Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Not impressed with the Transporter
darrenyeats;293615 Wrote: > I use an SPL meter and either multi-band tones or noise to match > levels. > Darren For serious tests, the levels should be matched closer than 0,2 dB. Thats very hard (if not impossible) to do with an SPL meter. A cheap and workable solution is to play a 50 Hz sinewave and measure the voltage to the speakers with a (cheap) multimeter. -- StigErik StigErik's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=16340 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=46271 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Not impressed with the Transporter
I should have explained what I meant on the analog bypass. I'm bypassing any digital upsampling and only using the preamp as a volume control. I can really tell the difference when hook up the Transporter to my reference system which is shown below. Soundesign Stereo Dual Cassette TV Radio +---+ |Filename: Stereo.jpg | |Download: http://forums.slimdevices.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=4929| +---+ -- Walleyefisher Walleyefisher's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=7122 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=46271 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Not impressed with the Transporter
I use an SPL meter and either multi-band tones or noise to match levels. Darren -- darrenyeats SB3 / Inguz -> Krell KAV-300i (pre bypass) -> PMC AB-1 Dell laptop -> JVC UX-C30 mini system darrenyeats's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=10799 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=46271 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Not impressed with the Transporter
ModelCitizen;293524 Wrote: > We used the volume controls to match all the devices and also the > matching capability of the Naim pre-amp (should have mentioned that, > sorry). We all thought we had got the levels pretty well matched. > > I'm perplexed about your Tranporter volume comment. I use mine with the > analogue outs straight into a Bryston 4BST power amp, sometimes with the > balanced and and some times with the unbalanced outputs... the volume in > both cases is controlled by my Receiver. > > MC OK for the pre-amp... So you matched the levels by ear, if I understand well. Transporter : Digital volume set at max ; that was not enough regarding my player. So I can't make a real comparison. Anyway, Transporter works very fine ;-) -- fakarava2 "To nobody, except those who will take pleasure here" (Franz Schubert, 01/31/1797 - 11/19/1828) fakarava2's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=16310 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=46271 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Not impressed with the Transporter
We used the volume controls to match all the devices and also the matching capability of the Naim pre-amp (should have mentioned that, sorry). We all thought we had got the levels pretty well matched. I'm perplexed about your Tranporter volume comment. I use mine with the analogue outs straight into a Bryston 4BST power amp, sometimes with the balanced and and some times with the unbalanced outputs... the volume in both cases is controlled by my Receiver. MC -- ModelCitizen Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known. It's the music, stupid. http://www.last.fm/user/ModelCitizen ModelCitizen's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=446 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=46271 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Not impressed with the Transporter
ModelCitizen;293449 Wrote: > We used the volume controls. Seemed the obvious way to do it. > > MC IMHO, it is not so so obvious, and a small level difference between 2 sources (would) lead to premature conclusions. In analog unbalanced mode, the Transporter has a fixed output level. My CD player, for instance, outputs at a slightly higher level. Turning the volume knob each time at the right positions was found mind boggling and not reproductable. If I had to compare sources levels, I'd prefer to check a signal standard with VOM or 'scope...and (in my case) insert attenuators where necessary to perfectly match them. Then I could compare. -- fakarava2 "To nobody, except those who will take pleasure here" (Franz Schubert, 01/31/1797 - 11/19/1828) fakarava2's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=16310 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=46271 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Not impressed with the Transporter
fakarava2;293448 Wrote: > I am always surprised : nobody states what is the method used to exactly > match the levels. We used the volume controls. Seemed the obvious way to do it. MC -- ModelCitizen Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known. It's the music, stupid. http://www.last.fm/user/ModelCitizen ModelCitizen's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=446 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=46271 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Not impressed with the Transporter
Greg Erskine;293409 Wrote: > > ...I found my Transporter to be a worthwhile upgrade over my SB3 and CD > player. The SB3 is excellent piece of equipment for testing amps in the > garage IMHO... > Reading about sources comparisons, and not only on this forum, I am always surprised : nobody states what is the method used to exactly match the levels. Although my Transporter has not the same output level as my CD player (it is a bit lower, that is audible), I have subjectively found that: - It works better than my SB3 - It is at least as good as my player(3Dlab CDmaster). - I would not need a CD player anymore ...if I had the time to rip my 2500 CD collection. - Reselling the player makes the Transporter less expensive ;-) (Neodio "Model 100", Jean-Marie Reynaud "Studio III") -- fakarava2 "To nobody, except those who will take pleasure here" (Franz Schubert, 01/31/1797 - 11/19/1828) fakarava2's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=16310 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=46271 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Not impressed with the Transporter
george_k;291647 Wrote: > The entire room is about 24'x12' but only half is used for a > listening/tv area the other area is using for dining. It's possible > that I don't have enough furniture...I'm a bachelor :) hi george_k, As a fellow bachelor, I only have 2 chairs in my listening room and the Transporter doesn't feel lonely at all. hahaha. I found my Transporter to be a worthwhile upgrade over my SB3 and CD player. The SB3 is excellent piece of equipment for testing amps in the garage IMHO. Having said that, at a friends place while testing a few SB3s with different power supplies and DACs, after 4 hours of trying various combinations I tried my Transporter. My first thought was, hey this is not much better than a SB3 with a nice PSU and DAC, but my friend responded saying "that this is the best his system has ever sounded". He was very impressed. So I can understand all the differing apparently contradicting views. At the end of the day, you have to do what makes you happy. Just a thought, on my system I haven't found a preamp that "improves" the sound of the Transporter, so I don't use a preamp. NOTE: Others will warn about the risks of doing this and the evils of digital volume controls, but I really like it. regards -- Greg Erskine Greg Erskine's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=7403 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=46271 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Not impressed with the Transporter
I am also thinking about getting a transporter but would it sound better than my pc connected to the amp? I use a soundblaster x-fi and with softsqueeze it sounds not bad. christian -- Schindler Schindler's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=8461 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=46271 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Not impressed with the Transporter
Walleyefisher;292612 Wrote: > I have to say that I personally use the balanced analog output of the > transporter to my pre/pro using the analog bypass Not too sure what the last half of this sentence means but the only difference I've experienced between the balanced and unbalanced outputs of the Transporter fed directly into my Bryston 4B SST power amp is that the balanced ouputs are quieter (and for me, who likes to rawk, don't go quite loud enough). Otherwise. I couldn't agree more about how the differences between sources are revealed with revealing hifi (yeah, OK!). This may seem obvious (see?), but it's taken me by surprise recently. As Robin points out, we could not tell any difference betwen two sources tried at his house on his "rockin' beer boy at college" hi end hifi (joke Robin!). But at my house on medium/low range Naim seperates the differences between similar sources was noticeable often over time, rather than immediately however. Take the same sources to a hi end hifi (in my recent example top-of-the-range Naim seperates and B&W Nautiless speakers) and the differences between sources becomes obvious in a second (not to say that snap judgements at which you like best are wise though). Oohh.. and in the beginning there was speaker placement. MC -- ModelCitizen Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known. It's the music, stupid. http://www.last.fm/user/ModelCitizen ModelCitizen's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=446 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=46271 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Not impressed with the Transporter
I have to say that I personally use the balanced analog output of the transporter to my pre/pro using the analog bypass. To say the difference was dramatic would be an understatement. Just the ability to use balanced analog outputs is worth the price of admission. I like the fact that my D/A work is all done with one product. It's a great unit and I use it almost every day. I still have my SB3 but I mostly use it as a clock. :P -- Walleyefisher Walleyefisher's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=7122 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=46271 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Not impressed with the Transporter
> By the way, how big of a room do you have the 703s in? Could you have to > much speaker for the size room they are in or not enough > furniture/rugs/wall treatments to control excess upper and mid-bass > reflections? > > Last thoughts on the Tranporter, could you take it and an SB3 to your > local HiFi shop with a laptop? The entire room is about 24'x12' but only half is used for a listening/tv area the other area is using for dining. It's possible that I don't have enough furniture...I'm a bachelor :) I also thought about visiting my dealer as he's pretty good about letting me play with his stuff but the truth is I'm pretty happy with my setup the way it is. I left the Transporter playing all night yesterday and all day today while I'm at work. I don't believe in the concept of "burn in" but it doesn't hurt to try. -- george_k george_k's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=2519 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=46271 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Not impressed with the Transporter
george_k;291525 Wrote: > Specs aside, if you haven't heard the 703's in person you'd be surprised > to hear how much bass they produce. At moderately loud volume (not at or > near rock concert levels) they rattle my entire apartment as well as the > adjacent apartments around me. Of course the Mac probably has something > to do with that as well, if definitely supplies the power they require > to really sing. Hi George, Glad to see you did not take my post as a put down or a flame. The Mac 6900 is probably one of the best I-Amps around. I have heard the entire 800 & 700 B&W line recently and the 703s do make plenty of upper and mid bass. More importantly they do it very well with accurate quick bass which is something I need as well as liked about them. I guess its the music lover in me but for me all music is built on a foundation of bass. Not just bass for the sake of bass, but tight, accurate, quick, and realistic bass. A 6.5 inch mid-woofer is just out of its element for anything below 100Hz. By the way, how big of a room do you have the 703s in? Could you have to much speaker for the size room they are in or not enough furniture/rugs/wall treatments to control excess upper and mid-bass reflections? Last thoughts on the Tranporter, could you take it and an SB3 to your local HiFi shop with a laptop? If so, you could compare the two on some over the top equipment that you and I will probably never own and see if you hear a difference. If no difference then, I would send it back. My local dealer loves to see me with my Macbook Pro because he knows I am shopping for something. I even take my Transporter and Macbook Pro when I go to a dealer that does not carry the Transporter. -- iPhone iPhone Last.FM http://www.lastfm.com/user/mePhone Media Room: Transporter, Vandersteen Quatro Signature, Ayre MX-R Mono Blocks, VTL TL-6.5 Signature Pre-Amp, VCC-5 Reference Center Channel, four VSM-1 Signatures, Runco 710, RAM Oppo DV970HD, VeraStarr 6.4SE Living Room: SqueezeBox Duet, Vandersteen Model 3A Signature, Two 2Wq subs, VCC-2, Two VSM-1, ADCOM GTP-870HD, Cinepro 3K6SE III Gold Bedroom: Squeezebox 3, Thiel 2.3, NAD C370 iPhone's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=13622 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=46271 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Not impressed with the Transporter
iPhone;291493 Wrote: > f the 703 have a weakness, it is the mini monitor size 6.5 inch woofer > trying to get down to the 703s 30Hz rating. Yes there are two which > equals a little more then an 8 inch woofer while doubling unnecessary > driver interaction (they only did it so they could claim a 90dB > efficiency). The 703 really start to roll off fast below 50Hz, which is > not going to make the Transporter shine in the bass department. Specs aside, if you haven't heard the 703's in person you'd be surprised to hear how much bass they produce. At moderately loud volume (not at or near rock concert levels) they rattle my entire apartment as well as the adjacent apartments around me -- george_k george_k's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=2519 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=46271 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Not impressed with the Transporter
george_k;291077 Wrote: > I ordered a transporter and spent the better part of the weekend > listening and comparing it to my SB3. For most of my music I could hear > no real difference. With other, better recorded, music the transporter > sounded a little more resolved and clear. > > I really like the additional hardware features but it lacks the musical > impact I was expecting to hear. > > At this point I'm thinking of returning it. Anybody share any similar > experience? The rest of my system consists of a McIntosh 6900 and a > pair of B&W 703. My music collection is all FLAC based. One way to see if it is your ears or the Transporter is to return the Transporter and buy a $2500 DAC (Bel Canto e.One DAC3 D/A processor comes to mind) and drive it with an SB3. I own a VERY expensive DAC and I own a Transporter. Do I think I can hear a difference between the Transporter and my Dodson DA-217 MkII-D with an SB3? I can on several all digital Jazz and Classical tracks. Could it be the over and up sampling of the Dodson just clearing and cleaning up the final product? I think that is exactly what it is. But lets look at Apples for a moment. Does the Transporter cost $5500 like a Dodson plus an SB3, no it does not, not even half. So that speaks pretty highly of the Transporter in and of itself. Would I like it to up sample and over sample as high as the Dodson? I would love that, but I would also expect the price of the Transporter to double (that I would not love). Can I hear a difference between any of my SB3s and the Transporter? I can pick the Transporter every time. Is it a wow, I can never listen to an SB3 again? No it is not, because the SB3 is pretty good for the money. The Transporter takes everything to a higher level i.e. better power supply, better DAC, better parts, metal enclosure, balanced analog outputs, etc. Which I hear in the form of a larger more defined soundstage, deeper quicker fuller bass, and precise crystal highs for just a start that let me know it is the Transporter not the SB3. It is not my intention to put you or your equipment down, but it is my opinion that it could be your ears, your equipment, even how you have your equipment setup or a combination of the above. With properly setup audio gear, the Transporter seems to make everything clearer and bigger in a good way compared to an SB3. Noting again, that the SB3 sounds pretty good in its own right. Several people have also remarked on the subject of gear to which I have to agree. The main audio equipment has to be up to the task of taking advantage of an upgrade in an audio source component. This becomes even more important IMO when upgrading a Digital Source. If the 703 have a weakness, it is the mini monitor size 6.5 inch woofer trying to get down to the 703s 30Hz rating. Yes there are two which equals a little more then an 8 inch woofer while doubling unnecessary driver interaction (they only did it so they could claim a 90dB efficiency). The 703 really start to roll off fast below 50Hz, which is not going to make the Transporter shine in the bass department. -- iPhone iPhone Last.FM http://www.lastfm.com/user/mePhone Media Room: Transporter, Vandersteen Quatro Signature, Ayre MX-R Mono Blocks, VTL TL-6.5 Signature Pre-Amp, VCC-5 Reference Center Channel, four VSM-1 Signatures, Runco 710, RAM Oppo DV970HD, VeraStarr 6.4SE Living Room: SqueezeBox Duet, Vandersteen Model 3A Signature, Two 2Wq subs, VCC-2, Two VSM-1, ADCOM GTP-870HD, Cinepro 3K6SE III Gold Bedroom: Squeezebox 3, Thiel 2.3, NAD C370 iPhone's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=13622 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=46271 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Not impressed with the Transporter
opaqueice wrote: > Robin Bowes;291429 Wrote: >> Just because *you* don't hear any difference doesn't mean that >> *everyone >> else* can't hear any difference too. >> >> Remember, everyones' ears are different. What you hear is not the same >> >> as what I or anyone else hears. >> > > Calm down! I didn't say anything like that. The OP asked whether > anyone else had had a similar experience, and I answered. I'm perfectly calm - don't worry! > By the way, in the test described in that link there were three of us > listening. Yes, I know. R. ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Not impressed with the Transporter
Robin Bowes;291429 Wrote: > > Just because *you* don't hear any difference doesn't mean that > *everyone > else* can't hear any difference too. > > Remember, everyones' ears are different. What you hear is not the same > > as what I or anyone else hears. > Calm down! I didn't say anything like that. The OP asked whether anyone else had had a similar experience, and I answered. By the way, in the test described in that link there were three of us listening. -- opaqueice opaqueice's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=4234 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=46271 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Not impressed with the Transporter
gharris999 wrote: > I'll take the ability to enjoy the joie de vivre of a > performance over the ability to identify where the 2nd oboe goes flat > in the 3rd measure any day. +1 !!! I used to play guitar in a variety of bands and work as a Sound Engineer. I *still* find it hard to be a "punter", i.e. go and enjoy a gig and listen to the music not the sound. I have a friend who is totally happy listening to the music not the sound - he has an ipod with low bitrate mp3s, was completely happy playing back through one of those crappy fm transmitters, and equally listening to a cheap clock radio. He's listening to the music not the sound. R. ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Not impressed with the Transporter
george_k;291404 Wrote: > I guess my ears aren't trained enough. What's the emoti-icon for barely concealed, gentle scarcasam? ;-) It sounds like the transporter just isn't doing it for you. There's no shame in that, and that's what the return policy is for. It is a lot of money for a product if you aren't "transported" by it. I wasn't trying to denigrate your listening skills, just trying to burnish my own. I guess I was making the case of my having some listening credentials beyond the ability to pretend I hear something that lets me rationalize the money I've spent. Like I said, your ears are your ears and you hear what you hear and that's all you can go by. Ultimately, listening to music is a subjective experience. There is plenty of ear training that may help a musician who leads an ensemble to elicit a better performance. That same training is capable of absolutely killing the individual's chance of actually enjoying a recording. I'll take the ability to enjoy the joie de vivre of a performance over the ability to identify where the 2nd oboe goes flat in the 3rd measure any day. -- gharris999 gharris999's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=115 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=46271 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Not impressed with the Transporter
opaqueice wrote: > george_k;291077 Wrote: >> Anybody share any similar experience? > > http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=35068 Just because *you* don't hear any difference doesn't mean that *everyone else* can't hear any difference too. Remember, everyones' ears are different. What you hear is not the same as what I or anyone else hears. R. ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Not impressed with the Transporter
george_k;291077 Wrote: > Anybody share any similar experience? http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=35068 -- opaqueice opaqueice's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=4234 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=46271 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Not impressed with the Transporter
I plugged in my headphones last night and did another comparison. I figured that if I cut the room and speakers out of the equation it would be easier to hear a difference. I spent about 15-20 minutes listening some of the same songs as a few nights before. Again, I couldn't really hear a difference, I guess my ears aren't trained enough. If anybody is wondering, my headphones are a pair of Grado SR-60's. -- george_k george_k's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=2519 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=46271 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Not impressed with the Transporter
No argument with that statement. Least-worst tempering (for Liszt and later) is equal temperament. Well-temperament variants (all keys playable) are good for Bach & Rameau. Meantone is good for anything 15th through 17th century. All are fun to tune and to listen to in context. And then there's Harry Partch who, I think, liked his octave divided into 43rds, or some such. But instrumentalists, unless their accompanying instrument is the piano or other keyboard, will always be flexible in their intonation when playing in ensemble. Equal tempered major thirds really are shockingly out of tune from just intonation. -- gharris999 gharris999's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=115 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=46271 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Not impressed with the Transporter
darrenyeats;291307 Wrote: > I'm not saying you have to agree with anyone...I'm just querying that > you agree with Robin. :) > > I tend more toward the latter view (YMMV etc). > Darren Like your said, YMMV. In my case, I went from not being able to tell between an SB2 nude to a SB2-Benchmark DAC1-Naim Nait5i. Now that I have upgraded my amps to Naim 202/200 , the difference between an SB2 and a mere half decent Pioneer Universal player is quite big to the CD player's favour. Apparently the 202/200 are differentiating the sources much more than the Nait 5i. Then again the amps may not be properly burned in yet. Not sure if they will get more or less revealing. But of course anyone could tell between analog sources. -- agentsmith System 1: SB2 and a mostly Naim system System 2: SB2 connected digitally to a Meridian F80 agentsmith's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=1838 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=46271 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Not impressed with the Transporter
darrenyeats wrote: > agentsmith;291301 Wrote: >> I agree with the previous poster. > I'm not saying you have to agree with anyone...I'm just querying that > you agree with Robin. :) > agentsmith;291301 Wrote: >> the differences between sources went from almost non-existent to >> glaringly obvious. The SB3 by itself really shows its rough >> edges when driving a higher end, more revealing system. > Robin Bowes;291195 Wrote: >> I have found that you won't find many/any obvious differences between >> pretty much any digital sources in direct comparison tests. But, the >> better source(s) will become apparent in extended listening. >> >> Differences between digital sources really are minimal. >> R. > I tend more toward the latter view (YMMV etc). That's not to say there aren't differences. Just that they're not as blindingly obvious as, say, the difference between a good pair of bookshelf speakers and a pair of full-range single-drive floor-standers. R. ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Not impressed with the Transporter
agentsmith;291301 Wrote: > I agree with the previous poster. I'm not saying you have to agree with anyone...I'm just querying that you agree with Robin. :) agentsmith;291301 Wrote: > > the differences between sources went from almost non-existent to > glaringly obvious. The SB3 by itself really shows its rough > edges when driving a higher end, more revealing system. Robin Bowes;291195 Wrote: > > I have found that you won't find many/any obvious differences between > pretty much any digital sources in direct comparison tests. But, the > better source(s) will become apparent in extended listening. > > Differences between digital sources really are minimal. > R. I tend more toward the latter view (YMMV etc). Darren -- darrenyeats SB3 / Inguz -> Krell KAV-300i (pre bypass) -> PMC AB-1 Dell laptop -> JVC UX-C30 mini system darrenyeats's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=10799 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=46271 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Not impressed with the Transporter
seanadams;291122 Wrote: > OT: > > I've never tuned a piano but... doesn't it rely on lower frequency > hearing - the beat tone between the fork and the instrument? Yep. Except sometimes you listen for beats between upper partials rather than the fundamentals. Typically, you'll be listening to beats between fundamentals only while setting the initial bearing octave. A more acute test of hearing comes with the "stretching" that one does of the upper and lower octaves which one has to do to account for the enharmonicity of the lower strings. This is where the black-art stuff comes in, and it's a matter of taste (and hearing) as to how flat to make the bass and how sharp to make the treble. In that case, you can be listening way up the list of partials to find a match or, more often, a compromise. -- gharris999 gharris999's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=115 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=46271 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Not impressed with the Transporter
I agree with the previous poster. It very much depend on what the rest of your system is. I just upgraded from Naim integrated to Naim seperates, and the differences between sources went from almost non-existant to glaringly obvious. Now that I have sold my Benchmark DAC1 I really miss it. The SB3 by itself really show its rough edges when driving a higher end, more revealing system. -- agentsmith System 1: SB2 and a mostly Naim system System 2: SB2 connected digitally to a Meridian F80 agentsmith's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=1838 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=46271 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Not impressed with the Transporter
darrenyeats wrote: > Robin Bowes;291195 Wrote: >> Perhaps you were expecting too much? Difference between digital sources >> >> really are minimal. >> >> If you're happy with the SB3 then rejoice - you've saved yourself a >> shed-load of cash, so you can buy more music! >> R. > Robin, > I've not compared an SB3 and Transporter yet - and probably it depends > on the other components - but yours is a very sensible view IMO. It certainly does depend on the other components. Some time ago, myself and ModelCitizen compared SB1 analogue out to SB1 + a variety of DACs (modified Art DI/O, Arcam Black Box, Perpetual Technologies P-something + P-something else - a very expensive combination). On the system I had at the time neither of us could hear any difference. I then modified my amp (a Rotel RA820A), disconnecting the tone control circuitry completely, replacing capacitors, upgrading op-amps, etc. Wow, what a difference. Even though the amp had a tone control on/off switch, it was not completely disconnecting it from the audio path. Fixing it that *completely* changed the sound of the amp - it made it so much more musical. I believe "lifting a veil" is an oft-used audiophile expression; well, in this case, "lifting a carpet" would be more appropriate! With the modified amp, it became easier to distinguish between sources. But, even with an appropriately revealing/accurate system, source differences are not massive. They tend to be subtle, textural effects that are difficult to describe, and are only discernible on extending listening. Anyway, I'm happy with my Transporter. R. ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Not impressed with the Transporter
Robin Bowes;291195 Wrote: > > Perhaps you were expecting too much? Difference between digital sources > > really are minimal. > > If you're happy with the SB3 then rejoice - you've saved yourself a > shed-load of cash, so you can buy more music! > R. Robin, I've not compared an SB3 and Transporter yet - and probably it depends on the other components - but yours is a very sensible view IMO. Darren -- darrenyeats SB3 / Inguz -> Krell KAV-300i (pre bypass) -> PMC AB-1 Dell laptop -> JVC UX-C30 mini system darrenyeats's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=10799 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=46271 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Not impressed with the Transporter
george_k wrote: > I ordered a transporter and spent the better part of the weekend > listening and comparing it to my SB3. For most of my music I could hear > no real difference. With other, better recorded, music the transporter > sounded a little more resolved and clear. What source material are you using? Personally, I have found that you won't find many/any obvious differences between pretty much any digital sources in direct comparison tests. But, the better source(s) will become apparent in extended listening. > I really like the additional hardware features but it lacks the musical > impact I was expecting to hear. Perhaps you were expecting too much? Difference between digital sources really are minimal. > At this point I'm thinking of returning it. Anybody share any similar > experience? The rest of my system consists of a McIntosh 6900 and a > pair of B&W 703. My music collection is all FLAC based. If you're happy with the SB3 then rejoice - you've saved yourself a shed-load of cash, so you can buy more music! R. ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Not impressed with the Transporter
gharris999;291118 Wrote: > (no tuning machines for me, just a pair of tuning forks, a tuning hammer > and my ears.) Granted, my high-freq hearing, at age 50, is not what it > used to be. OT: I've never tuned a piano but... doesn't it rely on lower frequency hearing - the beat tone between the fork and the instrument? -- seanadams seanadams's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=46271 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Not impressed with the Transporter
I recently had to send my transporter back for repairs. For the two weeks that it was out, I hooked my SB3+Bolder power supply+DAC1 up to the same setup that I usually have my transporter hooked up to: an ATI AT1502 driving a pair of Magneplanar MG3.5s. I was reminded again as to how good the SB3+DAC1 sounds. But it was kind of a relief when the transporter came back. To my ears, there was a real, if subtle, difference and which I would describe as there being more "there" there. Years ago, I worked as a piano tuner and I felt that I had my ears pretty well trained (no tuning machines for me, just a pair of tuning forks, a tuning hammer and my ears.) Granted, my high-freq hearing, at age 50, is not what it used to be. But I seem to prefer the sound of the transporter and I haven't regretted the investment. But, you hear what you hear. And if what you hear coming out of the transporter disappoints you, then by all means take advantage of SlimDevices' return policy. -- gharris999 gharris999's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=115 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=46271 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Not impressed with the Transporter
The SB3 dac has been said to be rolled off in the highs, compared with the Transporter - did you find this to be the case? -- NewBuyer NewBuyer's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=7862 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=46271 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Not impressed with the Transporter
I ordered a transporter and spent the better part of the weekend listening and comparing it to my SB3. For most of my music I could hear no real difference. With other, better recorded, music the transporter sounded a little more resolved and clear. I really like the additional hardware features but it lacks the musical impact I was expecting to hear. At this point I'm thinking of returning it. Anybody share any similar experience? The rest of my system consists of a McIntosh 6900 and a pair of B&W 703. My music collection is all FLAC based. -- george_k george_k's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=2519 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=46271 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles