When we dropped the price of the M22C from $1499.- to $749.-
(50% off), the Piggy Back became an option. (Available separately
For $180.- factory installed.)

Other reasons:

1: The Piggy Back is difficult to implement: it is NOT simply
   soldering an extra chip on top of the original one: the
   I-to-V converter's feedback resistor must be trimmed to
    a) restore the channel balance.
    b) reduce the distortion 

2: The original M22C sans Piggy Back sounds great and most
   customers prefer not to spend the extra investment.

3: Our new generation of DIP 2496, hooked ahead of the M22C,
   enhances the performance of the M22C more than the Piggy Back.

4: We were trying to offer a 24/192 add-on card which would
   be in conflict with the Piggy Back as both would be fighting
   for the same power supply resources.
   The 24/192 card was a more cost-effective upgrade for
   most customers.

We are willing to compensate customers who have bought the
M22C at 50% off but under the impression that the Piggy Back
was installed, by giving away a FREE AV-1 Audio/Video/Digital
cable (Retail $49.-) to these customers. They may simply contact
us with the serial number and the complimentary cable will
be sent immediately. 
Those who paid full price $1499.- would have no doubt that
the Piggy Back had been installed.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
 

What are the significant differences between these two units?
I see that one (33) will act as a line-amp for another input, while the 22C
is really a DAC w/line amp for the DAC channel.
Sonically, are there any differences? What about upgrade options?
Thanks,
Dale

REPLY:

The M33 has two additional analog inputs for Tape or Tuner etc.
The M22C uses a new generation digital filter for De-emphasis
while the M33 uses analog de-emphasis.
The sonic characteristics are identical, so are the prices.
Both models are on special promotion at 50% off.

 
Date: Thu, 20 Mar 2003 17:23:47 -0800

At 11:32 AM 3/20/2003 -0500, you wrote:
Dear Monarchy,

I currently own your DIP24/96 [I can hear the difference] not the newer
Upsampler. I was browsing your website and I have the following Qs; [I am
not a audiophile]

*       You mentioned that using the DIP24/96 upstream of the DAC22C will
have more sonic benefits compared to Piggy Back. Can you elaborate some
more. Do I still need the Piggy Back option.
 

reply:
It would be best to have BOTH.
But if budget is a concern then the Upsampler(over the DIP 2496) is
the first choice since you don't have to send the unit back to us for the upgrade:
You simply buy the Upsampler and use it as an add-on.

*       Will the DAC22C work with 24/96 or will it reduce it to 20/44.

reply:
The M22C will work in the factory default setting of the Upsampler: 48 Khz.
The 96 setting is reserved for future DAC's that we are working on.

Please explain.
*       what is the rason for the 50% sale - are these new units??.
 

reply:
We decided to drop the Piggy Back to reduce the cost.
Also despite the popular belief that 24/96 DAC's sound better, 
we do want to make the price much more attractive for the customer
to try out the product and  realize for himself that a well designed and executed 
16/44.1 DAC could sound phenomenal.
 

*       Does the DAC22C have its own power supply or do I have to buy one or
updgrade?.

reply:
The M22C comes complete with power supply all in one package.
There is no need to spend any extra. 

*       When you say DAC22C comes with a 'line apmlifier' - what does that
mean. Does it mean that I can vary the output signal [volume level] to the
analogue inputs to my integrated amplifier.

reply:
YES

 How is this beneficial to me.

reply:
You save on another Line Amp. A good Line Amp could cost $3,000.- , such as
the Krell KSR, which , as a Line Amp, is easily wiped out by the  M22C's
Line Amp.

How does it eliminate the interconnects - I still need to use interconnects
to my amplifier - right [I must sound funny!!]. The pic shows two sets of
analogue outputs. Please explain.
 

reply:
You would still need a pair of cables(either RCA or Balanced, depending on
the input provisions on your Power Amp).
The M22C provides three sets of outputs: Standard RCA and Balanced, controlled 
by the front panel volume; or D/A Direct out which is a lower level output if
the customer wants to use his own preamp(many prefer a tube preamp)

*       does the DAC22C automatic upsampling to 24/96 or higher - not clear
from your web site

reply:
No, the M22C captures sample rates up to 48 KHz only.
It is designed to get the maximum from conventional CD's
 

Your responce will be appreciated. Thanks.

regards,

Neville J. Bugli

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

At 11:42 AM 4/22/2003 -0700, you wrote:

What would be the difference between a 22C and a 33C with DIP?  Am I
gaining anything by using just the 22C versus the 33C and DIP?
Thanks.
 

Reply:

The M33 and M22C are identical in sonic performance.
The M22c  uses a newer digital filter that theoretically offers  a lower
noise floor. But in real life listening both the M22 and M33 are so low in 
noise the difference is academic.
Either model is a good combo with the DIP.