Why is that? Just curious.trying to find out the last pre amp that wouldn't have software to upgrade it,
The discontinued models should not have the firmware update
Firmware is definitely something I feel wary about as a buyer. I won't say a design flaw, but it doesn't have great forward compatibility
That's fair. However, when there are issues with hardware aging and needing repair (as anything eventually will) my concern would be that the firmware would begin acting funny or be difficult to back up or work with during system maintenance. From my perspective, it almost seems like an "unobtanium" partHow's that? If it works when its new it will continue to work.....Contrary to popular belief, they don't need "updates" to continue to work....
The firmware is burned in on an Eprom, its not like a computer where a file or a packet can be corrupted....The chip could die, but then that's the same as most anything else in the pre-amp that can fail.That's fair. However, when there are issues with hardware aging and needing repair (as anything eventually will) my concern would be that the firmware would begin acting funny or be difficult to back up or work with during system maintenance. From my perspective, it almost seems like an "unobtanium" part
I think that kind of experience is telling. Thanks for posting. Perhaps I was wrongThe firmware is burned in on an Eprom, its not like a computer where a file or a packet can be corrupted....The chip could die, but then that's the same as most anything else in the pre-amp that can fail.
In my experience with this sort of gear, which is quite a lot, its usually mechanical things like encoders which fail, and they are very generic items and I've never had any issue obtaining them.
I still use audio gear which feature digital control interfaces which are often 20-25 years old without any issue, never have broken down, still in service...
I don't think its worth worrying about personally, they are not computers, they have a much much longer service life than any computer I know of.....
Do it, you know you want the 602!! Who wouldn't!!and to make things worse, there is a 602 on ebay and I really want that amp. but sometimes I think I should just get a second 2500 I want more headroom to tighten up the sound through whatever pair of speakers I get next