SB3+DAC vs Transporter

[Coffee]

I'm a new member and I'm trying to decide whether to buy an SB3 and a DAC or a Transporter. Even with the free SB3 special, the Transporter still costs $1700. I can buy a PS Audio or Musical Fidelity DAC for about $1000. So the SB3+DAC combo is still $400 cheaper. The Transporter is no doubt a high quality piece of equipment, but so is Musical Fidelity stuff. In any case, the digital side is high-tech and will change rapidly, whereas the analog side hasn't and probably will not change significantly for a long time to come. With a separate DAC, I can junk the SB3 when something better comes up (like better wireless networking). Seems to make perfect sense to me.

I have searched this forum and cannot find this question raised previously. Is my logic flawed in some way?

[highdudgeon]

Hi,

Yes, your logic is somewhat flawed. What won't change dramatically is precisely the digital side. Transports, including the SB3, will virtually all sound the same through the right kind of DAC (ie, something like the Lavry DA10 or another device that buffers and re-clocks the signal). So, you wouldn't need junk the SB3. It is an excellent transport with very low jitter at the s/pdif output. What you might want to change is what comes after the digital transmission.

DACs do differ considerably and some handle jitter better than others. Some have better output stages, volume controls, etc., than others. The Lavry DA10 is an exceptional DAC. It is designed with the needs of mastering studios, not audiophiles, in mind...and, frankly, that is a higher standard. It, and the Benchmark, is a better value than a Musical Fidelity or other DACs costing much more (see Ben Diss's comments). So, with a SB3 and a Lavry ($975) you're in for $1,300. That is, in fact, cheaper than a Transporter. I know, because I have a SB3 and a Lavry. Thing is, I also have a Transporter.

Here's what you get with the SB3+ RIGHT DAC setup: flexibility to upgrade the DAC down the line, in case that is really necessary (it really won't be); if one component goes south, you can swap it out while it it gets fixed.

Now, with a Transporter purchase, you get the Transporter AND a second SB3. Now, your SB3 + Lavry/Benchmark is costing $1,600. Almost the SAME cost as the transporter. So, for $100, what do you get?

1. You get everything in one very attractive box. I didn't think the knob would be functional. It is really functional and fun to use. The overall design is tasteful. The side-by-side screens are very cool and also very useful. You don't have two devices on top of each other. You get a remote for the sound. You get something that looks nice and not industrial.

2. You get fabulous value in terms of sound. In the two weeks I've had the Transporter, I've done the following test with friends: Transporter, SB3, SB3+Lavry, Sony XA-9000, EC EMC1 CDP (c'mon, someone get that). Everyone agreed that that two CDP's sounded better than the SB3 alone. No surprise there. However, everyone agreed that the SB3 and Lavry sounded better than the CDPs. Again, no surprise. Also, the consensus was that the Transporter was superior, or at the very least the equal off, the CDPs. I wasn't shocked, given what we know about the device. Acid test: SB3 + Lavry against the Transport. It took me a while to tease this one out. Mind you, I am biased: I've been using the Lavry since it came out and I know the sound. After a while, though, I found the Transporter to deliver a bit better imaging and 3-D layering than the Lavry. To check this out, I drove the Transporter through the Lavry. Same result. In the end, I found, as did four friends, that the Transport was simply more satisfying. Perhaps by a bit, perhaps as a matter of nuance, and perhaps subjectively, yes, but more satisfying. And, in one attractive box.

I'm keeping the SB3 and Lavry because I will use them in my second system. Having said that, I think the Transporter is an absolutely terrific device. If you get it with a SB3 thrown in...it's a great deal. Again, read Ben Diss's comments. Look at Sean's posts...the thing actually measures better than a Benchmark. You can rest assured that the Benchmark is designed to a higher level than a Musical Fidelity product. People master CDs with them.

Good luck!

I'm a new member and I'm trying to decide whether to buy an SB3 and a DAC or a Transporter. Even with the free SB3 special, the Transporter still costs $1700. I can buy a PS Audio or Musical Fidelity DAC for about $1000. So the SB3+DAC combo is still $400 cheaper. The Transporter is no doubt a high quality piece of equipment, but so is Musical Fidelity stuff. In any case, the digital side is high-tech and will change rapidly, whereas the analog side hasn't and probably will not change significantly for a long time to come. With a separate DAC, I can junk the SB3 when something better comes up (like better wireless networking). Seems to make perfect sense to me.

I have searched this forum and cannot find this question raised previously. Is my logic flawed in some way?

[tomjtx]

I agree with HighDudgeon (with a name like that you better agree or else)

I've had my Transporter for a week now and I like it better than the Lavry+SB or Lavry+TP.

When comparing costs remember to factor in the cost of a cable between the SB and DAC. This can be as little as 35.00 for a glass fiber optic or a BlueJeans coax forabout the same. Or you can go all audiophile and spend 300.00 to 1,000.00
(valhalla)

Also, the TP looks SO cool, isn't THAT worth the extra money? :-)

Seriously, to my ears, the TP sounds better and is more pleasing musically.

[Coffee]

Thanks for the in-depth reply, HighDudgeon, especially your comparison tests. I will certainly do some research on the Lavry and Benchmark.

The cost figures are not quite right, though. For $2000 and the special offer, I can get a Transporter and an SB3. So I get 2 systems, one excellent and one decent. Or I can get an SB3+DAC combo costing $1300, plus another SB3 costing $300. Again 2 systems. The total for that is $1600, as you said. But the difference is $400, not $100. Of course, if I dither some more the Transporter special will be over and I'll be looking at a $700 difference!

[Greg Erskine]

Hi Coffee,

I think you need to factor in a PSU upgrade into your SB3+DAC equation.

Also, the superior remote, second display screen and greater input and output options give the Transporter greater flexibility.

BTW: Has anyone tried SB3 digital out into Transporter DAC?

regards

[PhilNYC]

BTW: Has anyone tried SB3 digital out into Transporter DAC?

regards

That seems kind of incestuous, no? lol!

[tomjtx]

Hi Coffee,

I think you need to factor in a PSU upgrade into your SB3+DAC equation.

good point. The modde elpac will be about 150.00 after wayn's nov. price increase.

SB/DAC/Epac 1450.00

[sleepysurf]

Highdudgeon... in fairness to everybody here, you should provide a disclaimer that you are an authorized Transporter reseller.

[highdudgeon]

I don't think you quite got what I said: 1 Transporter - $1,700 with the offer; one SB3+DAC AND one SB3 are $1,600, so the difference is $100. Chuck in the rounded out price of the Transporter and, yes, you're at $400.

Frankly, if you have the budget, it's a no-brainer. Don't stress out trying difference components, etc., or you'll drive yourself crazy and spend a lot more money. The Transporter has an excellent rep, it looks cool, and it is a good value.

Thanks for the in-depth reply, HighDudgeon, especially your comparison tests. I will certainly do some research on the Lavry and Benchmark.

The cost figures are not quite right, though. For $2000 and the special offer, I can get a Transporter and an SB3. So I get 2 systems, one excellent and one decent. Or I can get an SB3+DAC combo costing $1300, plus another SB3 costing $300. Again 2 systems. The total for that is $1600, as you said. But the difference is $400, not $100. Of course, if I dither some more the Transporter special will be over and I'll be looking at a $700 difference!

[highdudgeon]

Yes, I am, but I am also an honest Audiophile. So is PhilNYC. I can also sell Lavry products. You'll notice that I am somewhat blatantly saying that I prefer the TP to the Lavry. Don't bother with my posts, then, as I said -- read others. The TP is extremely well received.

The other poster has a point: with a SB3/DAC combo, you're also into it for a nicer PSU and a cable.

But, it all depends on what you can afford, right? If you can afford a Transporter, then great; if not, you can get awfully close with an SB3 and a Lavry or Benchmark. I am not a Benchmark dealer. I would not, however, begin to compare something from Musical Fidelity to the Benchmark or Lavry, both of which are at the cutting edge.

Highdudgeon... in fairness to everybody here, you should provide a disclaimer that you are an authorized Transporter reseller.