questions
No internal memory?
In was our goal to maximise audiophile quality, power output, and portability. Adding an internal and an external memory slot would have compromised the size of the player. Having only an external memory option gives the end-user more control over their music library by simply inserting the desired SD-Card. In exchange for not adding internal memory we focused our efforts so that the hardware would accept capacities of 256gb and beyond.
No charger???
We deliberately left it out since chances are that most already own one or more USB chargers. Because the Mistral Player is compatible with any standard micro-USB charger or computer we wanted to avoid redundant and unnecessary items.
No display?
Displays are distracting, require more power, interfere in the audiophile quality of the product, condition the size of the unit and most of the time are a source of bugs. In the end, your audiophile system at hole is likely not to have any distracting displays… Why would you need to have a display in your pocket while on the go? But most of all we wanted to design something that looked like an audio device and not just another smartphone.
No equalizer?
Utterly redundant and by many “connoisseurs” considered a blasphemy in a true audiophile setup. However, “native chip adjustments” were (reluctantly…) added. RECOMMENDATION: Desired equalisation should be achieved by selecting the adequate audio cables and headphones according to the listeners taste.
Computer interconnectivity?
We have simplified this procedure and have done without plugins, installers and software. Simply plugin your MISTRAL and while it charges the micro-SD card should become available in your computer regardless if it is MacOS or Windows. This enables you to sort the albums by files or simply create a file with a compilation of songs. Finding the desired album will be considerably easier and requires substantially less computing power enabling the processor to focus exclusively in a very quick and responsive operation.
Instruction manual?
There will be future firmware upgrades along the way and supplied instructions manuals might very likely not be accurate or worse, be misleading. The operating instruction manual will be accesible in real time and always up to date on our site at all times.
Why add lossy formats?
Initially not intended to be included in the MISTRAL since in a “purist” audiophile sense, lossy formats go against the very concept and high standards of the player. However, we chose to implement those formats for the comfort and usability of the owner/user. The reason being that today not all records are available in a Hight-Resolution audiophile format. The MISTRAL not being able to play those songs or the user having to convert an inferior recording to a higher resolution file would be counter productive. Also note that any lossy format will sound better through the MISTRAL than out of your mobile phone or standard MP3 player.
Future version?
Not in the near future. The MISTRAL and SIROCCO where designed with the maximum standards, materials and manufacturing skills to last. The hardware has been chosen beyond the current needs so that upgrades and options can be implemented in later firmware updates. Not cutting corners guarantees a single “stand alone” unit for year to come and that the customer will not own an outdated product.
Why Bluetooth only in the Mistral?
With Bluetooth 4.1 it is now possible to transmit 24bit files for wireless playback therefore ensuring a minimum audio-quality in playback. Adding this function makes the MISTRAL even more versatile and can be enjoyed while in your car or any portable bluetooth audio speaker. The Sirocco on the other hand is a purist's unit meant to be enjoyed with the maximum possible audio quality that goes well beyond what Bluetooth has to offer.
No internal memory?
In was our goal to maximise audiophile quality, power output, and portability. Adding an internal and an external memory slot would have compromised the size of the player. Having only an external memory option gives the end-user more control over their music library by simply inserting the desired SD-Card. In exchange for not adding internal memory we focused our efforts so that the hardware would accept capacities of 256gb and beyond.
No charger???
We deliberately left it out since chances are that most already own one or more USB chargers. Because the Mistral Player is compatible with any standard micro-USB charger or computer we wanted to avoid redundant and unnecessary items.
No display?
Displays are distracting, require more power, interfere in the audiophile quality of the product, condition the size of the unit and most of the time are a source of bugs. In the end, your audiophile system at hole is likely not to have any distracting displays… Why would you need to have a display in your pocket while on the go? But most of all we wanted to design something that looked like an audio device and not just another smartphone.
No equalizer?
Utterly redundant and by many “connoisseurs” considered a blasphemy in a true audiophile setup. However, “native chip adjustments” were (reluctantly…) added. RECOMMENDATION: Desired equalisation should be achieved by selecting the adequate audio cables and headphones according to the listeners taste.
Computer interconnectivity?
We have simplified this procedure and have done without plugins, installers and software. Simply plugin your MISTRAL and while it charges the micro-SD card should become available in your computer regardless if it is MacOS or Windows. This enables you to sort the albums by files or simply create a file with a compilation of songs. Finding the desired album will be considerably easier and requires substantially less computing power enabling the processor to focus exclusively in a very quick and responsive operation.
Instruction manual?
There will be future firmware upgrades along the way and supplied instructions manuals might very likely not be accurate or worse, be misleading. The operating instruction manual will be accesible in real time and always up to date on our site at all times.
Why add lossy formats?
Initially not intended to be included in the MISTRAL since in a “purist” audiophile sense, lossy formats go against the very concept and high standards of the player. However, we chose to implement those formats for the comfort and usability of the owner/user. The reason being that today not all records are available in a Hight-Resolution audiophile format. The MISTRAL not being able to play those songs or the user having to convert an inferior recording to a higher resolution file would be counter productive. Also note that any lossy format will sound better through the MISTRAL than out of your mobile phone or standard MP3 player.
Future version?
Not in the near future. The MISTRAL and SIROCCO where designed with the maximum standards, materials and manufacturing skills to last. The hardware has been chosen beyond the current needs so that upgrades and options can be implemented in later firmware updates. Not cutting corners guarantees a single “stand alone” unit for year to come and that the customer will not own an outdated product.
Why Bluetooth only in the Mistral?
With Bluetooth 4.1 it is now possible to transmit 24bit files for wireless playback therefore ensuring a minimum audio-quality in playback. Adding this function makes the MISTRAL even more versatile and can be enjoyed while in your car or any portable bluetooth audio speaker. The Sirocco on the other hand is a purist's unit meant to be enjoyed with the maximum possible audio quality that goes well beyond what Bluetooth has to offer.
