What is the best transport?

Computer vs CD transport is no different than the intractable tube vs transistor debate.

IMO, very poor analogy. Tube and SS have distinct sonic characteristics and doesn't require special skills to use either.

When it comes to computer, it helps if one is computer savvy especially DIY. From my experience, if a computer system is properly configured, it's always superior to a CD transport.

After reading Dvavc post, I can understand why he's not satisfied with the results.

Guys, don't get me wrong, i wish my comp to outperform my CD player, which BTW, broke down) that's why i'm looking for a replacement((. Of source comp has a bunch of advantages, main of which is convenience. Of course i would love to have all my music in my comp rather than all over US))), who wouldn't?) Somebody mention here that comp has more sole and emotions. That BTW, might be true. I also kinda noticed something to that effect, but never compared A to B. I think it might be due to the better PRAT, but it just very raw thoughts. However, what bother me that ripped files are slightly (probably like 2% loss) inferior to CD from which they ripped. Slightly muddier, less air between the notes and instruments, voice timbres changed etc. And this is compare to the same CD played from same $10 CDROM, which was used in the process of ripping, not to a good transport!!!. I comparing it for 7 years))) hoping it will get better some day, but it doesn't) (((. I'll be seeing Audiogoner this weekends on The show and will do some riping and comparisons with him on his, as i understand highly tweaked comp, than i'll post if that was my lack of experience as to how properly rip CD, or it is my opponents' hearing problems.) Its getting really interesting.

Joecasey,you missed my point with the analogy. Strong legion of supporters on both sides who won't sway the other. You state a properly configured computer set up always beats a transport.For you perhaps, but not true in others informed opinion/experiences. Blanket proclamations aren't persuasive, just another personal opinion.

From my experience, if a computer system is properly configured, it's always superior to a CD transport.

- Asus MoBo with Z77 chipset and a quad core 3-rd gen i5 that has NO built in graphics to contaminate the memory/controller.

- 32GB RAM.

- 3TB mirroring Hitachi HDDs.

- Plextor and Samsung SSDs.

- PCIx to USB3.0 converter using the latest Renesas chip.

- Fanless Asus video card.

- External custom-made, all-linear power supply with 12V, 5V and 3.3V outputs.

- Win 8 (x64) with all available "audio tweaks" + Fidelizer running.

- JRiver MC19, Foobar, JPLAY audio players.

Whoever auditions it says they've never heard a computer sounding so good.

Still my DTR-M digital transport beats it in terms of richer and more analog presentation, totally lacking mechanical sound, and much similar to my reference Kuzma/Dynavector vinyl rig.

This is the case with both PCM (CD) and DSD (SACD) formats.

Hope this helps!

Best wishes,
Alex Peychev
APL Hi-Fi

you missed my point with the analogy.

I understand your point/analogy and it's flawed IMO.

Blanket proclamations aren't persuasive, just another personal opinion.

I guess you missed the part "From my experience ..."?

For the sake of discussion, let's say I agree one cannot rip a bit perfect CD copy (There are protocol, error handling and checksum so it will read and re-read until it succeeds. CS 101).

If can't succeed in a batch ripping process, what are the odds of succeeding in REAL TIME with CD transport and a 5 to 10 seconds window DAC buffer? So with CD transport, it never processes a Xerox copy of the CD? Data just dropped? GIGO?

CD is probably the worst medium to use in Real time compare to other mediums such as HDD, SSD ... Some CD transports realize this problem so it buffers a track before play. Checkout Lamporizator website, Lukas published statistics accessing different mediums and it's very interesting.

Dvavc, I'm not a customer of Audiogoner but base on his post, he knows his stuff. I've yet to hear anything negative regarding his products. Plus if you ever need service, no need to issue an international man hunt to find him. GL!