Results 1 to 17 of 17
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July 11, 2019, 11:30 PM #1
MSB Reference DAC - Another thumbs up vote and quick review
It was hard to do, but I recently decided to give up my VAC Master Preamp and Lumin X1 to move to an MSB Reference DAC with the preamp module.
First, let me say that the VAC Master is a very special piece, and all of the positive comments about it across the boards were completely true in my experience. I loved it and will miss it.
I decided to go 100% digital streaming for now, and that lead me to look for a truly great and focused solution. I just don't have the time these days to deal with downloads, vinyl, etc. Yes, vinyl will forever be great to hold in your hands, and vintage vinyl is like holding a piece of music history... But, Roon with Tidal and Qobuz is almost like living in the matrix of most of the world's greatest music at your fingertips. With the MSB Ref, 4 boxes were cut down to 2 in my rack, and cabling was reduced as well... simplification. But, what I was chasing was that ever elusive analog sound from a digital source.
I'm now a few hundred hours into the MSB Ref, and could not be happier. After listening to many products on the market over the years, I was questioning if all the MSB accolades were truly appropriate. For certain, at the price point of the Ref, any buyer should expect sound that is VERY special. That is exactly what you get. Outside of the MSB Select, there are very few competitors (if any) who can challenge what the Ref can do. It's a proprietary sound designed by MSB, and one that matches my ears better than any other I have heard.
Most of all, I think the sound MSB provides with the Ref and Select is extremely close to the analog sound we have all been chasing in digital over the years. Those with very experienced ears can talk about how vinyl has more bloom, or 1/2 inch reel to reel has more of whatever, but my personal conclusion is that MSB has brought digital within a hair of equal quality level to any format. I think the MSB sound seems closest to tape. In the past there was no argument that analog was better... now it is becoming MUCH more of a choice.
The future is here, and I like it... I just can't wait for this type of technology to graduate from being only for the esoteric / high experience buyers out there. It sure would be nice to hear this type of technology in home theaters, and all the other uses for DAC's.
As the many reviews say... MSB is in a league of their own. Forum arguments on this stuff seem to be endless, but I truly believe MSB is an exception... The digital game is finally in the era we all hoped for so long ago.
Thanks to Mike for his guidance on this journey!
CheersJeremy
Speakers: Magico S3 MkII
Power Amp: VAC 200iQ (stereo)
Source/DAC/Preamplifier: MSB Reference DAC (Femto 77 / Dual Powerbase)
Power: Shunyata Triton V3 / Shunyata Typhon QR / AQ NRG 20 Outlet / Dedicated 20 amp circuit
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Power Cables: AQ Dragons to components / AQ Hurricane to Typhon QR
Speaker Cables: MIT Heritage MI 2C3D - Level 1
Interconnects: MIT Heritage MI 2C3D - Level 1 (XLR)
Ethernet: AQ Vodka > Aqvox SE > AQ Diamond > MSB Reference DAC
Racks: Critical Mass Sotto Voce with Black Platinum shelves
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July 11, 2019, 11:45 PM #2
- Join Date
- Aug 2014
- Location
- east of Seattle
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- 821
Re: MSB Reference DAC - Another thumbs up vote and quick review
congrats Jeremy! and nice write up.....I wholeheartedly agree with your comments.
enjoy your MSB Reference Dac!
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July 12, 2019, 06:52 AM #3
Re: MSB Reference DAC - Another thumbs up vote and quick review
Congrats Jeremy. I’m delighted you are so happy, but I knew you would be! The REF DAC is extraordinary. The MSB DAC’s are truly on another level.
My Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481
"We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."
Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.
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July 12, 2019, 07:04 AM #4
Re: MSB Reference DAC - Another thumbs up vote and quick review
Congratulations Jeremy! I’ve listened to the Reference DAC and it’s a magical sounding component. It’s magic is stunning realism.
Enjoy,
Ken"No summit worth climbing is easily attained."
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Source: MSB Select II DAC with Two Mono Powerbases and Femto 33 Clock; Renderer V2 Digital Input Module and Roon Nucleus Plus; MSB UMT V Signature Transport
Amps: Vandersteen M7-HPA Mono Amps; MSB M204 Mono Amps
Speakers: Vandersteen Model 7 Mk2
Power: Two AudioQuest Niagara 5000’s with AudioQuest Dragon and Hurricane Power Cords
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July 12, 2019, 04:17 PM #5
- Join Date
- Jan 2014
- Location
- Los Angeles
- Posts
- 1,775
Re: MSB Reference DAC - Another thumbs up vote and quick review
I hate to say it, but no surprise here
just think MSB is in a class of its own at the high end of the digital spectrumBrinkmann Bardo w/ EMT HSD-006 cart, MSB Reference DAC --> Linear Tube Audio MicroZOTL --> Ampzilla 2000, 2nd Edition --> Fyne Audio F1-12
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July 14, 2019, 04:43 AM #6
- Join Date
- Apr 2017
- Location
- Australia
- Posts
- 1,758
Re: MSB Reference DAC - Another thumbs up vote and quick review
I wouldn't say MSB are in a league of their own. At this end of the performance spectrum they have worthy competition, the different brand offerings are all different flavors of excellence. It's difficult to criticize any aspect of any of them. I heard an optimized fully tricked up MSB Select and I prefer my Esoteric Grandioso. I'd be happy with either. As I say, different flavors of excellence, choose the flavor you prefer.
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July 14, 2019, 06:38 PM #7
- Join Date
- Apr 2015
- Posts
- 634
Re: MSB Reference DAC - Another thumbs up vote and quick review
Simaudio Moon Neo 260 DT CD Transport / MIT SL-Matrix Plus AES/EBU digital cable / Schiit Yggdrasil Analog 2 DAC / Octave HP 700 preamp / Octave RE 320 stereo amp with Super Black Box / Reference 3A Reflector monitors on Sound Anchors Signature Stands / dual JL Audio Fathom 112 v2 subwoofers on ASC SubTraps / ZenWave Audio D4 and SMSG cables / Acoustic treatment: tube traps, Tri-panels, window plugs, ceiling diffusers (all ASC), large absorbing panels (Acoustics First), diverse carpets chosen for acoustic properties: wool, polypropylene basket-weave
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July 14, 2019, 06:59 PM #8
Re: MSB Reference DAC - Another thumbs up vote and quick review
Hi Brodric,
Which model Grandioso do you own? I owned the Grandioso K1 Player and G1 Master Clock. They were outstanding sounding components and I have nothing but excellent things to say about them. But to my ears, the Select II DAC produces a significantly higher level of realism. I was able to do a direct comparison in my home system. I’m not trying to invalidate your opinion. Audio component tastes are, as we know, highly subjective.
Best,
Ken"No summit worth climbing is easily attained."
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Source: MSB Select II DAC with Two Mono Powerbases and Femto 33 Clock; Renderer V2 Digital Input Module and Roon Nucleus Plus; MSB UMT V Signature Transport
Amps: Vandersteen M7-HPA Mono Amps; MSB M204 Mono Amps
Speakers: Vandersteen Model 7 Mk2
Power: Two AudioQuest Niagara 5000’s with AudioQuest Dragon and Hurricane Power Cords
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July 14, 2019, 07:24 PM #9
- Join Date
- Apr 2017
- Location
- Australia
- Posts
- 1,758
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July 15, 2019, 12:40 AM #10
Re: MSB Reference DAC - Another thumbs up vote and quick review
Congrats, very nice DAC.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk“Life’s too short to listen to bad audio.”
Big rig: Brinkmann Taurus DD TT + 12.1 arm + Lyra Etna Lambda SL MC + HRS M3X2/ Cardas Clear Beyond phono/ Stillpoints LPI/ Brinkmann Edison mk2 phono + RöNT II Tube PS/ Synology NAS with Roon + HD Plex linear PSU + Shunyata HD/ AQ Vodka RJ45 + Aqvox Network Switch SE + AQ Diamond RJ45 into DAC/ Brinkmann Nyquist mk2/ Audionet Humboldt/ Cardas Clear Beyond ICs/ Kharma DB9-S 1.1 LS/ Inakustik Reference LS 4004 AIR/ Audioquest Niagara 5000/ Shunyata Alpha power (HC, Analogue, Digital)/ Finite Elemente Pagode Rack/ Stillpoints Ultra SS/ Vicoustic panels + Stillpoints Aperture II.
Small rig: Naim UnitiServe/ Curious USB/ Tidal/ Linn Klimax DS3/ Shunyata Power cable/ Pass Labs INT-60/ Acoustic Zen Silver Reference II/ HiD Diamond 8/ Harbeth 30.2 40th Anniversary/ Shunyata Venom EU7 & Venom 3 HD.
HP rig: MacBookAir/ Tidal/ Auralic Gemini 2000/ Sbooster LPSU/ Audeze LCD-2 Classic + WyWires Red/ Shunyata HD/ Shunyata Hydra 2/ Shunyata Venom.
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July 15, 2019, 12:01 PM #11
- Join Date
- Apr 2015
- Posts
- 634
Re: MSB Reference DAC - Another thumbs up vote and quick review
Simaudio Moon Neo 260 DT CD Transport / MIT SL-Matrix Plus AES/EBU digital cable / Schiit Yggdrasil Analog 2 DAC / Octave HP 700 preamp / Octave RE 320 stereo amp with Super Black Box / Reference 3A Reflector monitors on Sound Anchors Signature Stands / dual JL Audio Fathom 112 v2 subwoofers on ASC SubTraps / ZenWave Audio D4 and SMSG cables / Acoustic treatment: tube traps, Tri-panels, window plugs, ceiling diffusers (all ASC), large absorbing panels (Acoustics First), diverse carpets chosen for acoustic properties: wool, polypropylene basket-weave
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July 15, 2019, 01:50 PM #12
Re: MSB Reference DAC - Another thumbs up vote and quick review
Hi Al,
The Select II DAC provides a level of detail, nuance, clarity and layering that are very close to a live musical event with an unprecedented level of ease. In my experience, nearly all other digital sources tend to deliver the former and not the latter or vice versa.
Best,
Ken"No summit worth climbing is easily attained."
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Source: MSB Select II DAC with Two Mono Powerbases and Femto 33 Clock; Renderer V2 Digital Input Module and Roon Nucleus Plus; MSB UMT V Signature Transport
Amps: Vandersteen M7-HPA Mono Amps; MSB M204 Mono Amps
Speakers: Vandersteen Model 7 Mk2
Power: Two AudioQuest Niagara 5000’s with AudioQuest Dragon and Hurricane Power Cords
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July 15, 2019, 01:53 PM #13
- Join Date
- Apr 2015
- Posts
- 634
Re: MSB Reference DAC - Another thumbs up vote and quick review
Simaudio Moon Neo 260 DT CD Transport / MIT SL-Matrix Plus AES/EBU digital cable / Schiit Yggdrasil Analog 2 DAC / Octave HP 700 preamp / Octave RE 320 stereo amp with Super Black Box / Reference 3A Reflector monitors on Sound Anchors Signature Stands / dual JL Audio Fathom 112 v2 subwoofers on ASC SubTraps / ZenWave Audio D4 and SMSG cables / Acoustic treatment: tube traps, Tri-panels, window plugs, ceiling diffusers (all ASC), large absorbing panels (Acoustics First), diverse carpets chosen for acoustic properties: wool, polypropylene basket-weave
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November 28, 2019, 06:40 PM #14
Re: MSB Reference DAC - Another thumbs up vote and quick review
Steinkrieg, Did you try this DAC through the preamp and yet preferred DAC direct to power amp ?
MSB Analog DAC and Universal Media Transport, Wilson Audio Sasha, Transparent Audio Reference Cable, Pass Labs Xa 100.8,Aurender X100L
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November 29, 2019, 05:47 PM #15
Re: MSB Reference DAC - Another thumbs up vote and quick review
Hi Alfa,
I did not get a chance to try it through the preamp... I can say after a few more months of use I do think the MSB preamp module is fantastic. It really helps justify the cost of the REF overall.Jeremy
Speakers: Magico S3 MkII
Power Amp: VAC 200iQ (stereo)
Source/DAC/Preamplifier: MSB Reference DAC (Femto 77 / Dual Powerbase)
Power: Shunyata Triton V3 / Shunyata Typhon QR / AQ NRG 20 Outlet / Dedicated 20 amp circuit
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Power Cables: AQ Dragons to components / AQ Hurricane to Typhon QR
Speaker Cables: MIT Heritage MI 2C3D - Level 1
Interconnects: MIT Heritage MI 2C3D - Level 1 (XLR)
Ethernet: AQ Vodka > Aqvox SE > AQ Diamond > MSB Reference DAC
Racks: Critical Mass Sotto Voce with Black Platinum shelves
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November 30, 2019, 03:44 AM #16
Re: MSB Reference DAC - Another thumbs up vote and quick review
“Life’s too short to listen to bad audio.”
Big rig: Brinkmann Taurus DD TT + 12.1 arm + Lyra Etna Lambda SL MC + HRS M3X2/ Cardas Clear Beyond phono/ Stillpoints LPI/ Brinkmann Edison mk2 phono + RöNT II Tube PS/ Synology NAS with Roon + HD Plex linear PSU + Shunyata HD/ AQ Vodka RJ45 + Aqvox Network Switch SE + AQ Diamond RJ45 into DAC/ Brinkmann Nyquist mk2/ Audionet Humboldt/ Cardas Clear Beyond ICs/ Kharma DB9-S 1.1 LS/ Inakustik Reference LS 4004 AIR/ Audioquest Niagara 5000/ Shunyata Alpha power (HC, Analogue, Digital)/ Finite Elemente Pagode Rack/ Stillpoints Ultra SS/ Vicoustic panels + Stillpoints Aperture II.
Small rig: Naim UnitiServe/ Curious USB/ Tidal/ Linn Klimax DS3/ Shunyata Power cable/ Pass Labs INT-60/ Acoustic Zen Silver Reference II/ HiD Diamond 8/ Harbeth 30.2 40th Anniversary/ Shunyata Venom EU7 & Venom 3 HD.
HP rig: MacBookAir/ Tidal/ Auralic Gemini 2000/ Sbooster LPSU/ Audeze LCD-2 Classic + WyWires Red/ Shunyata HD/ Shunyata Hydra 2/ Shunyata Venom.
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December 2, 2019, 09:45 AM #17
Re: MSB Reference DAC - Another thumbs up vote and quick review
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
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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
I upgraded the power supply on my Gigafoil v4 to a Weiss PSU 102. It’s very nice step up. But with the new model, you’re looking at $2000 before even investing in a SOTA linear power supply.
GigaFoil v4 Inline Ethernet Filter