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.
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 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...
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...
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.
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).
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...