I am all for deconstructing things to optimized pieces, but the current Logitech Transporter, SqueezeCenter software, iPeng/iPod Touch combo has, and continues, to serve me as an ideal player. I have the Transporter connected to the BP26 as an analog source, and to the BDA-1 as a digital source. Only had one night to try things out, so can't comment on the difference yet.
I wouldn't want anything less than that, and losing the integration between the list management and server functions is just a step backward.
Bingo!!!!!!!
I agree with you 100% and have the same setup... with my Transporter running over hardwired ethernet and the two wireless antenna removed off the back.
I navigate only with the supplied Transporter remote and its inbuilt screen. Thus I can play standard and HIREZ "disks" with no computer anywhere near my room.
I think having a PC screen/PC in my room so I can see cover art etc is all bling... and a hassle as PC interface is no more efficient than the standard remote.
Technically I could setup a touch screen display in my room and use a "USB over ethernet" device to connect to my remote PC (thus removing the PC from inside the room) but as noted, aside from the wow/bling factor... it would not provide (to me at least) any added benefit.
In relation to the BDP-1, it will have to be very very good to outperform the Transporter and the Transporter has a built in DAC. I have mentioned before on this forum that I think if Bryston is to increase the commercial success of the BDP-1 then a built in DAC would have been advantageous.
The Transporter and the BDP-1 are architecturally very different (ethernet based verses USB based) but in the end they both aspire to the same thing: the highest level of sound reproduction from a computer source.