Logitech Transporter or Squeezebox Duet/Touch w/DAC

eeagle

Does anyone have experience with a Logitech Transporter?

The Transporter has a lot of appeal with its solid construction, linear PS, dual displays (VU meters & Track/Title) AKM4396 DAC (44.1k, 48k & 96k), and balanced outputs. It is said to have a level of quality of a typical $1500-2000 DAC; maybe even a bit better than a Benchmark DAC.

Currently I have a Squeezebox Duet using its audio (RCA analogue) output, and I'm very satisfied. I have A-B compared, ripped (.flac) CD's to the original CD played on a Sony ES player and can distinguish no difference in the sound.

I can note a difference in sound quality when SACD's are played on the Sony SACD ES player vs Red Book CDs though. I'm wondering if an upgrade to a digital player that will allow 24 bit 96 kHz (approaching the SACD kbps rate) will provide a similar improved listening experience, as well as keep the convenience of digital served music at my finger tips (via Squeezebox Controller).

My understanding is the digital output of the Squeezebox Duet is limited to 48k, so just adding an external DAC to the Duet would not provide the improvement the Logitech Transporter or Squeezebox Touch could provide; both of which are capable of handling the 96khz HDTracks.

Curious what others have experienced and would recommend. Will just adding a better DAC to the Duet significantly improve the Red Book CD experience? What is your favorite DAC?

Transporter Link

Logitech Network Hardware Comparison

Tomasito

you won't go wrong with a cambridge dacmagic and squeezebox duet combo.

dorokusai

The DACmagic is a nice, inexpensive unit.

heiney9

Tomasito wrote: »

you won't go wrong with a cambridge dacmagic and squeezebox duet combo.

+1........

The analog section of any SQB leaves a lot to be desired if you are looking for serious audiophile sound. Hooking it to an external DAC is the hot ticket. I've had one for almost 2 years now and it sounds fantastic. They are durable and easy to use and the convenience factor is simply off the charts.

I also have a dvdp in my rack hooked to the same DAC and I almost never spin a single cd anymore. It's just as fast to rip it to my computer HD in FLAC as it is to power up the player in the rack.

The dacMagic is nice little unit for the price.

H9

P.s. I just bought a Bolder modded ELPAC power brick to replace the cheesy switching wallwart power supply. This should yield even better performance.

heiney9

eeagle wrote: »

Curious what others have experienced and would recommend. Will just adding a better DAC to the Duet significantly improve the Red Book CD experience? What is your favorite DAC?

Transporter Link

Logitech Network Hardware Comparison

Yes, by a lot. I use a heavily modified Adcom GDA600. Even in stock form the GDA600 was a whole lot better than the analog output of the SQB. I would never use the SQB as a stand alone unit.

H9

coolsax

I have heard the new touch analog is actually pretty good almost as good as the transporter..but that the digital out is better is better than previous sb so going touch and adding a dac might be the way to go.

Face

http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?ddgtl&1246278090&&&/How-good-of-a-DAC-is-the-Logitech-Transp

FTGV

For stand alone use(no DAC)I would expect you could squeeze more performance out of these devices with some well thought out mod's to the analog and power supply sections.

mdaudioguy

eeagle wrote: »

My understanding is the digital output of the Squeezebox Duet is limited to 48k, so just adding an external DAC to the Duet would not provide the improvement the Logitech Transporter or Squeezebox Touch could provide; both of which are capable of handling the 96khz HDTracks.

Has anyone used/heard a Touch and compared it to the Duet receiver?

MillerLiteScott

I have a Touch but have not heard a Duet. I am using the analog out into my integrated and it sounds OK, I still can't put my finger on the sound yet. I need to play with it some more using my DAC.

Come give it a listen Ed if you would like.

Scott

mdaudioguy

That sounds great, Scott. I'll bring my Duet receiver and we can A/B 'em. I'll have to see when I have some free time and I'll get in touch with you.

mdaudioguy

About using an external DAC - I'm assuming these are essentially "upgrades" over the internal DACs of any given component, be it a network music player like the Squeezebox, or a CD player, correct? Also, would your digital music have to be in a higher quality (perhaps lossless) format in order to appreciate an upgraded DAC?

heiney9

mdaudioguy wrote: »

About using an external DAC - I'm assuming these are essentially "upgrades" over the internal DACs of any given component, be it a network music player like the Squeezebox, or a CD player, correct? Also, would your digital music have to be in a higher quality (perhaps lossless) format in order to appreciate an upgraded DAC?

Yes and definitely yes!

eeagle

Thanks everyone for the great advice and insight. The DacMagic has been on my short list as a possibility; I may have to just click on over to AudioAdvisor and order one up!

The link (Face) included did have some actual owner participation and has made me feel the Transporter may not offer the sound and flexibility a stand alone DAC would offer. It would also appear Transporter ownership within the Polk forum is quite small for this reason as well. The DacMagic ATF (Adaptive Time Filtering) may be just the ticket to bring my Duet well beyond what I am currently experiencing. The concept of using it on the computer, PS3, or future Touch is a big plus as well.

I have noted the power supply upgrade (heiney9) and even internal Duet mods (FTGV) as possible upgrades as well. Thx

Tomasito

Does anybody know of a power supply upgrade for the dacmagic?