AVA Maestro 50
Well, you still need the Apple TV, so it's not going to work out that much cheaper and you're then left with a system that can ONLY play from Apple sources. Dunno, it just seems like a single input dac and amp, which isn't that interesting at all...
but you don't need to connect it to an Apple TV if you don't want to be restricted to play from only Apple sources. I'm pretty much sure some peoples favorite Sosos would be a good match too.
Well I appreciate that but then where do I plug the turntable in?
obviously this product is targeted at the market who wee on analog sources, don't you think?
Or any other source then? Just seems stupidly limited, at least stick a USB input on there or something.
limited it is indeed.
as for the lack of a USB input; you can always get yourself a USB/spdif converter (like hiface from M2Tech) if you're really in dire need of plugging your computer into this thing and your onboard soundcard doesn't include a spdif out.
Or I could just buy something else a bit more flexible, see what I mean?
at this price point? besides I believe flexibility was not the main consideration when designing this amp. it was rather meant to be a partnering device to streamers or such devices.
http://www.tvchoicemagazine.co.uk/sites/default/files/imagecache/intervi...
Because I needed a link for the consummate PR person and I know Clare is an admirer of Siobham Sharpe from Perfect Curve. (Twenty Twelve in case you missed it.)
Ah, ok. I watched most of it but can't say it was uppermost in my mind after the summer.
You need to stay in more 
Anyhoo. No-one has yet explained...
"this is Pure Digital Amplification"
I edited my original hasty post You're absolutely right about the digital amplification point, it makes me think this product is not aimed at those with much hifi knowledge.
The frustrating thing is that when you click on 'more', there is no explanation of 'Pure Digital Amplification'...
...it reminds me of those 'Perfect For Digital' claims made on cassette packaging after CDs came out in the 1980s. Pure 'fluff'.
It's the same 'Pure Audio Stream' link in the WHF review, which also doesn't work 
We haven't got this product yet - it's brand new direct from AVA's Manchester labs - so I will need to ask David and Martin for more info.
the link www.pureaudiostream.com isn't working.................. 
Pure 'fluff'.
Agreed, sounds like the marketing department have got their 'digitals' mixed up. They need a good PR Woman to go in and rewrite it if you ask me.
Still, I think it's an interesting, clean solution for some applications (PCs or TVs with optical out, for example).
...it makes me think this product is not aimed at those with much hifi knowledge.
Perfect for me then.
Anyhoo. No-one has yet explained...
"this is Pure Digital Amplification"
If you Google PurePath Digital amplification you'll get a bit more info: clickety. "PurePath technology amplifies the audio while maintaining a pure digital format from source to speaker."
I did check this on Friday with our Tech Ed and apparently it does work without a conventional DAC (others have done it before), but he'd be better able to explain it than me. I'll get him and the guys from AVA to post on here on Monday with a more detailed explanation.
Thanks Andy & Clare.
I appreciate that the point of conversion is pushed further towards the speaker in this kind of configuration, but those 4mm speaker terminals on the back look suspiciously analogue to me and therefore - obviously - digital to analogue conversion is taking place no matter what it's called.
Digital signal --> conversion to analogue signal --> amplification can't really be messed with even if you move the conversion into the speaker cabinet (like AVI actives).
AVA on their home page are not saying 'PurePath' or 'Pure Audio Stream'. They are clearly stating they use 'Pure Digital Amplification' in their Maestro 50.
It if's not really Pure Digital Amplification, then it's about as useful as Technics claims of 'Class AA' for some of their old amps or manufacturers who describe their powered speakers as 'active'.
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Chebby, why have you linked to tvchoicemagazine?
http://www.tvchoicemagazine.co.uk/sites/default/files/imagecache/intervi...
HiFi / A/V / Bedroom