Great forum, but kind of difficult for a new-bee to follow this topic across multiple threads and posts. If I understand things correct, these are among the most relevant posts:
Product announcement coming later in Feb
Price list published by a dealer shows 25% rise. Since this list was published and removed twice, it isn’t unreasonable to speculate that the reference to Apex is under embargo.
and last but not least, speculation around the Apex upgrade. if this is true, I personally think it is a great way of upgrading the Vivaldi and Rossini platforms as loyal customers have a significant upgrade path that doesn’t require abandoning their existing investment
Nothing for Bartok, nada, not any word Obviously Bartok is the poor brother of the dCS products line, although it is probably the best seller with big difference.
It is a pity that Apex is not available for Bartok, there is no way to upgrade it to the head-amp version and there is no information about at least a new firmware version 2.0. However, Bartok also becomes more expensive.
I think the Apex announcement is fabulous news for Bartok owners. The ‘retrofit approach’ means the market won’t be flooded with second hand Rossini’s that would otherwise compete with the entry level Bartok. Bartok remains a secure investment that will hold its value.
As for whats’ next for Bartok, I wouldn’t want to speculate, but I personally hope to see a 2.0 mapper at some point in the future.
I have to admit that I am very pleased with this news. While I expect the upgrade price to be, ahem, not inconsequential, it’s a wonderful option to have. Upgradeability is a plus. I’ve been enjoying my Vivaldi for almost two years, and now it appears for many more years to come. I realize upgradeability is not a requisite to enjoyment, but it’s a component of peace of mind thet a company like dCS doesn’t “orphan” its customers. This is a very decisive response to all those questions about product life cycle.
I will be curious to learn, as a Rossini owner, whether future software upgrades for the Apex model will also be compatible with the current model.
From the information released earlier today we know dCS have made “some major changes to the Ring DAC hardware. Reconfigured the Ring DAC circuit board and developed an all-new analogue output stage”.
As this information is being drip fed I’m hoping whatever is made available to the Apex going forward works for the older model. It will certainly affect customer decisions if it does not.
I’m very excited about the news and look forward to getting the Apex upgrade to my Rossini. This
shows how much the company cares about its customers and continuing improvement of its product line.
Certainly wish dCS would be more forthright and clear on this whole issue. I suspect the upgrade details have been decided upon so this piecemeal release is frustrating.
IMO
I was told (by a highly reputable source) that here in the States the APEX upgrade cost will be the exact same as the price increase coming to the Rossini. If true this seems perfectly reasonable to me.
A price is reasonable if there is demand at that price.
Since we are talking about a substantial price increase, there will be demand at that price if the SQ increase is also substantial.
Personally, I hope it will be less than that difference, at least for recent customers.
We will see. And of course, listen.
but nothing…