Hi, still have not finalized price for the DAC upgrade, but expect it will be in the $1K range.
I am expecting the DAC boards next week and can start proto-typing the entire project at that time. We have the design of the digital input receiver/clock/microprocessor complete and boards in hand, with assembly to be completed over the next two weeks. I have two complete input boards on hand for prototyping while we wait for the rest to be assembled.
I can tell you all the following about the upgrade:
DAC: Burr Brown PCM1794, current output type, from same family as used in the Sony XA-5400ES, but of higher grade. 24-bit and fully capable of 24/192 input.
Formats available: For KWI 200 and LS 100 upgrades = RCA and USB (24/192 'asynch').
Standalone DAC: RCA, AES/EBU(XLR), USB and optical.
DAC upgrades for LS 100 and KWI 200 will include the digital input receiver board and DAC daughter board, as well as the USB board. The internal power supplies and analog stages of the integrated and preamp will complete the design.
The standalone design will be tube-based (one option at least), with an even MORE sophisticated all-tube power supply that I am working on right now. I intend for the DAC to be two separate boxes, approximately the same size as our outboard PS 9.0 power supply = 8"Wx10"Dx4"H. They will thus both fit on a single shelf or on separate shelves, over/under. The power supply however, will be completely separate from the DAC and analog stage.
I may also design a simpler one-box design at a lower cost, perhaps with SS analog stage.
I plan to have AT LEAST the DAC upgrades in use at CES, for the KWI 200 and LS 100. I would LIKE to have a prototype of the external DAC, but we will see.
I have several projects underway right now and am in heavy design mode, as my team works overtime, building the KWI 200's and our other mf'd. products and my lead mod tech continues to have a backlog of mods scheduled.
Thanks!
Dan