Phil, 
Is it possible to post the pic here, so we can all have a look? aa
James sent the file of the prototype player to my friend.  I sent it to one other friend (who has an SP1.7, a 9BSST and currently a Sony XA-9000ES source) who I became friendly with when my friend worked at the high end shop and met him doing his delivery/install.  As it is a of James' origination and a prototype at this point, I feel obligated to let him make the call on a public posting of the picture.  If your E-Mail was not hidden, I would send it to you with a note to that effect and let you make the call.  I'm a big fan of Bryston products and customer treatment (I've owned their stuff in the past and switched to others things and now have an SP 1.7, a 14BSST and a 6BSST and learned 1st hand of the value of quality merchandise and support) and want to treat them with the same respect they show us.  When I have had a question, I have gotten prompt answers from James or those he referred to Chris.  Doing deliveries/installs over a 5 yr. period with my friend, I have seen Bryston go above and beyond for their customers.  Like all of you, I wish their products would get to the market stage faster (e.g. HDMI on the SP2/SP1.7) but appreciate the care they take in quality control.  I've spent big bucks and seen 1st hand of things rushed to market and to put it politely - not the greatest customer service and support (e.g. PMDT - need I say more?

).