What is the best transport?

Dvave,
Very interesting and passionate thoughts! Computer vs CD transport is no different than the intractable tube vs transistor debate. There are simply two distinct camps and both have strong supporters. I can say I've heard some good sounding computer audio systems. A high quality CD spinning front end still reproduces music better sounding in my humble opinion. So I can relate to your stance.
Charles,

I am with Dvavc and Charles1dad in feeling that a cd transport is better than any computer set-up I have heard. In fact I am more like Dvavc after hearing some all in one servers and computer set-ups in wondering where they are coming from thinking that they sound great.

The biggest, most pleasurable improvement in my system over the past decade was to replace the Wadia->Benchmark link with Windows 7->USB->Benchmark using flac and JRiver. I play the tracks from memory and bypass the Windows mixer/media player. Maybe the Benchmark just does better with USB, but there is nothing subtle about the changes...separation, clarity, nuance, weight, emotional connection, all snapped to a higher level.

Just because someone is passionate doesn't mean they are right. But what do I know, I'm someone who digitizes his vinyl.

Here is the other thread Dvavc refers to in his post above. The link opens at his initial post in that thread, which is followed by some interchanges between him and Steve N. of Empirical Audio, and some comments by me.

Regards,
-- Al