MSB - The Discrete DAC

aKnyght said:
joe -- i see in another thread you are selling your lumin u1 mini. not sure of your upstream digital infrastructure but just thought i would mention the MSB pro ISL module + pro USB converter as an alternative to the network renderer module.

from reading info on the MSB website, a USB feed from a streamer/server/computer/etc is converted to an MSB pro ISL signal. what is unique to MSB is that the USB conversion process employs error detection and correction. all other USB based inputs i am aware of do not utilize error correction. the MSB pro ISL is a light signal and, thereby, completely eliminates all upstream electrical noise. hence, the DAC is delivered a bit-perfect data stream free of any electrical noise that can modulate the D > A conversion.

the MSB process here makes a USB signal functionally equivalent to fiber ethernet ... not sure why MSB does not offer a straight fiber ethernet input module (as does the lumin x1) but i suppose they have their reasons.

the network renderer and the pro ISL cost exactly the same amount. more info here and here

anyway, just though it was worth mentioning.
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The reasons MSB’s Pro ISL Module is designed this way is for electromagnetic isolation and the ability to run an optical cable longer distances. The negative with the Pro USB Module compared to the Renderer V2 is that you cannot control the DAC’s analog volume adjustment through Roon via the IPad. You have to use the MSB remote.

Ken
 
Than you so much for the recommendation. I was thinking about that option too.

Before I pull the trigger, I want to find out if I can get both XLR and RCA modules so that depending on amp(s) I can have the appropriate output without the need for adapters.

I was actually thinking about getting both the USB/ISL modules so I’ll be ready for anything. I know only one rca/xlr module at a time but I think both Network and ISL modules can fit in at the same time.


aKnyght said:
joe -- i see in another thread you are selling your lumin u1 mini. not sure of your upstream digital infrastructure but just thought i would mention the MSB pro ISL module + pro USB converter as an alternative to the network renderer module.

from reading info on the MSB website, a USB feed from a streamer/server/computer/etc is converted to an MSB pro ISL signal. what is unique to MSB is that the USB conversion process employs error detection and correction. all other USB based inputs i am aware of do not utilize error correction. the MSB pro ISL is a light signal and, thereby, completely eliminates all upstream electrical noise. hence, the DAC is delivered a bit-perfect data stream free of any electrical noise that can modulate the D > A conversion.

the MSB process here makes a USB signal functionally equivalent to fiber ethernet ... not sure why MSB does not offer a straight fiber ethernet input module (as does the lumin x1) but i suppose they have their reasons.

the network renderer and the pro ISL cost exactly the same amount. more info here and here

anyway, just though it was worth mentioning.
Click to expand...
 
joeinid said:
Than you so much for the recommendation. I was thinking about that option too.

Before I pull the trigger, I want to find out if I can get both XLR and RCA modules so that depending on amp(s) I can have the appropriate output without the need for adapters.

I was actually thinking about getting both the USB/ISL modules so I’ll be ready for anything. I know only one rca/xlr module at a time but I think both Network and ISL modules can fit in at the same time.
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seems we are doing research along the same lines... i have been thinking hard on maybe going all-in on digital rather than maybe adding an analog source -- in that scenario MSB is certainly very high on the list, so i have been doing a similar investigation of all their input / output modules.

:)
 
Please keep the information coming. I think it’s time for me to jump back into the dac pool again. Some of the streaming music I enjoy almost needs a computer so that’s where the usb/isl comes in. I was also told that Audivana (?) and a computer is one of the best/better combinations.
 
joeinid said:
Please keep the information coming. I think it’s time for me to jump back into the dac pool again. Some of the streaming music I enjoy almost needs a computer so that’s where the usb/isl comes in. I was also told that Audivana (?) and a computer is one of the best/better combinations.
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have not tried audirvana in several years but i remember liking roon much better at the time. it was much more developed / built-out -- both have free trials so you can decide what's best for your use case and preferences.

in terms of hardware upstream from my DAC, i went with this solution. combine this with the MSB proISL and i don't think it is possible to get a cleaner signal to the DAC ...or a more cost effective way.
 
joeinid said:
Than you so much for the recommendation. I was thinking about that option too.

Before I pull the trigger, I want to find out if I can get both XLR and RCA modules so that depending on amp(s) I can have the appropriate output without the need for adapters.

I was actually thinking about getting both the USB/ISL modules so I’ll be ready for anything. I know only one rca/xlr module at a time but I think both Network and ISL modules can fit in at the same time.
Click to expand...

just get an Innuos and use ethernet the entire way with the renderer. easy peasy. MSB is fully balanced at least on the Premier on up so I'd get XLR output and use adapters as needed (then you get full potential of the dac if you have a balanced preamp)

i've demo'd all the iterations of MSB and the "extras" - here is my continuum of improvements

1) dual mono p/s
2) clock
3) powerbase

the "value point" is just getting the first

good luck!
 
Just awesome Joe. Ya know once Mike gets ya, he turns into 'The Pusher', and keeps feeding ya those little bites of audio . that reminds me I need to play Steppenwolf 'The Pusher'
 
Ha!

We’ve been talking about it for a long time. Once my demo dac was on its way, I realized I was in trouble. After a few days of letting it settling in, then going back to my DACs, I pretty much knew I was done.
 
joeinid said:
Ha!

We’ve been talking about it for a long time. Once my demo dac was on its way, I realized I was in trouble. After a few days of letting it settling in, then going back to my DACs, I pretty much knew I was done.
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You will be selling that RME before long once the MSB has taken over the SS side of the DACS.
 
CPP said:
You will be selling that RME before long once the MSB has taken over the SS side of the DACS.
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I thought about that but might just use it with a decent pair of headphones.
 
Woah! Congrats Joe. Finally. Glad you’re enjoying your unit immensely.

Discrete maybe the entry level for MSB, but has the ability to go toe to toe with many other flagship offerings. I remember when I first introduced it in the system, everything just seemed to start clicking and sing in unison. This aspect of music reproduction is so underrated - to me, Discrete holds everything together.
 
Thank you, I hope to be placing my order soon. Some home expenses ate up my cash reserves, ugh.
 
Never nice when thats happen , especially when one was hot on such a piece like the MSB. Hope you can soon be able to buy it.
 
FDPDK said:
Never nice when thats happen , especially when one was hot on such a piece like the MSB. Hope you can soon be able to buy it.
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Thank you, I’m thinking 4-5 weeks should do it. In the meantime I can put some cables and gear up for sale.
 
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