[mshan]

I currently use a Lavry DA10 as my main source (iMac -> Hagtech USB to AES/EBU adapter -> 25 ft. AES/EBU cable (pro audio style) -> Lavry DA10 -> Cardas XLR to RCA adapters.

Just wondering how the stock analog output of the  Logitech Transporter compares to the Lavry DA10 (XLR output using Cardas XLR to RCA adapters).

(I also own a Squeezebox Classic, but that is in another system).  Any comments about how it's analog output compares to the analog output of the Transporter would also be appreciated!

[Martyn]

These are very specific questions. In case you don't get much response here, there have been several comparisons with the DA10 and lots of healthy discussion on the SB versus Transporter in the Logitech Squeezebox community!

[mitch stl]

I auditioned a Transporter a couple of years back. I stuck with my SB3 and Lavry DA-10 combo. If there was a difference it was in very subtle territory. The Transporter may be a bit drier sound but that may well be in imagination-land it was so small.

The good news is, IMO, there is no need to consider switching from the Lavry unless you prefer the appearance or features of the Transporter.

[mshan]

Actually, that was the reason I was considering switching to the Transporter. 

Might wait for the Squeezebox Touch to  be released and hopefully used Transporter prices will come down some more.

I have just started researching the Transporter, so can anyone chime in on what current fair market value for an used Transporter is?

And is the one that says "Slim Devices" on front exactly the same as current production that says "Transporter" on the front?

[Bob Wilcox]

I have owned a Transporter for a few years. I use it to feed the digital input on my universal player which has a better DAC. I did spend some time listening to the balanced analog output and its DAC output was very competitive with the sound of other products available at the time the Transporter was released.

I recall reading that new units can be found for under $1,500. I would be cautious about comparison involving adaptors. Adaptors have a lot of metal in them and if used infrequently, may have never broken in. Also there can be problems with volume drops and hum that are situation specific. The volume control on the Transporter will degrade the sound unless set close to maximum.

If you are interested in future compatability, the guy who designed the Transporter is long gone and Logitech seems to moving towards an Apple inspired product line. The Transporter hardware/software will reprocess 192/24 files as 96/24. Many of the the customer base cannot hear a difference between 96/24 and the higher resolutions. I can - particularily with rips of vinyl. There seems to be little interest in a higher resolution product.

Then, there is the matter of their software.  IMO, they don't fix bugs quickly enough or thoroughly regression test their new releases. You have to upgrade to the current release to get bug fixes and may get new bugs and resurrected old bugs along for the ride. If you own other Slim products, the upgrade can effect them all.  Also looks like they are downsizing. In a few years you may want a better DAC that the Transporter or sister product may not be able to send a matching  high res signal to. All IMO.

Bob