Transporter vs Touch with EDO

[iwalker]

I used to be a "measurements is everything" kind of person. Then I started listening to some of the best measured DAC's on Audio Science Review and I was surprised to not only hear level matched differences with bass/treble, etc, but also soundstage as well. The RME ADI-2 DAC/PRO for example has a slightly wider soundstage than the Transporter, but it's not natural, IMO, as it can shift the vocals too far out of the center range. I notice it more with digitized vinyl (vinyl typically has a wider soundstage...depending on equipment used) than with CD's. I was really excited when I got the ADI-2 and my bias was with it all the way but it sounded bright and fatiguing. In all fairness, the unit has tons of tweaks but I don't think any of them would improve it a great deal.

I do not believe that the price of a DAC reflects the sound or quality. A $4000 or even a $40,000 DAC could possibly be the worst sounding DAC out there. I have no doubt in the future that a DAC costing $300 could POSSIBLY sound better than the Transporter, but we're not there yet. (Unless one has slipped past my radar but I doubt it)

I'll still check Amir's measurements before buying a DAC but lately I find reading comments and reviews (not so much magazine reviews) is more beneficial.

I agree, and ( ideally home) demos of audio gear are even better!

[Julf]

I think I gave you a clue why. And I think I also identified specifically where in the TP corners were cut.

Can you remind me, and explain what specific aspects of audio quality they affect, and how?

[callesoroe]

p.s. At my weekend cottage I have a TOUCH feeding an original Benchmark I DAC. I use the Benchmark because I had it before I ever had a squeezebox and it allows me to use balanced connectors on the analog side. I very much like the way this sounds as well.

Hi Gary!

I have Just purchased a used Benchmark DAC1 and a Touch to powered Active Studio Monitors for my little office setup. Do you use the variable output of the balanced XLR outputs ?? Or do you use fixed output and use SB to
control volume ??

Cheers Michael

[garym]

Hi Gary!

I have Just purchased a used Benchmark DAC1 and a Touch to powered Active Studio Monitors for my little office setup. Do you use the variable output of the balanced XLR outputs ?? Or do you use fixed output and use SB to
control volume ??

Cheers Michael

I used fixed output from the Benchmark and use SB (and ipeng, etc.) to control volume.

[pablolie]

I used fixed output from the Benchmark and use SB (and ipeng, etc.) to control volume.

I use the variable output out of the DAC2HGC to the power amp. The DAC2 colume is around 12oclock as a rule (the Toslink audio out of the TV is fixed, so I need the DAC2 as a volume control, but seldom change it), and for music the Touch controls volume anywhere from 40% to 100%.

Works very well.

[netchord]

Can you remind me, and explain what specific aspects of audio quality they affect, and how?

pleased to meet you, i think we've guessed your name; but what's puzzling me is the nature of your game?

[chill]

He's a man of wealth and taste.

[Julf]

pleased to meet you, i think we've guessed your name; but what's puzzling me is the nature of your game?

I am sorry, but I am not at liberty to discuss the nature of my client.

[netchord]

I am sorry, but I am not at liberty to discuss the nature of my client.

Socratic Trolls, Inc.

[w3wilkes]

He's a man of wealth and taste.

Nice!
I've been around for a long, long year
Stole many a man's soul to waste

An oldie, but a goodie. You can add this to your catchy tunes thread!