[ExpatinJapan]

[size=13.600000381469727px]One 4-pin XLR + One x 1/4" jack ...(first mock-up).....looking awesome.[/size]

 

[elnero]

In the 4 pin mock up, that front panel is starting to look pretty crammed with the optical output there, maybe it's just the perspective but I'd be worried about the accessibility of the volume knob when a 1/4" jack is connected. I do like this idea though,
 
Quote:

If you go that route though, might as well save some space and use a combo 3.5mm TRS/optical jack.
 

 
I have this type of output on my laptop and it works great. Would that allow the 1/4" jack to be moved to the right a bit so it's not quite so close to the volume knob?
 
From a purely aesthetic standpoint, I personally would love to see a more DACmini style volume knob and 1/4" jack.
 
And another couple of questions. The pic below is intriguing, it looks there's a piece on top with a cushion for the phone. Could we get an explanation of what this is and if it's something that's included?
 

 

[zeinharis]

Subscribe indeed

 

[MorbidToaster]

Gotta say that optical out on the 4 pin panel is a blemish on a pretty face. 
 
EDIT: I really don't see a point. Coax or bust if you really need a digital out.

 

[fuzzyash]

Quote:

In the 4 pin mock up, that front panel is starting to look pretty crammed with the optical output there, maybe it's just the perspective but I'd be worried about the accessibility of the volume knob when a 1/4" jack is connected. I do like this idea though,
 
 
I have this type of output on my laptop and it works great. Would that allow the 1/4" jack to be moved to the right a bit so it's not quite so close to the volume knob?
 
From a purely aesthetic standpoint, I personally would love to see a more DACmini style volume knob and 1/4" jack.
 
And another couple of questions. The pic below is intriguing, it looks there's a piece on top with a cushion for the phone. Could we get an explanation of what this is and if it's something that's included?
 
 

 
i agree with perhaps moving everything to the right a bit- im not too sure about the optical output though
some of the 1/4 plugs are pretty beefy (eg viablue) and may interfere with the volume control (if centrance could get some of the aftermarket plugs and put it in and take pictures to confirm its ok with the current setup- that would be fine)
 
loving the eye candy on the centrance post almost everyday though!

 

[mgoodman]

OMG... Sounds like the optical output is gone, gone gone! That's the power of community! Thanks to everyone (and Larry, as usual).
 
With blemishes we will do away, leave that optical jack as an option for another product. Swiss army knife this ain't and thank you to all who spoke up and tried to set me straight
 
The thing at the top is the phone clip, we are working on it now. It might morph yet some more.

 

[MorbidToaster]

Nice to know how much Centrance really listens. Some of the best response I've seen. I don't understand digital outs at all on a device like this. There are much cheaper devices if you need just a digital transport for your iPod/Whatever. I much prefer a pretty face than a swiss army knife that I don't use all the features on.
 
Quote:

OMG... Sounds like the optical is gone, gone gone! That's the power of community! Thanks to everyone (and Larry, as usual).
 
With blemishes we will do away, leave that optical jack as an option for another product. Swiss army knife this ain't and thank you to all who spoke up and tried to set me straight
 
The think at the top is the phone clip, we are working on it now. It might morph yet some more.

 

[fuzzyash]

still another couple of months to develop the centrance
great crowdsourcing like the vmoda

 

[firev1]

Prefer coax as well, can't see why people would need it since the M8 is supposed to be a portable reference. If you are working on that 3.5mm jack, make sure its real tough. 

 

[Yuceka]

One use of optical or coaxial out comes from the fact that this device is meant to be used with laptops and iDevices. And not all laptops have optical out.
 
I recently sold my bulky and sluggish Macbook Pro and got a Macbook Air. And I lost the capability of using my desktop DACs optical input. Instead of shelling something like $200 for a good digital interface, it'd be great to have the M8 playing that role between a laptop and a desktop DAC so that it can be used ALL the time and not just with USB and iDevices. If you guys think this is too much to ask, look at Cypher Labs' new SOLO. They renewed the entire thing but did not get rid of S/PDIF out.
 
I guess no one can please all the customers. Great customer service and work on the M8 here but my needs may be better met with the new CLAS -db.

 

[moodyrn]

I continue to be impressed with this company. Other manufacturers should take note. The only thing that will make this absolutely perfect is a true lineout, and maybe even a line in(not important, only for comparing the amp portion to other amps). If the dac really is on par or at least close to the dac mini then this could replace stand alone desktop dacs in the 500.00 or midtier price range.

My wife told me I was finished buying gear for the foreseeable future. I told her I had to have it. So I either need to sell something or think of something to get her that she would be equally happy with. Which may mean this could cost me a lot more than 560.00

 

[MorbidToaster]

One use of optical or coaxial out comes from the fact that this device is meant to be used with laptops and iDevices. And not all laptops have optical out.

I recently sold my bulky and sluggish Macbook Pro and got a Macbook Air. And I lost the capability of using my desktop DACs optical input. Instead of shelling something like $200 for a good digital interface, it'd be great to have the M8 playing that role between a laptop and a desktop DAC so that it can be used ALL the time and not just with USB and iDevices. If you guys think this is too much to ask, look at Cypher Labs' new SOLO. They renewed the entire thing but did not get rid of S/PDIF out.

I guess no one can please all the customers. Great customer service and work on the M8 here but my needs may be better met with the new CLAS -db.

I'm fine with Coax, just not optical. I hate the cables and find it inferior in most cases.

I don't really understand why you need something besides USB to use it with a computer, but okay. IMO poorly designed USB ins on DACs should be a thing of the past and shouldn't need a digital interface.

I kind of see where you're coming from, but again...it just seems unnecessary to me.

 

[Yuceka]

Think of this situation as well.
 
I now have a Bifrost with USB in but I am thinking about upgrading to Gungnir. If I had the M8 with coaxial out, then I won't have to order the Gungnir with USB and save even more money out of that. It is still being debated here but most desktop DACs don't have good USB implementations and having a coaxial or optical out from portable devices like CLAS and M8 is super useful for most of us whose main source is a laptop.

 

[aamefford]

off topic

 

[mgoodman]

This may simply come down to my sanity... I want to keep it, it might come in handy yet one day

So, it's possible that we will lose a couple of customers if we lose the optical out. We may spin that out as a separate product one day. May not. Don't know. But I need to get something built. So will be starting to narrow the feature gap now in preparation for release.