Peter
The DAC is connected to the PC. For now and some visualisation, let's say it is proprietary i2s. This one cable can carry 8 cannels of high speed data. One channel could be a normal left speaker, another channel the right.
Thats great!
.. while the xover math always will be done in the PC (nothing strange here). But, like with normal XXHighEnd operation, the processing and inherently degrading (SQ) effect of such a thing - will be covered for by XXHighEnd, and playback will be as good as always. But, now spread over (max) 8 channels, each with their own bandlimit and roll offs.
Does this mean you configure with crossover processing done before ARC Prediction? (In other 8 channels DAC the PC/MAC is used to programme the crossover software built into the DAC)
The crossover function is important to me because I want to design and build my own DIY active 2.2 speakers. I know others will want to do things like converting their existing passive speakers into active speakers.
For me this means I can't hold up the further process just because of one person. But, obviously it means that you will have to wait, but it will be for your good reason.
Don't be afraid I won't do it, if you only imagine that the 8 channel version has been developed for one person only also, and it really took a very large deal of the development time (still not finished, and he will have to wait some longer too). But, I seriously think there will be quite some people wanting it, if you only know what it can bring for sound quality (see previous post ... I'm fairly sure).
When the headphone output is there, more people will take it, I'm sure. But don't underestimate this feature, because doing it really well is quite costly, and I won't go for less than "really well". Could be in between 350 - 500 Euro.
Peter, Didn't expect you to have all these things up front, but did want to know that when I purchase the 8 channel version that the headphone option will eventually come.
If I look at where my "ideal" requirements have come from, my original interest was excited by the Benchmark HDR Pre DAC with headphones, then the Metro Halo Lio 8. I will wait for the Phasure 8 channel.
350 - 500 Euro is not out of the way for a good headphone stage.
Frank