An interesting player for audio only?

[shibashis]

During some casual browsing which I do every night while working, I came across this : cocktailAudio : Overview

At first sight looks wonderful, not yet available in India and when it does I expect it to be quite pricey. I have not come across something in the similar lines, especially dedicated for audio only and with a built in amplifier.

I will be very interested to know what you all think of this, my music source for my AVR for the most part is my iPod touch 32 GB and off late I have been looking for something with a better and intuitive interface, more storage (read much much more :licklips, perhaps even better quality output and wireless streaming capabilities, this seems to fit the bill.
As mentioned previously this is not available in India yet and price is likely to be pretty steep, so at least for the moment it is out of bounds. Looks neat and clean and with true potential, wanted to share with the forum members.

 

[GeorgeO]

The features are interesting but price in UK is a bit steep, X 10 is 299 pounds. The line out needs either powered speakers or an amp, it has its display so that helps a lot.

 

[Thad E Ginathom]

This is a pretty box; very neat. It should find a place in a few homes.

Possibly not so pretty is a media PC, although purpose-specific cases are looking good these days.

For basic ripping/storage/playing, a PC with a decent analogue out (eg Juli@) should be the benchmark. I recall a review of a hifi media player, costing lakhs, which amounted to, "You can keep it, because my PC does all that at 1/10th the price." The premium brands will always command the premium prices, and maybe their amplifiers and CD players are worth it, but, come the future, they will only sell PC equivalents to those who don't understand what PCs do, or who are prepared to pay vast amounts just for a name on the shelf*.

UK299, on the other hand, is within domestic gadget price range. But, if I was building, I'd be spending more than one third of that just in the sound card or DAC...

I suspect that most people here would DIY --- but then, they wouldn't get the looks or the display. Or maybe they could? I confess I don't keep up to date on the cabinet market.


*Of course, the audiophool PC market is growing up fast ...but that's another story.

 

[shibashis]

The best thing that it has going for itself is as you say it is a pretty box. Unlike a PC it is dedicated device and will blend in with a nice home decor, it does not disturb your furniture or existing plans. That is a big plus for a lot.
What I liked is the fact that this having built in amplifier is likely a capable player which doubles up doing the job of decent media pc. By looks it is beautiful mini player.
If I had the money I probably could own one purely for the fun of playing with one !