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Looking for an educated guess, rumours or deductions on when can we hope to see the return of the THX-AAA-789 on Massdrop?

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I’m in the market for a Dac/Amp. If the THX-AAA-789 was available my search would be over alas patience not being one of my strong suits, I’m considering the NFB 11-38 with the TCXO upgrade or the R2R-11 both from Audio-GD. It might help if I had an idea of how long before it returns but I don’t even know if it’ll ever come back again. What are your thoughts, what have you heard? z
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JJayJJ
472
Apr 3, 2019
I've mentioned this before in the drop discussion. There seems to be an earie issue. All the rampant ideas of whether this thing will come back in its current form/price due to the demand. One post would be all it takes from THX or Massdrop to silence peoples skepticism, but for whatever reason, it's been pure radio silence. Based on demand I doubt most people would get theirs even if a drop opened tomorrow. They simply didn't forsee the demand (especially have objective testers proved that this amp - for the money - blows everything to pieces essentially). So even if they open up a drop (maybe) in June (after the May drop), it's doubtful that you or most would get it. You can bet there will be bots trying to snipe this thing. My basic guess, is this thing MAYBE will come back for one more drop. After that, they'll be probably looking to use this board (or a variation) in a new - far more pricier product. Personally, if it ticks all your boxes. Bite a bullet, and buy over MSRP second-hand (if you can find someone selling one that isn't fried or something), and call it a day. You'll seemingly pay perhaps $100 over MSRP. Me? I'm looking to get an RME ADI 2 DAC, and if a 789 ever releases again (or I can source one brand-new) then I'll pair it up with that, and be fully done with this upgrade ordeal once and for all.
Klash
5
Apr 7, 2019
JJayJJI planning to do the same. A few more months and I'll be able to afford the RME ADI 2 DAC. Cheers!
The THX amp is certainly a high value prop item, it is however not the only solid state amp worth purchasing. The hype on this thing is getting a little out of control IMO. Choosing an amp is highly dependent on what headphones you plan to use with it and if you have any upgrade plans in the future. What headphones are you planning to use with this amp purchase?
rastus
1391
Apr 2, 2019
The Audio-gd choices may be a good option; with the THX availability issues. Listened to an R2R 11, plenty of power, and has that r2r ease.
rastus
1391
Apr 3, 2019
Basically you have 15 days if DOA, or soon thereafter... not really different than many mfg. that don't have direct representation in other countries, Kingwa is very fast to respond to any question; have never seen a report that he did not honor his stated warranty policy: http://www.audio-gd.com/Warranty-EN.htm
rastusOh no concerns with their customer service, I'm familiar with Kingwa's response to questions and special requests (want an upgraded component, he will probably do it.) It's the lack of stateside service center and the sheer amount of hands my amp would go through if it had to be returned to Audio-gd. As soon as they get a service contact in my hemisphere count me in. This is the same reason I haven't bought STAX from a Japan importer, warranty claim (if honored) would require shipping back to Japan.
LuckyLuke575
561
Apr 1, 2019
I'd wait for the 789. Waiting a few months for the best option is worthwhile; I can't find an amp with better specs and tech for this price. Also the time to wait is far shorter than the time that you'll own and enjoy the amp. Just my 2 cents worth.
LuckyLuke575
561
Apr 4, 2019
I'm not sure what you mean by pass through? But yes, I've been reading that balanced cable connections of 10 or 20 inches in a home or office environment don't really have any benefit.
Keth
760
Apr 5, 2019
LuckyLuke575The 789 has a line level pass through, so you can use the DAC with a second device without using external splitters.
(Edited)
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