The MSB Premier review I didn't write

[Billt1]

I had never written a review before but felt my experience was so compelling it was time to. I was to include my experiences and references as a longtime Audiophile. Listing some of the many Audio shows I have attend in this country and abroad as to use as a reference to build and verify my own systems. I would list some of my equipment current and past to show the journey. I would talk about some the great dealers and distributors I am proud to call my friends . Alas time does not seem to allow so I will summarize in the last paragraph with a note I sent to Vince Galbo MSB National sales manager . This part of the journey began when I sold my Esoteric K-01x SACD player in order to replace it with the Esoteric N-01 network player. I no longer spin disc as all my files are on a ROON Nucleolus + server . Having sold my Esoteric I called the dealer to order the N-01 and discovered there were none in the USA. He suggested , actually pleaded with me , to try one of the new MSB DACs just being released . I was completely sure this was a waste of time as I knew the Esoteric was an amazing piece and really wanted the N-01. I obliged because now I didn't have a DAC in the main system and could kill some time waiting for the Esoteric to become available. Just in case though I had him send me one like I would want just in the very off chance I would want to keep it. So I received a black Premier with 2nd power supply , Renderer V2 and XLR out. The following is only one of the many accolades I had sent Vince in the last month " I continue to believe that if anyone were to A/B to any other DAC anywhere near similar price point they could only reach the same conclusion I have. Until now I have never noticed or thought out my listening habits. In my highly resolving Analog set up I keep saying “ Just one more side” and never feel I want to move away. In my digital system although I have had very highly resolving digital frontends that sounded very, very good I tended to listen for about a half an hour before I felt it was time to go do something else. I never questioned that until now. The MSB Premier DAC has been in my system for about a month and it has revolutionized my listening habits. Frankly I never want to move away. I get up early ( often now late for work because I was listening too long) and stay up late just to listen a little longer. In the 40 years I have been in this hobby, reflecting back I can only remember that happening previously when a turntable was the source."

This is a follow up to my original review of the Premier DAC. I did buy the Femto 93 clock and Powerbase. MSB asked me to leave them with my impressions as I did the upgrades individually and collectively for comparison sake. I will also include in part the MSB response to my conclusions. I do want to reiterate that the Premier DAC without the upgrades is still pretty dam awesome.

Vince ,
Thank you very much for the opportunity to review the different options available to the MSB Premier DAC. The Premier DAC in it’s standard configuration is incredible and was confirmed as we converted back to stock for this review purpose.

The results are much like anticipated :

• Switching the Standard Premier clock to the upgrade Femto 93 clock added a level of detail and smoothness ( using Discrete Power Supplies)
• Switching out the 2 standard discrete power supplies for the Premier Powerbase added weight and bass definition (Using stock Premier Clock)

On a rating of 1 to 10 of added benefit :

• Change to Femto 93 Clock 4
• Change to Premier Powerbase 3
• Change both Clock and Power Supply 10

In our opinion the clock would be the first upgrade but this is a case without question that the whole is greater than the sum of the parts
I would make a strong suggestion that the Premier be offered from the factory in two levels , current base configuration and Master Series that packaged upgraded clock and power supply at a cost savings.

Partial MSB response

In addition to the apparent synergy in the sound with the 93 clock and the Premier Power Base, there is a technical synergy also. Clock performance is hyper critical in digital audio. Clocks run on power and they perform best on something approaching perfect power. It is one thing to have a very accurate clock but it is just as important to maintain that accuracy across the mother board for the various functions including the inputs with their associated formats. CD 16/44.1, as an example, is risen to the same resolution that we expect from the best hi res. All of this runs on DC power and is improved with the quietest and best possible power.

 

[Kingsrule]

Yeah, the reason I quickly delegated it was because I knew you wouldn't get the irony.

And I certainly saw it took u 5 hours to come back with this dribble. You must have been all preoccupied with your dCS MAP and Upsample choices try to get that stack to sound good. Or was it the constant reboots to keep roon from locking up..... oh I love the real irony. LOL

 

[still-one]

And I certainly saw it took u 5 hours to come back with this dribble. You must have been all preoccupied with your dCS MAP and Upsample choices try to get that stack to sound good. Or was it the constant reboots to keep roon from locking up..... oh I love the real irony. LOL

Let's see. I deleted my post in less than 5 minutes and you come back a month later. Slow reader.

 

[tikkenator]

I just placed an order for the MSB Premier with Pro USB input module and Premier Powerbase. I will be using it in a system consisting of Audio Research Ref 6 pre, Audio Research GS150 amp and Wilson Audio Sasha DAWs. This will complement my analog front end consisting of SME 20/3 with Grado Aeon cartridge and Audio Research Ref 3 phono pre. I am looking forward to reporting back after I receive the units and long in some listening time!

 

[joeinid]

Welcome to the forum tikkenator, congratulations and thank you for joining.

 

[Ritmo]

I just placed an order for the MSB Premier with Pro USB input module and Premier Powerbase. I will be using it in a system consisting of Audio Research Ref 6 pre, Audio Research GS150 amp and Wilson Audio Sasha DAWs. This will complement my analog front end consisting of SME 20/3 with Grado Aeon cartridge and Audio Research Ref 3 phono pre. I am looking forward to reporting back after I receive the units and long in some listening time!

Congrats! You have a very nice system. The Premier is a very nice sounding DAC and will further raise the performance of your stereo. Please update this thread with your perspective once you install the new DAC. Enjoy!

 

[tikkenator]

I had to cancel my order for these units due to lack of funds. I look forward to working with Alex and Fabio at Alma Audio in San Diego later this year to sort out my digital front end. It will have to be all vinyl for the time being...

 

[joeinid]

Sorry to hear about that but at least you still have them to look forward to buying soon. Time flies and it won’t be that long.