What is the best transport?

I have to say it took me a while, and for many of the reasons mentioned here by those who still favor the transport/DAC set-up. There was a time I was pretty overwhelmed with the various computer audio options. I happen to have what I consider to be a very nice digital front end featuring a CEC TL51X transport slaved to a Lessloss DAC 2004 MKII. I have enjoyed this set-up for about 5 years.

Recently I acquired a Resolution Audio Cantata and put together a very simple computer audio set-up using my MacBook, Pure Music, and an Oyen Digital Mini Pro 1TB HD. I used XLD to rip about 300 CDs to the HD using AIFF. Then I use the Asynch USB interface on the Cantata and run Pure Music in hog mode with memory playback. The sound is excellent IMO and with the Cantata, which also allows one to play CDs, I can A/B the USB input against the CD input. I can't tell a difference. So for convenience purposes I have predominantly been using the computer as my transport.

The transport/DAC combo are in the closet for the time being.

Disclaimer: I am a Resolution Audio dealer.

It actually might not be the best quality source, but it certainly can sound extremely good and the convenience factor is off the charts.

Given that digital is my third string quarterback behind analog tape and vinyl I find myself feeling the same way about computer audio. Having just set up a wired Ethernet network for playback I can say that it bested my previous USB converter setup and comes pretty close to my former reference which was a CEC transport slaved to my Lessloss DAC. The convenience factor is definitely a plus.

I had a chance to meet the Lampizator folks at Newport and I have to,say their transport is enticing, but given how my digital setup,sounds now I may just leave well enough alone.