[seraph321]

Here's the deal. I've built my current system around a Squeezebox2 modified by Bolder Cable Company. I got an older version of the mods that are available now, including the basic powersuppliy (which is still pretty heavy duty) and the analog/digital mods w/o the bybees. I have that connected to an EA modded Carver ZR1600 and a pair of Gallo Reference3s with the Gallo bass amp.

It's a great system already, but it's still not quite giving me what I know the Gallos are capable of. The best I've ever heard them sound was when driven by an Audio Research integrated. However, I don't want to go to full tube amplification for several reasons (heat, power, etc). I've also demoed a couple tube preamps and became convinced that was my next upgrade, hence the Modwright SWL (which I haven't heard yet, but I believe the reviews). I'd also really like to have another couple inputs on my system for future components.

THEN, just as I was convinced I knew what to buy, Slimdevices goes and announces the Transporter. Now I'm faced with trying to figure out if my system would sound better with the transporter, or with my current SB2 + the Modwright. Wayne (from Bolder) has always said he thinks the SB sounds best when feeding direct into an amp. But honestly I'm not so sure about that with my system. The Carver is incredibly detailed and incredibly revealing. I've heard how it can benefit from a tube preamp. Perhaps the Transporter would give me the improvement I'm looking for and keep that pure signal path intact (which I like in theory).

I know it's early to ask these questions because the Transproter isn't out yet, but the Modwright's price is going up soon. Any advice?

[zybar]

Don't make a decision based on what might be...   

The Transporter is going to cost significantly more than what you will get selling your current SB2 + Bolder PS.

Why not do this:

Buy a used Modwright pre off Audiogon and with the money you saved buying used, you can upgrade your Bolder PS to Ultimate II status.  This gets you the best of both worlds without breaking the bank.

The Bolder modified SB2 + Ultimate PS is an incredible combination that makes for a top shelf digital front end.  You can spend a lot more on a digital fornt end and not come close to approaching the sound that Wayne's gear produces. 

George

[Double Ugly]

The Bolder modified SB2 + Ultimate PS is an incredible combination that makes for a top shelf digital front end.  You can spend a lot more on a digital fornt end and not come close to approaching the sound that Wayne's gear produces. 

What he said.

[Frihed91]

Wait.  The price has gone up, what $750, for a DAC and 2 view meters.  You might be better off, just buiying a new Dac on your own.  Wait for the reviews.

[zybar]

Wait.  The price has gone up, what $750, for a DAC and 2 view meters.  You might be better off, just buiying a new Dac on your own.  Wait for the reviews.

What are you talking about in terms of the price having gone up?

George

[Frihed91]

The new squeeze box product is $1000, while the old one was what around $250?  Or have I got my products confused.  I read the new product release, only.  But my initial impression was what I said.

[PhilNYC]

The new squeeze box product is $1000, while the old one was what around $250?  Or have I got my products confused.  I read the new product release, only.  But my initial impression was what I said.

No.  The SqueezeBox 3 is $299/$249 and is still available.  There is a new product, the Transporter, which is $1999.  The Transporter is far more than "a DAC and two screens"...

[MarkR7]

A Modwright preamp just popped up on Audiogon for a STEAL of a price.  If you are seriously considering it, run, don't stall to pick this one up.  You won't find one cheaper.  Plenty of cash left over to buy the right tubes and power cord for it.

Disclaimer: It's not me selling it nor do I know the party who is selling it, I just got blown away by the price.

I've also demoed a couple tube preamps and became convinced that was my next upgrade, hence the Modwright SWL (which I haven't heard yet, but I believe the reviews). I'd also really like to have another couple inputs on my system for future components.

[mr_bill]

Transporter plus free SB3 thrown in.
Transporter:
preamp and dac functions all built into one box with remote
digital inputs with state of the art dac and supposedly power regulation and output stage

Unless you like to have complexity, a lot of boxes, interconnects and power cords, it seems like a no brainer to me.

Buy a Transporter,
Bill

[Frihed91]

Well, I read quickly.  Sorry.  I went back and looked at it again. 

"Transporter™ is the first network music player designed to meet the needs of the most discerning audiophiles and music lovers.
AKM's professional-grade DAC
Fully balanced analog stage
Super-regulated linear supplies
Dual display
A clever knob!"

Does that it is only a Dac? I would be hesitant to pay $2000 for a new dac with no reviews.

How is this potentially better/more product than the grace headphone amp/Dac (which is usually available at 30-40% off retail)?

[PhilNYC]

How is this potentially better/more product than the grace headphone amp/Dac (which is usually available at 30-40% off retail)?

Um...it's a network music server.     That means it has ethernet/wireless built-in and extensive user interface software, which a headphone amp isn't going to have.  Then you can look at the rest of it...the Super-regulator power supplies by themselves are supposedly more expensive than the SqueezeBox.  And there are many other performance-related things (eg. the word-clock input, AES/EBU digital output, digital inputs, etc).

I'm kind of surprised that you are asking these kinds of questions.  It would be like someone asking you about your Blue Circle CS Integrated, saying "it's only 50 watts/channel...how is this a better/more product than a cheap NAD integrated to be $1000 more?"

[transam]

I don't want to sound like a salesman but do yourself a favor and get the modwright pre. I own one and it puts a smile on my face evertime. Things that could be better on it digital volume dislay and move in smaller incraments.

[Frihed91]

Fair enough. 

[sleepysurf]

I'm facing the same dilemma, more or less.  However, the Transporter is LACKING one key feature, which the Modwright (and most modern pre's) have, and that is a Home Theater bypass loop.  I have a combined 2 channel/HT setup, using a Yamaha RX-V1000 for surround sound duty, and a Squeezebox2/Benchmark combo for 99% of my music.  I'm currently using a Niles AXP-1, to switch between the two, feeding directly to my amp.  I plan on auditioning a Modwright SWL, to add a little more warmth to my 2 channel sound, and bring higher-end switching capability to my entire system.

[seraph321]

I decided to go with the modwright, as I found one for pretty cheap on audiogon. It also has bybee caps added.
Anyway, I'll post about the results when I get it.

[seraph321]

I installed the Modwright SWL in my system last night (for reference, it has bypee purifiers and Herbie tube dampers) and the sound is completely transformed. I only had like an hour to listen and I already know I never want to be without it. I didn't have time to mess with balancing the gallo bass amp yet, but the life I was looking for is already there in spades.

The proof for me was calling up Dianna Krall's Love Scenes, which I know is a big audiophile demo disc, and I bought it for that purpose. I've used it in the past to demo my system, but I've honestly never really enjoyed it that much on an emotional level.

Last night I almost couldn't stop listening to ! I think I'm in love. I'm quite pleased. I'm almost positive the Transporter wouldn't have given me anywhere near this kind of improvement.