Slim Devices Transporter network music player Specifications

Sidebar 1: Specifications

Description: WiFi (802.11g) and/or Ethernet-connected D/A processor with digital-domain volume control (range-adjusted with resistor jumpers). Digital inputs: TosLink, coaxial, BNC, AES/EBU, word-clock (BNC). Digital outputs: TosLink, coaxial, BNC, AES/EBU. Analog outputs, 1 pair each: RCA, balanced XLR. Operating systems supported: Mac OS X 10.3 or later; 733MHz Pentium running Windows NT/2000/XP; Linux/BSD/Solaris/Perl 5.8.3 or later. Sample rates supported: 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 96kHz. Audio formats supported: linear PCM, 16 or 24 bits/sample. Maximum output levels: 2V RMS, single-ended; 3V RMS, balanced. Signal/noise ratio: 120dB (no reference specified). THD: –106dB (0.00005%). Intrinsic jitter: 11ps (standard deviation). Power: auto-ranging, relay-controlled. Supplied accessories: user's manual, SlimServer software (requires download), custom infrared remote control, 2 AA batteries.
Dimensions: 17" (433mm) W by 3" (77mm) H by 12.25" (311mm) D. Shipping weight: 11 lbs (5kg).
Finishes: Clear or black anodized aluminum.
Serial Number Of Unit Reviewed: 96665 0047 5 (listening); 000420100306 (measuring).
Price: $1999. Approximate number of dealers: sold direct as well as through specialty audio retailers. Warranty: 3 years parts & labor.
Manufacturer: Slim Devices, Inc., 455 National Avenue, Mountain View, CA 94043. Tel: (650) 210-9400. Web: www.slimdevices.com.

COMPANY INFO
Slim Devices
455 National Avenue
Mountain View, CA 94043
(650) 210-9400
ARTICLE CONTENTS

COMMENTS
Archimago's picture

Nice review for one of my favorite pieces of gear!

Truly "state of the art" measurements even compared to units many times the MSRP.

Over the years, I've often wondered what the jitter measurements would be like through the ethernet since in reality, I think most audiophiles would be running this unit wired rather than via WiFi to minimize buffer issues especially for 24/96 audio.

earwaxxer's picture

I have had this puppy since the 'nob' days. Just reread the review from 2007, one of the reviews I used to base my purchase of the Transporter on,  and reconfirmed what I think about this box. Part of me has lately had the yen to 'upgrade', since I have had it for 4 or 5 years now. I am coming to the realization now that I would STILL have to pay some big bucks, along the lines of a Berkeley Alpha DAC ll with USB converter to be sure it was really a step up. Now this observation requires some qualifications. First of all the Transporter HAS to be used via Ethernet to get the best sound quality. Second, redbook needs to be upsampled with min phase and dither applied with a good SRC (Sox) before it is sent to the Transporter. With those two things done I would love to read some reviews compared to ultra bux DAC's. -- Thats all for now! Probably write other comments in another 5 yrs or so...

earwaxxer's picture

Look, this hobby changes on a dime. I'm not saying I got rid of my Transporter. Actually the opposite. I recently went with JPS labs cables throughout. I know thats another topic, but to put it succinctly, it forced a reevaluation of all such connected equipment. Out was the tube preamp. The JPS cables reveled 'all' of it. Not a good picture. One the positive side I have gone to using my Transporter as a preamp. The sound is very good. I had put some considerable effort time and money into my DIY tube pre. A bit disappointed and excited at the same time. Plus one for the Transporter.

ednazarko's picture

One of the two Transporters I bought way back whenever just refused to turn on. (I am also using a modified Touch as the streamer to a DAC in another system... and another Transporter in an art studio system used mostly for streaming digital stations.) I've been spending some time trying to decide if I should spend the money on a repair attempt, or just spend money on a low end 2018 streaming DAC. This review popped up in my search... but more of my time this afternoon was spent listening to music streamed from Roon to my remaining Transporter, and to my other streamer/DAC combinations.

Beyond any doubt, for really high res files, my contemporary DACs win hands down. Which cost me about 3x the list price of the Transporter back in the day. (I bought one as a refurb for half retail, the other when Logitech was closing out, for about a third...) But when I listened to red book, even 24/96 files of rock and alternative, it was much harder to declare a winner. More interestingly, I have a number of compressed AAC and MP3 music files, from artists in poor countries, or from my early digital days. Odd, but the Transporter really sounds much better than contemporary high end DACs with those compressed files. Almost like the designers had thought through how to compensate for the failings of compressed files.

Logitech did an amazing job for the era. Roon's implementation makes it an easy integration today. Hope I can find someone who can fix the problem...

markreif's picture

Lost my Slimdevices Transporter Unit to old age this week. I have a Touch device I use in my basement system but my analog system in my family room demands higher quality. Found and ordered this (https://www.ebay.com/itm/161449523841) as a replacement....

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