Is the Transporter gone out of production forever?

.
I meant the Squeezebox Touch paired with about $2k worth of DAC.
.

I think that is the idea as more and more systems are mostly digital. I haven't tried the analog outs on the Touch yet but I have used the digital outs with Meridian and Classe.

Kal

I don't know the exact, official status of the Transporter but you're right, it is missing from the product line up now. However it was doomed to go out at some point since the visual display modules used in it were no longer being manufactured.

I'm assuming they have some in inventory for warranty service but probably not enough to continue new production.

I auditioned a Transporter a few years back and ended up with a SB3 and a Lavry DAC. I thought the audio performance was equal, though I know others disagree. I've since added a Touch and am very pleased with the audio quality.

I have a great deal of experience with both products and to answer both questions...no competing product I have heard "rivaled the Transporter in sound quality" and no, to my ears, does the Touch equal or surpass the Transporter. My comparison has been done digital out to my Berkeley Alpha Dac and the difference is quite noticeable. As Mlsstl said, others may hear it different...