Shigaclone vs. Computer Audio Transports

[findingmyway4ever]

I know the big "trend" has been pushing computer audio. From lower budget ($500 range) USB based transports to higher ($800++++) USB transports. I also know many have tossed the traditional high end equipment in favor of the computer path, stating it's the best sound they have heard.

To get to the point, how is the Shigaclone or another similar "traditional" based transport by comparison to a cost no option computer based solution? Has anyone been able to do the comparisons and come up with the conclusions?

I understand this may be something that could come down to how much one puts into parts cost when making the Shigaclone OR maybe it does not?

For reference, I have used the Squeezebox Touch (nice-decent) and a stock Hiface (also "ok"). But frankly, the Touch maybe inches out ahead of the Hiface, while the Hiface and some random cheap old DVD player sound pretty much the same!

My goal is to put price into an obvious perspective, while also assessing "convenience" (I.E. controlling whatever from the computer is far easier than getting up to change the cd in the transport). BUT, if I am giving up even a good bit of sound quality going the computer based path, it makes no sense to go that route

I do not intend for this to be a ******* match about computer audio vs. traditional transports debate, but a simple what have your ears said to you when listening to fancy or not so fancy computer based devices compared hopefully with the Shigaclone, but can be with any other transport, dvd/cd/whatever has floated your boat over computer stuff.

Thanks all for your voice on experience and opinions.

[Turbon]

I use both plus vinyl on a Lenco L75!

Brgds

[findingmyway4ever]

Originally Posted by Turbon

I use both plus vinyl on a Lenco L75!

Brgds

What is your computer based setup and how is it compared to the Shigaclone? I guess I'm trying to get a solid concept of just what one needs to do in the computer audio world to get a sound as good, better, etc. than the Shigaclone.

[findingmyway4ever]

Any others?[help=][/help]

[Dufus]

How about Kenny's mods on the Hiface.
http://www.digitalaudioreview.net.au...ech-hiface-mk2

[findingmyway4ever]

I know all about nearly every offering out there. I'm just looking for others that have and/or are using a Shigaclone or similarly good transport vs. ANY computer based setup and their thoughts.

[Joshua_G]

Originally Posted by Turbon

I use both plus vinyl on a Lenco L75!

Brgds

How would you compare the 2 transports?

[woodturner-fran]

I have directly compared 2 different shigaclone builds into a variety of DACs (Peter Daniels NOS premium, buffalo 2 with salas shunt supplies and counterpoint output stages, EUVL 9022 dac, pass D1 clone) vs the 2 jkeny DACs (jkDAC and jkDAC32) platying from a laptop using wav/flac files and jplay.

The shigaclone comes in a close second to either of the jkeny DACS. The shiga is a fine player though, and if you prefer handling CDs and don't like PCs/laptops, back ups and so on, its a great way to go. That's of course assuming you can find a donor transport plus build the dac to match.

Disclaimer: I'm a friend of jkeny.


Fran

[findingmyway4ever]

Originally Posted by woodturner-fran

I have directly compared 2 different shigaclone builds into a variety of DACs (Peter Daniels NOS premium, buffalo 2 with salas shunt supplies and counterpoint output stages, EUVL 9022 dac, pass D1 clone) vs the 2 jkeny DACs (jkDAC and jkDAC32) platying from a laptop using wav/flac files and jplay.

The shigaclone comes in a close second to either of the jkeny DACS. The shiga is a fine player though, and if you prefer handling CDs and don't like PCs/laptops, back ups and so on, its a great way to go. That's of course assuming you can find a donor transport plus build the dac to match.

Disclaimer: I'm a friend of jkeny.


Fran

If you give a fair and true unbiased opinion, would you still say the same as above? I ask because I am very much interested in the JKDAC. I may have to PM you with regards with which JKenny DAC you prefer more and which you will be selling to me since you do not really need two around now do ya mate?

Cheers!

[woodturner-fran]

I don't have either at the moment - I had both on test! As regards the true and fair bit, well, really you're gonna just have to take it or leave it! I say its true, but how would you know if I'm not lying and a shill! Again the disclaimer - I'm a friend of his and have had (him &) his products here many times. No matter how I put the "disclaimer" its going to be seen by many as shilling. I just saw your post and knew that very few if anyone would have heard both side by side and thought I'd reply. Perhaps a mod should have a look at this and remove any bits they are uncomfortable with.

Feel free to pm, but I'd say shoot jkeny an email via his website and ask him for more details.


Fran