[Vinnie R.]

I’d like to take the time to provide all of you with Red Wine Audio updates  aa:


1) The Signature 30 – These are getting VERY popular and I am heavily backlogged with orders.     My current lead time is approximately 5 to 6 weeks from when I receive an order.  Once I receive an order it is added to a build schedule (a first-in, first-out queue).   I really appreciate all your patience waiting for your Signature 30 to be built and shipped out, and I am truly confident that you will find the Signature 30 to be well worth your wait. 

Also, I am in the process of switching to a different enclosure manufacturer.  The look will not change but hopefully I will receive them faster.  I am also stocking up on parts (especially the ones I order from Europe) so I’ll have enough in stock in the event of long lead times from all the various manufacturers. 


2) The Signature 3S (Source Select Switch) – This is still in the works and is definitely going to happen soon enough.  As with the Signature 30 am in the process of switching to a different enclosure manufacturer.  This has been the main cause of delay.  I anticipate that the Signature 3S will be ready in October 2006.  Here are the final details:

-- Matching enclosure and machined aluminum knob as the Signature 30, but will have “Signature 3S” laser engraved instead of “Signature 30,” and the rear panel will have Vampire RCA jacks (as the Signature 30s now have) for the inputs and outputs.  No LED on the front because this is an entirely passive switch….very simple, very clean.

-- There will be 4 inputs and 1 output

-- The input select switch used will be the DACT CT3: http://www.dact.com/html/input_selectors.html

-- Same internal wiring as the Signature 30 -- solid-core, OCC processed copper with mono-crystal design and hybrid (PVC/Teflon, Nylon) jacket.

-- The price will be $399.00.


3) The Signature Monoblocks – After the Signature 3S, this will be the next new product offering.  They will probably be named the Signature 70 Monoblocks.  Here are some details:

-- Same enclosure as the Signature 30, but the rear panel will be configured for only one channel.

-- The custom Signature 30 board will be modified to set the TK2051 chipset to “bridged mode”…doubling the max output current sourcing capability.  Into a 4-ohm load, this will provide a very clean 70 to 75 watts.

-- Same internal parts, wiring, batteries, 24-hour play time, charger, etc. as the Signature 30.  A DACT CT-2 Mono attenuator will be used instead of the stereo version.

-- I am aiming to have these available for the Fall 2006.  I will post about
pre-ordering approx 1 month before they are ready for production.  Pricing TBD.


4) A New RWA Website on the way – Finally!  I have hired a professional web designer to completely redesign the RWA web site.  This is long overdue and I am really looking forward to having this done.  Not only that, but this web designer will also be the web master who will be in charge of maintaining the site and adding updates.  I just don’t have the time keep up with my website and I decided that it makes more sense to hire a professional for this.  Expect the new website to be up and running sometime next month!   


5) Product Pruning – I have decided that along with the new website, I will be removing some products and mods from the line-up.     I need to do so in order to speed up the lead-time of the new Signature series, and to continue to offer excellent customer service.  At this time I cannot give details about which products and mods will be discontinued, but here are the “core products” that will definitely be staying for a while:

-- Signature 30
-- Signature 3S (coming soon)
-- Signature Monoblocks (coming soon)

-- Olive Symphony and Musica modifications


6) Olive Modifications – These are also really getting popular and I am backlogged with Olive mods.  My current lead time is approx 5 weeks from when I receive an order and the Olive unit to be modded.  I am only offering modifications to the Symphony and Musica units…NOT the Opus. 
 
Larry Borden of www.dagogo.com is currently reviewing a RWA modded Olive Musica.  He is using it as a transport and told me that he LOVES it!  He already purchased it and has it up against an expensive belt-drive CD transport.  This review will be out in Sept./Oct. and should be a good read!  Also, Jeff Day of 6moons will also be commenting on his experience with a RWA modded Olive Musica in his new “Music Lovers” review series. 


7) New battery charger for overseas customers – Finally!  I have stocked up on a 12V, 1000mA SLA auto-charger that can be used anywhere in the world.  It accepts an input voltage range of 100 to 240Vac, 50/60Hz.  The ac mains input jack is a “Figure 8” type, so one just needs to connect a cable with a Figure 8 plug on one end and the appropriate AC plug for their mains outlet.  It comes with a 6-foot cord on the output side with the correct dc plug used for all Red Wine Audio battery powered products/mods.  This charger is an option for overseas customers who don’t want to search around for an appropriate charger.  It sells for $50.00.
For those who want to search around, here is a link for some suggestions:
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=28927.0
 

8 ) Emails   – I have been receiving A LOT of emails these past couple of month and I am trying my best to answer them all in a timely fashion (within 1 to 2 days).  I prefer if people use email (vinnie@redwineaudio.com) instead of PM’ing me through audiocircle.  It makes it easier for me if all my emails are in one spot.  Thanks.


9) Baby on the way! – If you haven’t heard the latest news, I posted this a few weeks ago: http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=30047.0

If I think things are busy (and a little overwhelming) now, I’m sure that is only going to me multiplied soon enough.    These are really busy and exciting times!  Well, I can use some extra help around here… 


10) Thank you! – I want to thank you all for the following (in no particular order, and it isn’t even Thanksgiving yet!  ):

-- For taking the time to read these updates
-- For all your patience and continued support
-- For all your posts on this forum, and all your feedback
-- For all the newbies who have decided to join Audiocircle and who post and participate in the fun and learning process here on the RWA forum
-- For all your interest in Red Wine Audio products
-- For all your love, passion, and respect for this hobby! 

Best regards,

Vinnie

[Loftprojection]

Hey Vinnie, if all businesses were communicating like you are, I think a lot would find renewed satisfaction in their customer base.  There is nothing like good communication and honesty, you fit the bill on both!  Thanks for the update.

[eric the red]

So I guess it goes without saying that you are dropping the mods for the Sharp SD-EX111 

[Zero]

edit; coolness!

[geofstro]

Vinnie,

Thanks for the updates. I'm really glad to hear the Sig 70's are for real. I'll be holding out for these, rather than ordering a Sig 30 now, since I have A.Gallo Ref 3's and I think they will benefit from the extra power in my room.

Bon courage!

Geoff

[JLM]

I noticed that there is no longer an active link and no page for the Squeeze Box mods.  Can we assume that RWA is no longer doing these?  Will there still be technical support for them?

[Wind Chaser]

As long as Vinnie has life and breath, I think it's safe to say he'll always offer technical support on any of his products. 

[studley]

Vinnie

Have you thought about offering as an option a (cheaper) variant of the forthcoming monoblocks which would not include the volume controls; in other words offer them as straight power amps.   I'm sure I would not be the only potential customer who would prefer this option.    Whaddya think?

[Vinnie R.]

Hi Guys...

JLM,

Correct, RWA is no longer offering mods for the Squeezeboxes.  Yes, I WILL continue to support them (along with any other RWA product that becomes discontinued).

Here is the new product line-up for the next few months, which will be on my new website (coming very soon):

-- Signature 30
-- Signature 3S
-- Signature 70 Monoblocks
-- Olive Symphony and Musica (modifications)
-- iMod

Everything else will be on the discontinued list...


Hi Wind Chaser,

This is very true and thanks for believing in me! 


Hi Studley,

The new Signature 70 Monoblocks will only be offered with the DACT CT2 mono stepped attenuator.  I want this so my customers have the ability to set the gain of the amps (to best match their active preamp's gain in order to get the most useable range of volume control out of the preamp), and for those who don't want to add a preamp into the signal path, I want them to be able to control the volume.  Lastly, the DACT actually plays a role in the sound that I have worked hard to obtain. 

Thanks for your posts!

Vinnie