Is computer audio a bust?

Andrew, it was what was subtracted by adding Ethernet that made the difference in my opinion.

No more reliance on Mac Mini and all the tweaks/upgrades.
No more reliance on JRiver or other music software packages to play music.
No more reliance on USB converters or USB in general (which I never really embraced).
No more computer next to my system.

That's where my head is at. I went with the Zardoz French WIFi front end in 2007 for similar reasons (extrication from computer) and preferred it to my Granite Audio 657 CDP at the time. I just moved on for the sake of newer format streaming. I am considering the Auralic Aries but time will tell.

I am still interested in trying the Lampizator transport with my Lessloss DAC for comparative purposes because I am told the wifi is superior to wired Ethernet. Not sure I buy that statement completely though as Resolution Audio states the opposite.

I have heard contradictory info as well. Dan at dbsystems (maker of Zardoz/LaRosita and a computer engineer) said wireless was better than the Ethernet port on his units. I had a friend who tested this and could not hear much of a difference. According to Steve Nugent, wireless/ethernet is supposedly a superior interface in terns of jitter:

http://www.enjoythemusic.com/magazine/manufacture/0509/

I have always suspicions about cheesewhiz Ehternet cables and jitter but I don't honestly know. The Lampi transport into the Lessloss would be intriguing. I would go that route if the Lampi piece could handle more formats.

As you know, Mr. Lessloss has his contrarian angle on all this, and I very much respect his thoughts. This is his new gizmo:

http://www.lessloss.com/laminar-streamer-ultimate-sd-card-player-development-a-65.html

It looks stunning, but again, there are logistical issues with the size of SD cards and the burgeoning world of DSD/DXD, etc.

07-15-14: Brownsfan
I suspect that for most people, an approach like the HAPZ1 may be a better approach.

I agree and I have eyeballed that unit. From reading yours and other reviews, I know there is a little bugginess. However, if you let outfits like Modwright or Redwine audio hack them, it could be a destination source sans computer.

07-15-14: Bcgator
Computer audio is a passing fad, just like sex and marijuana (not necessarily together, but not necessarily not together). You wait - in 5 years, nobody will want any of the three. You heard it here first.

Nice. One would suspect that thc consumption would blunt our OCD audio impulses. Less hand wringing (and blogging) and more listening perchance?

With one exception I have not heard a transport that bests my Off-Ramp. That one exception however is totally wild. A highly modified (packed with uber expensive high end stuff like Duelund Capacitors and heavily modified Adcom clocks) Wadia.

It was better - but not enough better to entice me away from the convenience of computer audio. Some people who heard that comparison still preferred the Off-Ramp.

Thanks
Bill

Computer audio is the best architecture, allowing the greatest control, media options, innovation, and integration--especially feeding USB DAC's. It's the future, here now, IMO.