The F80 was packed with amazing features but I think we have to be realistic about an entry-level or "lifestyle" product. I had many other ideas about what should be on board but tried to get to the absolute essentials.

You are correct, an optical would be essential and could replace the SpeakerLink connection (why was optical omitted from the Director 1?). And I sympathise with Bluetooth (a technology I had forgotten); perhaps that would be a better connectivity option than a physical link so the iPod/whatever connection could be omitted?

Are we looking at two devices? One a master portable speaker capable of stereo and L/R duties with all the control elements built in. And another which omits all the control features and, when partnered with the master device, acts purely as a wireless subordinate speaker for multi-room or discrete stereo deployment.

Anyway this is all idle speculation...

In the spirit of Spinaltap, I would like to confirm that I am not involved in the corrupt theft of a global sport.