Perhaps I missed it, but are the modules user installable? Or would the LIO need to be shipped back? Or does the answer change depending on the specific module?
(In my case, I'm curious about a user-install of the still-on-the-drawing-board DC power-out module that could run a digital streamer, ala a Squeezebox Touch.)
Thanks!
Hi brj,
The modules are user installable. The idea here is that you would NOT need to ever send LIO back for added features or upgrades. We would send the module to YOU, and you get 30 days (return policy) to make sure you are 100% happy with it. If not, send it back (again, no need to send your LIO back).
In the next month or so, I'll be posting videos that show how easy the process is. With thumbscrews, you don't even need a screwdriver.
There is no need to purchase more modules at the beginning, as you can buy them later and the price per module does not change if you buy now, or later. So you don't need to make those decisions until you are ready. Start out with what you are interested in and what your budget allows for. See how you like the LIO - the sound, the built quality, the level of customer support, etc. Then you can later decide to try adding in more features that you might need, or upgrades that come out later on.
Let's make up some example scenarios --- You are interested in a LIO configured as an integrated amp. You already have a dac. You might later want to get a turntable. You connect your dac to the LIO via the analog inputs. Whenever you want, you can try the LIO DSD/PCM dac module. You plug it in and compare to what you have. You have 30 days to decide if you want to return it for a full refund, or keep it and put your dac up for sale. Then let's say a few months from then, you start researching turntables and find the one for you. At that point, you can buy the LIO Phonostage module (and perhaps one from another company with a refund policy, so you can compare them over 30 days). Same thing - keep the one that you like better, return the other. Later on, you family grows and you have a newborn. It's harder to play music in the home when the baby is trying to sleep. You get into headphone listening and need a headphone amplifier. You simply add the LIO Headphone Amplifier module and you are ready to go!
The beauty of LIO is how it eliminate components at you populate it, it also eliminates interconnects, the need for any power conditioning / power cables / dedicated mains, and internally, the signal paths between modules are optimized to be short as possible. When you add modules, we don't have to duplicate another enclosure with another user interface, power supply, remote, etc. - so you don't have to pay all the added cost for that. And shipping you the module that you decide to add later is also going to be much easier (smaller package, less weight, much less concern about damage, much lower cost to ship).
Over time when the next generation modules come out, you do NOT have to send LIO back for upgrade if you are interested in trying it. So now you can actually try the upgrade and decide for yourself if it is worth the cost (30-day refund policy). In the past, you had to send in your component to me for upgrade. You had to pack up your component, ship it, insure it, wait a few weeks for it to come back, etc. Not anymore! With LIO - we send you the upgrade and you are not without your music. You install it in minutes - without even a screwdriver needed. And since I don't have to take your component apart to upgrade it - you don't have to pay all the extra labor expense. You just buy the module - done!
Let's say something happens. A module gets damaged (e.g. the amp was accidentally shorted and blew a channel). We send YOU the replacement and you repair it very quickly, and then send back the damaged one. You don't have to send the unit in for repair.
Hopefully, everyone is starting to get the idea!
Let me wrap this up by saying that these scenarios came easy to me whip up because in the last 10 years of running Red Wine Audio (and I cannot believe it has been 10 years already!!!
), these are EXACTLY what I have seen numerous times. And I have to confess that it was not really me who really came up with the idea behind LIO -
it was many of YOU. Over the years of posting here on audiocircle, emails, phone calls, talking to you at the audio shows - I have been doing my best to listen and understand how to do things better and better. This is why I am very thankful for all of you - your business, your support and believing in me, your feedback, your enthusiasm! It pushes me to improve and make product that not only sounds better and better, but also delivers better functionality, better build quality, better reliability, and a better overall experience for the listener. And it's been both a lot hard work and a lot of fun along the way. So here's to another 10 years of working with you!
Thank you,
Vinnie
