I imagine that one of the significant enhancements in the Transporter's function over the previous Squeezeboxes, is the ability to use the Transporter as both a fine external DAC and as an input-selection device.
This would allow buyers to eliminate both the cost and sonic coloration of even excellent pre-amplifiers and get an fine external DAC in the process (or vice versa). It will be interesting when Sean or Dean describe how the digital inputs / outputs and selections will work on the Transporter. I speculate that "cement is still wet" as these features can probably be accomplished in software / firmware. Here is what I wonder about. 1) How will we be able to select, say a DVD player, that is connected using the Transporter's Coax input? Or an SACD player connected to the S/PDIF input? 2) Will we be able to create a "soft" label on the Transporter's display to say "DVD", or "SACD Player" or will the input selection display have to read "Coax" "S/PDIF" etc.? 3) Will any given Transporter digital outputs be able to be selected as a "Servo Output" - outputting what the Transporter is receiving from it's ethernet ports? 4) Will any given Transporter digital output be able to be selected as a “Tape Loop” type output - which is to say whatever input is selected will be looped through this output when configured as a "Tape Loop"? I was stunned at how much better two high end systems sounded when we removed high end pre-amps from the audio chain, to say nothing of the savings in cash. One system cost $75K, the other $25K. The pre-amps removed were excellent. The sound was simply more dynamic and immediate. The proverbial veils lifted. Less is often more. If the Transporter can turn this trick, I think potential buyers teetering on the brink of buying will appreciate the cost savings and immediacy of the music played through fewer devices. Finally, I am amazed at how responsive and clever Slim Devices is proving to be as it listens to it's customers and designed it's last two products; A $300 entry level Network Music Player and a $2K audiophile Network Media Player + external DAC w/ super low jitter + Digital Pre-Amp w/ short audio paths and Jung based power supplies is a nice year's work. /Daniel -- daniels5 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ daniels5's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3969 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=26077 _______________________________________________ discuss mailing list [email protected] http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/discuss
