Hi, I'm sure this has been discussed before, but the game has changed with the demise of the Transporter ...
I currently have an Arcam FMJ23 CD player as my primary source and it recently went on the blink. I could and should at least try to have it repaired, but it got me thinking about switching to streaming audio as my primary source. The convenience is a big selling point, and the Squeezebox system seems to have the edge. I was sorely tempted by the Transporter until I realised it's now been discontinued (although you can still buy it here in the UK). Plus I would have liked to audition one before shelling out £1200+ of my hard-earned, but I can't find anywhere this is possible. That leaves the Touch + DAC or the Duet + DAC (assuming the analogue out from either can be easily bettered). My problem with the Touch is that it looks more like an alarm clock than a serious piece of audio equipment. And I'm not a huge fan of touch screens. The Duet would be ideal (I can hide the receiver out-of-sight, and the controller has buttons), but it doesn't support 96/24 which would be a nice-to-have. The FMJ23 supports HDCD (44.1/20 equivalent I think) and the clarity I get from the few HDCD recordings I own suggests that I would want 96/24 recordings where available. The most sensible approach seems to be the Duet + DAC for now. I can upgrade to a Touch later for 96/24 if I want to (and still use the controller). Any suggestions for a decent DAC for under £1000 would be welcome (I've read the "What outboard DAC ..." thread, but I'm interested in what people would recommend rather than what they use). Having said all that, most people on this and related forums seem to use a Transporter, even if it's only feeding an external DAC. Would this lead to better overall sound quality? I mean is the Transporter *really* a better digital source than the Duet or Touch? I'm prepared to take a punt even on a "dead" product if it is the best way to go. For info I have a NAD 319 integrated amp driving B&W DM605 speakers. This combo suits the laid-back delivery from the Arcam nicely. My previous CD player (Marantz CD-52 MkII SE) was far too harsh and in-your-face by comparison. Thanks in advance. Nomis. -- Nomis ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Nomis's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=39320 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=80517
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