All nice ideas, but I think it is a money loser for Logitech. The TP was a sensational product idea 5 years ago, when there was nothing like it in the market.
In the last year or two the hi-end audio companies have jumped all over this market, and almost monthly another "audiophile music server" is announced. Yes, they cost more than the TP; but many of them do more (full hi-res, internal HD or SSD, etc) and yes, several even sound better. The audiophile market isn't put off by a $2000, $3000, or even $4000 price tag. The non audiophile market is. Most people who want a "good sounding system" think $2000 is crazy money for one component. The Logitech distribution chain isn't setup for the audiophile market. Audiophiles with the deep pockets like to buy from audiophile dealers (with other audiophile equipment on hand for comparison or home try out) or from small outfits that give very personal service/support in exchange for their high prices. The Touch is a much better idea for Logitech. More or less audiophile sound for a consumer level price. Sold through all the normal consumer channels. Support is like other Logitech devices. As a bonus, it will even sell to audiophiles as a good inexpensive digital transport for hi-res, as many already have an external DAC they like. The non audiophile consumer doesn't even know what a DAC is, and doesn't want to buy "another" component, more cables, etc. I can envisage another device that is better sounding than the Touch, maybe a hi-end box with an LCD remote. But the only chance of Logitech succeeding with it is by bringing it to market for a price that seriously undercuts the audiophile market and brings "audiophile" plus ease of use to the masses. The serious "audiophile" hobbyists will still stick with the "true audiophile" brands that probably give them slightly better sound for more money -they're willing to pay a lot for that last little bit of better sound. -- firedog Tranquil PC fanless WHS server running SqueezeServer; SB Duet through Empirical Audio Pace Car; MF X-150 amp, MF V DAC3, Devore Gibbon Super 8 Speakers; Mirage MS-12 sub; Dual 506 + Ortofon 20 (occasional use); sometimes use PC with M-Audio 192 as digital source. SB Boom in second room. Arcam CD82 which I don't use anymore, even though it's a very good player. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ firedog's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=11550 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=80282 _______________________________________________ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/audiophiles
