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PC Audio Choice: Mac+USB, Transporter, or Squeezbx

Hello all of you who have faced choosing your path for PC audio!

While I have a Mac Ibook G3, 500gb HD and Paradisea USB DAC on my second system, I am wanting to ultimately have PC audio available on all 3 systems in my house, or atleast the two that I listen to most. I am trying to decide what path to take. For the main system, do I:

1) Buy another computer, dublicate my 500gb HD and run itunes seperately from that, using a good USB DAC or a USB converter to a conventional DAC.

2) Buy a network HD and a Transporter, possibly with a Modright Truth mod (this is really more money than I want to spend...)

3) Ditto to the above but use a Squeezebox with various add ons, such as antijitter filter and a good DAC.

I guess what I'm asking is, which of these options presents the best bang for the buck? Also, which is most flexible with respect to listening to content available on the internet (e.g. archives of live Grateful Dead concerts, other streaming and non-streaming content). Finally, are there any limitations to high resolution when using any of these - as I imagine there will be more and more high rez downloads available.

Thanks for your opinions. Please provide the basis for your thoughts! Thanks, Peter
peter_s
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ncarv
983 posts
 
Mtdking, how is Option 2 better than the Squeezebox with a good DAC? I've been wondering about this question. I think another thread here on audiogon concluded it would be the same, but with possible additional sources to add to other DAC inputs.
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sc53
719 posts
 
I recommend the Squeezebox (classic model, otherwise called the Squeezebox 3) and a nice DAC--I use a Benchmark. Don't both with an "anti-jitter filter," but do find an upgraded or modded power supply (check out Bolder Mods for that). Much less expensive way to go than the Transporter, certainly than the modded Transporter. If you love the Squeezebox, you can buy a Transporter later. If you plan to use a DAC do NOT waste money on a Transporter. If you do not want to add the extra $$ and interconnects/power cords for a DAC, get a used Transporter right off the bat. But certainly don't go to the trouble and expense of buying the modded Transporter till you know if your home network is reliable enough to allow you to stream music wirelessly to your systems. I have 3 SB3's, all three used with DACs, in three different systems and am gradually parting with all my expensive CD players. Because I already owned the DACs, I bought SB3's instead of a Transporter (and at the time I bought the SB3 the Transporter wasn't even out yet so I didn't have the choice). Visit the forums at forums.slimdevices.com and see what other users in your situation have to say.
mtdking
157 posts
 
Read the stereophile review of the transporter. They compare the transporter and the SB3 with DAC.
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ncarv
983 posts
 
Thanks Mtdking, I must have missed it. I'm still unsure, as I don't think the Musical Fidelity, which WP used in the review comparison, is as terrific a DAC as some do. I had an MF DAC, didn't like it at all. I guess the only way to really know is to compare the Transporter with the SB3 through one's own DAC.
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