AudioCircle
Audio/Video Gear and Systems => Owner's Circles => Channel Islands Audio Owners => Topic started by: CIAudio on 24 May 2012, 10:07 pm
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Coming Soon!
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=63002)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=63003)
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Very cool! :thumb:
Any more info?
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WOW! When will this beast be released ?
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WOW! When will this beast be released ?
We will demo the new Transient MKII at the Newport Show but won't have production units for another 3-5 weeks.
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Dusty,
Looking good! :D
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Exciting! How many volts is the DC input, for us DIY battery PS guys? Any ballpark price? :thumb:
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Dusty,
Looking good! :D
Yes, looks mighty fine. :thumb:
A demo here in Camarillo might be fun... 8) :beer:
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Exciting! How many volts is the DC input, for us DIY battery PS guys? Any ballpark price?
The Transient can be completely powered by the USB buss(5V) and the internal DAC circuit outputs 2V RMS. There is an external DC input jack for use with a high quality supply such as our matching VDC-5 MKII (also available in a couple weeks).
We are still doing some testing and will include the maximum safe input voltage in the specifications for those who want to use batteries or a home-brewed supply.
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Will it require drivers?
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Will it require drivers?
No drivers required for MAC
Drivers included for Windows XP/Vista & 7
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What will the DAC in it be capable of?
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What will the DAC in it be capable of?
In terms of what? resolution?
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In terms of what? resolution?
Yes, I saw on the other thread that it was 24/192. How would you compare using the volume control in this unit with passive volume control unit that you sell?
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Yes, I saw on the other thread that it was 24/192. How would you compare using the volume control in this unit with passive volume control unit that you sell?
It will decode native rates up to 24/192 with no internal up-sampling.
The DAC has a built-in high resolution digital volume control. Both digital and analog volume controls have their strengths and weaknesses, it is really system dependent as to which would work best in a given system.
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Very cool.
Cost?
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Very cool.
Cost?
$699 (includes shipping in the continental US)
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$699 (includes shipping in the continental US)
:o
Trial period?
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With a trial period, I would definitely order one.
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Trial period?
Yep, and 5 year warranty :D
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Is the I2S HDMI output expected to work with the PS Audio PWD DAC?
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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).
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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?
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I sure would like to hear this Dac. :scratch:
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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.
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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?
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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.
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Nice photo of Transient MKII & VDC-5 MKII
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=63132)
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Dusty,
Will there be one of the new CI Audio DAC's at CAF2012 in July?
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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.
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The next show we have planned is RMAF.
I look forward to hearing / seeing it then.
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How does the sound quality compare to your VDA-2 DAC?
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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.
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So would there be any benefit to running the SPDIF out into the VDA-2 DAC vs using the DAC in the Transient MKII?
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Will either of these do DSD (is that .DFF) files?
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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.
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won't be available until later this year.
RMAF?
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won't be available until later this year.
RMAF?
I doubt it... probably closer to end of the year.
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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.
I want one. :D
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over the years i have had a few different pieces of CI gear, it seemed to always be my "fallback" in my system. i am looking forward to getting this and having it be a permanent part of my setup this time. :thumb:
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Will it work with Squeezebox Touch's USB output(Linux)?
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Will it work with Squeezebox Touch's USB output(Linux)?
We haven't done any testing with Linux, but it should be compatible.
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I believe the USB port on the Touch is for input, not output. You can attach a drive containing music to the USB port but it doesn't pass a digital signal out.
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I believe the USB port on the Touch is for input, not output. You can attach a drive containing music to the USB port but it doesn't pass a digital signal out.
I believe he is talking about the Touch with firmware mod which converts the USB to an output.
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Correct.
I'm exploring possibilities that will allow me to improve on the Touch's S/PDIF output without having to go the computer>USB converter>DAC route.
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You can go computer > ethernet or wireless> Touch> DAC.
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I'm exploring possibilities that will allow me to improve on the Touch's S/PDIF output without having to go the computer>USB converter>DAC route.
Mods by the Bolder Cable Company?
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That's what I did.
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I currently have the Bolder digital mods.
I keep hearing that Touch's USB out into a GOOD USB/SPDIF converter then to DAC is superior to Touch's S/PDIF output directly to the DAC.
I'd be curious to hear if the MKII is better when being used as a USB converter/DAC or just a DAC.
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I keep hearing that Touch's USB out into a GOOD USB/SPDIF converter then to DAC is superior to Touch's S/PDIF output directly to the DAC.
I'd be curious to hear if the MKII is better when being used as a USB converter/DAC or just a DAC.
This is true...
When using the USB Converter, you are simply getting data from the USB.
There is no S/PDIF encoding/decoding, which means the clocks/data etc. don't have to be extracted by an input receiver.
Instead, the incoming data is clocked by precision oscillators right at the input of the DAC chip, ensuring the lowest jitter possible.
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Will it also work with the discontinued VDC SB power supply?
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Will it also work with the discontinued VDC SB power supply?
Yes it will. External power requirement is regulated 5V DC/500mA minimum, center pin positive.
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I already own a VDC SB which makes it even more interesting but I still need to know if it's definitely Linux compatible.
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I already own a VDC SB which makes it even more interesting but I still need to know if it's definitely Linux compatible.
PM sent
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A few questions: when powered with an external supply, can the Transient be used with a USB cable that has the powerline cut, or is there still a "handshake" required that needs the Vbus line to be present?
Second, is the S/Pdif output isolated?
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A few questions: when powered with an external supply, can the Transient be used with a USB cable that has the powerline cut, or is there still a "handshake" required that needs the Vbus line to be present?
Second, is the S/Pdif output isolated?
You can disconnect the +5V, but need to have the data lines and ground connected.
Yes, the S/Pdif output is isolated.
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Excellent, that's just what I wanted to hear. I'm planning to try the Transient with an Auraliti PK90USB, and that means I can switch off the 5V USB supply. It also means that the Empirical Short Block common ground choke should work as well.
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It's working well with a Logitech Squeezebox Touch/Triode's EDO app. :-)
I am no expert, and wouldn't even attempt to write a proper review, but my first impression is that the Transient/VDC5 lifts a veil off the music, compared to a Boulder-modded Squeezebox Classic/ciaudio VDA2 DAC. (both into ciaudio PLC1/DC100)
I am happy to be rediscovering my music again (a cliche I know..), and will wait until another day to start tweaking the EDO settings.
At some point I will do a direct comparison of the VDA2 and Transient DACs, but not today!
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It's working well with a Logitech Squeezebox Touch/Triode's EDO app.
I am no expert, and wouldn't even attempt to write a proper review, but my first impression is that the Transient/VDC5 lifts a veil off the music, compared to a Boulder-modded Squeezebox Classic/ciaudio VDA2 DAC. (both into ciaudio PLC1/DC100)
I am happy to be rediscovering my music again (a cliche I know..), and will wait until another day to start tweaking the EDO settings.
At some point I will do a direct comparison of the VDA2 and Transient DACs, but not today!
Nice to know it's working well with the Touch/EDO app... we haven't tested this yet.
Have you played any hi-res files?
Sounds like you have a very nice "all CIAudio" system! :D
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I tried some 96k albums, which worked fine, bit a 196k Linn album kept rebuffering.
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I tried some 96k albums, which worked fine, bit a 196k Linn album kept rebuffering.
192 probably exceeds bandwidth of your wireless network
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192 probably exceeds bandwidth of your wireless network
Actually mine is a wired network, but I'm pretty sure the problem is somewhere in the EDO settings/configuration.
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How much RAM does your computer have? Another possible issue...
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@ snoogly
Did you update kernel?
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@ snoogly
Did you update kernel?
Yes, but I am not sure if I should have done! I was operating blind when I set it up ... just blundering ...
I also accidentally enabled the the USB 1 no hub workaround, before discovering that the Transient is USB 2. I can't figure out how to turn that off in the settings.
(Dusty, sorry to have taken this thread slightly off-tangent. Perhaps when more people get their hands on a Transient it might warrant an EDO specific thread...)
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How much RAM does your computer have? Another possible issue...
Good point. It's only 4gb, and that's the max (older Mac Mini).
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Yes, but I am not sure if I should have done! I was operating blind when I set it up ... just blundering ...
I also accidentally enabled the the USB 1 no hub workaround, before discovering that the Transient is USB 2. I can't figure out how to turn that off in the settings.
(Dusty, sorry to have taken this thread slightly off-tangent. Perhaps when more people get their hands on a Transient it might warrant an EDO specific thread...)
While slightly off topic I, for one, think it's relevant. Touch compatibility could be a strong selling point and the sooner the info is available the better.
BTW - RAM and ethernet capability most likely have nothing to do with your problem. I can stream 1080p video over ethernet OR a wireless G network from a PC with 4GB RAM. Try posting your issue on the EDO thread on the Slimdevices community forum.
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I tried some 96k albums, which worked fine, bit a 196k Linn album kept rebuffering.
Got a new Mac.
No more rebuffering!
:-)
Sweet sound that takes me back to my Roksan Xerxes. Certainly the most vinyl like sound I have heard since I abandoned my record collection 20 years ago, and no matter how loud I play it there is no distortion or discomfort (though my neighbors may think differently!).
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Got a new Mac.
No more rebuffering!
Sweet sound that takes me back to my Roksan Xerxes. Certainly the most vinyl like sound I have heard since I abandoned my record collection 20 years ago, and no matter how loud I play it there is no distortion or discomfort (though my neighbors may think differently!).
Nice! What playback software are you using on the MAC?
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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.
It's almost the end of the year. Any word on this yet?
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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.
It's almost the end of the year. Any word on this yet?
We are still working on it but are still months away...
I've been working on several new products which have put me behind schedule :?
I hope to have a few of the projects completed by the next Newport Show.
I'll post here when they're closer to being released.
-Dusty
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Will you be able to transfer DSD data from the USB to the digital outs? Or will that screw up the DAC in some way?
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Will you be able to transfer DSD data from the USB to the digital outs? Or will that screw up the DAC in some way?
No, the Transient MKII does not have DSD capabilities.
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Hello Dusty, and other forum mates :)
I'm Arjan from the Netherlands (Europe), and i have bought the Transient Converter with the power supply a few days ago.
I must say i'm really happy with it so far, my computer audio sounds identical as with my cd transport, and off course better with
the HD files.
But i was wondering if it is required to have the power supply "on" if i only use it as a converter ? I don't hear much sound differences, with or without it, or is that because of me ? :-)
with regards,
Arjan
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Hello Dusty, and other forum mates
I'm Arjan from the Netherlands (Europe), and i have bought the Transient Converter with the power supply a few days ago.
I must say i'm really happy with it so far, my computer audio sounds identical as with my cd transport, and off course better with
the HD files.
But i was wondering if it is required to have the power supply "on" if i only use it as a converter ? I don't hear much sound differences, with or without it, or is that because of me ?
with regards,
Arjan
Hello Arjan & welcome to AudioCircle!
Glad you're enjoying the Transient MKII!
The upgrade supply can be turned off, and the Transient will automatically pull it's power from the USB.
Performance increase from the upgrade supply is dependent on a few things... mainly the quality of power supplied by the computer. Power from the USB can vary a lot depending on the type of computer, processors/video cards running etc.
Transient has some internal filtering of the USB supply, which offers very good performance. Adding the VDC-5 only makes it better, as it provides clean fast power. The quality of power is important for clock circuits, and also the analog section of the DAC, so it is best to use VDC-5 whether using Transient as a DAC or USD>S/PDIF converter.
How much difference you will hear can be subtle, and is also dependent on the rest of your system.
-Dusty
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Hi Dusty,
Thank you for you're explanation and quick reply, i will leave the power supply "on" then.
The DAC is also amazing for such a smal box, i use my Vincent S7 CD player as DAC (€2000), but when i switch between them i
couldn't tell you the differences :-)
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Btw. i use it with the JPLAY software, i'm really happy with the way my computer files sound now.
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I second snoogly - it works great with EDO ont eh SBT.
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Wow...it sounds so much better after a few weeks of use! My spinner has not seen a disc the last month...
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Hello Dusty,
Do you think i will get even beter results with a PSI USB card (SOtM) ? Or is that not necessary anymore ?
http://www.mediaelectronics.be/shop/nl/579-sotm-tx-usbexp-audiophile-pcie-to-usb-audio-card.html
with regards,
Arjan
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Do you think i will get even beter results with a PSI USB card (SOtM) ? Or is that not necessary anymore ?
http://www.mediaelectronics.be/shop/nl/579-sotm-tx-usbexp-audiophile-pcie-to-usb-audio-card.html
I don't know much about these, but it could help things if it's USB power is improved by filtering.
We also provide filtering of the USB internal of the Transient. I doubt it would be better (or as good) as using Transient with the VDC-5 MKII.
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I ordered the sound card, i will let you know :-)
I also played more with and without the power supply, and the differences are quite big.
It really shines with the power supply, the bass is much stronger, certainly an improvement.
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Dusty,
I've had my Transient for about 3 weeks now and my only complaint is that I'm not sleeping enough because I can't stop listening to my system!
I'm using it as a USB to SPDIF converter between my computer and my NAD M51 DAC/Preamp, which itself is supposed to be very effective at minimizing jitter. The Transient apparently does a far better job. I'm basically stunned at the improvement it's made.
Instruments and, importantly, the environments in which they are recorded are much more clearly defined. In the case of music that uses sampled sounds along with normal recordings, I can distinctly hear the all disparate ambiences, at the same time! Transient (ha, ha) response is greatly improved, but what makes that so apparent is that the noise floor is lower so the transients appear out of a quieter background. It makes for a sound that can be startlingly realistic with quality recordings. And there's much more information in what I thought were just average recordings than I could hear without the Transient. It's very impressive.
Beyond the rave, I do have a question. I've read that, when using USB for audio, it's a bad idea to use USB for anything else. Does having other, simultaneous activity on the USB bus adversely impact the performance of the Transient?
Thanks,
Keith
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Beyond the rave, I do have a question. I've read that, when using USB for audio, it's a bad idea to use USB for anything else. Does having other, simultaneous activity on the USB bus adversely impact the performance of the Transient?
Thanks,
Keith
The ideal way to run a computer music server is headless (no monitor, no input devices), using something like JRemote for JRiver, or MPod or MPDroid for MPD if you're running Linux. ANYTHING that the computer does that's not directly related to audio playback is ultimately harmful to the sound. How audible that will be depends on the rest of the system.
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In theory, DAVEBSC is correct. However it really depends if the extra work being done by the computer is causing any audible degradation.
I use Transient with both a MAC and Win PC. Both have external SSD's connected by USB, and have had no issues with drop-outs or audible signal degradation. It is very system dependent as computers vary in hardware, power supplies, controllers etc. It's best to try different configurations and judge for yourself.
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In theory, DAVEBSC is correct. However it really depends if the extra work being done by the computer is causing any audible degradation.
I use Transient with both a MAC and Win PC. Both have external SSD's connected by USB, and have had no issues with drop-outs or audible signal degradation. It is very system dependent as computers vary in hardware, power supplies, controllers etc. It's best to try different configurations and judge for yourself.
What you said has been borne out by my experience, Dusty. My (internal) music drive is nearly full at 4TB and I've been making copies/synchronizing backups. One copy takes *days* over USB 2.0. Not only have I had no dropouts, but I was hearing the sound quality improvements I was speaking of while all of this copying was taking place!
Even intense USB activity didn't hurt the sound in my setup.
In fact, if I have to keep the USB bus busy to keep it sounding that way, I'll have to rig something! :lol:
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In theory, DAVEBSC is correct. However it really depends if the extra work being done by the computer is causing any audible degradation.
I use Transient with both a MAC and Win PC. Both have external SSD's connected by USB, and have had no issues with drop-outs or audible signal degradation. It is very system dependent as computers vary in hardware, power supplies, controllers etc. It's best to try different configurations and judge for yourself.
True, as I said it depends on the level of the system. The developers at JPlay are absolute fanatics about this stuff. The ultimate way to run JPlay is using two computers, the "control" PC that can be a general purpose machine, and the "playback" PC which uses the ideal headless method with no other software, preferably with either a 12V LPS or battery, or even better, a full on, multi-rail linear supply like Core Audio's NanoATX.
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I ordered the sound card, i will let you know :-)
I also played more with and without the power supply, and the differences are quite big.
It really shines with the power supply, the bass is much stronger, certainly an improvement.
I have the card, after some troubles making it work (make sure Malware Bytes is un-installed). I must say it really improves the sound quality, bass is better and the sound is less digital, this is what i've noticed after a few day's of listening.
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I still have compatibility problems with my SOtM tX-USBexp card. It loses connection which results in drop outs ? Does anyone else have this card and knows a solution somehow ? It's a shame because it sounds great together...
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I'm not familiar with the SOtM card, but if you give us a call, we'll try to help trouble-shoot it. I assume everything works fine using the computers USB port?
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Yes Dusty, the problems only occur when i use them together. Thanks for you're proposal, but my english is too weak to speak with someone through the telephone. I think it is what it is, the converter works fine when i use another USB port from the same PC. But i really like the way it sounds together, it sounds identical to (in my ears) my high-end cd player.
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I think it is what it is, the converter works fine when i use another USB port from the same PC.
This appears to be an issue wit the SOtM card... I would suggest contacting the manfacturer for support.
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There will be a review coming up soon.
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Dusty, is the USB converter also compatible with Linux software (Vortexbox) system ?
I'm thinking about buying this Music Server system, but want it to work with the CI Audio Converter...
http://www.audioaanzee.nl/images/Merk/Streamer/audioaanzee%20servers%20engels.pdf
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Dusty, is the USB converter also compatible with Linux software (Vortexbox) system ?
I haven't tried it with the Vortexbox, but Transient is directly compatible with Linux (no drivers needed).
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Ghostbuster70,
No experience with running it vortexbox but I was able to use it successfully when Dusty had loaned me the Transient during the Melody GTG at my house back in December. I tried with Mint, Ubuntu and Voyage Linux and did not have to install any drivers.
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Thank you very much for the fast reply, i'll give the music server a try next week, it also has the SoTM USB card (lol), but i will see how it works out...
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i have bought the Audio Aan Zee music server, and it sounds and works fantastic with the SOtM usb card and the Transient Converter. I think the problem was the compatibality with the SOtM card and windows 7. The seller knew about the problems with it, the server itself works on Linux with Daemon software...
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I use the Music Server with the Transient USB converter and the PS Audio NuWave DAC, it sound really great in my belief...
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How does the sound quality of Transient DAC compare to CIAUDIO VAC1 + VDA2 with good USB to SPDIF Converter?
Not long ago I got to hear the CIAUDIO VAC1 + VDA2 with SPDIF converter of HEGEL HD2 and the sound was excellent.
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How does the sound quality of Transient DAC compare to CIAUDIO VAC1 + VDA2 with good USB to SPDIF Converter?
Best sound quality through USB would be to use all three.
The Transient is a SOTA USB > S/PDIF converter with ultra-low jitter. Connect this to the computer and feed the coaxial output into the VDA-2/VAC-1 combo.
The Transient has the advantage of low jitter and I2S direct to the DAC circuit.
VDA-2 has a better DAC circuit and discrete analog stage.
In the end, they sound very close side by side.
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Thank you.
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Hello
How did you do with using the sotm card with the c1a audio
I i am thinking of doing the same thing but was not sure if i would benefit in terms of sound