Transient MKII Asynchronous USB Converter

CIAudio · « **Reply #20 on:** 25 May 2012, 09:54 pm »

Quote

Is the I2S HDMI output expected to work with the PS Audio PWD DAC?

The I2S on HDMI connector is the PS Audio format (also used by Wyred 4 Sound).

wilsynet · « **Reply #21 on:** 26 May 2012, 12:15 am »

Given that both the PWD MK2 and the W4S both have built-in async USB, can I assume the reason the Transient has I2S is that it improves on those built-in implementations?

jtwrace · « **Reply #22 on:** 26 May 2012, 01:33 am »

I sure would like to hear this Dac.

CIAudio · « **Reply #23 on:** 26 May 2012, 03:36 am »

Quote

Given that both the PWD MK2 and the W4S both have built-in async USB, can I assume the reason the Transient has I2S is that it improves on those built-in implementations?

The Transient has the two most popular formats for I2S. We haven't tested PS or W4S products (and don't intend to). The Transient uses our XMOS based XM-2A USB board with high precision clocks. This board took almost 2 years of development and will compete with any USB converter on the market.

wilsynet · « **Reply #24 on:** 26 May 2012, 04:15 am »

Last question: If the unit is plugged into the external power supply, is the USB receiver still powered by the USB bus, or is everything then powered exclusively by the power supply?

CIAudio · « **Reply #25 on:** 26 May 2012, 04:24 am »

Quote

Last question: If the unit is plugged into the external power supply, is the USB receiver still powered by the USB bus, or is everything then powered exclusively by the power supply?

When using an external supply, both DAC and USB circuits are powered by the external supply.

CIAudio · « **Reply #26 on:** 27 May 2012, 08:38 pm »

Nice photo of Transient MKII & VDC-5 MKII

HAL · « **Reply #27 on:** 28 May 2012, 02:18 am »

Dusty,
Will there be one of the new CI Audio DAC's at CAF2012 in July?

CIAudio · « **Reply #28 on:** 28 May 2012, 03:17 am »

Quote

Will there be one of the new CI Audio DAC's at CAF2012 in July?

Sorry but we won't be exhibiting at the Capital Audiofest.
The next show we have planned is RMAF.

jtwrace · « **Reply #29 on:** 1 Jun 2012, 01:09 am »

Quote from: CIAudio on 28 May 2012, 03:17 am

The next show we have planned is RMAF.

I look forward to hearing / seeing it then.

WC · « **Reply #30 on:** 5 Jun 2012, 04:43 am »

How does the sound quality compare to your VDA-2 DAC?

CIAudio · « **Reply #31 on:** 5 Jun 2012, 07:52 pm »

Quote

How does the sound quality compare to your VDA-2 DAC?

Similar but achieved in different ways...
The VDA-2 has a better discrete analog stage than the built-in stage of the Wolfson chip, but the Transient MKII has the advantage of the high precision clocks and asynchronous interface. This means much lower jitter as the clocks aren't extracted from s/dif by an input receiver.

WC · « **Reply #32 on:** 5 Jun 2012, 10:02 pm »

So would there be any benefit to running the SPDIF out into the VDA-2 DAC vs using the DAC in the Transient MKII?

CIAudio · « **Reply #33 on:** 5 Jun 2012, 10:29 pm »

Quote

So would there be any benefit to running the SPDIF out into the VDA-2 DAC vs using the DAC in the Transient MKII?

It's about 50/50, just depends on which configuration has the best synergy with the rest of your system.

rw@cn · « **Reply #34 on:** 21 Jun 2012, 04:25 pm »

Hi Dusty,

Do you have a manual yet?

Will there be an update to the VDA-2 in the future? I guess that is a dumb question but I am in the market and your DAC is in the running with the W4S and Ayre DACs.

CIAudio · « **Reply #35 on:** 21 Jun 2012, 04:44 pm »

No manual for the Transient as of yet but we're working on it now. It will be an on-line PDF with step by step screen shots of Windows driver installation, etc.

No plans to make any changes to VDA-2. It will remain in our "Classics" line as it is still very popular.

rw@cn · « **Reply #36 on:** 21 Jun 2012, 06:03 pm »

Will either of these do DSD (is that .DFF) files?

CIAudio · « **Reply #37 on:** 21 Jun 2012, 06:21 pm »

The Wolfson DAC chip used in the Transient does not have a DSD input.

We are working on a higher-end model that will accept DSD through USB, and also have several coaxial & toslink inputs, dual Burr Brown DAC's, 32 bit volume control, selectable digital filters, single-ended & balanced outputs, digital display, and full function remote.
This model will be much more expensive (somewhere around $2000) and won't be available until later this year.

jtwrace · « **Reply #38 on:** 21 Jun 2012, 06:29 pm »

Quote from: CIAudio on 21 Jun 2012, 06:21 pm

won't be available until later this year.

RMAF?

CIAudio · « **Reply #39 on:** 21 Jun 2012, 06:53 pm »

Quote

won't be available until later this year.

Quote

RMAF?

I doubt it... probably closer to end of the year.