Slim Devices Transporter media streamer

Slim Device's latest will make audiophiles moist.

The squeezebox was brilliant, but this follow-up-cum-makeover from Slim Devices is something else. It's an incredibly luxurious media streamer that looks as gorgeous as it sounds.

Using the same server software and straightforward interface as the Squeezebox V3, the Transporter boasts a high-end audio chip that was originally designed for 24-bit DVD-Audio playback and gold-plated phono connectors.

Externally, the most obvious change is the second screen, which can be used to extend the main display or show cool visualisations like a pair of level meters.

There's an innovative control knob in the centre. Interior magnets and cunning programming mean that when you scroll through menus or track-lists, you feel it 'step' between each menu-item or song and lock at the end of the list. Switch it to control volume, however, and the turning action becomes completely smooth. It's incredibly clever and a tactile treat.

This isn't just a brilliantly-designed product, though. Fed with the right source, it sounds astounding. The Clash's London Calling is wonderfully warm and punchy in both lossless Flac and raw WAV format. Compressed files such as MP3s can sound a bit too precise, though, drawing your attention to distortion caused by the compression.

It's obvious from this - and the price tag - that the unit isn't for everyone: it's for a specialist market of people who want to stream uncompressed music. On that score, its exceptional build quality, ease of use and sumptuous sound quality make it hard to fault.

Related links:

• Slim Devices

Posted by T3 Online on 2007-01-17