Ahhh...Interesting. So it sounds like you are describing TWO new products here...upgrades for the P-8, and describing the P-9 as something new altogether. As a senior product marketing executive myself, let me explain: If the P-9 is entirely different from all existing Ref products, then it should probably be named something different, starting with a number other than 9. P-9 would imply to most that it is a product that goes with the Ref 9, and it would further suggest that the P-8 is made to match your Ref 8 series amps. Naming is very important to consider very carefully, it directly affects sales and revenues.
I've been responsible for product branding and positioning projects that have swung revenue by as much as $10m (in the positive direction thankfully) but I've seen product naming swing it even further in the negative direction at other companies (e.g. certain Microsoft products)
I'm excited about the P-9, don't get me wrong! However, in my multi-million dollar home, I still much prefer a clean well thought through industrial design consistency across my audiophile products, and particularly those components that come from the same "line" and same company. [ That's why you'll never see Avantgarde's in my minimalist modern living space. Not to say I'd compromise sound quality for looks. Quite the contrary. That precious real estate in my home is reserved for Zu's ]
A company's unique industrial design often becomes your brand. This is true of many successful hi-fi and tech companies, as well as almost any product business. Form doesn't follow function in great products, it becomes an integral component to achieving the best functionality and performance, and thus the best product. Rock on Nuforce. Lovin' my 9.02's (and my P-8!) beyond measure.
