Thank you, Mike
We really try to keep the forum environment welcoming and respectful.
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Oh, I know. You do a great job, @Elk. I know I’ve fallen afoul a couple times and you’ve always brought things back in line.
I was mostly lamenting missing spending time here like I used to. I made some great friends, some of whom have welcomed me into their homes to listen to systems that are wholly unimaginable to me. I’ve heard music by bands I don’t even like that made me go “holy cow…what the heck??”
So, yeah. This is one of my most favorite places to hang out. Unfortunately life’s gotten in the way now.
Best,
Mike in Dayton
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Yes, they are. Not sure how they will work with my virtual fat fingers …
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There are a couple videos on YouTube that show the touchscreen in use. I played with it at the show it’s pretty cool. The standard PSA remote will be included and PS is working on the fancy analog optional remote.
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I think the answer to my question is in this post and the prior one you talked about volume control in the PMG DAC, but to be sure …
For the DirectStream you said the volume control in the Mk I was good sounding but not entirely lossless. The Mk II volume control was lossless and very good sounding. For great sound both Mk I and Mk II required a top-notch preamp, e.g., the BHK Pre.
Moving on to the PMG DAC, when used in an all-digital system is analog volume control of the DAC going to sound much better than Mk I and Mk II with little room for improvement from a preamp? Assuming there is room for a significant jump in performance is it only possible with a Pre of the same caliber as the PMG Pre? One more … how will a BHK Pre fit in this performance upgrade path? Sorry for all the questions, but I’m thinking with my bank account …
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Oops. Sorry - I should have watched the video. That’s pretty fancy though I think it’s gonna be a challenge on the SACD player since it’s gonna be a context-dependent display I’d expect. It still blows me away that Marantz decided to quit making the mechanism. Given that MoFi puts out every release on SACD, I can’t understand why there isn’t a more available manufacturer. Shame on Sony for keeping that format so locked down. It should be opened up at this point and freed from the restrictive copy protection in a world where music for the multitudes is streamed.
Gonna be an interesting set of components for sure. Out of my range while I have a kid going to college, but maybe someday. The industrial design is truly gorgeous, a major step up from the already extremely attractive Stellar line which is what populates my listening room. I hope they sell a bunch.
Mike in Dayton
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Good questions about the quality of the analog volume control on the new DAC. If a preamp isn’t necessary to get great sound with the new DAC then purchasing it will be a lot eaiser. I can trade in or sell my current DAC and preamp to put towards the PMG DAC.
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I swear in the video I saw Paul actually said for those who want to listen to vinyl the can use the PGM Preamp… I read between the lines in him saying Pre amp is not needed out of the box.
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Could it have been PGM Phono Preamp?
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Haven’t seen a lot of discussion about the PMG phono and it appears there was not an analog rig in the PSA room for demonstration
I have a feeling the least talked about new product, may just turn out to be the best of the lot. I loved the performance of the SPP at its price point. I did not care for the remote, the needless addition of the custom load pots, or of course the (quite frankly) awful led’s, sonically it was killer though and I have every belief the new and costlier phono will be a significant improvement
I have a big time crush on my latest tubed phono stage, the RADA Precious one silver, but intend to purchase the PMG phono for a second (or 4th) phono stage. Nobody said sanity was a requirement for the hobby
Looking forward to hearing more about the phono stage, love the addition of the current input
Best,
JP
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You’re right that we didn’t have an analog rig to play and that the focus has been mostly on the DAC and not on the phono. True, this phono is something extraordinary. No holds barred, Darren Myer’s ultimate dream child.
As you suggest, the Stellar phono is stunning, setting back Michael Fremer on his heels, but this new PMG is in a whole other universe. Can’t wait for folks to hear this beast.
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“Necessary” is an interesting and dangerous word. 
Can we just say less necessary than before, but for me, the preamp remains an essential element in the chain.
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The BHK pre and the PMG DAC make a wonderful combination and are what we initially voiced the PMG DAC with, so I would have zero hesitation pairing them.
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Hi Mike, glad to read you’re better now!
They are touch screens and really easy to use!
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It is Roon ready, of course, but it will also work with any of the others, like Spotify, Tidal, Qobuz (new app), and of course DLNA.
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Definitely, we should jump into the preamp too as it is a real work of art. For those that saw the insides at the show you know.
Where to start? Maybe we start a new thread and I can fill in some answers for you. On vacation in Greece right now but can squeeze in some time.
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done 
here:
Thanks much for this Paul. It made me feel less troubled about the demise of all of Ted’s great work with the Mk I & II. It seems you’ve actually built on Ted’s great work, ironed out a few of the wrinkles with the Mk I & II implementation and improved upon it! So congratulations to the team and thanks again for your time to explain it. 
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Hi @paul. Still in remission but still waiting for the return. Meningitis of all things tried to kill me in January, but after a week in the ICU I beat that one too. Off to labs today for my 3-month oncology visit so if you see me and I look pinched and drained, that’s why. (LOL)
I saw in the video!! Really cool setup and one worthy of your name. Round screens are the neatest (we had a Nest thermostat in one home for awhile!). I ordered the summary volume of your series to read this summer. Still rocking the system and enjoying every minute. Thanks for everything!!
Mike in Dayton
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