Transporter as server (digital outs)- a few basic questions

[jh901]

I'd like to get some help understanding how various digital inputs are designed so as to reduce jitter, etc. The Cary 306 has a clock buffer that reclocks the incoming PCM signal (assume coax or AES). The receiver is a Cirrus Logic CS8416. There is no RAM buffer as there is when a disc is played. I'm told that the complete circuit design around the chips and input path are proprietary, but have been designed for optimal sound quality. I'd simply like to understand just enough in order to compare the input designs on the 306 to, say, the Playback Designs MPS-5. I've sent a request for more info on the MPS-5, so we'll see what they say.

Hope some of you can provide insight. I suppose the bottom line is that I'd like to learn more about the differences in the signal path when coming from an input versus the path taken when playing a CD in the transport.

[netchord]

I recall a thread where Sean addressed this issue, saying the digital XLR output on the Transporter was an afterthought, and not particularly well implemented (paraphrasing from memory). IIRC, he said the BNC output was the best sounding, a true 75 OHM connection; if the CAry supports BNC i would try that, ideally w/o an RCA-BNC adapter. depending on the source, i've had some issues with the transporter toslink *input*, but i don't believe i've used the toslink output.

I have my transporter connected via the RCA SPDIF out, into a Meridian G61, and it sounds very good indeed.

[jh901]

I recall a thread where Sean addressed this issue, saying the digital XLR output on the Transporter was an afterthought, and not particularly well implemented (paraphrasing from memory). IIRC, he said the BNC output was the best sounding, a true 75 OHM connection; if the CAry supports BNC i would try that, ideally w/o an RCA-BNC adapter. depending on the source, i've had some issues with the transporter toslink *input*, but i don't believe i've used the toslink output.

I have my transporter connected via the RCA SPDIF out, into a Meridian G61, and it sounds very good indeed.

Ah, good points about the Transporter digital outputs. Thanks. Anyone have more insight?

The Cary 306 is a fairly serious hi-end player and the other gear in my chain is quite good. I'm looking to get as close to CD sound quality (as played in the Cary transport) as possible using the digital inputs. I'll be wrapping up break-in next week and then I'll get more serious about comparing CD to inputs. If I continue to hear a difference, then I'll want to work my way through the list of possible causes. Note that the leap in sound quality over the Transporter using digital outs (coax) to the Cary has been mind-bending. Even so, I did briefly compare to CD and noted even better inner detail.

[netchord]

Ah, good points about the Transporter digital outputs. Thanks. Anyone have more insight?

The Cary 306 is a fairly serious hi-end player and the other gear in my chain is quite good. I'm looking to get as close to CD sound quality (as played in the Cary transport) as possible using the digital inputs. I'll be wrapping up break-in next week and then I'll get more serious about comparing CD to inputs. If I continue to hear a difference, then I'll want to work my way through the list of possible causes. Note that the leap in sound quality over the Transporter using digital outs (coax) to the Cary has been mind-bending. Even so, I did briefly compare to CD and noted even better inner detail.

did you try the transporter into the SLP 05 using the transporter's balanced output? you've got a pair of balanced inputs on the Cary pre, and in my experience, the XLR output on the transporter sounds noticeably better.

also, make sure you've got the volume on the transporter set to fixed (100%). this also make a big difference in SQ.

[jh901]

I've upgraded to the Cary, so I'm using its balanced analog outs to the SLP 05. There is no contest between it and the Transporter's balanced analog outs. Totally different league altogether. My concern is in comparing aCD played in the Cary and WAV file sent to the digital input (from the Transporter out).

[jh901]

Quick question:

My outboard DAC accepts 24/192 via AES or Coax digital inputs. The Transporter downconverts (right word?) 24/192 to 24/96 as I understand it in order to play 24/192, but will it pass native 24/192 to an outboard DAC via digital outs?

Much appreciated!

[jh901]

BUMP Anyone??

[garym]

Quick question:

My outboard DAC accepts 24/192 via AES or Coax digital inputs. The Transporter downconverts (right word?) 24/192 to 24/96 as I understand it in order to play 24/192, but will it pass native 24/192 to an outboard DAC via digital outs?

Much appreciated!

My understanding is that it will not.

[JohnSwenson]

The Transporter will not do 176 or 192 on it's outputs. If you play such a file the server will down sample 176.4 to 88.2 and 192 to 96.

The Touch will output 176.4 and 192 on it's digital outs if you use the EDO applet from Triode. EDO also allows you to hook up a USB DAC, which can also handle 192 if you have a USB DAC that can support UAC2.

John S.

[jh901]

Super. Thanks!

My DAC doesn't have a USB input but it does claim to accept up to 192 via coax or AES. So if I get the Touch and install this applet, then the digital outs will send native 192? Please confirm.

Also, fill me in on how difficult it is to acquire and install the applet.

Much appreciated!