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Transport - does it matter to the sound at all?

I wanted to start this thread, to gain some insight into peoples experiences on this subject.
My view: From the outset of CD and digital media, we were force fed the view that 'its digital so always sounds the same whatever' ideology. Remember the jam on the cd, and it doesn't skip. Since these naive beginning we quickly found out it did matter, and the quality of components, interconnects (its wire isn't it so doesn't affect the sound?) and design DID affect the sound. So I firmly believe that a transport does affect the signal quality and final sound output in a big way. There are transformers, capacitors, boards, wires, all the components that have such a bearing on quality output on all the other components in a system. And the motor, the bearings, the transport mechanism, jitter correction, noise, damping, vibration from itself and speaker interaction ALL will affect the sound.

My question, what are the views on this balance between cost on a DAC and the transport. Are many of us getting it wrong bolting on Sony DVD players to high quality DACs? And are many of the 'quality transports" out there just re-boxed philips units. It does appear very few manufactures build their own transports aka Meridain, Linn and Naim to mention a few.

It would be great to see a high quality transport kit out there, which would allow a full transport and kit DIY project, with mods and part upgrades available at an affordable price.

I haven't the money at present to upgrade my DAC, which is an upgraded Audio Note DAC 1.1 and Zero transport, but I am very happy it at the moment as it was a huge jump over oversampling units I had owned previously.
astrostar59
the_kid's avatar
the_kid
465 posts
 
Very interesting on the NON OS DAC's and insuating that the Transport is not a huge factor in reproduction of sound. In my past experience and present, the transport makes a HUGE difference. I currently use an Electrocompaniet ECD-1 (which is NOT a NON OS DAC) and you can tell a huge difference from transport to transport as I have tried several combinations and digital cables for that matter. Very interesting post..

Chris
soundwise
39 posts
 
yes, it matters big time! using audio note dac3 sig and had mbl 1531 . Bought Oracle 2000 transport and watch out!!! Same phillips pro rig but the oracle with suspension outclasses the 1531 cd player .(using dig out)

The wisdom handed down to me from one of the most res[ected engineers and manufacturers of tube gear was expensive transport and modest dac make for a musical presentation and the other way an audiophile presentation.
In my opinion this is right on... that is why I bought the two pieces and am hunting for a good cable.(silversmith?)
astrostar59 OP
13 posts
 
Hello you guys!

Nice responses to my post. It seems that there are 3 schools of thought here. Transport is most important, or DAC is or both. I am wondering if the combination of certain gear is also playing a role here. I mean, any electronic in the chain WILL change the sound, even if its just an input impedance or waveform reshape, however suble. It will be audible at the final presentation.

I like the idea of solid transport, and tweakable DAC, that is DIY DAC, with black gates, valve change and silver parts to add later on. It will all add to the sound.

Check out Audio Note kits 2.1 DAC with upgrades. Great value for money and right up there with the best I reckon.

The other thing to think about with transports is in my experience the laser dies after 5 or 6 years. Ok, long time, but something to bear in mind if the transport is in 4 figures.
audiofeil
4,011 posts
 
Some designers and engineers of digital components opine the transport is more important than the d/a.
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
"The wisdom handed down to me from one of the most respected engineers and manufacturers of tube gear was expensive transport and modest dac make for a musical presentation and the other way an audiophile presentation."

This is not wisdom IMO, it is a result of some limited anecdotal evidence. The sound result depends entirely on the designs of the individual components and the parts used therein. No conclusions like this can be drawn IMO. And I would be wary of who you consider wise.....

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
EE with 30 years design experience
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