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An audiophile-approved way to play those MP3s

August 2, 2006—When Slim Devices' Squeezebox debuted last year, it earned raves for simply and wirelessly linking computer hard drives with home audio systems—all those downloaded tunes could now be streamed on a sound system far superior to computer speakers. The downside? Hearing compressed MP3s (or AACs, or WMAs) over a high-fidelity system only served to highlight their sonic shortcomings. The latest device from Slim, dubbed the Transporter, takes the same place-shifting concept and adds an audiophile level of fidelity. How? The same way that high-end amp adds richness to your icy CD sound—via ultra-high-end components (a new, low-noise digital-to-analog converter from AKM and super regulator-equipped output amplifiers, if you must ask). At $2,000, it ain't cheap, but the results are impressive: MP3s with CD-quality sound. In fact, you may even decide to ditch your CD player completely.
Slim Devices Transporter, $1,999, available next month from www.slimdevices.com. As a bonus, preorders receive a free Squeezebox network player.