Squeze Box Question

Kana -

Bluejean delivers great value for the money. And I suspect they will build you a real 75ohm cable.

That said, no one runs SPDIF that far - the implementation at both ends would have to be near perfect.

Once you get into the fact that there is tremendous variation in the sound of SPDIF cables (is it the cable? does one cable do a better job overcoming problems at one end or both? no one knows) My point is simply that most of us could not afford a "name" 15'. And there is no compelling reason to run one to connect a computer rig to a DAC.

I agree with your comment on Wavelength versus SB quality. Wayne posited the question. But the actual reason that it is better is not cost but the fact that Gordon Rankin has invested an enormous amount of time in perfecting the implementation of his solution.

High quality upsampling DACs have been shown to work with up to 500' of high quality true 75 ohm cable. The jitter reduction in these DACs is so good that it becomes a non-issue. That said, wi-fi seems to be a good way to go with the Squeezebox, et al

If you have to run a very long cable from your computer, then it might definitely be time to consider a wireless network player like the Squeezebox line and save having to worry about whether your sound quality is impacted. With this approach, only a short run from player to DAC is needed and you can use most any decent quality cable you like.

"That said, no one runs SPDIF that far - the implementation at both ends would have to be near perfect.
Once you get into the fact that there is tremendous variation in the sound of SPDIF cables (is it the cable? does one cable do a better job overcoming problems at one end or both? no one knows) My point is simply that most of us could not afford a "name" 15'. And there is no compelling reason to run one to connect a computer rig to a DAC."

Ckorody-

I run a 5 meter Analogresearch-Technology Ubyte cable (BNC on both ends) between my Duet receiver with Analogresearch-Technology's Duetta upgrade and my digital processor. See the link below for the "compelling reason."

http://www.analogresearch-technology.net/ubyte.html

BTW- I don't know what you consider to be a "name" 15' cable,
but a 5 meter Audience Conductor SPDIF(RCAs) cable retails for $192., $228. with BNCs.

Bill, to answer your question(s):

I am using the Transporter to the D2. Slimdevice people tell me that, with an external DAC there is no difference between the Transporter and the Squeezebox...but I disagree as the Transporter also has the AES/EBU output.

No, I have not upgraded to ARC, although I really want to. I am finishing a (years long) addition to my house and will go ARC when I finish my room.

Over at AVSFORUM.com, there is a year's old thread on Anthem and the ARC is close to pure perfection amoung people who are otherwise very critical/opinionated.. I can't wait for my 'first time...'.