Slim Devices Transporter Network Music Player Review
An odd one this, Slim Devices Transporter fills an audio niche that I hadn’t really thought about prior to getting my hands on a review unit. That of the Network Streaming Music Player. This rather sleek box is essentially a wireless audiophile box of tricks to play all your digital audio without needing a physical connection to the storage source.
Appearance wise the Transporter is extremely professional looking a full sized unit with a massively configurable two sided front panel this unit is both easy on the eyes and has a great range in terms of its available display set ups. In general I found I was using one side to display MP3, AAC, WMA, FLAC, etc audio file names and the other to display a digital representation of a set of old school VU meters. The display is in general excellent, bright well laid out and easy to read.
Slim Devices Transporter Network Music Player - Front
Check Current pricing on Amazon
One interesting feature of this unit is the force feedback knob set squarely in the front this knob allows you to turn and click and thus allow easy menu and list navigation, the cool thing is the force feedback stops the knob turning when you reach the end of a menu or list. Not strictly necessary as a feature but still rather cool. In terms of build the unit isn’t exactly tank like but is reasonably good and doesn’t feel flimsy or easy to break, some may feel that the unit is a little less than they would expect for a piece costing close to two grand.
The unit comes with a plethora of inputs and outputs. Including coaxial, optical, BNC and professional-style AES/EBU digital outputs and on the analog side a pair of gold-plated phono outs and two balanced XLR outputs. Inputs include TosLink, coaxial, BNC, AES/EBU and word-clock (BNC). The unit comes with two Wi-Fi ariels to ensure good reception but the unit also allows for the addition of more powerful ariels for long distance reception, networking wise the unit also sports an RJ45 Ethernet socket for those who wish to use a wired network.
Slim Devices Transporter Network Music Player - Rear
Check Current pricing on Amazon
The audio is controlled at the computer end by the supplied SlimServer software, this stream controller software can send music not only to this unit but also to any connected computer. It is pretty much compatible with any digital format you care to mention (MP3, AAC, WMA, Ogg Vorbis, Apple Lossless, FLAC WMA Lossless). The only slight let-down is it cant play DRM encrypted material but since most users of the Transporter Network Music Player are likely to be playing back mostly high resolution WAV or FLAC files this will not likely be an issue for most day to day users.
Sound wise this unit does not skimp in any way the Transporter is built around the AK4396 DAC from AKM. This audiophile level DAC has become known colloquially at the ‘miracle DAC’ and has been designed for hight end audiophile use SACD and DVD players and has received many rave reviews on its timing and clarity. There is no doubt that this unit is extremely clear and untainted in its sound but for me it doesn’t quite live up to its price tag.
In a decent set up it will definitely perform well and give you a sound and clarity you are extremely unlikely to receive from any other wireless streaming music system. It is a country mile better than its competitors (Squeezebox 3 and the Sonos systems) but when all is said and done it doesn’t quite stand up to other non digital units in this price range on pure audio quality. It is somewhat lacking the punch and extended range you would expect form a similarly priced CD player for example. It you are after true audiophile quality you would be better off taking your two grand and putting it down on a top end CD player or Turntable. Having said that if you are truly forward looking and are just after a best in class digital system front end then you will not get better than this unit currently.
Manufacturers Specifications
- Description: WiFi (802.11g) and/or Ethernet-connected D/A processor with digital-domain volume control (range-adjusted with resistor jumpers).
- Display: Dual 320 x 32 grayscale vacuum fluorescent displays with multiple text, spectrum analyzer, and VU views
- Network: True 802.11g wireless, 10/100Mbps Ethernet
- Communications: TCP/IP control, infrared input, infrared output, RS-232
- Decoders: WAV, AIFF, MP3, WMA, FLAC with 24-bit resolution, and 44.1, 48, and 96 kHz sample rates
- 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 backlit 32-key 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.
- Warranty: 3 years parts & labor.
- Price: $1999 (Check Current pricing on Amazon)
Tags: Digital Music Server, Slim Devices, Transporter Network Music Player Posted in: Digital HiFi Systems 
One Comment
Hi Fi Jargon Buster – Total Harmonic Distortion THD
Total harmonic distortion or THD is one of the more regular little T.L.A.s (or Three letter acronyms) you are likely to see in most manufacturers specifications. But what exactly is THD, is it all that important and what level of THD is acceptable for Hi Fi and AV audio?
In audio reproduction between the input stage and output stage of a hi fi system there will be a certain amount of noise and distortion introduced to a signal. Some of this distortion is created by the circuits and physical elements introducing signal harmonics at double and triple the frequencies of the original signal. These added signals are technically known as Harmonic Distortion. THD is a measure of the differential between the input stages of the system and the audible extra signal at each harmonic. The THD calculation doesn’t consider the relative level of each harmonic. EG: One amplifiers output at the 2nd harmonic could be higher than the output at the 3rd. Another could create equal levels at the 3rd and 5th. The two amps would sound very different yet could have the same measured overall THD.
In most hi fi circuits such as amplifiers and pre amps one should expect a value of less than < 1% THD as it is relatively easy to remove a large amount of THD from amplifier circuits using various techniques. Unfortunately it is far harder to stop significant levels of THD from being produced by the physical elements of a setup such as the speakers. Much higher levels of THD are common in cheaper end speakers especially at higher volumes. Speakers with high levels THD tend to cause “smearing” of audio, and result in poor imaging and a “muddy” sound. In reality one should test a component ideally in the room it is to be used in and at a volume level it is likely to commonly be heard at to ascertain if the system is acceptable for purpose.
Tags: Jargon Buster, THD, Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) Posted in: HiFi Jargon Buster No Comments
Definitive Technology Mythos Gem Satellite Hi Fi Speakers Review
I like the fact Definitive Technology have called these satelites Mythos Gems, because that to my mind is exactly what they are. A pair of mythical little gems that AV fans have been looking for in their satellite speakers. TheMythos Gem Satellites are from start to finish a great product that I would be happy to have in my personal setup.
The first thing that strikes you when you set them up is the modernity and simplicity of the brushed aluminum casing, they are compact and quite striking especially when the grilles are removed and you can see the left/right tilted dual midrange/bass drivers and the tweeter in between. This left right tilting seems to add a certain flexibility to the available positioning options allowing the gem to do the job of front, or surround speakers. Though the Mythos Gem Satellites are relatively compact they do have quite a heft to them which makes them feel quite substantial this is likely a result of their internal damping pads and substantial speaker walls. As regards mounting, the Gems allow several options including keyhole-type mounting brackets a threaded insert for a pivoting wall mount or alternately there are rather fetching looking optional aluminum pedestals these are a little expensive at over $250 a pair but are quite obviously designed as an integral part of the whole Definitive Technology Mythos lines styling.
Definitive Technology Mythos Gem Satellite Hi Fi Speakers
Check current pricing on Amazon
The sound of the Gems is produced by a single aluminum-domed silk-surround tweeter with mids & bass covered above and below by a pair of 3-inch drivers, we tested the gems in conjunction with the suggested SuperCube III Subwoofer but without the Mythos Seven center channel. The overall sound was very pleasing and we found even with the sub turned off gave a reasonable amount of bottom. The Gems themselves have a nice roll off as you approach the bottom of the audio spectrum and don’t abruptly fall away in what they can handle. They are certainly pack a decent amount of punch overall but dont have an unnatural boost in the mids an have a transparency that is hard to find in a satelite set in this price range. The top end is handled adequately and with are quite easy on the ears even over long periods, we experienced very little ear fatigue while using this set.
Definitive Technology Supercube 3 Subwoofer
Check Supercube 3 pricing on Amazon
Though the Mythos Gems were in general a very decent set of satellites we would recommend that for most AV uses you will definitely need to shell out for a subwoofer in your initial setup, we found the recommended Definitive Technology SuperCube III
Manufacturers Specifications
- Pair of compact satellite speakers excellent for fronts or rears
- Equipped with Two 3-1/2″ Long Throw Upper Bass/Midrange & One 1″ Ferrofluid-Dampened Pure Aluminum Dome Tweeter
- Frequency response: 60Hz – 30kHz
- Nominal Impedance: Compatible 8 Ohm outputs
- Efficiency: 89 db
- Recommended Amplification: 10 – 200 Watts/channel.
- Magnetically shielded for safe placement near other equipment with no risk of distortion
- Secure Wall Mounting Bracket Included.
- Finish: polished aluminum or gloss black
- Dimensions: 4-1/8″ W x 4-1/4″ D x 10-1/4″ H
- RRP:В $550 (Check current pricing on Amazon
)
Tags: Definitive Technology, Hi Fi Speakers, Mythos Gem, Satellite Speakers Posted in: AV Speakers, HiFi Speakers No Comments
Denon D-M37S Micro Component Stereo Hi Fi System Review
The D-M37S is Denons attempt to put something high quality into the Hi Fi mini system market and they have in most respects succeeded. The unit itself is compact and easy to see sitting on a bookshelf or kitchen desktop it is fairly simple and no nonsense to look at as are the two way speakers. On the appearance front you may not be blown away but it is by no means an ugly unit.
When we start looking at the feature set this is where the Denon D-M37S starts to really shine. It has a single slot CD player which features both MP3 and WMA playback an AM/FM radio as one would expect. The D-M37S really has a lot to offer when it comes to digital format playback. It has a front panel USB connection port for playback from USB based MP3 players or USB drives. We found the USB function worked impeccably with common or garden memory sticks we even plugged in an external 250 GB USB hard drive and had no problems playing back audio files. There are also a few iPod compatible docks you can buy as optional extras (Model Nos: ASD-11R/3N/3W).
Denon D-M37S Mini Hi Fi System
Check current D-M37S pricing on Amazon
The system comes with an output for an optional Sub Woofer, we tested the system without but in all honesty we didn’t find it lacking in the bass end at all. One minor complaint is that it may be a little lacking in overall power for some, it only outputs 30 Watts RMS which may be a little limiting depending on your room size but should be fine in a bedroom, kitchen or smallish living room. So while the system may have a limited overall power level the actual quality sound from this unit is at the upper end of what one expects from a unit at this kind of price. The mids are flat and nicely clear, the top end is perhaps slightly accentuated at the 4-6Khz range but not so as to be unpleasant and it handles bass in a confidant and easy manner never feeling like the sound is being artificially “pumped”. Our feeling is that the Denon D-M37S is a great little system for use in a domestic situation where loudness is not a major concern but clarity of sound reproduction is.
Manufacturers Specifications
- Amplifier: The Denon D-M37S is equipped with a 30 watt x 2-channel high power amplifier. The unit’s circuit board configuration has been designed to achieve lower impedances.
- Simple & Straight Circuit Design: The Denon D-M37S give you high sound quality based on the “Simple & Straight” concept. Circuitry is uncomplicated, signal paths are short, and all adverse influences on sound quality have been minimized. The circuit design and the way the chassis is built ensure the sound you hear is faithful to the original performance.
- Smooth Dynamic Sound With Negligible Distortion: Distortion from the input selector, electronic volume, and power amp has been suppressed to improved the signal-to-noise ratio and produce an even smoother, dynamic sound.
- CD/MP3/WMA Playback: The Denon D-M37S features Repeat (Single/All/Folder), Random (All), and Program (up to 25 tracks) playback, as well as direct track/folder access (using remote control)
- AM/FM Tuner: The D-M37S features a built-in AM/FM tuner and comes supplied with an FM wire antenna and AM loop antenna. The built-in AM/FM tuner supports up to 40 station presets in any combination. You can manually tune your presets or have the unit automatically (FM only) select your presets using the area’s strongest stations (auto preset is not possible with AM broadcast stations). You can label each preset station with an 8 character name.
- USB Port: The Denon D-M37S is equipped with a front-panel USB port for easy, direct connection of a USB mass storage device. The front-panel USB port supports playback of MP3 (32-320 kbps) and WMA (64-192 kbps) audio files recorded in FAT 16 or FAT 32 onto a USB mass storage device. The unit can recognize up to 255 folders and 255 files per folder. When a USB device is connected, playback will start automatically. You can control basic operations (Play, Pause, Stop, Fast Forward, Rewind, Repeat, and Random) of your connected USB device.
- Minijack Audio Input: The D-M37S features a front-panel 3.5mm minijack stereo audio input for connecting an external portable audio source.
- iPod Compatible: There is a dedicated 3.5mm control terminal on the rear-panel of the unit (labeled Dock Control) for connecting an iPod Denon control dock (ASD11RK, ASD3N, and ASD3W-sold separately) so you can listen to audio from your iPod through the D-M37S. You will also need to connect the AUX2 stereo input of the unit to the optional iPod dock. Once an iPod is docked in the separately sold Denon iPod dock, you can control it using the Denon unit’s wireless remote control or from the iPod’s click-wheel/touch-screen. The iPod’s battery is also charged when docked.
- RCA Analog Inputs/Outputs: The Denon D-M37S is equipped with a two pair of rear-panel RCA stereo audio inputs and one pair of rear-panel RCA stereo outputs (AUX 1 and AUX 2) for connecting an external home component audio source and recorder.
- Subwoofer Preamp Output
- Stereo Power in Watts RMS: 30
- Main Speakers: 2-way
- System Frequency Response: 45-40k Hz
- Parts & Labor Warranty: 1 Year
- RRP: $399 (Check current D-M37S pricing on Amazon
)
Tags: Denon, Denon D-M37S, Micro Component Hi Fi Posted in: HiFi Mini Systems One Comment
Olive announce new Opus No4 Hi-Fi stereo
Olive has announced the latest version of its top end Opus digital Hi-Fi system. Simply known as Opus No4 it promises to allow customers to experience music their digital music collection at home in hi-fi sound quality. The device connects to a standard stereo and has an integrated full color touch screen interface which amongst other things displays full colour album artwork.
Olive Opus No4 Digital Music Server
Check current Opus No4 Pricing on Amazon
The system is the size of a normal separates unit and has the usual plugs and connectors one would expect and a few others including a USB socket, an RJ45 network port forВ ethernet, Wi-Fi adapter and internet radio connectivity. Opus No 4 comes with 2TB of storage, that’s about 6000 albums worth using lossless FLAC encoding. furthermore the sound quality is enhanced by a top end DAC, optimized circuit design, and precision power supply. The touch menu is in full color and multiroom playback is supported with the Melody Hi-Fi multi-room player. The new version will ship on August 1st with an RRP of $1799 (Check Current Pricing on Amazon
Manufacturers Feature List
- Simply insert your CD. One click, and your music is digitally stored and categorized with all relevant album information.
- Use the intuitive touch-screen navigation to conveniently browse all of your music, combine your favorite tracks to playlists, and quickly find the right music for the right occasion. Need your music to go? Simply burn your playlists back to CD.
- More than one room? Add Olive’s wireless MELODY NВє2 and play your music anywhere at home, in up to 10 rooms simultaneously.
- It can also be a radio on steroids. Extend your musical repertoire by listening to (commercial)-free internet radio stations delivered to your stereo system, while getting detailed information about the artist, album and track that is currently playing.
- Save the sound. The OPUS NВє4 incorporates a low noise power supply, special ultra-quiet hard drives, a passive cooling concept (without a noisy fan), and a high-resolution Digital-to-Analog converter to deliver breathtaking sound.
Tags: Digital Music Server, Olive, Opus No4 Posted in: Digital HiFi Systems, HiFi News One Comment
