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Logitech Duet vs. Dedicated Transport

Hello,

I have been very curious to learn about streaming music; I guess I'm late to the party as many people seem to be using Logitech's array of products. Specifically I was curious about a Duet streaming Apple Lossless files to a Benchmark DAC-1 and how this would compare to physical CD's being fed via a Museatex Meilor CD-1 transport which has been heavily modified.

Suffice to say most people haven't probably heard my transport but has anybody done side by side comparisons using the same DAC and a Logitech device vs a dedicated transport? I'm very anxious to hear some comments.
lush
daverz
487 posts
 
I have the Squeezebox Duet and run a coaxial out into one digital input on my Cambridge 840C. Since the CD player is also the DAC, it's not surprising I don't notice a difference.

The server runs on an Ubuntu box in a quiet Antec case in my loft, which is also where the wireless router is, but the Logitech software will also run on a NAS.

I'm very impressed with what Logitech has done with this system, particularly the number of third-party plugins available. I use the Custom Browse and Custom Scan plugins to make it easy to browse my classical music files.

The downside is the time needed to rip CDs and retag files. I use abcde to rip CDs, and I wrote my own program to handle the custom tags for classical music.
abrahavt
101 posts
 
It all comes down to the quality of the DAC after the duet. The Altmann DAC with the Duet beats any transport I have tried in my system including a Meridian transport, a modified Denon and a modified Oppo. Plus you can't beat the convenience of controlling your entire collection from the remote. Using a power supply like CIAudio instead of the wallwart that comes with the Duet with the Duet improves the sound.
lush OP
262 posts
 
Last follow up question;

Are you all running the Squeezebox via wireless or hard wired to your PC's?
mlsstl
1,435 posts
 
I've done both. My experience is that as long as you have a good wireless connection there is no difference in sound quality between the two connection types.

Some people do have wireless difficulties due to competing networks or other interference issues. In that case a wired connection would be preferred.
knghifi
1,668 posts
 
I was using a SB3 to a Benchmark DAC1 with PCX XLR mod. Then it was replaced with a ModWright Transporter in order to play 24/96 files.

Recently I bought a Duet to control the Transporter and a Logitech Boom to replace my analog boom box.

I run everything wireless ... Squeezebox server on my laptops and music ripped to an external USB drive.

I compared to several transports and can't hear any differences.

FWIW, to watch BluRay and SACD, I bought a ModWright Oppo BDP83 with the XLR mod. The Transporter has a wireless bridge where the Oppo uses for internet connection.

Gotta love technology!!
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