The $8,000 question

[pdub]

So a nicely loaded Reference DAC (dual mono power base, preamp output module, femto 33) clocks in around 78k -- 8k shy of the base Select DAC. Does the no-frills Select (with the preamp module and femto 77 as standard) still trump the loaded Reference because of the 8 hybrid DACs?
Parker

 

[Alpinist]

So a nicely loaded Reference DAC (dual mono power base, preamp output module, femto 33) clocks in around 78k -- 8k shy of the base Select DAC. Does the no-frills Select (with the preamp module and femto 77 as standard) still trump the loaded Reference because of the 8 hybrid DACs?
Parker

Hi Parker,

I haven’t compared the base Select II DAC to the loaded Reference DAC, only the loaded Select II to the loaded Reference, and the loaded Select II is hugely better solely due to double the amount of DAC modules.

I would recommend purchasing the base Select II because you will have the option to add on the upgrades over time with MSB’s upgrade program if you decide to do so. If you purchase the loaded Reference DAC, its performance will be forever limited by its four DAC modules. The Select II will also have much more value on the secondary market should you ever decide to sell it.

Best,
Ken

 

[pdub]

Thanks for the insight. Can go a little crazy trying to figure out where the sweet spot is with all the dacs, permutations, and upgrade fees. At some point I usually sigh and decide I’d rather have a new Audi, but eventually I find myself rolling this stuff around in my head again.

Btw, Ken, have you given up on Audience?


Parker

 

[BlueFox]

Thanks for the insight. Can go a little crazy trying to figure out where the sweet spot is with all the dacs, permutations, and upgrade fees. At some point I usually sigh and decide I’d rather have a new Audi, but eventually I find myself rolling this stuff around in my head again.

I wish I could consider $78K as a 'sweet spot' for a DAC. LOL

"So a nicely loaded Reference DAC (dual mono power base, preamp output module, femto 33) clocks in around 78k"

 

[pdub]

Idle curiosity? Morbid curiosity? Don't know that I could ever talk myself into actually pulling the trigger. Without some sort of unexpected windfall I could never see myself going top of the MSB line. To even buy-in more in the middle is, for me, a leap I'm not sure I'd be willing to make given how fast digital evolves. And I'd hate to spend what is -- again, for me -- stupid money and only get 50-60% of what a manufacturer is capable of...So why do I keep looking?

 

[AJR]

Because it is fun to think about it

 

[Alpinist]

Thanks for the insight. Can go a little crazy trying to figure out where the sweet spot is with all the dacs, permutations, and upgrade fees. At some point I usually sigh and decide I’d rather have a new Audi, but eventually I find myself rolling this stuff around in my head again.

Btw, Ken, have you given up on Audience?


Parker

Hi Parker,

I still have the Audience AR6-TSSOX Power Conditioner and the AU24SE Power Cords. They are excellent. Best of luck on your quest!

Ken

 

[Mike]

Just spoke with Jonathan from MSB, he said base Select II. You get the Femto 77 as standard and you can upgrade the S2. He said it’s very close, but the Select is the Select.


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[pdub]

Just spoke with Jonathan from MSB, he said base Select II. You get the Femto 77 as standard and you can upgrade the S2. He said it’s very close, but the Select is the Select.


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Thanks Mike. To fill in your 100% (Select); 80% (Ref); 60% (Premier); 40% (Discrete) ladder, I guess the upgrades just inch each DAC towards the next level without ever crossing over.

 

[Mike]

Thanks Mike. To fill in your 100% (Select); 80% (Ref); 60% (Premier); 40% (Discrete) ladder, I guess the upgrades just inch each DAC towards the next level without ever crossing over.

Precisely.


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