MSB Premier arrives as Suncoast Audio

[Mike]

I ordered it with the upgraded PowerBase, but also the stock power supply so people could hear the difference.

It’s driving the Gryphon amp directly and beautifully. Definitely need to try it into a preamp to compare. I’m using the Roon Renderer at the moment.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[vortrex]

So it looks like you can get MQA over the renderer? The website says MQA for the USB, but no mention of it for the renderer.

[Mike]

So it looks like you can get MQA over the renderer? The website says MQA for the USB, but no mention of it for the renderer.

Yes. The new Renderer module handles full MQA decode.

[AJR]

I can’t wait to receive mine. Supposed to arrive this week. Mike - will be fascinated in your thoughts once you have burned it in and compared it with a separate preamp driving your Colosseum.

[UltraFast69]

Looks very nice. Really curious if Reference is 50% of the Premier taking out the power base?

[KeithR]

Fun week at work

[AJR]

The eagle has landed. Picking it up tomorrow. And also my Innuos. Antileon Evo demo the next day. Party time

[vortrex]

How's the MSB sounding?

[Mike]

How's the MSB sounding?

Who you asking?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[vortrex]

Who you asking?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

You, or anyone else who has a Premier or Discrete. I think you might be the only one at the moment?

[AJR]

I can’t get my Innuos Zenith and MSB Premier to talk to each other. Very frustrating. Will try again tomorrow.

[Mike]

You, or anyone else who has a Premier or Discrete. I think you might be the only one at the moment?

Yes. And my Discrete is enroute. The Premier is breaking in nicely. It sounds better with a good preamp IMO. Unlike the Select II which has a $12,000 internal preamp module, the Premier is superb, but I like it with a preamp.

The sound is totally MSB. Very analog like. Very analog like. It’s of course not at the level of the Select II, but it’s superb and real winner at its price point.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Boogieman]

Dear Sir,
What is the difference in the house sound between this MSB and Chord DAVE, with and without Chord BLU2?
Thank you

[Mike]

Dear Sir,
What is the difference in the house sound between this MSB and Chord DAVE, with and without Chord BLU2?
Thank you

I’ll let someone else answer this one.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Thieliste]

Mike will you be getting the MSB Reference DAC ? i'd like to have feedbacks on this one driving monoblocks direct like the D'agostino M400.

[Mike]

Mike will you be getting the MSB Reference DAC ? i'd like to have feedbacks on this one driving monoblocks direct like the D'agostino M400.

Currently considering it, yes.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Thieliste]

Currently considering it, yes.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Great

[KeithR]

one thing about the Premier unlike former MSBs is you need to defeat the volume control in the setup menu and set the gain appropriately if using a preamp. Said another way, volume at 100 still has the volume control implemented.

[Mike]

one thing about the Premier unlike former MSBs is you need to defeat the volume control in the setup menu and set the gain appropriately if using a preamp. Said another way, volume at 100 still has the volume control implemented.

That’s not my understanding. The ladders are driving the output directly. Set the VC to 98 and you’re good to go.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[AJR]

Not that my MSB Premier is even working (waiting for a replacement renderer) but Keith is right - if using a pre amp you have to go to the menu and select one of the two “volume off” options plus set the “output” to “low”.

[AJR]

Here is manual extract:

[Mike]

Not that my MSB Premier is even working (waiting for a replacement renderer) but Keith is right - if using a pre amp you have to go to the menu and select one of the two “volume off” options plus set the “output” to “low”.

Yes - but is this DSD only? I need to find out. But I think this is optimizing for DSD only.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Mike]

Turns out this is a new setting for Premier and Discrete. It’s not needed on the REF or S2. This is fun! Need to try this setting. Thanks for pointing out.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Mike]

I played around with the VC at 98 vs Optimized vs Natural and high/low. Honestly, couldn’t tell any real difference other than high/low. I’m leaving it on Natural Low. Optimized had a little more resolution. Natural sounded, uhh...a little more natural.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[AJR]

Mike - thanks for this. Do you mean “Volume off - Native” instead of “Natural”?

[Mike]

Mike - thanks for this. Do you mean “Volume off - Native” instead of “Natural”?

Yes

[KeithR]

Wow- I am floored at this thing in my system. Even with the small, mono power bases. Just amazing.

I did hear the Premier vs Reference yesterday - much, much different than my last audition. The volume control set properly and more burn-in on the Premier narrowed the two considerably. I would say 15-20% better for the Reference. It has a bit more information, dynamics, and "thereness." I also demo'd the various power supplies and took home the base monos.

I will be trying the Femto 93 clock upgrade for my Premier next - very excited as its card-based. Honestly, I won't be surprised if I sell or downgrade my analog rig. Its that good gentlemen!

[Mike]

Wow- I am floored at this thing in my system. Even with the small, mono power bases. Just amazing.

I did hear the Premier vs Reference yesterday - much, much different than my last audition. The volume control set properly and more burn-in on the Premier narrowed the two considerably. I would say 15-20% better for the Reference. It has a bit more information, dynamics, and "thereness." I also demo'd the various power supplies and took home the base monos.

I will be trying the Femto 93 clock upgrade for my Premier next - very excited as its card-based. Honestly, I won't be surprised if I sell or downgrade my analog rig. Its that good gentlemen!

So happy for your Keith. It’s totally transformed for me too since first installing. They all need 1-2 weeks of solid run (24/7) and you will be well rewarded. For me, the MSB’s are the best at their respective price points if you’re after that analog sound. If you prefer digital sounds, well, there’s lots out there like that.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Kingsrule]

I'll bet there is a big difference between the Select and Reference when using them direct to the amp...

[Alpinist]

I'll bet there is a big difference between the Select and Reference when using them direct to the amp...

I’ve listened to them both in identical systems without preamp and yes, the Select is significantly better than the Reference in virtually every way.

Ken

[KeithR]

So happy for your Keith. It’s totally transformed for me too since first installing. They all need 1-2 weeks of solid run (24/7) and you will be well rewarded.

I think you are right, Mike. I initially heard it after only 1 week of run-in. I have also read that huge A'gon thread about redbook cd dacs and while it became totally silly, one thing that stood out is that the OP now says he won't listen to a dac until 4-500 hours are on it. I am always skeptical about such claims, but maybe there is something to it.

I am currently typing while 10' to the side of my system and it sounds like analog - just nutty.

[KeithR]

I’ve listened to them both in identical systems without preamp and yes, the Select is significantly better than the Reference in virtually every way.

Ken, I'm not sure I ever want to hear that demo. Ha!

Seriously though, for my more modest system the Premier hits all gears. In your SOTA one, the Select must be beyond amazing.

[vortrex]

I also demo'd the various power supplies and took home the base monos.

What was the difference between the single and dual base power supplies?

[Alpinist]

Ken, I'm not sure I ever want to hear that demo. Ha!

Seriously though, for my more modest system the Premier hits all gears. In your SOTA one, the Select must be beyond amazing.

Hi Keith,

Congratulations on your MSB Premier, it is a superb DAC! Yes, the Select II DAC is indeed very special sounding but the Premier has such a complete sound, you won’t be wanting for anything unless you specifically do a direct comparison.

Enjoy,
Ken

[AJR]

My replacement ethernet renderer module works! So my Premier is now up and running. It is being fed directly by the streamer out on my Innuos Zenith which also runs Roon Core. Now the burn in...

Keith - looking forward to your thoughts on the Femto 93 clock upgrade.

[sakso136]

Hi guys,
I m interested in a new dac, and the premier tick all my boxes, but indeed way expensive than my budget allow!
Assuming that i skip a preamp in my system, and get the premier fitted with the ethernet renderer and usb input ~ 22usd , do you think sq wise, the premier will outperform lets say a r2r dac=8000 usd+ preamp= 6000usd+ streamer= 4000 usd?
I have an msb dealer here where i live who don t stock any model, and i m lost wich route i should head, knowing that i m willing to replace an excellent devialet200 used as pre/ dac/ streamer feeding an excellent poweramp.
Thks


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Mike]

Hi guys,
I m interested in a new dac, and the premier tick all my boxes, but indeed way expensive than my budget allow!
Assuming that i skip a preamp in my system, and get the premier fitted with the ethernet renderer and usb input ~ 22usd , do you think sq wise, the premier will outperform lets say a r2r dac=8000 usd+ preamp= 6000usd+ streamer= 4000 usd?
I have an msb dealer here where i live who don t stock any model, and i m lost wich route i should head, knowing that i m willing to replace an excellent devialet200 used as pre/ dac/ streamer feeding an excellent poweramp.
Thks


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Where do you live? What MSB dealer doesn’t stock any model? If that’s the case, he’s not a dealer. I would check on this.

To answer your question: yes. The Premier can work beautifully as a VC. Of course a preamp can add some magic, but if push came to shove, the Premier and its VC is the way I would go.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[sakso136]

Where do you live? What MSB dealer doesn’t stock any model? If that’s the case, he’s not a dealer. I would check on this.

To answer your question: yes. The Premier can work beautifully as a VC. Of course a preamp can add some magic, but if push came to shove, the Premier and its VC is the way I would go.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Hi mike,
Thks for the reply.
If i go the premier route , i will be stuck for a while before i can add any upgrade( add a descent preamp, clock, power base), so do you think that the premier will at my stage, and my current system outperform my front end devialet?
The devialet is doing an excellent job as pre and dac now but it s quite an old dac now!
My fear is , invest big on premier and get small on perf!



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Mike]

Hi mike,
Thks for the reply.
If i go the premier route , i will be stuck for a while before i can add any upgrade( add a descent preamp, clock, power base), so do you think that the premier will at my stage, and my current system outperform my front end devialet?
The devialet is doing an excellent job as pre and dac now but it s quite an old dac now!
My fear is , invest big on premier and get small on perf!



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I think it’s the right move. You can always add power base, clock, etc. later.

Where do you live?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[sakso136]

I live in dubai.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Mike]

I live in dubai.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Ok. I would first ask your local dealer to bring one in.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Ctsooner]

I think you are right, Mike. I initially heard it after only 1 week of run-in. I have also read that huge A'gon thread about redbook cd dacs and while it became totally silly, one thing that stood out is that the OP now says he won't listen to a dac until 4-500 hours are on it. I am always skeptical about such claims, but maybe there is something to it.

I am currently typing while 10' to the side of my system and it sounds like analog - just nutty.

Keith, I've been on that thread since nearly day one. the OP is a very close friend of mine and does a great job of trying to audition. It's not scientific and he's the first to say it's for his system, his ears and his room. I've been in Matt's room and although we hear differently, he's just giving folks his take. It's as popular a running thread as I've ever seen in sports boards or audio boards. There are some posters on there who are just trying to advance their own agenda and he's surely helped folks sell their gear, but that's not what he is trying to do.

Too many folks in audio are lemmings. They honestly don't audition and buy off of reviews. They buy off of threads like these. It's really sad, but it's true. I like certain lines of equipment, but I will also audition before purchasing. I alway try to stay that in my posts on any audio board I may be on. I love it when dealers like Mike and others invite folks to come in and play.

There are plenty of folks on that thread who are being pushed by certain companies or even some dealers who constantly post to try and make folks think their gear is the best etc.... Matt tries and does a good job at calling them out, but in a very positive way. He never disparages anyone.

Sorry, to go on, but it's been a great thread and I personally found my former DAC there and I didn't even know Empirical Audio even existed. Steve Nugent who owns it sold me his personal server and I loved his DAC, but liked the Ayre QX5/20 better for my needs. I now have The Memory Player server, streamer, DAC, headphone amp, analog AND digital pre being built for me. Sam, the owner, lives about 40 minutes away and we've become very good friends (best server I've ever heard and I've had most in the house by now). I've made at least 4 friends (real ones that I'm in touch with daily and keep up on life with) from that thread. Yes, I'm sensitive about that thread, lol ..... It's all good though and if you feel it's silly, it certainly is to you and that's to be respected by me. Just sharing both sides of the story. . Thanks Pete

[sakso136]

Ok. I would first ask your local dealer to bring one in.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thks mike, i will ask him to bring it first!
I like the idea of the msb dacs, because the upgradability on time, and modules etc.... but never heard one!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[KeithR]

Too many folks in audio are lemmings. They honestly don't audition and buy off of reviews. They buy off of threads like these. It's really sad, but it's true. I like certain lines of equipment, but I will also audition before purchasing. I alway try to stay that in my posts on any audio board I may be on. I love it when dealers like Mike and others invite folks to come in and play.

There are plenty of folks on that thread who are being pushed by certain companies or even some dealers who constantly post to try and make folks think their gear is the best etc.... Matt tries and does a good job at calling them out, but in a very positive way. He never disparages anyone.

re: dealers and manufacturers, bingo.

If you are in the dac-of-the-month club under 3k, buying without a demo is fine. but at the higher echelons i, too, find it mandatory. I even had the Formula dac at home for awhile this time around.

[Jabba]

At last I got my MSB Premier DAC. Frank and Frode was there to help with the installation of the DAC and Innuos Zenith. Everything was going smooth, and then Frank startet to tune in my system. Wow, already now it is playing very very good.I dont want to go to bed

[AJR]

At last I got my MSB Premier DAC. Frank and Frode was there to help with the installation of the DAC and Innuos Zenith. Everything was going smooth, and then Frank startet to tune in my system. Wow, already now it is playing very very good.I dont want to go to bed

I feel!

I have followed Mike’s and Keith’s (and others’) advice and have been burning it in 24/7 (using an eclectic playlist) since it arrived. But arrived home tonight and couldn’t help myself switch the Pandora’s mute button off and the Antileon Evo’s power button on. Have been loving the sound. A whole new level. My Lumin T1 was very good - but this is, well, a different postal code (and, to be fair, for a price in a different postal code). Can’t wait to hear how it sounds in another 2 weeks. And Keith’s report on the Femto 93. Happy days

[KeithR]

Welcome to the Premier club, gentlemen. All of us using Innuous Zenith servers as well

I'm still cooking mine 24/7 for another week. My only complaint so far is the MSB spikes are a pain and the umbilicals are short. If you have the Powerbase the latter isn't an issue.

[AJR]

Yep - ambilical cord is fine for me with the power base and I am also stacking them both on top of each other. Will post a pic.

[AJR]

[AJR]

Not an optimal setup. Room acoustics are my next work-on (thank you Jim Smith)