[sts9fan]

With crazy new mods coming out each day for the SB2/3 when do you think is the correct time/price to "upgrade" to a transporter or another similar product?  The SB does not have the ability to play the higher sample rate that the Transporter does as well as a plethora of other functions word clock etc.  This should allow for less or easier upgrades plus there is all the extra space inside. When do you guys think the path has ended for this $300 source?  3k? 6k? I did not put this in the square circle because it pertains to all budget modded gear.  I was just pondering the SB>Transporter   

Kris

[Double Ugly]

It's purely personal.

I began with a Squeezebox 2 (still own an unmodified version) and was the first recipient of Bolder's "Ultimate" power supply.  I happily used it for a couple of years and was satisfied with its performance.

My move to the Transporter had to do with perception, in that I perceived the Transporter as an opportunity to build upon what had been done to the SB, to take things to an even higher level.  As good as it can be, only so much can be done to/for the SB due to the size of the case and certain inherent design choices. 

Conversely, the Transporter has an abundance of room in its case, and though experts in the field such as Dan Wright and Alex Peychev have made modifications available, they've only done so recently.  Point being, I believe we're only now beginning to realize the true potential of the Transporter.  Combined with the added functionality and more WAF-friendly aesthetics, I think it's a winner.

FWIW...

[Daygloworange]

As good as it can be, only so much can be done to/for the SB due to the size of the case and certain inherent design choices. 

The Bolder SB3 is having a lot of previous restraints removed in the new upcoming design that'll take it to unprecedented levels. 

Cheers

[Double Ugly]

As good as it can be, only so much can be done to/for the SB due to the size of the case and certain inherent design choices. 

The Bolder SB3 is having a lot of previous restraints removed in the new upcoming design that'll take it to unprecedented levels. 

Cheers

That's great (seriously), but even if your prognostication becomes fact, it doesn't invalidate the path I chose or my reasons for doing so.

[sts9fan]

DGO even if what you say is true why start lower?  Why pay to add more to end in the same spot?  Can a SB be made to do higher sample rate?

[Daygloworange]

That's great (seriously), but even if your prognostication becomes fact, it doesn't invalidate the path I chose or my reasons for doing so.

Yeah, it's not speculation, it's happening for sure. We will be supplying Bolder Cable with the faceplates for the new repackaged SB3 unit from Wayne.

I never ment to imply that you choosing to go to the Transporter was not a proper (or good) path. The Transporter has different features for people who feel they need or want them, and it's a great piece of kit for sure.

DGO even if what you say is true why start lower?

How do you define lower? What exactly is a Transporter, and how does it differ (really) from an SB3?

Break it down to the DAC chip, circuit design, output stage, power supply.... They are both good platforms to build upon.

Why pay to add more to end in the same spot?

Ask people who have compared a modded SB 3 with modded PS and Buffer whether they think the stock Transporter is up to that level.

Can a SB be made to do higher sample rate?

Not that I'm aware of. I don't think it can be done.

[sts9fan]

DGO even if what you say is true why start lower?

How do you define lower? What exactly is a Transporter, and how does it differ (really) from an SB3?

Break it down to the DAC chip, circuit design, output stage, power supply.... They are both good platforms to build upon.

and the answer

 

Can a SB be made to do higher sample rate?

Not that I'm aware of. I don't think it can be done.

hat's great (seriously), but even if your prognostication becomes fact, it doesn't invalidate the path I chose or my reasons for doing so.

Yeah, it's not speculation, it's happening for sure. We will be supplying Bolder Cable with the faceplates for the new repackaged SB3 unit from Wayne.

I think he may have been saying it is only speculation it will be better.  If it does not exist it is speculation faceplate or no.  I was not baiting here and I was just thinking about this and my future upgrades. You are 100% biased in that you have a financial interest in the topic.  I purposely did not mention any names because that was not the crux of my question.   

Kris

[Double Ugly]

I think he may have been saying it is only speculation it will be better.  If it does not exist it is speculation faceplate or no. 

Correct.

[Bigfish]

Guys,

I would suspect if you have $2000.00 to purchase a Transporter and another $2000.00 to mod it you will unquestionably have a very high end source.  It is my understanding you can get very close to the same sound with a highly modified S3.  The advantage to the S3 is that you can add high levels of mods and/or power supplies as you obtain the money (pay as you go).  The total investment will be very close but you don't have to plop all the money down at one time.

However, realizing the above to be true I am and have been struggling with Kris's original question.  I think I will just wait awhile longer to see how Wayne's latest design plays out versus the modded Transporter.  In the meantime I will continue to enjoy the music!

Ken

[Daygloworange]

If it does not exist it is speculation faceplate or no.     

The components and mods already exist, it is simply being repackaged in a single box. It's not vaporware.

I was not baiting here and I was just thinking about this and my future upgrades.

And I gave you up to date info on some mod constraints that DoubleUgly (who perhaps was not aware of the new development) had mentioned about the SB3 that don't exist any more.

You are 100% biased in that you have a financial interest in the topic.

Then why do you look for me to answer your questions about breaking down the differences between the SB3 and Transporter only to accuse me of 100% bias????????????

Just for the record, I illustrated the similarities and the differences between the modded SB3 and the Transporter. I never said one was better than the other, just that a number of people who have heard a fully modded SB3 felt it was superior to the stock Transporter.

Since you seem to be offended because of my apparent "bias", I'll refuse to answer any of your direct questions to me, and ignore your requests for factual input in the future.

It's been a slice, sts9fan...

[Double Ugly]

Guys,

I would suspect if you have $2000.00 to purchase a Transporter and another $2000.00 to mod it you will unquestionably have a very high end source.  It is my understanding you can get very close to the same sound with a highly modified S3.  The advantage to the S3 is that you can add high levels of mods and/or power supplies as you obtain the money (pay as you go).  The total investment will be very close but you don't have to plop all the money down at one time.

However, realizing the above to be true I am and have been struggling with Kris's original question.  I think I will just wait awhile longer to see how Wayne's latest design plays out versus the modded Transporter.  In the meantime I will continue to enjoy the music!

Ken

Precisely, thus my first sentence in this thread -

"It's purely personal."

If it does not exist it is speculation faceplate or no.     

The components and mods already exist, it is simply being repackaged in a single box. It's not vaporware.

Nevertheless, until such time as comparisons are made and conclusions are formed, "...that'll take it to unprecedented levels" is a speculative comment.

Unless I misunderstood what's been asked of me, I believe I'll have a chance to make comparisons and form conclusions soon after it's built.

[Rasta]

Something else to consider.  The SB can be used as a transport.  While I have significant investment in the "Squeezebox transport", I really like having the freedom to upgrade/change by switching out dacs.  The transport aspect of the sb doesn't get much press, but it is very, very good particularly with the Bolder mods.

[Daygloworange]

Nevertheless, until such time as comparisons are made and conclusions are formed, "...that'll take it to unprecedented levels" is a speculative comment.

I know a few people who have had an opportunity to hear the latest generation Bolder/AKSA SB3 mods prior to this upcoming version and were pretty stoked:

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=48606.0

Unless I misunderstood what's been asked of me, I believe I'll have a chance to make comparisons and form conclusions soon after it's built.

Cool.    As you and I have already shared our opinions and observations in conversation about the(older) Bolder modded SB3 and Ultimate PS combos, I look forward to hearing your thoughts on this new version.

Cheers