[mr_bill]

I have an SB3 that I am running straight into my mono amps.  I already have a lot of volume and I'm only using a quarter or the volume scale, so I'm sure I'm losing resolution.
I am interested in the Transporter, replacing my SB3 and running that straight into my amps.  It looks like the Transporter xlr outputs have an even higher output level than the SB3 (8v versus 6v) according to the specs.
If I get a Transporter would that mean I am using the volume from 0 to 20 or 30 and then really loud and then losing too much resolution?
Would attenuators work or would I have to have way too much attenuation?
Any experiences out there?  I am trying to avoid having to buy a high quality preamp in addition to the rest of my system.  The Transporter looks like a heck of a digital front end.
PS:  I want to run balanced and know about the TP's rca out jumpers.  I only use digital as my source so I don't need to do much source switching.
Thanks,
Bill

[Greg Erskine]

Hi mr_bill,

In my system, I prefer to run my Transporter directly into my AKSA 55 N+ amp. I'm not using balanced outputs. I have found this setup to present not problems for me... the digital volume control seems OK to me. I use -30db for background listening volumes to -20db for normal listening. You will get opinions to the contrary, so you really need to try it for yourself and see.

Obviously, the input sensitivity and gain of your amps will play an important part in the success (or not) of your proposal.

So...I feel the simple solution will work well and a good starting point. If it is the best and final option for you, only time will tell after a little experimentation. 

regards

[NealH]

The Transponder interests me quite a bit these days.  Can you tell us how you like it's sound overall and, are you downloading hi-res music with it like JA over at Stereophile?

[Greg Erskine]

hi rnhood,

I regard the Transporter as one of the best purchases I have made. I love the whole streaming audio philosophy and the Transporter does it very well. Sound quality is one par with high-end CD players and other good quality CD/Dac combinations IMHO. At this level it often comes down to personal preferences and system synergy.

Yes, I have heard better sources (only slightly) but at a much higher price or highly modded CD/Dac combinations. There is no way I'd ever go back to using a CD player. I listen to music hours every day and I found swapping CDs a real PITA, plus I found I was scratching my favourite CDs to the point were they started jumping.

I don't download music so I can't comment on hi-res, I only use ripped WAV files from CDs. But having said that, I do have a few mp3s from iTunes and found the hi-res ones sound better, actually I was pleasantly surprised. The ones I have sounds a lot better than many of my poorly recorded CDs I have.

regards