I agree and noticed that it wasn't mentioned whether it uses the dual-mono volume circuit that was the main feature of the KK/1. He didn't say which KK it has the same volume control as.lejonklou wrote:To me, this sounds like a statement you can interpret any way you choose. My guess is that he refers to the analogue volume chip being the same in KDSM as in KK/1. The same chip is also used in Kikkin, by the way.ThomasOK wrote:It has been stated on the Linn forum by a Linn engineer that "The analogue volume control on the Klimax DSM is the same as that used on the Klimax Kontrol."
In answer to your other comment about the interest in these units I agree that neither unit holds any interest for me personally. I love the Klimax Kontrol (just ordered a new one) and I have both an LP12 and a Pekin that I want the best possible musical quality out of.
It has been made very clear to me that the DSM units do represent a musical compromise compared to separate components. This is what you would expect as a result of incorporating all the necessary circuitry and switching to have all those inputs and combining a source piece with preamp functionality. Of course, it has always been the case that the most musical quality comes from having separate, optimized units for each function. The biggest question is how much of a compromise there is. As long as the KDSM is still a fair bit musically superior to an ADS/1 and AK/1 then it will find a certain market among those willing to give up a little musical quality for the extra functionality.
Let's face it, Linn has been asked from the very beginning why they didn't include digital inputs in the DS units so the excellent DACs and supporting circuitry could be used to improved other sources. They have always said that it would compromise the musical quality of the unit to do so. Now they have answered the call and we will be able to see how much musical quality is lost to provide these functions. Some people will love the idea of all the digital inputs and I bet they get great reviews. After all the DSMs could well be considered the Audiophile version of the music lover's DS.
My expectation is that the ADSM will do well if it is priced where I think it will be. The combination of near ADS streaming quality with near AK preamp quality in a single chassis along with all the extra digital inputs at a savings of around 30% will be very attractive to a number of customers. I can think of one customer right now who this will be the perfect fit for. As I said I have suggested this type of product for some time and I think it is well placed for the intended market. An Akurate customer is one who is willing to accept some compromise in ultimate musical quality compared to the best for a substantial reduction in price. The ADSM fits well with this type of customer.
The KDSM is the one I have a bit harder time believing it will be a good seller. Klimax customers are those willing to pay for the best so whatever loss of musical quality there is will be more important. There will still be sales to those who really want the extra inputs and are willing to give up a touch to get them and you can still connect a KDSM to a KK/1 for likely even better quality and more analog inputs. But I also suspect, if the analog volume control is close to KK quality, that the KDSM will appeal to those who are trying to forego a preamp - either to reduce box count or just to save the money. You have to admit that near KDS quality streaming with a usable preamp capability (as long as the preamp section is musically superior to an AK/1) for only an additional $2800 will be an attractive way to save money to some. But still I see it appealing to a smaller percentage of Klimax customers than the ADSM will to Akurate customers.
Those wanting the maximum musical performance will still go the separates route. And really there won't be much need for the digital inputs for most people. Why connect through coax, optical or HDMI when you can stream the majority of that stuff through your computer and direct into the DS ethernet port? I just can't believe there are that many people with BluRay players who just want high-quality stereo out of them. With the new Songcaster software it sounds like anything you can get on your computer you will be able to stream through your DS. So use your computer or get an Apple TV and skip all these other inputs.
As I mentioned previously, I really think the Songcaster functionality is the most important part of this announcement. Once people can just connect a DS to their Mac or PC and store and control everything from iTunes the DS market will be poised to explode. If, as rumored, the iTunes store starts selling 24 bit ALAC music soon the explosion will be even bigger. This could well bring high-quality streaming into the mainstream and sell a lot more DS units for Linn.