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Does the Transport make a significant difference?

Had been running a squeezebox with my Audio Note 2.1 Dac. Tried my basic Oppo dvd player as a transport and yikes what an improvement - even over my $3,000 invested Modwright Sony player (a little rough round the edges but dynamic and live-ly sounding). So wondering if the mantra of having a great source is the best place to start ... ie matching the Dac to a quality transport say CEC TL 51 or open the vaults and spring for a quality Audio Note, Esoteric, or even dcs transport will be worth the investment. How does this compare with say upgrading your amp or speakers or even cables? I know I should listen for myself but any good experience out there to draw on before I start getting crazy about checking out the used adverts?
ladavid

Showing 3 responses by douglas_schroeder

douglas_schroeder
3,281 posts
 
Usarmyvet91, thank you very much for the vote of confidence in my reviewing. However...you may want to thank Doug SCHNEIDER, because he was the one who helped you, not me. I really would have if I had known. Now, if you read my reviews of the Eminent Technology LFT-8B's or Legacy Focus HD's and buy them, then I'll be happy to accept an accolade! I hope you don't mind if I keep writing reviews as well. :)

So, everyone's happy now! Good!
douglas_schroeder
3,281 posts
 
Shadorne, you are wrong in regards to your Jitter reduction theory, If the DAC is excellent at jitter rejection then it won't make a difference (one jitter immune input versus another should sound the same as it is all just bits). "

I addressed this very question in my review of the Benchmark DAC1, where I ran the Oppo 970 versus the Rega Saturn, both as transport to the Benchmark.

http://www.dagogo.com/BenchmarkDAC1-1of2.htm

martyk1, your honesty in being willing to admit your hearing might be compromised is refreshing.
douglas_schroeder
3,281 posts
 
Kijanki, he said, "If the DAC is excellent at jitter rejection then it won't make a difference (one jitter immune input versus another should sound the same as it is all just bits)." Seems to me the conclusion he reached is: the transport doesn't matter since jitter elimination will nullify any advantage of a higher end transport.

I don't agree with that. In my article I point out that a jitter eliminating DAC (the Benchmark) can help raise the performance of the poor transport, but it will not make it the sonic equivalent of the finer transport. There are still fundamental sonic differences. The distinction between them becomes even more profound in higher end rigs, even if the same jitter nullifying DAC is used.

I'm not trying to get into an argument over it; I just shared that I tested the premise and found it not to be true, at least not universally.
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