Welcome to the AudioShark Forums.
Results 1 to 8 of 8
  1. #1
    Super Moderator
    Join Date
    Apr 2013
    Location
    NY
    Posts
    18,726

    MSB Discrete dac - Anyone using theirs direct to amp without a preamp?

    My opinion changes depending on the amp(s) I’m using.

    It’s awesome with my Luxman 590 but that’s an integrated.

    It’s awesome with my SIT3 direct but better with my GAT2.

    I like it with my FW F7, Valvet E2se and most others but absolutely prefer a preamp in the chain.

    Either I have too many options and end up all over the place or I need to pare down my options and just concentrate on my best few combos.

    The GAT2 with SIT3 and the Luxman 590 are my absolute favorite combos.

    Did I just answer my own questions?

    Are you using the MSB Discrete dac without a preamp? What amp are you using?
    Fleetwood Deville by Oswald Mills Audio, Vienna Acoustics Haydn Jubilee, Wharfedale Linton w/ stands, Klipsch RB-75, Klipsch RP-160M.

    Job INTegrated. Luxman L-595aSE

    NAD C 658 streamer.

    First Watt SIT-3, Job 250 Monos, NuForce STA200, AkitikA GT-102 amp, ASL Wave monos, Dennis Had 45 monos. Absolute Audio Labs PCF 25 amp (improved First Watt F7 super clone)

    Topping D90, RME Audio ADI-2 DAC FS, ModWright Ultimate Sony XA-5400ES.

    Burmester 948, McIntosh MCLK12, Kimber Kable, Siltech, Cardas, Avanti Audio cables.

  2. #2
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Sep 2017
    Location
    Seattle
    Posts
    1,964

    Re: MSB Discrete dac - Anyone using theirs direct to amp without a preamp?

    I’m not familiar with the preamp module, but have heard many good things about it.

    My only cause for delay is the preamp gives you options with other sources; vinyl, disc, tape.

    If you don’t plan on any of this, then try it direct, it’s the shortest path and purpose built.


    Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro
    Source Analog: Kuzma Stabi R w/4point 11 arm | Kuzma 50 Cartridge
    Source Digital: Aurender N10 | Brinkmann Nyquist MK II
    Amplification: Dan D’Agostino Momentum HD and M400’s | Boulder 508
    Speakers: Wilson Alexias
    Cabling: Nordost Leif, Norse, V2 and Odin
    Power and Isolation: Audio-Ultra Home & Room Power Foundation Performance Package with StromTank S1000 | HRS









  3. #3
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Apr 2013
    Location
    East Bay, CA
    Posts
    2,392

    Re: MSB Discrete dac - Anyone using theirs direct to amp without a preamp?

    Quote Originally Posted by joeinid View Post
    My opinion changes depending on the amp(s) I’m using.

    It’s awesome with my Luxman 590 but that’s an integrated.

    It’s awesome with my SIT3 direct but better with my GAT2.

    I like it with my FW F7, Valvet E2se and most others but absolutely prefer a preamp in the chain.

    Either I have too many options and end up all over the place or I need to pare down my options and just concentrate on my best few combos.

    The GAT2 with SIT3 and the Luxman 590 are my absolute favorite combos.

    Did I just answer my own questions?
    Yes, you did.

    Joe, I had a buddy that had the MSB Discrete DAC and we didi a number of evaluations with and without a preamp in the system. Amps were Wavac 300B SETs (which were amazing, BTW...) and invariably preferred it with a preamp in the system than without. Preamps we evaluated it with were Shindo Giscours, my CT-5, Coincident Technology.

    You've got an amazing preamp for it, the GAT2. Why fix what isn't broken?

  4. #4
    Super Moderator
    Join Date
    Apr 2013
    Location
    NY
    Posts
    18,726

    Re: MSB Discrete dac - Anyone using theirs direct to amp without a preamp?

    Thank you Stephen. I appreciate your input. I think it’s time to let more gear go and concentrate on what makes the most beautiful music.

    I’m sure that Wavac is awesome. I tried to get a pair years ago but someone beat me to them from the dealer. They are normally expensive but I think these were part of a trade deal. So close.
    Fleetwood Deville by Oswald Mills Audio, Vienna Acoustics Haydn Jubilee, Wharfedale Linton w/ stands, Klipsch RB-75, Klipsch RP-160M.

    Job INTegrated. Luxman L-595aSE

    NAD C 658 streamer.

    First Watt SIT-3, Job 250 Monos, NuForce STA200, AkitikA GT-102 amp, ASL Wave monos, Dennis Had 45 monos. Absolute Audio Labs PCF 25 amp (improved First Watt F7 super clone)

    Topping D90, RME Audio ADI-2 DAC FS, ModWright Ultimate Sony XA-5400ES.

    Burmester 948, McIntosh MCLK12, Kimber Kable, Siltech, Cardas, Avanti Audio cables.

  5. #5
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Mar 2014
    Location
    Ormond Beach, Plantation Bay CC
    Posts
    5,172

    Re: MSB Discrete dac - Anyone using theirs direct to amp without a preamp?

    Quote Originally Posted by joeinid View Post
    Thank you Stephen. I appreciate your input. I think it’s time to let more gear go and concentrate on what makes the most beautiful music.

    I’m sure that Wavac is awesome. I tried to get a pair years ago but someone beat me to them from the dealer. They are normally expensive but I think these were part of a trade deal. So close.
    Sometimes A man's gotta do what a man's gotta do"
    2chl : Vincent Sp331MkII, W4S STP-SE Stage 2, Kef 201/2, KEF 140, Vapor Breeze, Lumin, Bryston CD, BHA-1, Quicksilver Headamp, HD650, HD800s, HD820's, Dan Clark 1.1, Focal Stellia, OPPO 203, 105. ( Boxed up: Pass Xa-30.5, VPI Classic, Dynavector DV-20XL, Manley Chinook, Cadenza Bronze)

  6. #6
    Super Moderator
    Join Date
    Apr 2013
    Location
    NY
    Posts
    18,726

    Re: MSB Discrete dac - Anyone using theirs direct to amp without a preamp?

    Quote Originally Posted by CPP View Post
    Sometimes A man's gotta do what a man's gotta do"
    Hahahaha! Agreed.
    Fleetwood Deville by Oswald Mills Audio, Vienna Acoustics Haydn Jubilee, Wharfedale Linton w/ stands, Klipsch RB-75, Klipsch RP-160M.

    Job INTegrated. Luxman L-595aSE

    NAD C 658 streamer.

    First Watt SIT-3, Job 250 Monos, NuForce STA200, AkitikA GT-102 amp, ASL Wave monos, Dennis Had 45 monos. Absolute Audio Labs PCF 25 amp (improved First Watt F7 super clone)

    Topping D90, RME Audio ADI-2 DAC FS, ModWright Ultimate Sony XA-5400ES.

    Burmester 948, McIntosh MCLK12, Kimber Kable, Siltech, Cardas, Avanti Audio cables.

  7. #7
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Jan 2018
    Location
    saṃsāra
    Posts
    1,047

    Re: MSB Discrete dac - Anyone using theirs direct to amp without a preamp?

    i think you have gotta at least try the discrete with the misho amp (with and without the misho pre-amp) ...all that msb analog sound goodness played into low wattage SET tube gear

    viking acoustics berlin r mk2 | air tight atc-5 + atm-300r | clearaudio concept + virtuoso v2 MM | t+a dac8 dsd + kanjiroba diy transport + roon rock
    alp-tone audio analog cables | core audio designs plyKraft 3L | hifi racks ltd podium t5-iii

  8. #8
    Super Moderator
    Join Date
    Apr 2013
    Location
    NY
    Posts
    18,726

    Re: MSB Discrete dac - Anyone using theirs direct to amp without a preamp?

    Don’t know why that didn’t cross my mind. My gut tells me that that combo might be a little too “lively” for my long term taste. Maybe that’s why the SIT3 seems to rise to the top of my list.
    Fleetwood Deville by Oswald Mills Audio, Vienna Acoustics Haydn Jubilee, Wharfedale Linton w/ stands, Klipsch RB-75, Klipsch RP-160M.

    Job INTegrated. Luxman L-595aSE

    NAD C 658 streamer.

    First Watt SIT-3, Job 250 Monos, NuForce STA200, AkitikA GT-102 amp, ASL Wave monos, Dennis Had 45 monos. Absolute Audio Labs PCF 25 amp (improved First Watt F7 super clone)

    Topping D90, RME Audio ADI-2 DAC FS, ModWright Ultimate Sony XA-5400ES.

    Burmester 948, McIntosh MCLK12, Kimber Kable, Siltech, Cardas, Avanti Audio cables.

AudioShark - The Best High End Audio Discussion forum.

AudioShark forum is a leading forum site for High End Audio Discussion, Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater System Discussion, Best Home Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater Installation Discussion etc.

The AudioShark forum was created for sharing the passion of high-end Audio. We have Audiophiles from all over the world participating and sharing their knowledge. From novice to experts, you will find a friendly environment for discussing about High End Audio, Stereo System, Home Theater System, Home Stereo System, Home Theater Installation, Amplifiers, Speakers, Subwoofers, Integrated System, Acoustic treatments & Digital Room Corrections and many more.

At AudioShark, we also have incorporated an exciting Marketplace where members can peruse terrific buys on used gear, as well as meet dealers and discuss the purchase of new gear.

We are as crazy about this hobby as you are! So come on in and join us! Audioshark.org the Friendliest Audio Forum!

Industry Participation Disclosure : The owner and administrator of Audioshark is the owner of Suncoast Audio LLC in Sarasota Florida. Suncoast Audio has a full brick and mortar presence in Sarasota with several great show rooms with many world class brands. More information can be found at http://www.suncoastaudio.com

Audioshark is a community of like minded individuals. Audioshark welcomes participation from all manufacturers and owners of all brands and products. It is our belief that online forums provide a community of like minded audiophiles and music lovers to encourage the growth of this wonderful hobby.

Sincerely,
The Audioshark.org Team

MSB Discrete dac - Anyone using theirs direct to amp without a preamp?

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •