I submit chapter three of my DEQX monologue to make a correction: I wrote above that the regular PreMate $5,000 required an additional $500 USB input board to play audio via that input. Acoustic Frontiers website states this is now included as standard.
What do the DEQX "plus" models offer?
I have been researching DEQX for a while and have followed the previous "Is DEQX a game changer" thread. I feel my new question is specific enough to warrant its own thread, but who knows.
Does anyone know what the PreMate+ offers that the regular PreMate does not? I believe the plus model sells for an extra $1,000. My understanding is you get a touchscreen display and USB card which enables USB audio connection via USB B input (this must be purchased separately for the regular PreMate for $500). I’m fairly certain of those aspects, but it sounds like the additional ethernet port is there only for future functionality that isn't available yet, namely network streaming and Roon Ready status.
I read on Digital Audio Review back in June 2016 that "the PreMATE+’s official stamp of Roon Readiness is imminent". Stereophile reported from RMAF in October that the HDP5 "is now Roon-ready". Also in late October, DEQX dealer Acoustic Frontiers reports, "Yes, you will be able to stream straight over your network via Roon to the 4th generation processors soon."
I guess my feeling is that $1,000 extra is a lot to pay for a touch screen and USB audio, but if it also includes streaming and Roon Readiness, that starts to look more appealing. Does anyone have better information on when this new functionality will be enabled?
Does anyone know what the PreMate+ offers that the regular PreMate does not? I believe the plus model sells for an extra $1,000. My understanding is you get a touchscreen display and USB card which enables USB audio connection via USB B input (this must be purchased separately for the regular PreMate for $500). I’m fairly certain of those aspects, but it sounds like the additional ethernet port is there only for future functionality that isn't available yet, namely network streaming and Roon Ready status.
I read on Digital Audio Review back in June 2016 that "the PreMATE+’s official stamp of Roon Readiness is imminent". Stereophile reported from RMAF in October that the HDP5 "is now Roon-ready". Also in late October, DEQX dealer Acoustic Frontiers reports, "Yes, you will be able to stream straight over your network via Roon to the 4th generation processors soon."
I guess my feeling is that $1,000 extra is a lot to pay for a touch screen and USB audio, but if it also includes streaming and Roon Readiness, that starts to look more appealing. Does anyone have better information on when this new functionality will be enabled?
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It seems I am continuing to answer my own question bit by bit. I noticed on Roon's hardware partners page, DEQX is listed as a Roon Ready network player with an asterisk, meaning it is coming soon. I guess I'll just have to be patient for an official announcement. |