i agree that the upgrade thing can be annoying, but i'd like to make three observations about it:

(1) it's not like you MUST upgrade. the system won't sound worse than it did if you choose not to upgrade.

(2) if you had to upgrade a high-quality outboard DAC that of course wouldn't be free.

(3) IME, you can usually work with your dealer to get a better price on the upgrades than MSRP.

my two pennies fwiw.

sab



The universally-derided DSP6000 Standing Desk, R.I.P.

Gathering dust: 598 w/SDI & 562V

Current system: Roon feeding a Chord Hugo2go driving Omega Compact Alnico Monitors