M-Audio Transit

Posted by: Adrian Pasciuta on 20 October 2009

Hi,

I'm interested in using an M-Audio Transit instead of the noisy onboard sound in my PC. The fact that several people here use one is encouraging, as is the fact that Naim even seem to be semi-endorsing it in the DAC white paper.

However, after a visit to the M-Audio forums I'm not so sure. There have been all sorts of problems with the Transit drivers on Windows Vista and the position with Windows 7 is not clear. M-Audio have really dragged their feet in supporting this device, which it appears is several years old now.

I realise they are not that expensive but if the problems continue or M-Audio drop support for it then obviously it's not worth buying one at this point.

Are any Transit users here using Vista 64bit? If so, what has your experience been?

I'm also going to upgrade to Windows 7 64bit -- anyone tried it with the Win7 RC?

Finally, are there any reasonably priced alternatives to the Transit that anyone would recommend?

Thanks,
Adrian

Posted on: 24 October 2009 by ferenc

quote:
Originally posted by AMA:
quote:
Hope to have one in 3 weeks time.

ferenc

Would you mind to post on findings. Thanks.

Sure.

Posted on: 24 October 2009 by pcstockton

quote:
Originally posted by Adrian Pasciuta:
ferenc, the M2Tech HiFace does look like a promising alternative to the Transit.

I'd like to check this out. Anyone have any ideas how to lay hands on one in the US? Price?

thx,
p

Posted on: 24 October 2009 by ferenc

quote:
Originally posted by ferenc:
quote:
Originally posted by js:
....
Ferenc, do you know if it's ground is isolated?

I do not know, so I asked, waiting for the answer.

The HiFace has an internal wide band pulse transformer, as I learnt from the email of the manufacturer few minutes ago.

Other important info for Mac users that the Mac version will have a suitable kernel extension to avoid core audio completely, the USB2 converter will appear using this kernel extension as a normal internal sound card. The problem with core audio (according to the manufacturer) is the double integer to floating and floating to integer conversion, with its extra buffering requirements. Make no mistake, it is not a sampling rate conversion what core audio is doing.

Posted on: 24 October 2009 by ferenc

quote:
Originally posted by pcstockton:
quote:
Originally posted by Adrian Pasciuta:
ferenc, the M2Tech HiFace does look like a promising alternative to the Transit.

I'd like to check this out. Anyone have any ideas how to lay hands on one in the US? Price?

thx,
p

Google is your friend ( and mine too)

.

You can buy it here in the US for 150 USD with RCA and for 180 USD with BNC:

Posted on: 25 October 2009 by js

Here's a Kernel streaming plugin for Winamp that should work fine in MediaMonkey. http://www.stevenmonks.pwp.blu...s_plugin/plugin.html looks like The Hiface may eventually work with other direct outputs solutions also but probably not ASIO. Only issues I can see are the USB PS and lack of drivers but neither may be a huge issue. Another aspect that's ineresting is that you could use a long USB cable and hard coupler at the DAC.