Overview

Transporter is an expensive hi-end audiophile grade network audio player that is designed by Slim Devices (now Logitech Inc). The player is preferred by audiophiles due to it's reduced clock noise and intrinsic jitter, which is the only distinct difference between it and the Squeezebox. Additionally it can interface with many streaming internet radio stations, including the open-source Slim Server software. Transporter was first released and shipped in September 2006.

Technical Specifications

Audio Input and Outputs

Audio Outputs

Digital and analog outputs
Gold-plated RCA, XLR, and BNC connectors
Volume control is provided for all outputs
Multiple outputs may be used at the same time

Analog Outputs

AKM AK4396 Multi-bit delta-sigma digital to analog converter
Signal-to-noise, Dynamic Range: 120 dB
THD+Noise: -106 dB (0.00005 %)
Linear Super-Regulated supplies for DAC and line-out stages

Digital Outputs and Inputs

Optical, coax, BNC, and XLR digital connectors
Word clock input for synchronization with an external clock
Linear-regulated power for all clock paths
Dedicated high-precision crystal oscillators (no PLL, no resampling)
Standard IEC-958 (S/PDIF) or AES/EBU encoding
Optical connector: TOSLINK 660nm
RCA connector: capacitor-coupled 500mVpp into 75 ohms
BNC connector: transformer-coupled, 500mVpp into 75 ohms
XLR connector: 4.7Vpp into 110 ohms
Sample rates: 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 96kHz
Audio format: linear PCM, 16 or 24 bits per sample
Jitter (standard deviation):

11ps at oscillator (intrinsic jitter)

17ps at DAC

35ps at S/PDIF receiver

Audio Codecs

Lossless

Lossy

Misc

MAD decoding
High accuracy 24-bit synthesis
Sound check and ReplayGain support for adjusting the gain on your audio files.

Technical information

Firmware

Flash upgradeable firmware
Network settings are stored in non-volatile memory
Auto-configuration for most networks
Easy setup for wireless networks

Architecture

325 MHz 8-way multi-threaded RISC processor
Field-upgradeable Xilinx CPLD
64 Mb high-speed RAM
16 Mb program flash
Low-power, fanless design

Network

Wireless Interface

True 802.11g wireless networking (can be disabled)
Bridging capability allows Ethernet devices to connect to the network through the wireless interface
Throughput up to 54Mbps, high speed PCI interface to radio module
Dual external antennas for improved range and throughput
Supports all 802.11b and 802.11g access points
Automatically detects available wireless networks for quick setup
Supports both WPA Personal, WPA2-AES and 64/128-bit WEP encryption

Ethernet Interface

True 100 Mbps throughput
Shielded CAT5 RJ-45 connector
Connects to any 100Mbps or 10Mbps network
Auto-detects full duplex and half duplex modes
Automatic receive polarity correction
Maximum cable length: 100 meters (328 feet)

Power

Power Input

100–240 V, 50-60 Hz AC
Internal Fuse: 500 mA
Standard IEC power connector
Included IEC power cable specific to shipping destination

Power Supply

Separate linear supplies for Analog, DAC, and clocks
Auto-ranging, relay-controlled AC input
Three Super Regulators for analog stages (+15, -15, +5)
High-efficiency, low noise SMPS for CPU, Display
Continuous AC voltage monitoring
Automatic over-voltage protection
Low-power "deep sleep" mode

Software installation

System Requirements

All systems: 256MB RAM, ethernet or wireless network, and 20MB hard disk space
Macintosh: Mac OS/X 10.3 or later
Windows: 733Mhz Pentium running Windows NT/2000/XP
Linux/BSD/Solaris/Other: Perl 5.8.3 or later

External links

Slim Devices comparions a wiki article comparing the various devices made and a hardware comparison between them
Slim Server downloads downloading the Slim Server open source software for your machine
Slim Devices forum 3rd party user forum regarding topics surrounding the Transporter.
Engadget review a technical journalist review of the Transporter
HA Transporter thread a few screenshots from an HA member who owns a Transporter.
Anti-Jitter RAM Buffers thread discusses whether or not jitter in electronic devices can make a difference audible.