Logitech Transporter replacement

[fitero]

I've researched my options to the point where I've become immobile with indecision. My ability and knowledge regarding digital audio are quite limited.
I'm moving to a small village with limited internet and now see myself using a cellphone to stream tidal through bluetooth to my system. I have just learned that I can "tether" the phone to my PC for data, and hence Roon use.

Obviously, the Transporter is an older streamer/DAC without USB etc. I also need a new preamp for Phono connection and use. I rarely listen to headphones, only listening through the connection to the PC. Yuck.

Lastly, DRC has always intrigued me, though I haven't had much luck playing with REW.

It would appear that the minidsp SHD and a Cambridge Duo (@ $1400) are the perfect products for me. That, or the AudioVero, Preamp 14 CleanVolver (@$2200).
All of these components are forcibly connected to my active speaker crossover unit which in itself only has a 108db dynamic range. (JBL SDEC-4500P). Having a JBL tech out do ARCOS calibration is not an option either at $5500 a visit.

So, is it a fool's errand to attempt to get more "precise" audio by replacing the Transporter? I could just get a Topping Pre90, a Cambridge Duo, and a bluetooth dongle and be done.

I'd really appreciate any constructive thoughts and suggestions.

 

[celo]

Good question but I guess there is no love here for Logitech devices, especially the Transporter. I still use my Transporter and very happy. LMS is so much better with Material Skin.

 

[just1n]

Take a look at WiiM Ultra. Probably your simplest option.

You could also add a very well measuring phono preamp like the Fosi Audio Box X5 to a preamp or streamer of your choice.

Minidsp Flex or SHD with something like the Fosi.

 

[Apesbrain]

So, is it a fool's errand to attempt to get more "precise" audio by replacing the Transporter?

I'd say "yes"; the Transporter was a state-of-the-art player in its day and was not inexpensive. Sound quality-wise, it remains very competitive.

You'll be running Roon on a PC and use a tethered phone for internet? Why not continue to use your Transporter? Roon supports it.

P.S. Many cellular providers offer a 5G hotspot/modem that can be used to set up wifi in your home. Here's an example:

Nighthawk M6 MR6150 Unlocked 5G Mobile Hotspot Router - NETGEAR

Get strong, reliable, secure 5G internet with speeds up to 2.5Gbps for home or on-the-go. Stream, game, work all at the same time with 3.6Gbps WiFi 6 or 1Gig Ethernet port. Boost in home WiFi Coverage up to 40% with In-home Performance Mode.

www.netgear.com

 

[DVDdoug]

So, is it a fool's errand to attempt to get more "precise" audio by replacing the Transporter?

I'd say yes. Almost anything digital is better than human hearing. (There are some low-resolution digital formats but they aren't used for hi-fi.)

Even MP3 (which is lossy compression) and Dolby AAC on DVD (also lossy) can be excellent. Some Bluetooth formats are also lossy but very good. Some of the best sounding, and most enjoyable, music I own is concert DVDs with Dolby surround. I owned my DVD player for some time before I found out that Dolby was lossy. Many DVDs also have a lossless LPCM stereo track but I always choose the surround. (There are lossless Blu-Ray surround formats.

Most analog electronics is very good too. You might sometimes get noise from a phono preamp. All analog electronics has SOME noise, the signal from a phono cartridge is low (so it's hard to get a good signal-to-noise ratio) and the high-gain phono preamp amplifies the noise along with the signal.

Different speakers will ALWAYS sound different (better or worse) and of course DRC or EQ can make a huge difference.

I also need a new preamp for Phono connection and use.

I can't make a recommendation but vinyl will be the weak link in your setup. A lot of people enjoy vinyl and are not bothered by the surface noise or other limitations but technically it's inferior.

If we didn't have digital I'd probably get the Waxwing because it has click & pop reduction. ...I suppose it's for people who don't really like the sound of vinyl.

my active speaker crossover unit which in itself only has a 108db dynamic range.

That's probably fine as long as you aren't hearing noise in the background (hum, hiss, or or whine). If you are getting noise make sure you're blaming the right piece of equipment. "Dynamic range" doesn't tell the whole story, and whether you can hear the noise or not depends on the gain of your amplifier, the sensitivity of your speakers, how close you are to the speakers, and acoustic noise in the room.

Lastly, DRC has always intrigued me, though I haven't had much luck playing with REW.

Your JBL gizmo may already have the capability similar to the miniDSP but I don't know. An AVR with DRC is probably the easiest way to go. (My cheap AVR doesn't have it.) You would need an AVR with preamp outputs in order to use the active crossover and separate amplifiers. Most AVRs have Bluetooth and some have phono inputs and then you wouldn't need a separate phono preamp.