Wouldn’t that be just perfect! Ahh, if it were only so. Of course in the long term skunk works we are working on DSD as I have mentioned before but we’re an awfully long way away and so no, I am not announcing anything of the sort.
However, someday sure. We wanted to make sure that if we’re building a dedicated A/D device the the NPC that it has future capabilities needed built right in. Plus, remember, this NPC will hopefully be used by people who (shudder) don’t have PS Audio DACS.
Paul McGowan said: I hope that as we progress we can eliminate the IR sensors in all our equipment and go to RF receivers so the pointing issue is gone.
This would be great. Plus, it would be nice for those who have their equipment behind a speaker, doors, etc.
sgrowan said: Which Uni do you use? I've never read about or seen any easier than the Logitech Unis and I and many others detest them.
A run of the mill, older Logitech. I find it easy to work with and extremely versatile. One merely needs to put in a small bit of effort.
However, I have little need for remotes when listening to music. Pick CD or album, place in/on appropriate machine, set volume, listen. I am not a vidiot, but if I watch a movie (rare) the process is similar: hit play, set volume, watch. I don't want a phone in the same room in any event.
If I choose to change volume, review a track, pause I have no interest in waking a phone/tablet, finding and activating the app, etc. for a simple immediate task. The current PSA remote is great: PWD, PWT and PowerPlant sensibly laid out and all on the same device. Push a single button. Done.
The Logitech is the same - program for each activity, such as "listening to CD," and everything one would require for the task is instantly accessible - even across unrelated product lines: volume of the preamp, track on the CD player, subwoofer level, DAC input choice, PowerPlant settings are all on the same screen.
Perhaps an iThing does this as well, but what I have seen is users switching through many apps - one for each unit in the system - and doing a lot of fiddling to accomplish pretty basic tasks, while enjoying the inherent throughput delays, albeit brief.
@Paul,
Please consider building in Wifi now. Even though it may take a while to get an App written, if Wifi structure is built in now, the program can be written latter.
Please consider changing impedance and gain matching via remote control for both moving coil and moving magnet as well. It makes it so much easier to match up the cartridge of your choice. It would really add some class to the Phono Stage. I owned a Levinson 32 preamp that could perform this trick. It was awesome to say the least.
Steven B-)
PS. Adding Wifi would facilitate any software updates directly from PS Audio.
PSS. Isn’t it PS Audio’s philosophy to build, “Connected High-End Home Entertainment Products”?
How can they all be connected without Ethernet and WiFi?
here i would be advocate of keeping it simple 
Hi,
The Levinson remote was simple to use and I’ve never heard a better phono stage. It got great reviews. The only reason I still don’t own it is due to the short sightedness and stupidly of Harman Kardon INC. I will never own anything that company designs or markets again.
Steven B-)
sgrowan said: The only reason I still don't own it is due to the short sightedness and stupidly of Harman Kardon INC.
What did they do that made you get rid of a product you obviously enjoyed?
maniac said: i would be advocate of keeping it simple
Generally I find a simpler, more direct product works better in both audio or otherwise. However, a remote may be useful. I suspect it is not a trivial task to add the capability however.
Generally I find a simpler, more direct product works better in both audio or otherwise. However, a remote may be useful. I suspect it is not a trivial task to add the capability however.
+1
I would think that replacing the dip switches with relays alone would be a pretty big change. It may be a pain to access the switches but, once set, it's not something I would plan to continue to play with. Changing sample rates, inputs/outputs and thinks like that might be more doable by remote but then if you're using the device to digitize another source (especially vinyl) you're likely to be standing at the equipment rack anyway.
Sounds like a great device Paul! 2k is a lot of money but on the other hand if it does a good job of digitizing my vinyl, I would save a ton of money since I would then not have to purchase “digital” versions of the same stuff I have had sitting on vinyl for years. How much fun would it be to digitize all of my old Beatle LPS etc. Talk about rediscovering your music…
Yeah, no kidding. Unlike CD ripping, however, you have to play the entire album to rip it so the process is much longer - but you can listen as you do!
I am pretty amazed at the sound quality. I have the NPC going into the PWD, the PWD at 100 on the volume, then the analog output of the PWD going into an input on the preamp. I then have the analog output of the NPC going into a second input on the preamplifier.
They are essentially gain matched when you do this. Switching between both inputs in as critical a listening situation as I can muster in Music Room number 2, there is absolutely no difference I can hear whatsoever. Amazing actually.
Elk,
When Harman took over Madrigal, ( the makers of Mark Levinson, Revel, and Proceed) they fired the president, all the engineers and product support, and then relocated the company. At that time I had a complete Levinson Reference System featuring the 30.6 DAC, the 31.5 Transport, the 32 Preamp, two pair of 436 Monoblock amps, Revel Salons, and a pair of Revel subwoofers. It was an outstanding sounding system and each piece of electronics were connected to each other via Cat6 wire. So when you hit the on button the whole system would wake from sleep and be ready to play. The opposite would happen when finished listening. The build and sound quality were second to none. Under Madrigal, each piece of electronics was upgradable and there were few modifications unless they could really improve the SQ. a pair of my amps was up for service when Harman took over. They were gone for almost two years and when returned to me had to be sent back several times. Harman then instituted a service policy that charged about $1500.00 up front as a minimum before they would send it to a service center. The service centers were even worse at repairing the equipment then Harman was. One of my midrange drivers went bad on my Salons and I had to wait about a year and a half before they made new ones. One subwoofer died and was then massacred during shipping by UPS, Harman had no idea how to fix it and luckily DHL lost it as it was being returned, which allowed me to buy a pair of Fathom subs. Anyway, Harmon soon discontinued most of the reference line and support. They have moved Levinson at least 3 times that I can remember, and now Mark Levinson gear is made in the Crown factory I believe.
I had a friend who worked in a shop in Seattle and at one time they were the largest Levinson dealer perhaps in the world. Even they got the business from Harman the result being, instead of being able to repair Levinson or Revel equipment the company replaced the equipment for custys with another brand.
It was like Harmon was trying to end the Mark Levinson line and go out of business.
So instead of hanging on to my equipment I sold it while it was still worth something in order to avoid owning expensive boat anchors. I could tell you more tales of woe and disappointment but I can’t even remember all the stupidity and frustration that went along with owning Levinson and Revel one was subjected to. Oh, and what became of Proceed, out of business and that is why that former superb line loses most of its value.
The Madrigal support was fantastic, one could call them and talk with them about your system and how it might be improved and they would know you by name. They were friends.
This is why I have no confidence in Harman Kardon Inc. and will never purchase any piece of equipment they sell.
What a train wreck!
Steven B-)
You’re not alone in this. In fact, I cannot think of one company Harman has swallowed up that has benefitted. In fact, each and every company was “harmanized” has become a commodity rather than a brand, their engineering teams, life’s blood sucked out of them. JBL, Infinity, Mark Levinson, they all went away once taken over. They are like the Borg.
Harman itself is quite successful but mostly in automotive - I don’t think their brand acquisitions really are all that successful. 'Tis a shame.
Hi Paul,
I have found a new “home” with PS Audio. But I still remember what Madrigal and Mark Levinson accomplished. They set a standard of SQ and most importantly “Connectivity” between their components that is unparalleled today. Imagine “One Remote to Rule Them All” this is why I keep bringing up the inclusion of WiFi into the PS Audio components. With a little thought Wifi or even normal remote functions could be built into all PS Audio Components and one’s stereo experience is a new thrill. What better way to build brand loyalty? Even my girlfriend and visitors could control and play my Levinson system in just a couple of seconds.
Paul I know you’ve said remotes are not your thing, but just imagine only needing one remote or tablet to control your whole system. I believe it will give PS Audio a new edge on the competition and make it seemless and connected.
For those who have never owned a system that is connected and wonder about he complexity, believe me once you’ve experienced a connected system, you will wonder why all brands are not built his way.
One last note on Harman, I’m amazed that they still let Revel, headed by Kevin Voecks continue to build amazing sounding speakers. He is one of the industries great talents. I’d still own Revels if not for Harman.
Steven B-)
Oh, don’t get me wrong - I HATE the collection of remotes I have to use - which is why we built one remote for PerfectWave products - now I only need that remote for my system. But the PerfectWaves have a very small window for the IR sensor and it makes it frustrating to use many times.
My only quibble with your solution is wifi. I don’t think wifi is the right solution for a remote because of all the problems with wifi and connectivity, IP addresses, etc. I think a universal system remote, based on RF (but not wifi) would be awesome and I too want to have but one remote for everything.
I would love to have your girlfriend be thrilled with our stuff.
Paul,
This sounds like a great product! I’d love to be able to digitize my vinyl in high quality. If I understand correctly, I could sell the good phono stage I now own, since your new offering contains a complete analog phono stage as well as the A/D converter – right? This would offset some of the cost.
Question: I play a record, send the signal through the A/D converter, then what? What sort of software would be needed on a computer to take that signal and save it as a file (DSD or FLAC, WAV, etc.)? Or does your NPC handle this if you choose a format to save? Would one use a USB connection? How to get the best sound quality?
In my case, I don’t have a computer in the music room; my music is on a NAS with MinimServer. Ideally, I could connect via ethernet and store the file on either of the two networked computers or – absolute perfection – directly on the NAS. But I see no mention of an ethernet connection. IIRC USB cables are limited in length . . . so are those of use with no computer in the room not able to use the NPC?
Thanks - David
I don't think wifi is the right solution for a remote because of all the problems with wifi and connectivity, IP addresses, etc. I think a universal system remote, based on RF (but not wifi) would be awesome and I too want to have but one remote for everything.
.
I disagree to this.
A proprietary PS Audio RF solution has to be maintained and sustaining the product will require resources and evolve slowly (my guessing).
My web based remote together with GC iTach is dead stable, delicate, simple and updates are frequent:
http://www.roomieremote.com/
Paul and all,
You need to check out the app Frode is talking about. Check out the Roomieremote. This is very cool. It does some amazing things. Now that is connectivity.
Steven
B-)
sgrowan said: When Harman took over Madrigal . . .
Yours is a horrible story. Selling and getting out now makes sense. Very sad however.
I really liked the Levinson/Revel systems I heard. One of the few that gets air right.
sgrowan said: Check out the Roomieremote.
This looks very promising.
sgrowan said: Check out the Roomieremote
This looks very promising.
A full virtualization of one of my remotes took a few keystrokes.
If your component does uPnP it is discovered by Roomie and it asks 'Do you want to emulate the original remote?' If you say Yes, the graphical remote with all functions intact is at your disposal - voila!
This is the future, guys.....
PS:
I also have an IR eye that I plug into my iPad (L5 Remote).
The commands are then sent over IR.
<fieldset class="gc-fieldset">
<legend> Attached files </legend> <a href="/wp-content/uploads/attachments/53740=1857-68e7aec68b1ad90f62f45150e8a4b5.jpg"><img src="/wp-content/uploads/attachments/53740=1857-68e7aec68b1ad90f62f45150e8a4b5.jpg" class="gc-images" title="/FileUpload/1d/68e7aec68b1ad90f62f45150e8a4b5.jpg" style="max-width:300px" /></a> </fieldset>
Very cool and well thought out.
Steve, does it also “learn” from an existing remote or only works with the codes in their data base?
Very cool and well thought out.
Steve, does it also "learn" from an existing remote or only works with the codes in their data base?
When using the IR learner mode when using the iTach IR module or L5 Remote (IR eye) it learns the commands. This is useful when your product is not in their database yet.
I originally started using iRuleHD and thought this was the optimal tool in the low cost region, but was completely caught off guard by the Roomie. It just blows the competitors away. The only thing I am missing is when you cannot use the simple GUI approach. I wish it was easier to implement RS232 codes because this requires skills outside the drag & drop realm.