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Music Server with no DAC?

Why doesn't Logitech or Sonos create a version of what they have with no DAC? Who wants to buy 2 DACs? Many of us already have DACs. I would love to get into a Sonos, but all I want is digital out. Similarly, I like the idea of the Logitech Transporter, but how about no DAC and drop the price in half or a bit more? Just have AES/EBU, S/PDIF and maybe optical out...

I think there would be a big market for that because who wants to buy 2 of something when they don't need to, and particularly when people are particular about their DACs and don't want the one in the Music Server.
lightminer
swampwalker's avatar
swampwalker
5,138 posts
 
Well, having just bought a Transporter, I can think of a couple of reasons:
1. Simplicity- I for one am trying to simplify- get rid of all those jewel cases and my CDP.
2. Ecoonomics- The extra cost of the DAC chips is probably pretty small compared to the R&D, other hardware, advertising, distribution, mark-ups, etc. I bet you MIGHT cut 10% off the cost; nowhere near 50%.

Just my $0.02. Its a great unit, esp w the Modwright Signature treatment.
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,593 posts
 
Probably because they have determined that is not a money maker for them. They want to sell you bundled solutions that are easier to support together.
jax2
3,031 posts
 
Just my $0.02. Its a great unit, esp w the Modwright Signature treatment.

I'll add .02 more cents and you'll have all of .04 cents towards your new Transporter. A big second vote for the Modwright Signature TP as a superb digital front end, either via network (wireless or ethernet) or via various digital inputs using a decent transport. Dan's output stage is excellent and very responsive (in my system) to tube changes. The AKM DAC in the Transporter is very good (at least one Esoteric player uses an AKM DAC), and, as Swampwalker points out, especially so via the Modwright output. I think the MWTP is not likely to be bested by most DAC's in the typical $1-3K pricepoint and you'll likely find your DAC redundant and one extra box you don't need. Disclaimer: Modwright is a client of mine. I'd say the DAC chip is not the big expense, as Swamp points out. Also it's more likely folks are looking for a one-box solution rather than having an extra box. If you love your DAC, and don't mind extra boxes, why not just get and Airport Express and use the optical output (Toslink mini) into a good de-jitter device like the Empirical Pacecar to your DAC of choice? I'm no fan of the AE's stock digital out, but I'd bet the Pacecar would bring it up to snuff.
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