That's one way to do the sums for sure. However, I can't help feel that HQ are damned if they do and damned if they don't in your paradigm.

Do nothing with DSP's even if they develop new techniques...damned

Develop new stuff but keep it for 3 more years to avoid the "too soon since the last upgrade" issue...damned

Develop new stuff and no upgrades...damned

Develop new stuff and offer upgrades...damned it seems.

Given that this upgrade is a whole new panel and tweeter I would suggest this is something most would have said would never happen.

Recall the discussions about getting a SL upgrade. M said it was not economical so wouldn't offer it.

Now, packaged with some revolutionary steps in DSP, code and other bits, it does become feasible...but it is not cheap.

For the 100/200 series 5200 owners - their 5200 don't suddenly sound worse today and there is no obligation to upgrade. If they are not to be changed then the perceived devaluation is not realized.

If a user does not prefer the sound of the SE and chooses not to upgrade then there is no issue.

If a user does want to upgrade then there is a price. If that upgrade were to be significantly less then I am sure that HQ would be damned yet again.

For example - if the SE upgrade is �2000 not �4700 you would suggest that a back panel is �1000 per DSP with the rest going into the cabinet. Obviously that is not realistic.

It's horses for courses obviously. As older DSP start to recycle then I would expect there to be many happy new owners enjoying some great kit. Same as we have seen with v4/v6/v6/ID40/41 evolution.

For me it looks like the upgrade route with M has never been better.

Rgds,
Nick