The PS Audio Sprout is a unique do-it-all machine with two great amp stages. But Head-fi discussion about it is minor. Some, like Headphoneus Supremus, Shaffer, suggest that in targeting the Mass Drop audience, PS Audio are going about it wrong:
But it appears that Sprout is selling. And at nearly 40% off MSRP, it should be. It has fantastic amps for both headphones and speakers, and a DAC that supports Bluetooth, USB, and coaxial inputs. Read my review of it on Headfonia. Despite a few reservations (some serious), I really like Sprout.
The overall tone of the Head-fi Sprout thread is positive, but the subject of Mass Drop has taken over the discussion. When that happens, I question its advertisement value, especially as it sets expectation for sudden down pricing rather than stability. Mass Drop also attracts short-term ownership and flipping.
I understand the reason to Mass Drop an item. I understand the excitement that bubbles behind deals. But in the long run, I don't think casting a product in the debut mould of sales pricing is a great idea. Others disagree. sealykojac makes a cogent argument both for and against Mass Dropping:
It's not only distribution channels that whither under the influence of Mass Drop. Equally, MSRP does, too. It seems silly to pay 599$ for Cypher Labs's C6IEM when it can be had for 399$ on Mass Drop if you can wait for enough interest. (Check out Cypher Labs's Mass Drop page - you're bound to get a deal.) It's Lisa VS. Mac all over again, creating rifts -- in brand image, in fan support -- where none need exist.
I want to see Sprout succeed. While Bluetooth isn't the darling of the audiophile community, it is a brilliant option to have and one that needs to be exploited. I just hope that PS Audio's brand value survives threads, or forums, that are have become more about sale prices, or buyer wanted threads, than about sound.