Gieseler Audio 1,562 Sponsor Posted May 27, 2016 (edited) 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 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
~Spyne~ 1,085 Posted May 27, 2016 2x USB inputs HT bypass for sure black 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rastus 226 Posted May 27, 2016 ...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. 0 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jventer 1,496 Posted May 27, 2016 HT bypass I think is valuable. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
woadl 104 Posted May 27, 2016 My wish list is the digital inputs listed Three analogue inputs One variable output and one fixed output for tape 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Addicted to music 5,722 Posted May 28, 2016 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. 0 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
paulk 46 Posted May 30, 2016 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 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gieseler Audio 1,562 Sponsor Posted May 30, 2016 (edited) 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 5 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
paulk 46 Posted May 30, 2016 Thanks Clay. Looks awesome. Once again really looking forward to this. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jventer 1,496 Posted May 30, 2016 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. 0 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gieseler Audio 1,562 Sponsor Posted May 30, 2016 Yes the manual knob sounds like a good idea - I will look into it. I'm not sure about the modular approach but I can look at that as well. As it happens we were using the normal Philips codes. 0 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sjay 435 Posted May 30, 2016 (edited) . Edited June 1, 2016 by sjay 0 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jventer 1,496 Posted May 30, 2016 Bladeluis Embla. Looks like a very nice product. Think Clay is aiming at something a bit more affordable 0 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
~Spyne~ 1,085 Posted May 30, 2016 DAC Preamp wish list: To be in my system now 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
~Spyne~ 1,085 Posted June 13, 2016 Any estimate on a release yet, Clay? 0 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gieseler Audio 1,562 Sponsor Posted June 13, 2016 It is getting very close now. I have found a good case & I'm just trying a few front panel ideas out. Balanced output is all sorted too & sounding excellent. I should have an ETA in about seven to ten days. Just need to check a few more things out first. Rough final spec is; Digital in; USB, Coax & optical. Analogue in; 3. X RCA with one switchable to HT bypass. Dual RCA outputs + Balanced. Case std 400 mm width X 50 mm high. Silver or black case with 5mm or 10 mm black acrylic front panel - possible rear text LED lumination. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JohnL 557 Posted June 13, 2016 (edited) No AES/EBU input? No BNC (true 75 Ohm) input? Wouldn't 2 Analog Inputs suffice? No HDMI/i2s input?..........would have made a LOT of "OPPO with de embedder" users happy!!! Understand it's probably a licence/fee issue though. Fixed and Variable Output....... Surprised no one has mentioned adjustable output voltage level/gain (attenuator pads.....jumpers.........EG....Benchmark DAC2?) CRUCIAL for optimal (and IME preferred) direct connection to power amps!!!! ( For example......My active ATC's are only 1V sensitive!!!!) Outboard DC PSU? Sticking with "PCM only" AKM? Predicted "ball park" price point?......length of Warranty?........firmware upgradeable? Thanks for requesting our input Clayton...............Just my 2c........ Edited June 13, 2016 by JohnL 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ray H 325 Posted June 13, 2016 @@Gieseler Audio Hi Clay, It would be nice to make provision for xlr input to compliment the output. Sounds like it is coming along nicely, very interested in this product. 0 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
paulk 46 Posted June 13, 2016 Sounds awesome Clay. Can't wait to see the finished product. Regards inputs/outputs, I guess you could make these the base standard model (you're obviously working towards keeping a reasonable budget/asking price) and make other requests optional, perhaps at additional cost. Any way just my thoughts. Very much looking forward to it's release. Paul 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gieseler Audio 1,562 Sponsor Posted June 13, 2016 (edited) John AES/EBU & BNC input - both good points. I don't get much call in that area but I could certainly cad the PCB appropriately & just make it a custom option. HDMI & I2S I would love to have HDMI but you are correct there are license/fee issues & I don't really want to go down that path at the moment. I2S Now I completely overlooked that & it would certainly be a useful addition. Will look into it. Fixed & variable out. It does have variable out & also a high low output level switch (just forgot to mention it) to optimise power amp matching. Fixed out is certainly handy & I already have a customer request on it so I will add that as a permanent feature. Outboard DC power supply. That starts me thinking about all those seriously expensive Naim external PSU's. I have lots of room inside the case & will be going overboard with multiple low noise supplies so I pretty happy in that area. It will be powered by a chunky external transformer so you could always upgrade that to a Haishimotto if you have money to burn. Sticking with "PCM" only "AKM" No - full DSD as well up to DSD256 & possibly a future upgrade to DSD512 Predicted ball park price - 2.5k Two year parts & labour warranty Yes - firmware upgradable. Thanks for you input John - some great suggestions. Ray Balanced XLR in. I might save that for a even higher specked version otherwise the price will start to blow out. Paulk Yes Paul totally agree with all that. Edited June 13, 2016 by Gieseler Audio 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
~Spyne~ 1,085 Posted June 14, 2016 *starts wishing people would stop asking for more features, price is starting to blow out of my reach* 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
woadl 104 Posted June 14, 2016 Hi Clay, did you manage to include Balance Control ? 0 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
~Spyne~ 1,085 Posted June 14, 2016 *shakes fist at woadl* 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
woadl 104 Posted June 14, 2016 *shakes fist at woadl* Ha Ha , should only be a Software tweak 0 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
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