New Slim Devices product (dubbed the SqueezeBox4)

[Funkstar]

My favourite network audio equipment manufacturer has just released their latest product.

Don't worry if you have just bought a SqueezeBox 3, this isn't a replacement product. For the first time SD now have more than one current unit in their line up.

The SlimDevices Transporter is a very high end unit. I believe it is listed at $1999, for shipping in a couple of months, you also get a SB3 now. Uses the latest DAC chip, has physical buttons on the front including a dial, and twin VFD displays.


looks amazing if you ask me

Full details here:
http://www.slimdevices.com/pi_transporter.html

and the Press Release here:
http://www.slimdevices.com/au_press_transporter.html

enjoy

EDIT: A link to one of several discussion on the SD forums - http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=25771

[autopilot]

'High end' does not even come close.

Not for me, but it does look rather splendid

[Syd]

Does look stunning, but looks like its rack mounted, implying it may be aimed ar semi pro applications?

[DR]

I want one

[BlackDwarf]

Yeah. Looks like its aimed at hi-end audio professional applications. Its got XLR analogue outs, and XLR and BNC digital ins and outs.

Still looks freaking sweet.

[Howard]

... But it's an MP3 player, and it's far far too expensive. Let's hope it'll drop. Cos it's nice

[Nick F]

I want one but I'm not looking forward to the retail price here in the UK.

[Funkstar]

Originally Posted by Howard

... But it's an MP3 player, and it's far far too expensive. Let's hope it'll drop. Cos it's nice

It's a little bit more than that. Although it can play MP3s it is designed to stream lossless music at accurately as possible to high end audio gear. This is directly competing with mega expensive CD Players costing several times more and giving you more features to boot.

Originally Posted by Syd

Does look stunning, but looks like its rack mounted, implying it may be aimed ar semi pro applications?

Rack mount brackets are optional. It's a standard width, same as most other AV equipment.

Not so much aimed at audio profesionals, rather audiophiles, who can be far more anal about sound reproduction than the guys working in recording studios recording this stuff in the first place

[Howard]

Originally Posted by Funkstar

It's a little bit more than that. Although it can play MP3s it is designed to stream lossless music at accurately as possible to high end audio gear. This is directly competing with mega expensive CD Players costing several times more and giving you more features to boot.

True. But you can do that with a current Squeezebox and an external DAC, even though the SB2/3 DAC is rather good

[Funkstar]

Indeed you can and you would be spending the same money or even more. Then there is the question of upgrading the power supply and other mods that are out there for the SB.

Pointless for me, i play everything through a £300 Pioneer AV reciever and £200 set of Sony surround speakers.

Still want one though

[Howard]

£4-500 will get you a decent DAC

[Funkstar]

Been reading the SD forums.

UK pricing is set at £1299 inc VAT from Progressive AV (the UK distributer) Preorders are being accepted and come with a complimentary SB3 when ordered directly from Progressive.

[RedPutty]

It looks totally amazing.

The price however shows it isnt for most of us, it is probably not that great of an improvement for most people.

My squeezebox (2) sounds amazing to me, I can't really tell any difference between it the CD player so I don't see how it would be better. The extra display and knob and general look of it is amazing.

I still have a lot of respect for the squeezebox, even though mine mysteriously died after about 8 months - after a few exchanged emails they fixed it after shipping it back to the USA at my cost but never said what had been wrong with it.

Still they are great, and that one has a dial

[MSIC]

It's got VU meters!!!!
If there is ever any way to increase value on a product, put VU meters on it.
I put them on my last house, added 50 grand to the value.

[Funkstar]

Originally Posted by MSIC

It's got VU meters!!!!
If there is ever any way to increase value on a product, put VU meters on it.
I put them on my last house, added 50 grand to the value.

the SB2 and SB3 can have VU meters too. It's just a screen saver built into the product. the transporter has two customisable screens, apparently there is an setting to have two huge VU meters, one of either side too

[autopilot]

Originally Posted by Funkstar

It's a little bit more than that. Although it can play MP3s it is designed to stream lossless music at accurately as possible to high end audio gear.

Indeed, anyone who used it to play MP3's should be shot!

£1299 is actually a very good price for what you get. Don't forget this is aimed at audiophiles who regulary spend 2, 3 or more times that on CD players that wont sound as good.

This really is a ground braking product, but well out of my league. The speakers and AMP to do it justice would cost an insane amount of money too.