SACD Player w/Tube output & Bal out

Very interesting CDP...looking forward to Mike's update. Are there any reviews on this player?

No reviews I have seen yet. The Tech guy Jay uses is quite impressed with it and I trust his judgement and credentials. The price can't be beat, really. MIke: yes, the tube shields will trap heat, not sink it really. They are more like insulators/chimneys. The idea is sound to some degree (opinions vary), but the effective coolers are types like the finned ones, I think Bill Pearl makes them. There's some studies (done by military IIRC) out on the web that basically prove the problem with the metal shields, scientifically. Personally I dont' think RFI would be an issue in this player. (at least as far as tubes go). Physical damage would be a non issue as long as the tubes stay in the socket - they are surprisingly rugged. I've dropped 9-pin minis on a hard surface from over 3 feet before and they were fine (unintentionally!).

After CES/THE show I will try to make a point to audition one in-home sometime soon.

-Ed

hmmmm...really interested now. Once I get my preamp chosen and purchased, I'm going to spring for one these. (Current preamp is a digital processor)