Rob,
I have no plans to build MDAC2's beyond the PFM sponsored units - after investing so much of my life into the technology behind the design I really want to move into other pastures once these designs have been completed.
The MDAC2 / FDAC designs are too complex and required highly specialized equipment for setup / calibration so they are not production ready designs, each unit will be built and tested by myself so you can understand I will want to build as least as possible!
So my plan is that I will only build the PFM development sponsored units - although we will be happy to move these positions onto other interested party's (at the sponsors request) - but the numbers will be limited.
Once I've worked though the MDAC2 / FDAC / VFET's then I MIGHT build "hand build" a few top Spec FDAC's a month if there was interest - but think of a GBP6K to GBP10K price tag - this would be the real selling price of the design based on its BOM cost (Not factoring the HUGE personal investment).
The MDAC2 / FDAC are really expensive designs (based on BOM COST) - they have not been designed to a cost. This works OK when passed onto PFM members "At Cost" but the price quickly escalates when sold with normal margins.
I will clarify the MDAC2 / FDAC features and roadmap ONCE the design is completed. FDAC will offer everything promised - and MORE (including ADC / RIAA option) - only the internal DSP option will NOT be offered but instead we will offer modified MiniDSP box's retrofitted with an internal interface to connect "optimally" with the MDAC2 / FDAC. (MDAC2 has to be optioned with the external DSP interface).
The ADC RIAA is only available in the FDAC as there is no space within the MDAC2 for the extra PCB (the Digital section is now mounted above the analogue PCB) ... the audio Transformers eat up a significant part of the internal volume. Its such a tight squeeze that the transformer vendor has to machine the top of the transformer plastic bobbins removing material to allow them to fit within the internal height available.
Rob,
I have no plans to build MDAC2's beyond the PFM sponsored units - after investing so much of my life into the technology behind the design I really want to move into other pastures once these designs have been completed.
The MDAC2 / FDAC designs are too complex and required highly specialized equipment for setup / calibration so they are not production ready designs, each unit will be built and tested by myself so you can understand I will want to build as least as possible!
So my plan is that I will only build the PFM development sponsored units - although we will be happy to move these positions onto other interested party's (at the sponsors request) - but the numbers will be limited.
Once I've worked though the MDAC2 / FDAC / VFET's then I MIGHT build "hand build" a few top Spec FDAC's a month if there was interest - but think of a GBP6K to GBP10K price tag - this would be the real selling price of the design based on its BOM cost (Not factoring the HUGE personal investment).
The MDAC2 / FDAC are really expensive designs (based on BOM COST) - they have not been designed to a cost. This works OK when passed onto PFM members "At Cost" but the price quickly escalates when sold with normal margins.
I will clarify the MDAC2 / FDAC features and roadmap ONCE the design is completed. FDAC will offer everything promised - and MORE (including ADC / RIAA option) - only the internal DSP option will NOT be offered but instead we will offer modified MiniDSP box's retrofitted with an internal interface to connect "optimally" with the MDAC2 / FDAC. (MDAC2 has to be optioned with the external DSP interface).
The ADC RIAA is only available in the FDAC as there is no space within the MDAC2 for the extra PCB (the Digital section is now mounted above the analogue PCB) ... the audio Transformers eat up a significant part of the internal volume. Its such a tight squeeze that the transformer vendor has to machine the top of the transformer plastic bobbins removing material to allow them to fit within the internal height available.
Hallo JohnIts a very big question to ask ATM - one that I'm REALLY not in a position to answer as for so many items (such machined from and rear panels) I haven't even asked for quotation.....
but for the basic MDAC2 you will be looking at around GBP600 to GBP1000 on top of the development sponsorship.
but for the basic MDAC2 you will be looking at around GBP600 to GBP1000 on top of the development sponsorship.
So basically...Using the old MDAC as a donor, for the front and back panels, display, and board to make it the MDAC 2 spec, it's likely to be over £1000? Is that correct?
So if you add the development money on top and the £400 donor dac, that's around £1800 in total at my estimate.
Yes that’s the figure I’ve come to... £400 donor + £350 L3 dev costs + £1000 final lump
Hallo John
If we're going to look at the glass ball.
Could you tell us which modules could all come into one FDAC. What dependencies could arise?
As keyword from my point of view CD-drive, the DETOX and a tube stage are mentioned.
;-)
Thats fine for me ;-)Fred,
The FDAC level PCB build will include the Tube Stage, Advanced Clock options 1 & II (Advanced Detox is included in Advanced Clock I)
...
John, are the transformers on the new board, are they output transformers, or are they what is going to power the new Dac?
You should just try and keep it simple for yourself! Why make a whole raft of different specs.
ie...
1. MDAC 2 Pack, board, display, panels, done.
2. All singing all dancing FDAC with tubes/chassis etc.
Thats fine for me ;-)
Then I can already say that I don't need the external DETOX. For which I wouldn't have any use at the moment anyway.
Perhaps it is alloved to move the allready paid development costs to the final FDAC build?