Typhorn

Dear Ted, Just to mention, the AURENDER (I have the S10 model) has also streaming capabilities: for example online music streaming with the mandatory iPad through Airplay or stored music streaming from a computer over Lan and iTunes. I currently listen to my system that way because of a hardly acceptable iOS 8 compatibility issue. This incident not yet solved by Aurender and Apple highlights a new type of problem that a non-specialist user can encounter due to an imposed reliance on external providers. I am keen to read your experience and opinion about such side-effects in the parts of your article to come.

Chris, Future of HiFi is here mainly future of music. Future of HiFi gear is the second part of the puzzle, about which I will be happy to have your highly respected opinion (I had not the courage to read in detail all the numerous former posts of this very long thread, so sorry when I am redundant). By the way a complete dematerialization will impact severely manufacturers - magic of the product and smart marketing saved the vinyl but it will be certainly more difficult for digital pancakes Elarging my comment about your on-going review of the integrated DEVIALET 400 monos (I posted on the BA RS DAC thread), I observe that a lot of innovative solutions/devices are developped by HiFi forerunners but with a different level of maturity however. Fo non-specialists, at least, it generates many questions when you want to buy for the first time/upgrade HiFi gear. What is the (technical) real value/durability of those innovations, for which profile, use and budget, is it a true improvement and smart buy? As an example, one of the most innovative product I notice during 2014 on the mid and upper segment of HiFi market is the all-in one well named German made "AKTIV-BOX AVANTGARDE ACOUSTIC ZERO 1 PRO". This product is already acclaimed in lot of reviews... in Germany. A fully independent analysis will help to know when it (and some other declared revolutionary technics and devices) can actually sustain/announce the future of HiFi also.

Hi Chris, A the moment, CDs constitute obviously the vast majority of available soundtracks and streaming in CD quality fits with most of the internet providers offers worldwide. It is clearly a mass market. Furthermore, just have a look on the Chris' review about the new BA RS DAC and you will maybe have a different opinion about the Redbooks...far from being dead. For the future, we can imagine that while 4K and 8k TV streaming will be largely available, pure music offer will also evolve towards HD/VHD.

Chris, As you open the door for out of main topic posts, I cannot refrain... Not only to say I am very interested in reading your conclusions to come. While you are being testing these skilled "full-services" integrated devices, on top of the cream, with an external as internal design (near...) to dye for, may I suggest you to pair them with the LEEDH V2 - 2+1 loudspeakers system and cables that also I am sure will make a tremendous job with the BA RS. Let's hope you will use hyperlatives PS: I have no stake or relationship with any of these manufacturers.

I bought a TAD DA-1000 DAC some weeks ago but considering the enthusiastic review of Chris, I could wonder when it was not throwing money away even when I am very impressed by the TAD's performance also on 16/44.1! Indeed DACs are likely the most frustrating matter for HiFi amateurs as every day comes with a new killer model in every segment of the market. I add to the list of the models mentioned in some precedent posts: NAGRA HD DAC, Soulution Audio 560 DAC Gryphon Kalliope... In any case, the difficulty is to test all these models at home, which is the logical way before deciding such an investment... Even so, any choice bears risk and except being very rich or a HiFi reviewer, the best solution would be to stop reading anything about DACs for a moment not to be mentally depressive Beyond this general consideration, I am interested like other readers to have the opinion/advice of Chris about a direct connexion between the DAC and the final Amplifier. I use such a direct link and improved with no doubt the final result (but had a modest preamp). The last point relates to the decision not to implement any USB HD input on the BA due to noises it would circulate or create. I observe the fact that USB outputs are present not only on computers but also on music servers that limit noise (near to zero for the best performers). Furthermore USB cables are for some now very well performing. 1 week ago I would not have been so skeptical since I found out a jewel. I was really disappointed with the new WIREWORLD PLATINUM cable (the same that the one used by Chris in this review) plugged into my AURENDER (S 10) and the TAD DAC. A veil remained (more) perceptible when compared with the coaxial cable. Fortunately my HiFi vendor informed me on the new Absolue Créations USB-TIM cable and offered me to test it. With my system, it sounds great, indeed better than with the coax. Transparency is at least equal (no more veil) and low frequencies are just magnified. I did not unplug this new ecstatic cable No frustration either as I paid only the difference!