MSB Analogue DAC

[AJR]

Does anyone use the MSB Analogue DAC as a pre-amplifier for digital sources directly into a power amp? Would be interested to know how it stacks up against a stand alone pre-amp in the $10-15k price range.

[KeithR]

Does anyone use the MSB Analogue DAC as a pre-amplifier for digital sources directly into a power amp? Would be interested to know how it stacks up against a stand alone pre-amp in the $10-15k price range.

I prefer MSB dacs, including the Analog, with a preamp. I've heard the Select 2 is an exception - but at $90k, won't be finding out

[Etunes]

Does anyone use the MSB Analogue DAC as a pre-amplifier for digital sources directly into a power amp? Would be interested to know how it stacks up against a stand alone pre-amp in the $10-15k price range.

I have the Analog DAC with volume and have compared it to VAC Renaissance Mk2 , Thoress FF , Dartzeel both new and first version and Audionet DNP. It sounds good direct but I preferred the preamp in the line in every case. I listened to analog passed thru via it's RCA analog inputs and it did a great job but always reverted back to having a pre.

[Ritmo]

The Analog is a nice DAC at its price point. It's been around for a few years now and I would think that it is next at MSB for an update given that they have revamped their other DACs with the Select and Reference and retired the Vs.

[Audioguru1]

I have tried this approach with the MSB Reference DAC. I was astonished by the results. In a majorly good way. The sonic purity that comes through the MSB Reference when fed directly to the amplifier, in my opinion, lifts another veil on the performance and gets you even closer to the true sonic intent of the recording artist/studio engineer. I was floored by how good the Reference is when setup in this configuration. I did not miss my pre-amp (the Mcintosh C1100) at all!! The sound was perhaps the most satisfying I have ever heard coming from my favorite albums that I have played countless times and know intimately well - natural, and "analog" sounding but with satisfying punch, dynamics, imaging, soundstage , and nuanced details in the overall tone, decay, and reverb of the acoustic space where the recording took place. I am amazed by the MSB Reference...

[asiufy]

I have tried this approach with the MSB Reference DAC. I was astonished by the results. In a majorly good way. The sonic purity that comes through the MSB Reference when fed directly to the amplifier, in my opinion, lifts another veil on the performance and gets you even closer to the true sonic intent of the recording artist/studio engineer. I was floored by how good the Reference is when setup in this configuration. I did not miss my pre-amp (the Mcintosh C1100) at all!! The sound was perhaps the most satisfying I have ever heard coming from my favorite albums that I have played countless times and know intimately well - natural, and "analog" sounding but with satisfying punch, dynamics, imaging, soundstage , and nuanced details in the overall tone, decay, and reverb of the acoustic space where the recording took place. I am amazed by the MSB Reference...

+1!
And you're not the first to have such "revelation"! Lots of friends and clients have been ditching their preamp and going direct, with either the MS SELECT or the Reference.

[Alpinist]

I have tried this approach with the MSB Reference DAC. I was astonished by the results. In a majorly good way. The sonic purity that comes through the MSB Reference when fed directly to the amplifier, in my opinion, lifts another veil on the performance and gets you even closer to the true sonic intent of the recording artist/studio engineer. I was floored by how good the Reference is when setup in this configuration. I did not miss my pre-amp (the Mcintosh C1100) at all!! The sound was perhaps the most satisfying I have ever heard coming from my favorite albums that I have played countless times and know intimately well - natural, and "analog" sounding but with satisfying punch, dynamics, imaging, soundstage , and nuanced details in the overall tone, decay, and reverb of the acoustic space where the recording took place. I am amazed by the MSB Reference...

Sounds like a wonderful DAC. I’d love to do the comparison with and without my REF10 preamp.

Ken

[Audioguru1]

What really stands out to me with the Reference DAC is how it handles subtle shifts in dynamics - the smallest gradients in volume going from extremely soft to loud passages and the minute variances of inflection during various instruments playing come through in such a way that I have never before noticed on recordings that I know well. The sound of this DAC is so natural and smooth, yet it retains all of the grit, weight, nuance of the music to make for a highly satisfying listening experience...it just pulls you in and completely immerses you in the performance. Musical Nirvana.

[Alpinist]

What really stands out to me with the Reference DAC is how it handles subtle shifts in dynamics - the smallest gradients in volume going from extremely soft to loud passages and the minute variances of inflection during various instruments playing come through in such a way that I have never before noticed on recordings that I know well. The sound of this DAC is so natural and smooth, yet it retains all of the grit, weight, nuance of the music to make for a highly satisfying listening experience...it just pulls you in and completely immerses you in the performance. Musical Nirvana.

What options do you have on the Reference DAC in terms of Femto clock, power supply, preamp and input modules? Because fully loaded significantly increases sound quality and doubles the price.

Thanks,
Ken

[Audioguru1]

It's pretty loaded up: Femto 33 clock, upgraded pre-amp module, MQA, PCM, DSD formats, USB, Toslink, Coaxial inputs. It does have the standard power supply (not the dual monos).

[Alpinist]

It's pretty loaded up: Femto 33 clock, upgraded pre-amp module, MQA, PCM, DSD formats, USB, Toslink, Coaxial inputs. It does have the standard power supply (not the dual monos).

Very nice! Did you do a comparison to the Select II DAC? I’m curious how close a loaded Reference DAC gets you to the Select II DAC in sound quality.

Thanks,
Ken

[Audioguru1]

No...have not had the opportunity to hear the Select II. But would absolutely love to compare. What I'm wondering is if we can expect to see a new version of the Analogue DAC that features the trickle down tech/innovations from the Reference? Does anyone know if this is coming...

[KeithR]

No...have not had the opportunity to hear the Select II. But would absolutely love to compare. What I'm wondering is if we can expect to see a new version of the Analogue DAC that features the trickle down tech/innovations from the Reference? Does anyone know if this is coming...

No Analog2 anytime soon from what I've been told. I'm hoping for a 1 dac/channel version of the Reference - guessing 2019.

I'm glad MSB doesn't update dacs every two years like some companies. I also don't feel that my Analog dac is incomplete compared to today's competition - and has MQA USB input already and will have a new network renderer next year (roon/mqa). MSB prides itself on future compatibility/upgradability and delivers.