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Thread: My Select II DAC Journey
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October 17, 2018, 01:11 PM #1
My Select II DAC Journey
My MSB Select II DAC journey began on a Sunday morning at Axpona in April 2017. I arrived at the MSB room first thing in the morning and I had one hour of uninterrupted listening, spinning all of my own CDs and SACDs. The sound I heard that morning was a true revelation. I knew that somehow I needed to have this component in my system.
Fast forward to Summer 2018, the Select II DAC remained right at the top of my wish list. However, I was locked into my digital gear, the very fine sounding Esoteric Grandioso K1 Player and G1 Clock. It wasn’t until I spoke with Mike Bovaird and he offered me a very fair trade-in on my Esoteric gear, that I came to the realization that the Select II DAC would become a reality.
As Mike and I carefully worked through a plan as to what options I would require, it became clear that if I wanted to get a loaded Select II DAC (with Two Mono Powerbases and Femto 33 Clock), I would need to concentrate on just one digital input and that would be the Renderer II input module. However, I had minimal experience with computer audio and knew very little about the Router, NAS and Roon Nucleus Plus I would need to get this show on the road. Mike told me not to worry, just to ship the NAS down to him and he would install the two additional circuit boards I had purchased in the NAS and get it up and running. Once all the components arrived at my house, Mike spent three days and countless hours on the telephone with me working through the Router, NAS and Roon Nucleus Plus configuration and explaining how each of these, along with the Roon software and Tidal music service operated. I have never seen anyone go above and beyond to this degree until everything was working perfectly and I was totally satisfied.
Now I am enjoying the best sound I have ever heard in my listening room by a huge degree. The resolution, layering, imaging, dynamics and wholeness of the music are the best I have ever heard from a source of any type. The sound quality of everything from Redbook CDs to DSD, high resolution and MQA files is simply stunning! There is a lifelike quality to the music that I am unable to put into words. The nearest thing I could compare it to would be listening to Master Reel-To-Reel Tape with the music coming from an entirely black background.
The Roon software is so easy to use with the ability to seamlessly jump back and forth between my stored music files and Tidal. The software is very intuitive and building playlists is a snap. There is also wonderful information about each album, composer, lyricist as well as the lyrics of each song!
So, if you are thinking of going with MSB Technology, I would highly recommend buying from Mike as he knocked down every single barrier until beautiful music was playing in my listening room. If you decide to go with the Renderer and Roon Nucleus Plus or any other configuration, he will get you up and running. Thank you Mike, so greatly appreciated!
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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October 17, 2018, 02:00 PM #2
Re: My Select II DAC Journey
Humm.....Mike is so close by.........already fell in love with his Vac gear...salivating for a IQ200......or should I try an Msb entry Dac.....I am happy with my Chord Dave....or get the tubes as an additional sound flavor? Which would you go with?...have a Diablo 300 presently.
Larry
Lumin U1
Chord Dave Dac
Vac Master Preamp
Vac 200IQ Amp
Magico S3 Mk2 in Mcast Pewter
Denali 6000S
Ansuz and MIT cabling
Timbernation walnut racks
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October 17, 2018, 02:22 PM #3
- Join Date
- Jun 2017
- Location
- Finland, that´s somewhere in Northern Europe
- Posts
- 131
Re: My Select II DAC Journey
Terrific story Ken, thank you. Have heard the Select II twice, just astonishing reality and non-digitality. Unfortunately not in my ballpark, money-wise.
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October 17, 2018, 02:40 PM #4
Re: My Select II DAC Journey
When I break that price point barrier for buying digital Mike will be the only person I go to for a MSB DAC. Maybe next year Mike.....
Marty
Aurender N20 / SonicTransporter i7 / Roon
MSB Premier
Constellation Inspiration Preamp 1.0 / Mono 1.0
Dynaudio Confidence 50 / SVS SB13 Ultra
PS Audio Powerplant 15
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October 17, 2018, 02:54 PM #5
Re: My Select II DAC Journey
"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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October 18, 2018, 07:19 AM #6Wadax 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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October 18, 2018, 10:36 AM #7
Re: My Select II DAC Journey
I wholeheartedly agree! The Select II DAC is the source component on some mighty fine systems here on AudioShark. Your D’Agostino Momentum M400 monoblocks and Magico M3’s; Kingsrule’s Nagra HD monoblocks and Magico M6’s; Mike Lavigne’s darTZeel NHB-458 monoblocks and Evolution Acoustics MM7’s; and my (modest in comparison) Vandersteen M7-HPA monoblocks and Model 7 Mk2.
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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October 18, 2018, 12:27 PM #8
Re: My Select II DAC Journey
Ken
Congratulations. If I was willing to spend 6 figures on a DAC the Select II would probably be at the top of my list.Jim
D'Agostino Momentum M-400's MxV’s & HD Pre-amp
Wilson Alexandria X2 Series 2 speakers
Digital: dCS Vivaldi APEX DAC, Clock & Upsampler
Analog: SME 20/3 with Esoteric E-03 Phono
Transparent Opus Speaker Cable & Interconnects & Opus Power Cords
Power Cords on Digital: Shunyata
Power Conditioner - Shunyata Everest
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October 18, 2018, 01:53 PM #9
- Join Date
- Jan 2014
- Location
- Los Angeles
- Posts
- 1,775
Re: My Select II DAC Journey
great read- thanks, Ken. MSB is in a category of its own since the Select was introduced!
Brinkmann 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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October 18, 2018, 03:47 PM #10
Re: My Select II DAC Journey
Ken,
Congrats on the Select II! I see myself moving in this direction as well. The Esoteric gear has treated me well but I loved what I heard with the Ref Dac and can't overlook their modular design that keeps a digital piece relevant for some time. Anyone using the select transport with the select II? I still like cd spinnersSpeaker: Rockport Avior & Mira, B&W 803 D
Amp: Nagra HD Monos, McIntosh Mc303 & 601
Pre: Nagra HD pre
Source: Esoteric K-01X & G-01, Aurender W20
Cable: Transparent Ref Gen 5 SC & Ref XL PC
Grounding: Tripoint Elite, Thor SE, Emperor Mkii
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October 18, 2018, 04:20 PM #11
- Join Date
- Nov 2014
- Posts
- 2,104
Re: My Select II DAC Journey
Congratulations on the new DAC. I can also attest that Mike goes all out trying to help his clients. Well done to both!
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October 18, 2018, 05:35 PM #12
Re: My Select II DAC Journey
Ken - Congratulations on your Select II! It is definitely at the top of the digital music domain. Buying from Mike is always a pleasure. Enjoy in good health.
_______________
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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October 18, 2018, 06:39 PM #13
Re: My Select II DAC Journey
Thanks Dave! Mike Bovaird has the Reference Transport to go with his Select II DAC. The only difference between the Select Transport and the Reference Transport is the matching casing. The transport mechanism and all internal components are exactly the same. So, you can save a lot of money by purchasing the Reference Transport, which still looks really fine. I heard the Reference Transport several times with the Select II DAC. It brings the fullest potential out of the Select II DAC as does their new Renderer input module.
Cheers,
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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October 19, 2018, 02:11 AM #14
Re: My Select II DAC Journey
It’s the middle of the night and I’m listening to Simon & Garfunkel’s Concert in Central Park on the Select II DAC. Just a redbook CD rip but the sound quality is supernatural. Total immersion. I’m magically transported back in time to the Great Lawn. Not getting much sleep lately but I’m enjoying my music more than ever before. It’s become much more of an emotional experience.
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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October 19, 2018, 02:16 PM #15
Re: My Select II DAC Journey
IMHO this is what it is all about.....The music and having the system take you to magical places, emoting old memories, forging new feelings, or just getting you closer to whatever your concept of infinity is.
Congratulations on your journey so far and whatever the future brings.Front End: MSB Select II DAC, MSB Reference Transport, Magnum Dynalab MD107T, Aiwa AD-F990
Amplification: Dan D'Agostino Momentum HD Preamplifier & Momentum M400 MxV Monoblocks, Crown XLS 2502 (x3) (subwoofers)
Speakers: Scaena La Maitresse Ultime Loudspeaker System
Cables: Shunyata Aeros Aurora-SP, Shunyata Aeros Aurora-IC, Jungson Golden Dragon
Power: GigaWatt PC-4 EVO+, GigaWatt LS-2HCEVO, Jungson Pure Power, JPS Labs AC+, Transparent HPPC
Miscellaneous: Bohmer/Legacy Audio Wavelet DSP/Room Correction
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October 19, 2018, 05:46 PM #16
- Join Date
- Apr 2013
- Posts
- 259
Re: My Select II DAC Journey
IMHO “just redbook” is as good as it gets on the SELECT II.
I love my Select II and was an early adopter. One of my first observations about this incredible DAC and which I had many conversations with Vince of MSB was just how much better redbook was than anyone could have ever imagined. Sony belived and maybe still does that redbook was “perfect” and maybe they were right but no dac was capable of reproducing it the way it was meant.
Congrats and enjoy. It’s an amazing DAC and am glad people are getting in on what I was raving about for a long time.
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October 19, 2018, 05:54 PM #17
Re: My Select II DAC Journey
"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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October 19, 2018, 06:01 PM #18
- Join Date
- Jul 2015
- Location
- Golden, CO
- Posts
- 858
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October 19, 2018, 06:02 PM #19
- Join Date
- Apr 2013
- Posts
- 259
Re: My Select II DAC Journey
I have Gobels Epoque Aeon Fine. Just took delivery of them today. Have been using Elliot’s demo until mine were ready. Elliot Goldman aka Bending Wave USA became the US distributor of them as well as a CH dealer. His showroom opens next week.
Great sound.
Next “upgrade” is on Nov 7 when Ch upgrades the M1 to the M1.1 which utilizes new caps.
Enjoy
Howie
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October 19, 2018, 06:04 PM #20
- Join Date
- Jul 2015
- Location
- Golden, CO
- Posts
- 858
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October 19, 2018, 06:49 PM #21
Re: My Select II DAC Journey
"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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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.
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