Slim Devices, maker of the Squeezebox expands into the high-end with a new device called Transporter - aiming to make the most discerning audiophiles and music lovers happy.

I discussed the new product from Slim Devices with Patrick Cosson, VP of Sales and Marketing. Slim Devices has seen demand from audiophiles for a device that can play digitally stored music in their high-end setup.
Inside the Transporter the AK4396 DAC ('Miracle DAC') from AKM is doing its magic. A gold plated circuit board keeps digital and analog sections separate. Power is supplied to the DAC and analog stages by three separate super-regulator circuits. The balanced amplifiers use precision polyphenylene film capacitors.

Digital music data is streamed by the Transporter either via Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
A neat feature is the center knob called TransNav controller. This controller uses dynamic tactile feedback to provide fast access to any song in even the largest music collection.

The Transporter has all kinds of digital and analog outputs to be able to connect to state-of-the-art hi-fi equipment. It even has an input for Word Clock Input to further optimize the sound quality. Award-winning industrial designer Fred Bould, who previously designed Slim Devices Squeezebox, is responsible for the case and remote design.
The retail price for Transporter will be $1,999. Slim Devices will accept pre-orders for Transporter starting today and begin shipping the product on September 18. (The company will begin shipping the product on September 18, 2006 and will accept pre-orders until then. Any order placed before the ship date will receive a free Squeezebox.)

Specification:
DAC: AKM AK4396 Multi-bit Sigma-Delta D/A, 120dB Dynamic Range,
120dB SNR (A-weighted), -106dB THD+N.
Digital Outputs: 15 picoseconds intrinsic jitter (std. deviation), coax,
optical, BNC S/PDIF, & balanced AES/EBU.
Digital Inputs: Coax, optical and BNC S/PDIF, and balanced AES/EBU
inputs can be used to drive the DAC, network streaming or pass-through.
Word Clock Input: Allows synchronization to an external clock source.
Display: Dual 320x32 grayscale vacuum fl orescent displays with
multiple text, spectrum analyzer and VU views.
CPU: 325MIPS 8-way multithreaded, 8MB audio buffer & SlimDSP.™
Network: True 802.11g wireless, 10/100mbs ethernet.
Decoders: WAV, AIFF, MP3, WMA, FLAC with 24 bit resolution, 44.1,
48 and 96k sample rates.
Communications: TCP/IP control, infrared input, infrared output, RS-232.
Rack-mount Brackets: Optional.
Weight: 6kg (13lbs).
Power: Autoranging linear power supply 100-240v, 50-60Hz, 10W.
Remote Control: Custom, backlit, 32-key infrared remote.
Dimensions: 17”x 3”x 12.25” (433mm x 72mm x 311mm).

Information about the Transporter will emerge on the Slim Devices site at 3PM PDT.