MSB Premier arrives as Suncoast Audio
- Thread starter Mike
- Start date
- Thread Author
- #23
Turns out this is a new setting for Premier and Discrete. It’s not needed on the REF or S2. This is fun! Need to try this setting. Thanks for pointing out.
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- Thread Author
- #24
I played around with the VC at 98 vs Optimized vs Natural and high/low. Honestly, couldn’t tell any real difference other than high/low. I’m leaving it on Natural Low. Optimized had a little more resolution. Natural sounded, uhh...a little more natural.
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KeithR
Active member
Wow- I am floored at this thing in my system. Even with the small, mono power bases. Just amazing.
I did hear the Premier vs Reference yesterday - much, much different than my last audition. The volume control set properly and more burn-in on the Premier narrowed the two considerably. I would say 15-20% better for the Reference. It has a bit more information, dynamics, and "thereness." I also demo'd the various power supplies and took home the base monos.
I will be trying the Femto 93 clock upgrade for my Premier next - very excited as its card-based. Honestly, I won't be surprised if I sell or downgrade my analog rig. Its that good gentlemen!
I did hear the Premier vs Reference yesterday - much, much different than my last audition. The volume control set properly and more burn-in on the Premier narrowed the two considerably. I would say 15-20% better for the Reference. It has a bit more information, dynamics, and "thereness." I also demo'd the various power supplies and took home the base monos.
I will be trying the Femto 93 clock upgrade for my Premier next - very excited as its card-based. Honestly, I won't be surprised if I sell or downgrade my analog rig. Its that good gentlemen!
- Thread Author
- #28
So happy for your Keith. It’s totally transformed for me too since first installing. They all need 1-2 weeks of solid run (24/7) and you will be well rewarded. For me, the MSB’s are the best at their respective price points if you’re after that analog sound. If you prefer digital sounds, well, there’s lots out there like that. [emoji6]
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I’ve listened to them both in identical systems without preamp and yes, the Select is significantly better than the Reference in virtually every way.
Ken
KeithR
Active member
I think you are right, Mike. I initially heard it after only 1 week of run-in. I have also read that huge A'gon thread about redbook cd dacs and while it became totally silly, one thing that stood out is that the OP now says he won't listen to a dac until 4-500 hours are on it. I am always skeptical about such claims, but maybe there is something to it.
I am currently typing while 10' to the side of my system and it sounds like analog - just nutty.
KeithR
Active member
Ken, I'm not sure I ever want to hear that demo. Ha!
Seriously though, for my more modest system the Premier hits all gears. In your SOTA one, the Select must be beyond amazing.
vortrex
New member
What was the difference between the single and dual base power supplies?
Hi Keith,
Congratulations on your MSB Premier, it is a superb DAC! Yes, the Select II DAC is indeed very special sounding but the Premier has such a complete sound, you won’t be wanting for anything unless you specifically do a direct comparison.
Enjoy,
Ken
My replacement ethernet renderer module works! So my Premier is now up and running. It is being fed directly by the streamer out on my Innuos Zenith which also runs Roon Core. Now the burn in...
Keith - looking forward to your thoughts on the Femto 93 clock upgrade.
Keith - looking forward to your thoughts on the Femto 93 clock upgrade.
Hi guys,
I m interested in a new dac, and the premier tick all my boxes, but indeed way expensive than my budget allow!
Assuming that i skip a preamp in my system, and get the premier fitted with the ethernet renderer and usb input ~ 22usd , do you think sq wise, the premier will outperform lets say a r2r dac=8000 usd+ preamp= 6000usd+ streamer= 4000 usd?
I have an msb dealer here where i live who don t stock any model, and i m lost wich route i should head, knowing that i m willing to replace an excellent devialet200 used as pre/ dac/ streamer feeding an excellent poweramp.
Thks
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I m interested in a new dac, and the premier tick all my boxes, but indeed way expensive than my budget allow!
Assuming that i skip a preamp in my system, and get the premier fitted with the ethernet renderer and usb input ~ 22usd , do you think sq wise, the premier will outperform lets say a r2r dac=8000 usd+ preamp= 6000usd+ streamer= 4000 usd?
I have an msb dealer here where i live who don t stock any model, and i m lost wich route i should head, knowing that i m willing to replace an excellent devialet200 used as pre/ dac/ streamer feeding an excellent poweramp.
Thks
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- Thread Author
- #37
Where do you live? What MSB dealer doesn’t stock any model? If that’s the case, he’s not a dealer. I would check on this.
To answer your question: yes. The Premier can work beautifully as a VC. Of course a preamp can add some magic, but if push came to shove, the Premier and its VC is the way I would go.
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Hi mike,
Thks for the reply.
If i go the premier route , i will be stuck for a while before i can add any upgrade( add a descent preamp, clock, power base), so do you think that the premier will at my stage, and my current system outperform my front end devialet?
The devialet is doing an excellent job as pre and dac now but it s quite an old dac now!
My fear is , invest big on premier and get small on perf!
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- Thread Author
- #39
I think it’s the right move. You can always add power base, clock, etc. later.
Where do you live?
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