Recent content by GSOphile

Time to move on, guys.

Current examples: D1X SE $58,000 Aries Cerat Kassandra LE ~$100,000 DCS Varese Base $250,000 Lampizator Aphrodite $105,000 MSB Sentinel $375,000 WADAX Reference DAC $183,000

This is easily the most comprehensive review of an audio component that I have ever read. https://hometheaterhifi.com/reviews/dac/esoteric-d1x-se-dual-monoblock-dac-review/ Its in depth use of measurements stands out. (It would probably earn an A as a master's thesis.) To say that it...

Sheesh! This thread needs to be closed.

National Gallery of Art

There's a fair amount of discussion in the rather long WBF MSB Cascade announcement thread on user experience with the Cascade integrated pre. Not so much in the MSB Forum. It appears that the Cascade's integrated analog pre has been improved over what's in the Reference/Select II DACs and...

Looks like the answer to my queries is that Audioshark Cascade users have not explored using the Cascade preamp as a replacement for a dedicated pre.

Has anyone compared the MSB Cascade's preamp with their dedicated preamp (which?)? Did you replace the preamp with the Cascade's? What amp(s) involved? Interested in experiences from those who took the time to compare.

Welcome, luizamarns.

I've noticed a couple of high end European brands try the 'raise price' strategy without adding value, and watched dealers drop them, because (a) all of a sudden, they found themselves in competition with more formidable brands/offerings at the new price level and (b) it was making prospects...

Hah! (I said 'good', Elliot; 'great' TBD!) ;-)

Good answers, Elliot. Are all US WADAX dealers required to handle any required shipping to Spain for service or is this just something we should expect from a good dealer like you? Would the same be true for out-of-warranty service needs? (I note that Studio Players with mechanical transports...

These guys have a unique DAC technology. Outstanding products from what I read and from their widespread use at shows showcasing other's high end products. But long lead times and the apparent lack of a US service facility is concerning. The thought of shipping 70 pound Studio components back...

Not many upgrades available for this one. Big congrats! When's the open house?

I've read that SACD interest continues to be strong in Japan. As long as that continues, I think we'll continue to see strong SACD player/transport offerings from Japanese manufacturers like Esoteric, Luxman, Marantz, Accuphase et al. The SACD format also seems to have an especially strong...