Squeze Box Question

I own both a Transporter and Squeezebox, which Slimdevices gave to me when I ordered the Transporter...but were behind in production.

1. The Transporter DAC is by far superior to that of (the original) squeezebox.

2. The Transporter's DAC is a bit too analytical (less warmer). less 'musicality'

3. For the longest time I used my Audio Aero Capitole DAC with the Transporter and was very happy

4....Until I got an Anthem D2 and this DAC has been the best, so far.

Now, prior to the D2, CDs sounded better on the Capitole than from my computer (Apple G5, on Lossless, error correction) than even from burned CDs on my computer. No comparison; just much better.

Since, with my D2, the comparison is such that I have not listened to a CD in many months. What I don't know is

1. Have squeezecenter downloads made the improvement or is it the D2.

I think it is both.

Either way, I have finally gotten my computer-based library to sound so good that I no longer feel I have to go to the 'source', the original CD to get the 'best' rendition of my songs.

Bill, to answer your question(s):

I am using the Transporter to the D2. Slimdevice people tell me that, with an external DAC there is no difference between the Transporter and the Squeezebox...but I disagree as the Transporter also has the AES/EBU output.

No, I have not upgraded to ARC, although I really want to. I am finishing a (years long) addition to my house and will go ARC when I finish my room.

Over at AVSFORUM.com, there is a year's old thread on Anthem and the ARC is close to pure perfection amoung people who are otherwise very critical/opinionated.. I can't wait for my 'first time...'.