Rollier -
I did indeed compare the PWD to the Transporter, as the Transporter was connected to the same reference system that we used to audition the PWD -we ran the Transporter through the PWD. There is a clear and immediate difference in resolution and, really, everything across the spectrum when switching from the Transporter’s DAC to the PWD. The PWD is in a totally different league. After demoing the PWD, I don’t see how any DAC at any price can be substantially better. Through July, you can trade in any DAC for a rebate up to $1,000. So, if you have a DAC that retailed for $1,000, or more, all you need is $2,000. The Bridge will run you another $500 when it is released. After much research, I found this to be the only realistic option for building a true high-end music server. There are other products on the market (DACs and transports) that offer exceptional performance that will also interface with a music server setup, but the PWD is by far the best that I have found in terms of price/performance.
I did indeed compare the PWD to the Transporter, as the Transporter was connected to the same reference system that we used to audition the PWD -we ran the Transporter through the PWD. There is a clear and immediate difference in resolution and, really, everything across the spectrum when switching from the Transporter’s DAC to the PWD. The PWD is in a totally different league. After demoing the PWD, I don’t see how any DAC at any price can be substantially better. Through July, you can trade in any DAC for a rebate up to $1,000. So, if you have a DAC that retailed for $1,000, or more, all you need is $2,000. The Bridge will run you another $500 when it is released. After much research, I found this to be the only realistic option for building a true high-end music server. There are other products on the market (DACs and transports) that offer exceptional performance that will also interface with a music server setup, but the PWD is by far the best that I have found in terms of price/performance.