Results 1 to 35 of 35
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May 26, 2021, 02:30 PM #1
Reference DAC ordered / MSB Service
Ok nobody responded to my last thread requesting input on Home Theater bypass operation for the MSB DAC but thankfully this form has many contributors that speak highly of the Preamp module on their Select and Reference DACs. With that information and as well as guidance from my dealer and MSB I now have a new Reference DAC on the way. Although I know many dealers, distributors and manufacturers personally and most of them are cream of the crop I would like , with the permission of the moderator, to post the email I had sent to MSB. It summaries my experience which fortunately I have received from many others in the HiFi business as well.
Vince,
After several years and now several purchases I have to say your professionalism, knowledge and speedy response always exceed expectations. I state this from a qualified position of employing hundreds of people over a period of three decades .
From a consumer standpoint I cannot overstate how much more pleasurable these expensive purchases are made by your input and the invaluable support of my local dealer.
As a result of Fidelis Music Systems demonstrations and your extremely valuable input I am once again a returning customer and have placed my order for a Black MSB Reference DAC to mate with my S202 amp.
Sincerely,
B XXXXXXXXXXSystem #1................................................ System #2
ROON Nucleus + server ...............................SME 20/3A
MSB Reference DAC / V2 Renderer ...............SME V arm
VAC Signature MkII SE Preamp .....................Dynavector TE Kaitora Rua
MSB S202 Stereo Amp.................. ..... Sutherland current gain phono stage, Phono loco
Wilson Audio Sasha II................................ Stenheim Alumime Three
REL G1 Mk II (pair) Subs............................ Bricasti M1 SE DAC
Transparent Audio Gen 5 Reference........... T+A PA3000HV Integrated
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May 26, 2021, 02:57 PM #2
Re: Reference DAC ordered / MSB Service
I have dealt with Vince 7 plus years ago in my MSB days and his customer support back then was A1.
Gryphon Essence stereo amp and preamp/dac Hurricane power cords
Fyne Audio F1-10, Lumin T2, Moon 260 Transport
Shunyata Research Everest, Sigma V2 XC,
Shunyata Research Sigma USB and Ethernet
Argento Audio speaker cables and interconnects
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May 26, 2021, 04:20 PM #3
- Join Date
- Apr 2021
- Location
- Boston
- Posts
- 1
Re: Reference DAC ordered / MSB Service
Couldn’t agree more on both accounts!
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May 26, 2021, 04:56 PM #4
Re: Reference DAC ordered / MSB Service
Congratulations
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.
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May 27, 2021, 09:26 AM #5
Re: Reference DAC ordered / MSB Service
I have always received nothing but great service from Vince.
I remember once a friend of mine sent a transport which needed a laser replacement. Not only it came back working as new, but MSB had replaced the whole front panel that had a huge scratch on it. After sending it to MSB, he wished he asked for the quote for the new front panel as well. Imagine his surprise when not only he got his transport working again, but it was also looking like new and MSB didn't charge him a single dollar ! That was beyond outstanding service.Adam
Speakers: Magico M3
Amp: Dagostino Momentum Stereo
Digital: Lampi Horizon + Lampi DSD Komputer
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May 27, 2021, 09:39 AM #6
Re: Reference DAC ordered / MSB Service
Vince is one of the few in this business who knows how to take care of his customers
One other owns this website"We all know real when we hear it"
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May 28, 2021, 05:58 AM #7Wadax Reference DAC and Server
CH Precision L10 PreAmp
CH Precision M10 Amplifier
Rockport Orion speakers
Nordost ODIN 2 speaker cables and interconnects
StromTank 2500 Power Supply
Shunyata Sigma QR power cords
Shunyata Everest power conditioner
Vicoustics Room Treatments
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July 1, 2021, 07:19 AM #8
Re: Reference DAC ordered / MSB Service
Bill - Have you received your Reference?
_______________
Mike
Amplification: MBL 6010D, MBL 9008A Monos
Analog: Kuzma R, Kuzma 4Point (11”), MSL Ultra Eminent EX
Phono Pre: Pass XP-27
Digital: Esoteric N01XD Esoteric K05
Speakers: MBL 101E MKII
Subwoofers: REL Carbon Specials
Conditioner: Shunyata Triton 3
Power Cables: Shunyata Sigma 1 & 2, Alpha 2, Delta and Venom
ICs and SCs: Wireworld Platinum 8
Rack: Artesania Exoteryc
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July 1, 2021, 07:41 AM #9
Re: Reference DAC ordered / MSB Service
Yes after waiting nearly 6 weeks on a 3 week delivery commitment I finally received it yesterday. During my wait I had some members private message me asking about performance/ Home Theater Bypass and such . I am going to wait for 7 days of continuous running for at least some break-in before responding publicly or privately. Thanks for asking
System #1................................................ System #2
ROON Nucleus + server ...............................SME 20/3A
MSB Reference DAC / V2 Renderer ...............SME V arm
VAC Signature MkII SE Preamp .....................Dynavector TE Kaitora Rua
MSB S202 Stereo Amp.................. ..... Sutherland current gain phono stage, Phono loco
Wilson Audio Sasha II................................ Stenheim Alumime Three
REL G1 Mk II (pair) Subs............................ Bricasti M1 SE DAC
Transparent Audio Gen 5 Reference........... T+A PA3000HV Integrated
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July 2, 2021, 05:21 AM #10
Re: Reference DAC ordered / MSB Service
Congrats Bill on the new Reference DAC! I bet it sounds wonderful with the S202 amplifier. Are you still using the Roon Nucleus + with the Renderer V2 digital input module and are you planning on continuing to do so?
I think of switching to the Pro USB module every so often but my current setup sounds so good, works so well and allows me to control the volume from my IPad, that I don’t really want to change it.
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 2, 2021, 10:21 AM #11
Re: Reference DAC ordered / MSB Service
Ken,
Yes still using with Roon Nucleus + with the Renderer V2 digital input module. Like you I am finding nothing wanting. The ROON Nucleus + to my understanding was designed to sit on the network and its USB not optimal. I'm letting the Reference DAC play 24/7 and taking notes to later provide a Mini review of my experience. Some of what I read here on Audio Shark helped drive my decision to acquire the new DAC so perhaps I can add additional insight as well.System #1................................................ System #2
ROON Nucleus + server ...............................SME 20/3A
MSB Reference DAC / V2 Renderer ...............SME V arm
VAC Signature MkII SE Preamp .....................Dynavector TE Kaitora Rua
MSB S202 Stereo Amp.................. ..... Sutherland current gain phono stage, Phono loco
Wilson Audio Sasha II................................ Stenheim Alumime Three
REL G1 Mk II (pair) Subs............................ Bricasti M1 SE DAC
Transparent Audio Gen 5 Reference........... T+A PA3000HV Integrated
[
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June 27, 2022, 12:54 AM #12
Re: Reference DAC ordered / MSB Service
Hello Bill,
Can you please give some updates on your MSB Reference DAC and Roon Nucleus+ combo with the MSB S202? Are you still using the Nucleus+ with the Renderer V2 input?
I am having the MSB Reference DAC with Roon Core server running on a NUC11 to a Pro USB-ISL input.
Would appreciate very much to hear from your experience.
MK
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June 27, 2022, 03:49 AM #13
Re: Reference DAC ordered / MSB Service
How do you run Roon on NUC 11-gen ? Did you instal Linux or Windows ?
Adam
Speakers: Magico M3
Amp: Dagostino Momentum Stereo
Digital: Lampi Horizon + Lampi DSD Komputer
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June 27, 2022, 04:00 AM #14
- Join Date
- Apr 2017
- Location
- Australia
- Posts
- 1,748
Re: Reference DAC ordered / MSB Service
Speakers: Magico M3, ACC, S-SUB | Electronics: Esoteric Grandioso stack | Amplification: Halcro |
Analog cables: Crystal Cable | Digital cables: Shunyata Sigma | Rack: YG Acoustics Rack 1.8
| Source: Kaleidescape Premiere (4 x 6TB) | Power: Shunyata Typhon-QR, Everest and Denali
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June 27, 2022, 05:08 AM #15
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June 27, 2022, 06:10 AM #16
Re: Reference DAC ordered / MSB Service
Do you run it headless ? Can it even be run headless ? Does the install require periodic maintenance, which would require connecting a monitor and mouse/keyboard ?
Adam
Speakers: Magico M3
Amp: Dagostino Momentum Stereo
Digital: Lampi Horizon + Lampi DSD Komputer
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June 27, 2022, 06:38 AM #17
- Join Date
- May 2021
- Location
- Australia
- Posts
- 65
Re: Reference DAC ordered / MSB Service
I run an MSB Reference DAC (inspired by this thread) off an Antipodes K50- Roon as Server, Squeeze or HQPlayer as Player.
Sounds f a b
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June 27, 2022, 07:53 AM #18
Re: Reference DAC ordered / MSB Service
Yes, it is headless. No maintenance required, but you have to set the Roon apps to auto update so that when there is an update released by Roon it will automatically be updated.
I just left the NUC11 connected to the ProUSB in a closet, and run a 25m fiber cable to the Reference DAC in the listening room. The NUC is connected by an ethernet cable directly to the Modem/Router provided by the Internet Fiber broadband service provider in order to achieve an Ethernet connection which is as short as possible!
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June 27, 2022, 08:05 AM #19
Re: Reference DAC ordered / MSB Service
The Antipodes K50 is a great server/player and I have been looking at it, but unfortunately it is an expensive server! Have you used any other server before the K50? Are you using the Pro USB-ISL interface only or you have other digital inputs?
The Roon server with Squeezelite player will be a perfect combination according to many users.
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June 27, 2022, 08:13 AM #20
- Join Date
- Apr 2017
- Location
- Australia
- Posts
- 1,748
Re: Reference DAC ordered / MSB Service
Speakers: Magico M3, ACC, S-SUB | Electronics: Esoteric Grandioso stack | Amplification: Halcro |
Analog cables: Crystal Cable | Digital cables: Shunyata Sigma | Rack: YG Acoustics Rack 1.8
| Source: Kaleidescape Premiere (4 x 6TB) | Power: Shunyata Typhon-QR, Everest and Denali
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June 29, 2022, 06:57 AM #21
Re: Reference DAC ordered / MSB Service
"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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June 29, 2022, 10:30 AM #22
Re: Reference DAC ordered / MSB Service
RTFM.......
"We all know real when we hear it"
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June 29, 2022, 11:03 AM #23
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June 29, 2022, 11:54 AM #24
Re: Reference DAC ordered / MSB Service
Hi MK,
No, I have not tried the Pro USB digital input module with my Select II DAC, as I am quite satisfied with the Roon Nucleus Plus/Renderer V2 network solution. My transport uses the previous Pro I2S connection, not the Pro ISL utilized with the Select and Reference transports.
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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June 29, 2022, 12:32 PM #25
Re: Reference DAC ordered / MSB Service
Thanks Ken,
I am using a dedicated NUC11 with Roon Core server to MSB Reference DAC's Pro USB-ISL modules input. I am wondering how much performance improvement can be had with an expensive Server/Player with USB output to the Pro USB-ISL interface? The USB data stream from a server will anyway be processed by the Pro USB module and converted to optical signal which will be clocked and Synchronised with the Femto 33 clock in the DAC for transmission to the ProISL input.
I will soon try to audition an Antipodes K21 or K50 server and compare the sound quality improvements.
MK
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June 30, 2022, 02:50 PM #26
Re: Reference DAC ordered / MSB Service
"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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June 30, 2022, 07:31 PM #27
Re: Reference DAC ordered / MSB Service
Yes, the Taiko Extreme, Aurender N20, Antipodes Oladra or K50, Wadax Reference Streamers/Servers are expensive and may not justify the incremental improvements over a Roon Nucleus Plus or dedicated NUC with Roon Core when used with a MSB Pro USB-ISL interface. With the other digital inputs like AES, it may prove more significant improvements.
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July 1, 2022, 01:17 AM #28
Re: Reference DAC ordered / MSB Service
Hi MK,
The preferred connection between Aurender N20, N30SA, W20SE and Taiko Extreme, and MSB Select II and Reference is Pro USB/Pro ISL. However, MSB’s new Digital Director significantly levels the playing field between the various connections. Dual AES is the preferred connection between these audiophile servers and DCS DACs.
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 2, 2022, 03:58 PM #29
Re: Reference DAC ordered / MSB Service
Hi Ken,
Are you considering the Digital Director or an expensive Server upgrade?
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July 5, 2022, 02:36 PM #30
Re: Reference DAC ordered / MSB Service
"No summit worth climbing is easily attained."
--------------------------------------------
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 5, 2022, 03:48 PM #31
Reference DAC ordered / MSB Service
Hi Ken,
Glad to hear that. That’s what really matters. Not how much money you spend or if you have the flavor of the month. It’s a very personal hobby and as long as you get full satisfaction out of your system every time you turn it on, one needs not answer to anybody.
I must say though that your system is endgame system for most audiophiles.
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July 7, 2022, 10:31 AM #32
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July 7, 2022, 10:36 AM #33
Re: Reference DAC ordered / MSB Service
"No summit worth climbing is easily attained."
--------------------------------------------
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 7, 2022, 04:33 PM #34
Re: Reference DAC ordered / MSB Service
Gotta keep you on your toes my friend!!!!
"We all know real when we hear it"
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September 20, 2022, 01:34 AM #35
Re: Reference DAC ordered / MSB Service
have been hesitating for months to try the grounding of my Reference Dac/Powerbase because there is no grounding terminal on the Vitus SIA-030 amplifier. Finally, a friend tested the screws on the back panel of the amplifier to see which screw is grounded to the chassis. The screws of the covers for the optional DAC/Streamer and Phono preamp modules are grounded to the chassis. So I connected the grounding cable from the "Amp Ground" terminal on the Powerbase to the screw on the SIA-030 amplifier.
I was really shocked to hear the significant improvement in the sound quality on the very first song I listened to - Jealous Guy by John Lennon. Much less harshness and it sounds very quiet and smooth as if the volume level has been lowered by a couple of dB. Vocal is very smooth and airy. I listened to 5 more songs that I am very familiar with, and they all sound much better with better focus and details.
Apparently there is an internal local ground shield for the Analog power supply in the MSB Powerbase unit which supplies the power to the analog sections in the DAC unit. Grounding this local ground shield of the analog power supply to the amplifier's chassis ground instead of grounding to the Powerbase's chassis has basically reduced the noise coming from the PSU. According to MSB's website: "While connecting the internal shield ground to the chassis ground is a good configuration for many systems, some improvement in noise reduction may be achieved by providing a dedicated star ground connection from the most critical point (the amplifier)"
All MSB DAC owners must try this grounding connection in their systems
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.
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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
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
Thank you for making me feel less tech challenged.:whew: FYI, The 866 works great as a straight, no nonsense integrated with DAC.
Boulder 866 app