Decisions regarding the cost effectiveness on offering a true full differential system will hinge upon what DAC chip set we finalize on in the near future.
The issues are simply one of value. It will cost nearly twice as much to provide independent four channel electronics from input to output of the system. The advantage is that all common mode distortion cancels. This is useful if, and only if, there is enough residule distortion in the basic stereo circuits to make a significantly audible musical performance when that distortion is canceled. With our first generation differential system shown at AKFEST a year ago, the system seemed to offer real merit. However, since then the new Insight circuits and improvements to the hybrid units too have reduced the basic distortion to a point that differential operation does not have much remaining distortion to cancel. My judgment right now is that the concept will no longer be cost effective. However, we still might offer the function for those that just have to have the best we can do, regardless of a much higher price.
Regards,
Frank Van Alstine
