Open-architecture digital FireWire inputs that support all digital audio bitstreams (3 or more). Firewire outputs too.

6 coaxial, 4 toslink digital inputs. Coaxial and toslink digital outputs too.

8 channel analog input with FULL analog bypass. High bandwidth, straight wire design to volume control. What should have been on the Model 950 too.

Full digital bass management (separate slopes and cross-overs for each channel), time delay (for all channels including subs), and digital DSP functions like treble/bass and/or full parametric equalizer that operate in both pure DSD and 24 bit/192 kHz PCM modes (depending on the bitstream being manipulated) so the audio fidelity stays untouched even while adding audio tweaks on top of the pure digital source. This is something that most pre-amp companies overlook.

I would work with Sony & Philips to implement pure DSD processing and DSP modes correctly.

Go overboard on processing, eprom, and memory power so that user software and format upgrades can be implemented for some time to come without worrying about running out of space or MIPs allocations.

Full, pro-grade upsampling of all PCM signals (including all DTS, DTS 96/24, and Dolby Digital bitstreams converted to PCM after decoding) to 24 bit/192 kHz for optimal DAC performance. DSD bitstreams are left untouched at all times.

Two top of the line Burr-Brown DSD/24-192 (or higher) PCM DAC's (with pure DSD conversion mode) per channel in dual differential mode to lower noise and increase processing power.

DSD and PCM bitstream master clocks for anti-jitter.

Full, pro-grade balanced power supply and circuitry throughout. Designed by Balanced Audio Technology (BAT). Pro-grade, balanced XLR inputs and outputs for all channels.

Modular, swappable, upgradeable circuitry boards. This has been a real benefit to companies like Meridian and Anthem so that their products roll with most any punches that come in the future, and their customers are not left in the cold due to future feature sets.

12 channel outputs with assignable and fully configurable channel allocations. Similar idea to the Lexicon MC-12 and Parasound Halo C1. With processing chips that handle a full 12 channels you are set for practically anything in the future. Looking at a current trend in DVD-Audio and SACD discs, for example, the center and/or subwoofer channels are sometimes allocated for side channels or even height channels. With user assignable channel outputs, you don't have to re-wire everything every time you put in a different audio mix. Some home theater designers also like to have multiple side surround speakers and/or duplicate the sounds from the surround channels (in 5.1 and 7.1 modes) in multiple arrays depending upon the room size. You are also ready for whatever HD-DVD or Blu-Ray has in store for us with newer, and more sophisticated surround formats.

Full stereo subwoofer output capable (one stereo pair for front channels, and one stereo pair for surrounds). Separate LFE channel output if wanted.

Supports all current formats: DTS, DTS-ES Discrete & Matrix 6.1, DTS 96/24, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital EX, Dolby ProLogic II, HDCD, Circle Surround, and fully implemented 7.1 Logic7 (either by licensing the exact product from Harmon International or by creating your own, superior product that can create stereo side and rear channels from multiple sources-- I'm not talking about Cirrus Extra Surround as it's not as good and doesn't produce stereo back channels).

No DSP modes like HALL, STADIUM, etc. Totally unnecessary.

Separate power supplies for digital and analog circuits. Totally isolated and noise free parts.

Copper shielded.

No built-in tuner or LCD screen (something more to break and cause interference problems, and it would allow money to go to improved internal guts). A separate monitor output for mini, rack mountable digital video panel (as an optional accessory and for any third party mini monitor). And one monitor output for on-screen display only.

In fact, I would suggest having a completely separate video switcher in order to keep these circuits completely isolated, and increase the usable space on the back of the pre-amp for more inputs/outputs (and the full array of fully balanced I/O's). That would also allow more of the design budget to go towards these premium audio features I've discussed. Also, with any future video switcher you have to deal with the issue of DVI-D/HDMI/HDCP and Firewire switching along with the current slate of analog inputs and outputs. It keeps it as an optional product and keeps the consumers' cost down too. A win-win situation for everybody.

User software upgradeable.

Data port for Crestron and other home automation type devices.

Large, easy to read display panel.

Illuminated, high quality buttons and switches.

Removable, thick gauge IEC, grounded power cord.

Plus, any number of user interface improvements and suggestions others have mentioned on this board that other companies have in their products (like Anthem, Krell, Lexicon, TAG, etc.).

Dan

[This message has been edited by Dan Hitchman (edited April 24, 2003).]