. Once more point. I have a DEQX 2.6P and when connected using AES, the two are outstanding. If you haven't ever looked into building your own speakers and using active crossovers, you should. Botom line Great as a transport, but sounds midfi as a player. -- mp006ltk ------------------------------------------------------------------------ mp006ltk's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=4090 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=46639 _______________________________________________ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
