SB duet dig to theta casanova vs transporter dac

i guess my question was too specific! anyone...?

me thinks newer dac (transporter or outboard) will be better (sounding) assuming you have a resolving system, good cables, etc)

One thing to consider is that the Transporter will play sample rates up to 192/24 natively, whereas the Duet (and other SB devices) will only play up to 48/24 natively. So with the Duet, you are only capable of feeding your Theta 48/24. Higher sample rates are what separate Redbook from SACD, DVD Audio (and beyond). This combined with new measures for clocking and reducing jitter is what will effectively narrow the digital analog gap (and potentially eliminate the gap altogether).

Something else to consider, is that the Transporter will set you back close to two grand and right now PS Audio is running a Trade-Up special on their Perfect Wave devices (PWT and PWD). They will give you the original purchase price of your current DAC/transport (up to $1,000), which means you can get the PWD for $2,000. In case you weren’t aware, there is going to be a "Bridge" product available sometime later this year that will transform the PWD into a music server. I suggest you read up on this exciting new product. To my ears, the PS Audio DL-III DAC sounds better than the Transporter. The PWD is way beyond the DL-III DAC. These are exciting times for digital.

thanks guys!

i do not have hi rez files so that is not an issue for now. i have read about the ps audio pieces and they do seem impressive. i think they are quite pricey. i still struggle with the same issue, would it just be better to invest in a better dac (then of course...which!)? i am not convinced that there is much difference in how the information is moved, more so how it is converted to analog and what happens after that point. these are challenging thoughts to me and key to moving forward with digital. i do feel some what stuck, like any change would just be a guess now anyway...but i am also convinced this is the only area that really needs honed in my system...i am very frustrated!!

I have a similar question about the whole bit/sample rate issues. First off hand what is the purpose having a DAC that up samples files to 24/192. I understand Richard frustration and suggest if you are not listening to HI-RES than I would not change the Theta DAC if you are only ripping CD @ 16/44.1 you only need a media player such as ITUNES/AIFF and keep it simple. The future is definitely musical server and red book cd will eventually die. I think at present however there are still have allot of holes and many improvements needing to be address with "the next Digital Generation".
IMO seat back enjoy your present system and let the dust settle before investing allot of time and money.