Received my Wadia i170 transport today.

As there is still not one single reply to:

"can anyone compare this transport to computer based USB output to DAC?"

I am beginning to suspect a conspiracy.

Did Starbucks acquire Wadia or something?

In the meantime, I felt a fleeting sense of good fortune to receive one of these backordered devices.

But with this thread, I haven't been brave enough to even open it, since I might just decide to return it for a refund.

Aside from technical glitches, the convenience of docking, whatever, how does this thing really SOUND?

Thank you,

OK then?!?!? I GIVE UP!!!

FYI, I have just received my RETURN AUTHORIZATION for the Wadia.

Fortunately, Music Direct was very cooperative.

Some of you might also be interested to note that when pressed, Music Direct couldn't really defend the iTransport above and beyond a computer, other than to say, as I suspected:

* that the iTransport offered the convenience of docking and recharging

and MAYBE

* certain Windows kernel streaming software might not be as clean and straightforward as an iTunes handshake....

So as I suspected, this thing - in the end - is really no big deal.

Cheers,

Other than the convenience and ease of use, excellent sound quality when played through a quality DAC, reasonable cost and avoidance of computers, which crash, become infected with viruses, worms, bots, etc., no, there is no advantage over a computer.

Neal

Does the Wadia/Ipod combination sound as good as the super transports, like the Wadia 7, Mark Levinson No 31.5, MBL 1621, Burmester, CEC, Metronome Calista? The answer is probably: Yes!
PS: I own a MBL 1621 transport (so I'm not talking bullshit here).

Chris

Really Chris? That good?

That would certainly be exciting news...