Confused about use of the term "transport" in the streaming context.

[Chaconne]

In the CD world, I understand that the term "transport" is used to describe a device that reads the digits from a CD but does not contain a DAC to convert those digits to an analog signal. But in the streaming world, is that term used to describe a device that pulls digits from a streaming service without having a DAC to convert the signal to analog? Or does "transport," mean something else? Thank you!

 

[staticV3]

Intuitively, I'd say a Streamer Transport is a device with network input and purely digital output.

Something like an RPi+Pi2AES, Holo Audio Red, or iFi Zen Stream.

 

[antcollinet]

But in the streaming world, is that term used to describe a device that pulls digits from a streaming service without having a DAC to convert the signal to analog?

Yes - though many streamers have both analogue and digital outputs. So it is quite possible to use a streamer which has a DAC, as a transport - by not using the DAC.

Just as I use my aging Marantz CD player as a transport, by utilising only its digital output.

 

[Rottmannash]

Or my using the digital output of my Node 2i but into another DAC. It "transports" the signal to the outboard DAC.

 

[Chaconne]

Thanks for the replies, everyone.

 

[Overseas]

Transport like in 'as it is' , in digital format. Opposed to converted to analog.

 

[ZolaIII]

In the CD world, I understand that the term "transport" is used to describe a device that reads the digits from a CD but does not contain a DAC to convert those digits to an analog signal. But in the streaming world, is that term used to describe a device that pulls digits from a streaming service without having a DAC to convert the signal to analog? Or does "transport," mean something else? Thank you!

No it implies packaging in a (transport) container and packetised to a protocol and API that can understand and unpack and use it. It's much easier to understand on video as a example.

 

[Keith_W]

A streamer consists of several components, which may or may not be on the same device:

- Server. Stores data. Can be a streaming service on the cloud, a NAS on your home network, or a HDD on the same device.
- Streamer / Transport. Obtains data from the server and sends it to the DAC. May also do additional processing such as volume control, resampling, basic DSP, etc.
- Control point. Commands the streamer to obtain data. Can be an app on your phone/tablet, keyboard/mouse, remote control, etc.
- DAC. Converts digital to analog.