Does the M Audio Transit really works?

I have m-audio's previous USB audio adapter, the Sonica USB, and it works as advertised. I would think that the Transit (which is newer) has better driver support and includes hardware updates to improve audio. I don't usually play Dolby Digital 5.1 audio DVDs in my Mac mini (even though it's plugged into the TV, I have a DVD player already), but my iTunes sounds great with m-audio's System Preferences for configuring non multi-channel audio through a multi-channel receiver. And, if anything, it's WAY too loud so I have to turn all the volume sliders down on the computer. 🙂

-Doug

Those are only the speakers. I found the user manual here (link is a PDF). You'll need to have a receiver in between your Mac mini/Transit and the speakers. The Transit will output the audio but there will have to be a Dolby Digital decoder that converts the audio for the speakers and subwoofer and a receiver that has all the speaker connections to work with those speakers. There are other stand-alone 5.1 speaker sets that would plug into something the m-audio Sonica Theater USB audio adapter. The Sonica Theater has its own Dobly Digital decoder built-in so you can simply connect the speakers (but not those speakers).

-Doug

Hello,

If you don't mind some added comments, the Logitech Z-5300 was updated to the Z-5500 and is now the top rated unit in its class, at about 500 watts, and seems a heck of a value at around $225, plus shipping on eBay.

For example:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Logitech-Z-5500-Digital-Speaker-With-Decoder-NEW-Z5500_W0QQi temZ5242243033QQcategoryZ44985QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

It would work with the M-Audio Transit or the Theatre. It's THX, DTS, Dolby, ProLogicII, etc., with all the typical digital and analog outputs. Try a Google search under "Logitech Z-5500 review" and I think you'll see that it's a clear winner.

Peace to you,
C. Livingstone

The "PC speakers" include a Dobly Digital or DTS decoder built-in. A 5.1 Home Theater System is NOT complete without a receiver/decoder to go in between your DVD player and the speakers. This is how my home system is set-up:

DVD Player
|
digital optical cable
|
receiver (with connections for all speakers)/digital audio decoder
|
speaker cable
|
set of speakers

The m-audio Transit is NOT a decoder, it will only give your Mac an optical digital audio out port. Would then use a digital optical audio cable to attach your Mac to the the receiver/decoder. But your original set of speakers (along with the Transit) would be missing the "decoder" and "receiver" part of that same diagram.


DVD Player / Mac with m-audio Transit
|
digital optical cable
|
receiver (with connections for all speakers)/digital audio decoder
|
speaker cable
|
set of speakers

The speakers in this link will accept a digital optical audio connection so you could use the m-audio Transit with them:


DVD Player / Mac with m-audio Transit
|
digital optical cable
|
receiver (with connections for all speakers)/digital audio decoder built in to subwoofer
|
speaker cable
|
set of speakers

-Doug

Well, Marat,

The difference between "PC speakers" and a "5.1 surround sound system" are sometimes only semantic ones.

But, as Mr. Laughlin points out, sometimes a 5.1 home theatre system is marketed without a Dolby decoder.

So, the powerful Yamaha system that you mention certainly is a 5.1 system that can be connected to your Mini, and appears to include the decoder. About the only significant difference that you'll notice between the two units is that the Yamaha's decoder looks more like a VCR than does the Z-5500 decoder. I suppose you could debate the quality of decoders, but the Logitech is rated well in this area.

http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/products/details/US/EN,CRID=2,CONTENTID=9486

The Logitech Z-5500 can easily qualify as a home theatre system, and includes a critical wireless remote. But, you're right, other "systems" that cost more do have an appearance that may be better in a living room (like Klipsch units).

So, appearace and price may be the key factors in your decision, as the units probably have similar performance. You'll still need a M-Audio Transit or Theatre (which isn't a decoder), though.

Someone else here just got some Z-5500s for their Mini:

matthew sullivan, "logitech z-5500", 06:03pm Sep 8, 2005 CDT

Maybe Mr. Sullivan can give you some more firsthand tips.

Peace to you,
C. Livingstone

Cool,

That Yamaha system does look pretty awesome, and for $50 more it seems an outstanding value.

Yeah, that will be all you need: the System, the Transit (it comes with USB cable), and an Optical digital cable (TosLink). And check the M-Audio website for an up-to-date driver, as there are some new ones.

I'm sure the Transit has a similar driver/preference as the M-Audio Theatre that I use. Just install it and set the "Current Set" to "Digital" instead of the other numerous speaker settings.

Then set the Apple DVD Player preference to "Digital Out- M-Audio..." And the rest of your sound adjusting can usually be done on your decoder and through iTunes.

Generally speaking, I leave my Klipsch decoder on ProLogicII, with the iTunes equalizer on the "Dance" selection. When listening to non-Dolby music via iTunes it sounds like a powerful, quasi-surround sound. But when the decoder gets a Dolby signal via a DVD, ProLogicII will automatically switch to a true Dolby 5.1 surround sound decoding, which will probably be indicated on your decoder by an LED or some other method.

Please let us all hear how you like your set-up.

Peace to you,
C. Livingstone

The Transit's drivers should include a System Preferences preference pane that allows you to configure the type of speaker system you'll have hooked up (my Sonica USB device looks almost identical to the Transit, but it's the previous generation and it has this kind of software). It also gives you options for things like a "faux surround sound" effect when playing non 5.1 audio (like iTunes).

-Doug

Yeah,

The M-Audio Transit seems the the more sensible choice for someone with a digital 5.1 system, since it has the Optical (TosLink) digital. But, again, the Theatre will give you digital output via Coaxial.

I think the only reason for the Sonica Theatre is for those who have an analog 5.1 or 7.1 system, since it includes the four mini plug inputs and the driver to go with it. But, thankfully, it does include digital, too, via Coax (RCA). Strangely, there is a Griffin product called Firewave, which is Firewire, not USB, but only outputs to analog.

As an added feature, I believe your Yamaha system can add two additional speakers, at a later time, to make it a 7.1 system without the need for the Sonica Theatre.

So, the Transit may give a tad better sound via the TosLink cable, and also let you keep the $30. You shouldn't need any "faux surround" adjusting via the M-Audio panel, once you've designated the "Digital" as your "Current Set", and then your decoder will give the "faux" treatment via ProLogicII and manual adjustments on the unit or through the remote, and you'll still be able to adjust through the iTunes equalizer, as well. The Transit will basically function as a pass-through. But, as Doug mentions, you can also use one of many "Speaker Sets" or "Custom Sets" via the M-Audio panel, but true Dolby encoded sound won't be deconed until you return to the "Digital" as a "Speaker Set", at least that's how it goes on the recent Theatre driver, as it's probably the same on the Transit. I've even decided to get a Transit myself, just to satisfy my curiosity.

You will undoubtedly soon have a great home surround-sound system, and that satellite radio sounds cool, too. But the Mac Mini is not known to have strong video output in some cases. So, do you have a proven strategy for the viewing part of DVDs through your Mini? Or, will you also use a DVD player somehow?

Peace to you,
C. Livingstone