"Well, I can do you one better."

Darrel

Darrel

Active member
Joined
Nov 1, 2018
Messages
543
Location
Auburn, Washington USA
Just seven little words that sent me on a upgrade path I didn't expect. I saw a MSB Discrete DAC with dual power supplies and the USB Pro module for sale locally on Audiogon for what looked like a pretty reasonable price. I sent Mike a private message on AS and asked him what he thought about the item. I know Mike isn't in the help line business. But, he was the only MSB dealer I thought I could ask such a question to without being shunned. And his seven word response started me on a system changing direction. He has a black MSB Reference DAC that was part of MSBs trade in program he recommended as a option. As he pointed out the Reference DAC was MSBs second best DAC at the time of it being discontinued with a purchase price between $54-56K.

During Covid Ed DeVito of Audio-Ultra a local Magico and at that time a MSB dealer held a audio show at a local hotel using the then current Magico S3 with Magicos dual drive subs paired with a stereo MSB amp and the MSB Select DAC. It was one of the best stereo systems I had the pleasure to listen to. And MSB has since then always been a dream purchase.

So, Mikes choice had to be taken seriously. I had read that the Preamp section of the Reference hooked up directly to a amp yielded really positive results. And I've been very happy with the Gryphon Diablo 330 with the Pink Faun paired with the Harmony LAiV DAC and uDDC reclocker. To me the LAiV was kind of a average/poor man MSB ladder DAC. The LAiV Harmony DAC is at it's price point a great DAC. Mikes recommendation was moving the Diablo and going with a Pass Labs X250.8 stereo amp. I ask about trading in the Diablo? He said "Let me check". Less than 24 hours later he said that could be done. He found a new owner if I wanted to move it along.

The current owner of the MSB Reference had to wait for his new MSB Cascade DAC before it could be shipped to me. That was a couple of weeks ago. But, two days ago the Reference showed up in two boxes. It had a refurbished marked on the box which meant it had made a stop at MSBs factory for a quick lube and oil change. The next wait will be for the Pass Labs X250.8 which Mike said could take a couple of months. And while I waited for the Reference I ordered and received the MSB Pro usb module and Mike shipped me a loaner amp to use in its place.

When I first heard the Reference paired with the stereo Perreaux 300x amp, Pink Faun Scion and Magico S3 speakers the sound was very condensed deep behind the speakers that are about five feet from the front wall. With the LAiV and uDDC and Diablo the soundstage was way beyond the speakers hitting the first reflection point of the walls. I've read the MSB Femto clock should be kept running to optimise its performance. So, after leaving the MSB powered on overnight the soundstage opened up more to what I had heard in my prior system. Mike also said to leave the Reference on at all times to keep the performance of the Reference. Once the Pass Labs shows up I think my system will be complete for one more last time.

I want to put out a big shout out to Mike. His patience and communication has only been helpful and positive.
 
After spending a lot of yesterday playing music and CDs I can see why it's called "Reference". It really brings out the full range of the Magico S3s. When I unplugged the Gryphon Diablo 300 to box up for shipping it dawned on me there is no way to hookup the SVS 1000 Pro subs using the MSB. I could add a Pass Labs preamp but, my goal was to utilize the Reference as a preamp. When the X250.8 arrives and settles in I'll see if any subs will even be needed.
 
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Darrel said:
After spending a lot of yesterday playing music and CDs I can see why it's called "Reference". It really brings out the full range of the Magico S3s. When I unplugged the Gryphon Diablo 300 to box up for shipping it dawned on me there is no way to hookup the SVS 1000 Pro subs using the MSB. I could add a Pass Labs preamp but, my goal was to utilize the Reference as a preamp. When the X250.8 arrives and settles in I'll see if any subs will even be needed.
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This MSB product is made for exactly your situation. I have tested it in my system and they work perfectly.

The Pro Sub Isolator

Unlock the full potential of your audio system with the Pro Sub Isolator. Experience clearer bass and improved sound performance.
msbtechnology.com msbtechnology.com
 
crwilli said:
This MSB product is made for exactly your situation. I have tested it in my system and they work perfectly.

The Pro Sub Isolator

Unlock the full potential of your audio system with the Pro Sub Isolator. Experience clearer bass and improved sound performance.
msbtechnology.com msbtechnology.com
Click to expand...
I've looked at all of the MSB solutions current and discontinued. I talked to Mike about this issue and pointed out that two of the MSB sub isolators would equal the price of Pass Labs lowest price preamp. Also, the SVS 1000 pro subs cost of $600 each didn't merit going the sub isolator direction IMO. He suggested talking to Vince Galbo by phone for an experts opinion. So, I gave Vince a call and he explained how and why the older attempts of a module to handle sub outputs were abandoned and the external sub isolators were created. I saw on Audiogon a discontinued module that MSB had developed and considered using with the Reference. After talking with Vince that idea was abandoned. But, thanks for posting the option.
 
Great upgraititus story. Great system. Big question moving forward. Where do you stop? Advice fwiw. Once the Pass arrives, listen to it, likely love it and put your credit card where you can't get to it for two weeks. After that, come up for air. If you still want to buy that pre or whatever else you may be considering, proceed with the upgrades. As you know, subs (once dialed in) add an enormous amount to the music listening experience. I hope you are laughing and enjoy my input in the spirit that it was meant. Well intentioned. As many in your position have, been there done that. :cool: I predict you will buy the pre. Best. Gordon
 
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ggdudeabides said:
Great upgraititus story. Great system. Big question moving forward. Where do,you stop? Advice fwiw. Once the Pass arrives, listen to it, likely love it and put your credit card where you can't get to it for two weeks. After that, come up for air. If you still want to buy that pre or whatever else you may be considering, proceed with the upgrades. As you know, subs (once dialed in) add an enormous amount to the music listening experience. I hope you are laughing and enjoy my input in the spirit that it was meant. As many in your position have, been there done that. :cool: I predict you will buy the pre. Best. Gordon
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I appreciate the advice of course. My gut tells me a preamp isn't my first choice but, time will tell. And I agree that subs if dialed in add to the mid to low end of a system.

But, I also wrote in my first post. " I think my system will be complete for one more last time." ;)
 
Darrel said:
I appreciate the advice of course. My gut tells me a preamp isn't my first choice but, time will tell. And I agree that subs if dialed in add to the mid to low end of a system.

But, I also wrote in my first post. " I think my system will be complete for one more last time." ;)
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Like a drug addict. They all say that. Good luck.
 
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