What is the best transport?

I also agree with Dvavc and Charles1dad. I also did some passionate posts online, similar to what Dvavc wrote.

It takes a great effort to get a good sound from a computer, but that also applies to a dedicated digital transport.

We have built a "super audio computer" that runs on a specially designed linear power supply that is built in another enclosure and there is umbilical cord between the two. This computer produces the best sound I've ever heard from a computer, but still lacks against my digital transport. Why?

The answer is simple; there are still tons of switching power supplies (the so called charge pumps) built into the Mother Board that supply your processor and memory. Disabling those and replacing them with linear power is almost next to impossible, unless we design our own Mother Board. Then we can argue that the computer might be as good as a dedicated digital transport that runs on pure linear power.

Also, l'd like to point out that a digital transport based on the newer digital processing has all those "bit-perfect" and "memory buffering" technologies available, just like any computer. :-)

Bottom line, IMHO, it is impossible to beat a well designed digital transport with a computer.

I record my vinyl in DSD format to SD card using a highly re-designed Tascam DA-3000 recorder. Then I use this for comparison against the vinyl on A-B test. The computer sounds good, but always sort of "glassy" and mechanical compared to the vinyl.

Vinyl rig is Kuzma newest Stabi M table with his 4Piont arm with Dynavector DV-XV1S cartridge that was perfectly aligned and fine-tuned to the arm and table by Kuzma factory. I personally haven't heard a turntable to sound like this. I never thought it is possible. :-)

Best wishes,
Alex Peychev
APL Hi-Fi

Alex,
You make compelling observations but again, some will counter and say switching power supplies can equal or outperform linear supplies. You mentioned " mechanical" sound and I know exactly what you are referring to. You and Steve (Empirical Audio) are well respected manufacturers who represent very informed but opposing views.I appreciate both of you, personal listening experience sways me toward your perspective.
Charles,

Charles,
Even the latest super-quitet switching power supplies lack against a linear one, at least this is my experience. It is probably because a switching power supply cannot provide linear impedance vs. frequency, which results in mechanical sound, especially at the upper mids and highs.

Well, I have mentioned what vinyl rig I use for a reference. Maybe Steve will tell us what is his?

IMO, unless you compare to SOTA analog, there is no point claiming how good digital sounds.

For example, I have every digital copy ever made (CD and SACD) of Ella and Louis first mono recording. While the latest Analogue Productions SACD sounds most natural of all, it is still far away from the vinyl I have made by Speakers Corner Records in Germany. Now I can't wait to receive my Analogue Production 45rpm copy! :-)

Best wishes,
Alex Peychev
APL Hi-Fi

Alex I also tried a lot of those Ella cd's including FIM's xrcd and think the SACD is best. None are as good as my original 1955 mono verve record. I think you should look for this as original pressings in good shape in most cases sound better than 33 or 45 reissues. Jeff

Jeff,

I've been lusting over such a copy for quite some time now, but wasn't sure it will sound as good. :-)

Thanks for your input, I appreciate it! Will buy it and let you know.

Best wishes,
Alex Peychev
APL Hi-Fi