Same here... I was looking at the DMP-A6 hoping for a simplified Digital only DMS-A6 (Digital Music Server/Streamer) over 2ch and 6ch. When the new line of product went DMP-A6 ME and then DMP-A8, dropping the HDMI out and focusing on DAC... it was time to get the A6 before they lost interest (same reason I jumped on the iPhone 13 mini when the new line of iPhone 14 stopped offering Mini sizes). That's how much of the A6 I'm using... quite a waste but at this price point it's the only one with the HDMI Audio out and the 4TB internal storage. Now there's one thing I'd love for these devices.... the possibility to RACK in a 19" standard hifi rack, with matching chassis and ears. "Stacked on top of" is not my favorite option. Although I must admit I was very happy to realize the brushed black aluminum case matches my McIntosh gears perfectly.
there will definitely be a separate streamer without DAC, I found this somewhere on the forum... I would rather welcome a full size with a large display, not small boxes
A dedicated streaming bridge/transport in classical Hifi dimensions (43cm wide) would be great and much appreciated! Are there any news on this topic?
I´m afraid the streamer I would like to buy, will never be released and the ones that are on the market simply don´t have the functions that I want. - 43 wide (not a must but I´d really like that) - no DAC - Web UI, so that can control it from my PC (where I sit the entire day and work) - HDMI for video out to my TV (because I often prefer that to a phone or tablet). It should be able to switch HDMI video off with the push of a button (like my Oppo players can do) - compatible with Alexa - design like Eversolo´s A6 or A8. Not just a black box like the Zidoo players. - support for Atmos, 360 reality audio and even Auro CX, which is a very promising format and will come sooner or later. I´d even pay 1500 bucks.
The only one of my wishes that the S 13 could fulfill is "no DAC". And I´m afraid, it will only be stereo.