Music Server with no DAC?


Why doesn't Logitech or Sonos create a version of what they have with no DAC? Who wants to buy 2 DACs? Many of us already have DACs. I would love to get into a Sonos, but all I want is digital out. Similarly, I like the idea of the Logitech Transporter, but how about no DAC and drop the price in half or a bit more? Just have AES/EBU, S/PDIF and maybe optical out...

I think there would be a big market for that because who wants to buy 2 of something when they don't need to, and particularly when people are particular about their DACs and don't want the one in the Music Server.
lightminer
That is cool.

I'm sort of heading towards a MediaMonkey - Laptop - ExternalUSBDrive - Beresford DAC TC-2750 way of getting equal or more quality and functionality than the MW Transporter or Sonos for a total price of $500 (250 for DAC, between 30 and 50 for MediaMonkey depending on which one you get,, and between 100 and 300 for external HD)... Assuming you already have a laptop and docking station. What I do is have a docking station with S/PDIF-out next to my Audio system, and via USB a Costco-purchased HD with 1 TB of space for like 200/300... Also, you can drive such a device with an IPhone now as remote.

Just another option... And then its all 16/44.1 CD-ripped or 24/96 from the web...

What I'm really thinking of in asking the original question is that the 'real' DACs seem to be the Berkeley DAC at 5k which is a but much for many, but seems to be astonishing in what it can do, and the Bryston DAC for 2k. Both can intake 24/192 and of course the more common, and still not yet widely popularized 24/96. I'm trying to focus on 24/96 as I gather more music as that seems to be the format of the near future.

So, for example, in the present, Media-Monkey, Bryston DAC, 24/96 downloads, Laptop w/external HD, should completely kill the Transporter at a cost of just 300 or so more depending on details.

The modwright signature treatment surely sounds like it might do something very helpful, I would believe that would bring it to a pretty good level.

Just thinking... This area is still so new, in 2 years I'm sure all of this will be straightforward and be of very high quality.
Lightminer,

I believe some of the well reviewed mhdt DACs at under $1000 used do 24/96. I believe my Paradisea and perhaps Constantine also do, but I have not tried it yet. It's on my todo list....
Just thinking... This area is still so new, in 2 years I'm sure all of this will be straightforward and be of very high quality.
Lightminer (System | Threads | Answers)

In two years, the gear presently on the market will seem like the Flintstones' mobile in comparison.
Tvad and others: Any thoughts yet on the "future proof" PS Audio PefectWave DAC? Seems like an alternative to the Transporter worth considering. Certainly an unnerving time to invest in digital sources . . . .

John
My thought is that there is no such thing as future proof when it comes to digital.

The history of digital electronics is proof.