Question for Transporter owners

I have the HiFace and Weiss DAC2 feeding the Naim DAC at this moment as a USB2/FW- SPDIF converter on my Mac using Mac/Amarra and Win7/Foobar/Wasapi.


The difference between the two converters is minimal feeding the Naim DAC/XPS2 (using DC-1 cable with BNC on the Hiface and DC-1 with RCA from the Weiss). There is slightly more body using the Weiss, but somehow the HiFace seems a bit more fluid. At least in my system.

The Weiss is a very good solution if you need to feed a DAC with AES/EBU.

Thanks ferenc. This is very good info, may be I do not "need" the INT202 after all.

Mind if I ask if the DAC2 holds its candle against the Naim DAC? With or without the XPS2?

You seem to be going through the same upgrade path as I have, only that you have kept the DAC2, a very expensive Firewire-SPDIF converter.

I like the DAC2 and the DAC equally. They are very similar in my system tonally, but keep in mind I am not about details and 3d space and stuff like this I am more about lifelike "energy", instrument size and music flow and this is where the XPS2 upgrade adds a lot to the nDAC. Which is strange as using the nDAC I have never thought I need more of these, but the XPS2 just made it even better.

To be honest I was really surprised to learn how close the Weiss is the nDAC, but to keep everything in well organized if I have a Naim pre/power amp combo I would choose the nDAC against the Weiss using Power-Line and DIN-DIN Hi-Line, but in any other vendor's system it is just about your personal preference, except if you have a fully symmetric system using XLRs where the Weiss can be technically/theoretically a bit more useful and better.

Your experience basically parallels mine except I never got to compare the two side by side at home. (I did it at the dealer.)

I also added a power supply to the DAC and was surprised by the result.

In terms of details 3D I think the Naim DAC surprisingly has that in spades.

JYOW, I've never used a USB or Firewire to SPDIF converter of any knid so can't really compare, but by thoughts on the Transporter are:

Pro's

Very well engineered for the price.
Strong open source developer suppport.
Clear display.
Userful add ons like the iPeng remote.
Transformer coupled BNC out.
Gapless playback.
Works great with the Naim DAC imo.

Con's

Most likely an end of line product - can't see Logitech ever enhancing it. (The Touch get's hyped up, but we will have to wait and listen)
The processor is getting a bit old - doubt it can ever handle >96kHz material.

I still like the Transporter - no plans to change mine.

Thanks

Dave

Thanks DaveBK. Yes I liked my Transporter a lot when I still had it. I think I have discussed with you about it previously.

I just placed an order for one.

Hi, All. I think TP will be worth fronting a DAC for some time.
When new generation of transports will come I shall not ditch it anyway.
Despite of my naimization I'm still planning to assemble a second system around push-pull tubes.
I think TP after Modwright mods will be a good source for this system.
I also plan to move my LP12 to this system and change Stageline for tube phonostage.

Back to TP in my system today I can say that USB-input on DAC sounds very similar to TP.
I still gave priority to TP -- but it's a very minor effect.
Meanwhile I ordered HiFace BNC-BNC and when it comes I shall check it with DC1 and tell you how does it sound against TP and USB.

AMA, I am using Hiface BNC to good effect with the Naim DAC.

Just when I was almost ready to "upgrade" to a Weiss INT202, I just remember that my old beloved Transporter IS another Async transport so I decided to get the Transporter as an alternative to the Macbook/Hiface.