I am trying to decide which route to go.

Option 1
Squeezebox to separate DAC (prob. cambridge dac magic) to parasound model 2100 preamp to emotiva xpa-2

Option 2
Transporter to emotiva xpa-2

One question I have is will option 2 need a preamp? If not, it would make my decision easier to justify the extra cost of the transporter.

Anybody run the Transporter without a preamp?

Thanks

Listen to both if you can, I know Slim Devices put a lot of effort into the Transporter's analog stage.

Here is a link to where you will most likely find and receive more info. http://forums.slimdevices.com/forumdisplay.php?f=7