Jim wrote:
"Why do you force a person to choose which word and sampling rates are to be addressed with your components?
Why not allow for all the content from Red Book to DVD Audio to be processed by your converters clock?"
I dont understand this question. All of my components can do 44.1-192. All clocks are provided for all of these sample-rates. There are clock upgrades that you can purchase.
"Why too, not make a DAC which addresses more than merely USB?"
I dont understand this question either. My Overdrive has USB, S/PDIF coax and I2S inputs.
"due to the high level of clock tech currently on board, adding an aftermarket clock is money poorly spent." Perhaps even if it is an Empirical audio clock, huh?"
You are missing the point. The clock in the Lynx is designed to be synchronized using an external clock. These types of clocks are high-jitter by definition. Trying to CONTROL this clock to reduce jitter using an expensive external clock is futile. Using an external RECLOCKER with the Lynx is an entirely different thing however. In this case, it makes perfect sense to invest in a good low-jitter clock.
"he was able to flip his Emperical Audio device prior to a design change took place, lest he lose out dramatically more."
This was not just a design change, but a technology change. Most manufacturers made this move because it resulted in much higher perfromance. High-techology digital is disruptive, whether its cell-phones, computers or audio. Have you tried to sell an older cell-phone lately? Before you know it, the market for used iPads will dry up.
"That scenario in no small part was designed by your hand. Maybe you sent out emails to all of your previous clientele of this upcoming release .... I've no idea."
No, you don't. I offered an upgrade path for all Off-Ramp 3 owners to go to Off-Ramp 4. Much of the Off-Ramp 3 is used in the Off-Ramp 4. Only the USB module is upgraded. I try to make all of my products modular so they can be upgraded to the latest technologies at lower cost to my customers. Rather than buying a new Off-Ramp 4 at $799.00, the customer could upgrade from 3-4 for $350.00. I feel that this is good service. Show me another company that does this.
"It’ll take in home auditions. First hand trials. Trials of run in kit…"
I already offer this:
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=96058.0
Like many of your other comments, you are making incorrect assumptions about this. You should do a little reading first to see what the real story is.
"Steve… what is your input here for a great sounding desktop system that won’t break the bank… as the thread requests… ???"
Okay, this I can provide:
Wired for Sound DAC2 - $1500.00
Off-Ramp 4 with Turboclock - $1499.00
total under $3K
The Off-Ramp 4/Turboclock replaces the USB input on the W4S and makes this a world-class DAC. Maybe you can even get the W4S DAC2 on Audiogon used for less.
For $4K you can have an Overdrive DAC with the same USB interface built-in and a world-class volume control. You can and will sell your preamp, and you dont need expensive power cables either. The cost saving on the preamp and power cord is at least $1K. The volume control has been compared to $10K+ preamps.
Steve N.
Empirical Audio
"Why do you force a person to choose which word and sampling rates are to be addressed with your components?
Why not allow for all the content from Red Book to DVD Audio to be processed by your converters clock?"
I dont understand this question. All of my components can do 44.1-192. All clocks are provided for all of these sample-rates. There are clock upgrades that you can purchase.
"Why too, not make a DAC which addresses more than merely USB?"
I dont understand this question either. My Overdrive has USB, S/PDIF coax and I2S inputs.
"due to the high level of clock tech currently on board, adding an aftermarket clock is money poorly spent." Perhaps even if it is an Empirical audio clock, huh?"
You are missing the point. The clock in the Lynx is designed to be synchronized using an external clock. These types of clocks are high-jitter by definition. Trying to CONTROL this clock to reduce jitter using an expensive external clock is futile. Using an external RECLOCKER with the Lynx is an entirely different thing however. In this case, it makes perfect sense to invest in a good low-jitter clock.
"he was able to flip his Emperical Audio device prior to a design change took place, lest he lose out dramatically more."
This was not just a design change, but a technology change. Most manufacturers made this move because it resulted in much higher perfromance. High-techology digital is disruptive, whether its cell-phones, computers or audio. Have you tried to sell an older cell-phone lately? Before you know it, the market for used iPads will dry up.
"That scenario in no small part was designed by your hand. Maybe you sent out emails to all of your previous clientele of this upcoming release .... I've no idea."
No, you don't. I offered an upgrade path for all Off-Ramp 3 owners to go to Off-Ramp 4. Much of the Off-Ramp 3 is used in the Off-Ramp 4. Only the USB module is upgraded. I try to make all of my products modular so they can be upgraded to the latest technologies at lower cost to my customers. Rather than buying a new Off-Ramp 4 at $799.00, the customer could upgrade from 3-4 for $350.00. I feel that this is good service. Show me another company that does this.
"It’ll take in home auditions. First hand trials. Trials of run in kit…"
I already offer this:
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=96058.0
Like many of your other comments, you are making incorrect assumptions about this. You should do a little reading first to see what the real story is.
"Steve… what is your input here for a great sounding desktop system that won’t break the bank… as the thread requests… ???"
Okay, this I can provide:
Wired for Sound DAC2 - $1500.00
Off-Ramp 4 with Turboclock - $1499.00
total under $3K
The Off-Ramp 4/Turboclock replaces the USB input on the W4S and makes this a world-class DAC. Maybe you can even get the W4S DAC2 on Audiogon used for less.
For $4K you can have an Overdrive DAC with the same USB interface built-in and a world-class volume control. You can and will sell your preamp, and you dont need expensive power cables either. The cost saving on the preamp and power cord is at least $1K. The volume control has been compared to $10K+ preamps.
Steve N.
Empirical Audio