The handle manufacturers have had lots of problems, and we're looking into switching to a different foundry.

The handles are investment cast from aluminium, and the problem is that they gate into one of the top surfaces (so the cut isn't visible). Up until now they have trimmed them a little long, so one side of the handle is taller than the other, resulting in contact with the plastic.

We've instructed the foundry to take more care over the trimming, and we've also seated the plastic slightly higher so it should work with both old and new handles. We don't plan to send replacement handles to existing clients as the new plastic should fix the problem, and the handles are complex to fit (they use specialist thread cutting screws).

The finish of the handle is something we're not 100% happy with. We currently use a sealed electroless nickel process (anodising gave terrible results, something akin to an antique fireplace) but it does seem to wear a little unevenly. Unfortunately we have no real choice - this process is the best we can get for cast aluminium. It's a shame because the handles look absolutely fantastic when left as sand blasted aluminium. I'd love to produce a silver version of the player, but the original Mk.2 Fascia thread seemed to pretty much rule this out :-(

Now that some of you have seen your Mk.2 players, what do you think - would you like it in silver? Silver handle, silver bolts, light grey fascia and metallic controls. Maybe it would make a cool special edition or future upgrade.

By the way, the new plastic for existing owners is in transit to us at the moment, so that should go out (along with your carry cases and ISO connectors) early next week.

Rob