Perreaux enters the DAC/pre market...

[too_tall]

http://www.perreaux.com/assets/file/perreaux-audiant-dac-preamplifier-datasheet.pdf

140db SNR...
2 analog inputs but only one has volume control as I read it - the other for HT bypass duties ( still, probably enough for most people, but I would like to see a couple more )
Balanced input and output.
24/192 USB
ESS sabre32 chipset.

Ticks a lot of boxes, identical to the audiant integrated cosmetically. I am guessing that we will soon see a power amplifier in the same form factor. Maybe a pair of 100 - 150w monos at a guess?

No network streaming options - possibly a good thing from a small manufacturer - leave that to Sonos, Logitech etc. The UI on network streamers are what let most down, and its what can cost most!

[too_tall]

Actually on closer examination of the images, it appears the Aux 2 input can be either HT bypass or variable - there is a little switch labeled as such at least.

[Nathan]

Very nice. I'm sure there will be some power amps coming out to pair up with this. I picked up an Audiant last year and am very happy with it so can imagine that this with a pair of mono's would be mind blowing to these ears.

[got tinnitus]

Looks pretty good.
How much? I'd guess upwards of $2500.00???

But how do you explain this unit to your average Harvey Normans punter..

[Nathan]

The HN distribution is a bit odd. Overseas they are sold and reviewed by specialist Hifi retailers and magazines but are sat next to home theatre receivers in a chain store in NZ. All the dealings I've had with them since buying my amp have been direct with them, cutting harvey norman out of the equation completely so it's not all bad.

[too_tall]

Clinton at Perreaux understands customer service very well. HN may be the retailer, but support from Dunedin is very good in my experience.

Me thinks mid/late march might see them in store - at a guess. I would also hazard a guess that the Audiant integrated may get a Mk2 release with the upgraded DAC hardware too - after all, it would make sense. And $2.5K? I would like to think it would not be much more than that, but no indications on NZ pricing as of yet. $3K USD indicates maybe closer to $2K here in NZ going on what the usual US/NZ Perreaux prices are?

[Nathan]

Clinton at Perreaux understands customer service very well. HN may be the retailer, but support from Dunedin is very good in my experience.

Me thinks mid/late march might see them in store - at a guess. I would also hazard a guess that the Audiant integrated may get a Mk2 release with the upgraded DAC hardware too - after all, it would make sense.
Yes I've had excellent dealings with Clinton. Top bloke.