DAC Preamp wish list

[Gieseler Audio 1,892]

The next product I am about to release is basically the current Klein II DAC combined with the new preamp.

It will be in a much bigger case with a totally new front panel design - definitely no toggle switches!

I am currently designing & laying out the PCB so I'm in a position to add or extend the feature list.

 

So far I have 

Three digital inputs

USB

Coax

Optical

+

1 x analogue input - RCAs

 

Outputs

1 x RCA

1 x Balanced XLR,s

 

Options I'm thinking about

extra analogue inputs

extra digital inputs

HT bypass

Dual RCA outputs (for sub bi-amp ect)

 

I'm open to suggestion on this but  as my case is 300 mm wide there is a limit on the number of sockets I can fit on the back panel

Currently only one row of sockets  but a second row is not out of question just means adding a daughter board.

Fire away!

PS heading out now for a farewell party so I won't be able to respond till late or maybe tomorrow depending on how late it finishes (or how much I drink)

Edited May 27, 2016 by Gieseler Audio

[~Spyne~ 1,107]

2x USB inputs

HT bypass for sure

black

[rastus 226]

...definitely no toggle switches!

 

Reeally... I do like them. So, Batman LED depress type, no go on them either? Prefer the toggle switch anyway.... but, put on the back panel. This is how it all starts ya know, first the toggle switch goes, then there's an LED here, and then one there, and before ya know it... we are all plugged into the Matrix, and it's digital all the way.

[Jventer 1,600]

HT bypass I think is valuable.

[woadl 109]

My wish list is the digital inputs listed

Three analogue inputs

One variable output and one fixed output for tape

[Addicted to music 6,196]

Make the digital and analog PCB separate including the USB so they are all modular that will accomodate at will for any upgrades.

Have at least a manual volume control dial on the front panel, this doesn't mean to have a rotary pot that's motor driven, on the $6k preamp I have it's not motor driven but can be controlled via inferred remote or altered via turning the dial that is basically a optical encoder. The added volume control is there incase your remote fails to work or the battery are dead!

XLR input/output is a must.

[paulk 49]

Hi Clay,

I am looking forward to the release of this new bad boy.

I've had one of your Klein SE dac's for quite a while now and have been extremely happy with it's performance sound wise and it's reliability.

It replaced a DEQX Premate in my system, which of course is a superb pre/dac but felt I didn't utilize it properly as I didn't use any of its speaker and room correction capabilities. So most of it's abilities were wasted.

Anyway I've never felt short changed with the Klein in my system. Obviously this new dac/pre is something I'm very interested in.

The basic input/outputs look great.

My wish list on top of what you've already mentioned: home theater through put

dual rca outs as I run subwoofers

Will the display show signal input to the dac and volume level? These would be the other inclusions I would like.

Really looking forward to it's release.

Regards,

Paul

[Gieseler Audio 1,892]

Hi Paul,

good to hear from you.

I have found a nice oled screen so yes to your question regarding the display showing input & volume level.

It will also display sample rate, mute & a few other things.

Edited May 30, 2016 by Gieseler Audio

[paulk 49]

Thanks Clay.

Looks awesome.

Once again really looking forward to this. 

[Jventer 1,600]

Make the digital and analog PCB separate including the USB so they are all modular that will accomodate at will for any upgrades.

Have at least a manual volume control dial on the front panel, this doesn't mean to have a rotary pot that's motor driven, on the $6k preamp I have it's not motor driven but can be controlled via inferred remote or altered via turning the dial that is basically a optical encoder. The added volume control is there incase your remote fails to work or the battery are dead!

 

I especially like the suggestion of a modular approach. Should assist with future upgrades etc.

I have not previously thought about the manual volume control, maybe it is a good idea because sometime syou dont have the remote or you wish to do it manually, or alternatively if it is the "normal" type of Philips remote control codes one can always use another remote.