Apologies for the delayed reply, I've been away on business.

Originally Posted by Jaco
The best option (for me) would be a cable to every speaker from the preamp.
That makes sense for my background as Computer Network specialist. Bus = shared, star = dedicated.
That's a perfectly logical argument, however SPDIF doesn't work in the same way as computer networks. SPDIF always carries two channels of audio (Left+Right, Centre+Sub etc.), so it is, by definition, a shared connection. It's not impossible to transmit the same SPDIF signal down two cables though (see later in my reply).

Originally Posted by CoachJay
So what do Hikers think their risk/reward thresholds for 3rd party vs. OEM on an AC-12 solution would have to be ? At what price do you feel it starts to makes sense or is there no price that would have you consider a 3rd party alternative?
This is an interesting question and one that I'm also curious to know the answer to.

Originally Posted by CoachJay
I'm at the juncture of having to make a decision/purchase to convert my legacy speakers over from my v4 to v6 so I will most likely miss out on any alternative. as others here have said, and I concur having to account for the " extra" cost, complexity & implementation is " a drag" and new additions to my collection of external "crutches" enhancements ( AC12, 621, 519 )!
I agree that the adapter boxes required during this transitory phase add to the cost of upgrading, however the SpeakerLink/Cat5 solution makes a lot of sense in the long run and I hope that M is now committed to using it for the foreseeable future.

Originally Posted by Audiophile20
Can you not make a dongle type of solution that will start with COMMS(DIN & COAX) and AUDIO on one end and will end with RJ45(female) on the other? Will this not simply emulate the M solution (of course less RS232)? Idea here is to make a simple solution that will be a sub for the current AC12.
A dongle or simple converter box is what I had in mind. I'm in the process of ordering parts to build a prototype unit and would be very grateful if a few members could try it out in their systems once I've finished it.

Originally Posted by Audiophile20
Additionally as already mentioned, give us an option to put one conversion kit per speaker.
This is a little harder and would probably require a powered unit to transmit each SPDIF signal (and comms) effectively down pairs of Cat5 cable. Just like the AC11 does in fact.
So, is there in fact demand for an AC11 alternative as well?! This is a very different design challenge, but one that I will look into if there is enough interest. Given that it would be a powered solution, a single box that handles up to 8 channels of digital audio (4 SPDIF pairs) would make more sense than several powered boxes, each handling only a pair of channels?

Originally Posted by Audiophile20
I do not know how the Master/Slave works in this setup. Someone else will have to provide input. Sorry I am not an engineer or tech savey like the others on the forum.
This is something I also need to look into a little further. Going back to the AC12 equivalent (without the star topology ability)... If the comms connection is a BNC connector it would be easy to include a switch on the unit to select Master or Slave comms, and use a BNC to DIN adapter cable with the appropriate DIN connector for the type of comms required. I know this isn't the most elegant solution for those with DIN comms, but it is probably going to be the most cost effective solution.

Last edited by t42; 2010-10-12 20:22.