I have a SB3 and G98DH, both hooked by SPDIF to a G68ADV. I've followed carefully the ripping for best quality sound advice listed on this site. Neither sources have any modifications from stock. Having done a few comparisons where I cued up a CD on the G98 and SB3 to be able to flip back and forth, I must say that I agree with Viper's conclusions. I think the SB3 is a superb value for money, and definitely has a big advantage in convenience features once you have the music ripped. On the other hand, it's a pain to rip the CD's (particularly using the best sound quality guidelines), there can be minor PC type problems (ex. having to restart the server after Windows downloads updates and restarts) and, to my ear, the G98 still has the edge for sweetness, air and definition. I think the SB3 is great for background listening, but I always choose the G98 when I sit down to listen.

Cheers, Ian

Cheers, Ian

1: Roon on Mac Studio, G-Drive 10TB, 818v3, 7200.2, UHD722, LG 77G4
2. 808.6, 8kSE
3. 218, 3200's
4: Rivian R1T - 18 speaker 1200W Elevation by Meridian premium sound system
5. G68ADV (croaked), G98DH (also croaked), [HD621, Syles SL-S/PDIF, MD600 (2*4TB), QNAP 469L (4*3TB), MS200], Ayre MX-R Twenties, TBD