Augsburger

As Al stated, a the valuable feature of the ULN-8/Amarra-4 is the capability for multiple source inputs and multi channel outputs to various amps. A significant selling point for me with the ULN-8 is how it solves both my immediate and identifiable future needs. Currently the ULN-8 offers the ability to be a great dac for all my iTunes alac and aiff files, it will serve as a phono stage for my new TT, and it can take over as my new preamp. The manufacturer is committed to standing behind the MH hardware and software as their product line evolves to ensure a degree of future proofing for the ULN package. I see my main system eventually evolving because of my association with this forum, to comprise of a stereo TT, mono TT, PC (w/USB to spdif converter) running 16/24, 96, 176.4 and 192K files in foobar, my mac mini running iTunes perhaps a AES source of some type and possibly a reel to reel source. That brings it to six channels of input, up to four channels of digital feeding a tube amp, a set of monoblocks now and perhaps Klaus's Odyssey monos or a Pass amp in a few years. So who knows but if I get crazy enough all of this can be handled in one box.

OK, not stopping in Carlsbad then. I hate when retailers stick their noses where they don't belong just to crap on someone elses sale. If the shoe were on the other foot..... It is not as if your were trying to rip the customer or anything

Hmmmm, he carries Audio Aero and is located in Carlsbad which we visit about four times a year. I think we may make a little detour next time we head down to San Diego.

Happy birthday Chris! When are you going to run a dedicated line from you breaker panel for your audio gear and when will you start to replace all of your outlets with hospital grade outlets? Welcome to the homeowner audio upgrade slippery slope.

"Thanks for getting in touch.

Thanks to Genetic and on deck-

uhhh not sure....

Well I would start with (Rick) Warren Audio and Virtual Dynamics. If you can't recognize them as supreme contra examples of good business practices then perhaps you should try for a restaurant sous chef gig.

Too weird, my late aunt's name is Aiko.

I think Stretch wins for the biggest ticket purchase for 2009. How big is your family?

Happy Birthday Steve! Enjoy the time with family and friends.

I am tempted, very tempted.....

Concord watch and blue Topaz ring for the wifey. ULN-8/JH-13 guilt reciprocity buying binge has started.

Al, I will be cheering for you over the next 48 hours.

Save the Kistler for your ULN-8 impressions thread.

Isn't the Zu 103 basically a DL-103 with a wooden shell? Does the wood shell make that much of a difference? I wonder how it would stack up against a DL-103R or a DL-S1. Started down that (slippery) road which then led to the Soundsmith 103 Ruby then 103 Silver, that's when I ran away.

I need to get up to speed on the documentation and learn a little more about the ULN-8's capabilities. I thought at one time I read somewhere that the ULN-8 could use it's second firewire port for transferring HD stored music, at least that is what I remembered. Anyone who knows me knows that that assumption must be taken with a huge grain of salt.

Agreed, and everyone knows bears and Chardonnay are a bad combination.

Ok, thanks for the info. Cheap with max ram and big azz external firewire HD it is.

Ok, I may have to go the route of a mac mini since the original deal for a "family" MBP only applies to the hours between 1-6 AM. The new mac mini will be a dedicated itunes player and will reside in the music listening room, and occasional HC forum participant, nothing else. Apple offers the mac mini with the following options- 1) Cheaper option, 2.26GHz 2GB memory, and 160 GB HD or 2) Moar money, 2.53GHz 4GB memory and 320 GB HD. I would think option two is the minimum because I will need lots of memory (minimal latency issues)and storage both for now and the future when I pick up the Amarra. Should I also upgrade the storage to 500GB or more? And memory over 4GB? At what point is "moar" overkill?

What did you finally get the DL-S1 for? That and the 103R at $379, are currently on my radar.

Yepness! Verizon has a "overpay for the Motorola Droid and get the Eris Droid for free" deal. The catch is, both phones require a data package at $29.95 per. Plus we bought the home network extender because since we have had so many fires the last few years I am sure one of the cell repeater towers burned up and our home signals have started to suck. Now we get four to five bars all the time.

The Motorola Droid and the Eris Droid, pretty slick phones.

I call dibs on the Japan pressing of Return to Forever when you sell it.

Try their catalogue, still haven't found the still mode button yet.