You are using an out of date browser. Over the air updates will ensure that your renderer always has the latest capabilities and ultimate convenience. Sablon Audio King/Prince power cords throughout. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/how-to-support-audio-science-review.8150/, Check the true bit-depth of your files and audio engine, Guide to Subwoofer Calibration and Bass Preferences, Know your limits (Sound Exposure Safety Chart), Topping DX7 Pro+ vs Chord DAVE measurements (Cosmos ADC) - DAVE is better in some areas (surprise! When we set out to make the MSB remote, the design was built from the ground up. Blimey my RME ADI 2 DAC looks to have better performance at a fraction of the cost, /===============================================================/, DACs, Streamers, Servers, Players, Audio Interface, Combination Audio DAC and Headphone Amplifiers. Very resolving, tone is on the cold side of neutral but otherwise pretty free of digital nasties compared to the cheaper Chords, and the stage is flatter than Keira Knightley. Can't beat the form factor of it though, great for off a desk top. The end result is a digital experience defying expectations. CH Precision C1 DAC. comes down to knowing what you are actually trying to achieve in a high end You could try some of the newer dacs that has gotten good reviews. Always use!! The MSB Renderer was developed using an in-house hardware design running an ultra low noise A5 processor for optimal audio playback performance. The Base module is used on the two lower DACs (including this one) and then the Preamp Output Stage for the top two DACs in the range. The biggest question about this device is, Yeah listened to the same HEk V2 and Chord Dave with. First let me preface my comments by stating that I have not heard a lot of high end DACs in my system. As a contented Qutest user, I would have hoped for "improved", performance from the Dave. This hobby is "highly subjective", influenced by personal feelings, tastes, or opinions; therefore you can A/B a million different components and come to a completely different conclusion on how it sounds compared to another listener. @astewart8944--two years ago in Feb of 17 i did audition the original Formula dac in my system directly compared to the Lampizator GG 1.5 and the Nagra HD and preferred the Formula for its greater space, lower noise, and more neutral and fast presentation. Our publication is supported by its audience. Chord states "DAVE is the most advanced DAC we have ever made. Needless to say given everything talked about so far, the Prime DAC modules are made in-house and they have been making and designing discrete ladder DACs since 1999. It is a pretty DAC but usability is left behind. - Meat Loaf. While it's an easy setup to wrangle at a show, it does seem like it wasn't doing either component any favours! It's better than the MSB Analog I listened to. fake by any means necessary jacket. You are using an out of date browser. But then we have to apply the law of diminishing returns. As I listen to this tune a few times it strikes me that the Discrete is just that (discrete), it doesnt seem to add a great deal of itself to the file it is playing. I can only comment on the Emm labs, if u can get a DA2 I think you will be happy "An audiophile is only done when they go to the great brick and mortar store in the sky" Ron Resnick EAR FILLERS HiFi Pig Playlists on Qobuz, Transatlantic Dispatches: A New World Disorder, Astell&Kern Launch Three New Products At High End Munich 2022. This latter recording gets played to death at shows, but that doesnt detract from it being a very good tune and a very good recording, though I have been known to take the piss a bit when it gets played for the tenth time in a day at audio events. Paired with performance increases, our modular design ethos increases flexibility for future updates and product support, guaranteeing a long-term product investment. As I said, its an odd one to describe but you do hear it as it brings a sense of rightness to rhythm tracks. Mola Mola dac and the Total dac. How r they comparing to the MSB Select 2 and Trinity? and as I said earlier there is no "best" when it comes to dacs or I have enjoyed my time with the MSB Discrete DAC a great deal. It has the option for two PSUs and once you hear with both it becomes a necessity to have both. Roon Endpoint Never use!! You absolutely can say that you prefer other DAC's to the Berkeley Alpha Reference. The remainder For example, the chassis for the products are made from North American-sourced metals, and then that is machined using Haas CNC machines that are built in California. I'm also a very patient person and can wait for the right bit of kit at the right price to come up secondhand. Once populated, the circuit boards are made into modules and then placed inside the casework. it just complimented my system better than those other two. - MQA decoding. It seems to me that manufacturers are jacking up the price for the perception of quality. The lo-res display also makes menu ]set-up fiddly because it doesn't have enough space to display words. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. I can see the problem with this unit. 2 are upscalers , not upsamplers. Pass Labs INT-60. There is scale on bigger productions and intimacy on smaller-scale recordings and pieces, It wont make a pigs ear into a sows purse, but its majestic on really good recordings, Its very detailed but not harshly so actually, its a very easy component to fit in a system and live with, Its not cheap and you will want both PSUs once you compare with just one, No analogue inputs to make it the heart of a full system, You know that MSB have stuff that is out of reach financially and potentially better, Price: 11,000 plus 1,650 for a second power supply. That's the negative to going my route I guess. I did have the BADA Ref in my system for a short audition, and the Trinity And CH Precision C1 for a longer stay during a previous iteration of my system. Ill go through the modules included in the Discrete DAC and explain a little about each. The modular nature of the Discrete and other MSB DACs is very clever and I assume this goes a good way towards giving it such a neutral and detailed sound, where no one part is interfering with what the other is doing. First I want to say that I fully agree that the hobby is Perhaps thats a bit of an odd example for me to use as its a bit World Music but you are also made aware of the rightness of timing on percussive techno tracks. There hasn't been any direct comparison of them with Select II, Trinity DAC, CH D1/C1, Totaldac D12 etc in Hong Kong yet. It may not display this or other websites correctly. Stay updated on Bloom Audio at their. Complete electrical isolation ), Chord Hugo 2 Review (Portable DAC & HP Amp), DAC Noise Modulation: Chord DAVE vs Topping DX7 Pro+, Digital To Analog (DAC) Reviews and Discussion, Amplifiers, Phono preamp, and Analog Audio Review. We are This is disabled if you are outputting to a preamplifier. You'll be shocked by how much you lose by going through a separate preamp. But the majority of the time all 6 of What ice cream do you prefer? connection to the dac chip. MQA decoding I wanted to know for anyone who has heard it have you also heard a DAC that approached it in sonic performance? By Search: Msb Discrete Dac Vs Chord Dave. Chord Dave Black New The Prime DAC With two prime DACs, MSB yields an unprecedented level of detail, reproducing the musicality, soundstage, and texture of an original performance, bringing the artist to you Ps Audio Directstream Dac Vs Auralic Vega Founded in 2004, Games for Change is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that empowers game creators and . Chord Dave Replacement. A fully balanced, ultra-high precision, discrete ladder DAC architecture ensures each note tells a story. in this forum and they are all very good dacs. Regular readers will appreciate all that is taken from the MSB website and I make no apologies for not really understanding the electronics. . Of course your opinion on sound quality is your own, and valid, but to suggest that the reason for the difference is because the Chord is an "FPGA DAC" is technically incorrect. But even with great preamps, a great DAC in a low noise environment, will produce a more transparent sound going direct to the amps than through the preamp. and the MSB Select II has a huge advantage over other dacs with its modularity and in-house development which promotes, in a very timely way, keeping the product at the very tip top cutting edge of digital interface developments. Too many DACs> Too many amps> Too many headphones. MSB thrives off the innovation required to meet consumer demands. and this is borne out in the sound that this DAC brings to the party. It's my understanding that the Wavedream only But the differences between great DACs is small. He liked the Mola Mola Tambaqui over these others listed below. I agree with your statement. And differences at that level can be good. Sent from my SM-G928V using Computer Audiophile mobile app. Fair enough if you know some of the posters here and their listening preferences. And this is what separates the very good from the excellent piece of audio equipment. You are using an out of date browser. But MSB Select 2 is regarded by many as the best thats why for something 1/10 of the price to compete in anyones eyes is quite an accomplishment. Thats not allthe CNC unibody aluminum chassis provides the discrete power supply with optimal thermal performance and an elegant design aesthetic. sounds like a more transparent Chord Dave to my ears. I submit dealers use the statement "component X competes against much more expensive components" far too often. The only thing that I'd really like to see added here is an Aries Cerat. Check out the awards + accolades. The Dave as a DAC actually sounds decent. Amplification: Cyrus Mono x300Signatures. definitely up there with the best dacs in the world. You could spend less and get close to the sound of this DAC, for sure. Anyway, I switched out the valve power amplifier and put in its place the Krell KST100 (all fully fettled and brought up to a better than new spec by Krell in the States) with my intention being to see what effect was the DAC and what was down to the amp basically isolating the effect to a component. list the Rockna Wavedream Edition sounds this good, how good does their Discussion in 'Digital: DACs, USB converters, decrapifiers' started by mtoc, Jun 9, 2016. for instance, the Select II is modular (customers can easily change modules in seconds)so it has the ability to quickly modify its inputs to allow for optimization of various interfaces. IMHO an audio recommendation in a forum is just an advice on what is worth listening and the reason why we think so. From beginners to life-long hobbyists to industry professionals, we enjoy learning about new things and meeting new people, and participating in spirited debates. conversation. But DAVE also seems to me to highlight the original recording so if the recording is flat, the playback sounds flat (still with great accurate timbre) but if the recording really showcase the soundstage and the 3-dimensionality of the instruments and vocals, DAVE really portrays that well. Would I pay extra for the second supply? Click here to download your copy, At 11000 plus taxes as tested the Lampizator Big 7 is certainly no budget DAC, but does it deliver on sonic ability? Elevator Pitch Review: Built in America, the MSB Discrete is a modular DAC that also acts as a preamplfier, though, as supplied, it has no analogue inputs. Sonically, it is akin to the old straight wire with gain only in the digital realm. MSB Technology Discrete Modular DAC Page 2. I have heard the Dave and EMM Labs DAC2x up against aMakua that I subsequently purchased. It is a manual step which I forgot. dac at a reasonable price. I cant help with comparisons of two of these DACs, but I did hear the Tambaqui up against the dCS Bartok and it was a pretty close call, but ultimately the dCS sounded more analogue and more immersive.However, this was at a time when both units were a similar price. Much appreciated. Auction bid 7 150 25 . Putting price aside, what are your thoughts about the Hugo TT as an integrated DAC+amp? More sharing . DAVE is perfect for headphone system because you can save space and money of headphone amplifier. RCA outputs with the optional output module Voltage: 3.57 Vrms Maximum Impedance > 600 High Gain setting. @shkong78 Thanks for sharing your listening impressions of the Lampizator Pacific vs the MSB DACs as well as what you miss about the Pacific vs your Chord combo. When a dealer post something you have to take it with a enormous grain of salt. Perhaps you should consider the Accuphase DC-37 currently for sale in the classifieds? They are excellent pairing. Since opening our doors in 1986, weve been driven by one goal: to craft an unrivaled listening experience for music lovers across the globe. I thought the DAVE was just as stunning with DSD as PCM. Rori The PSUs are available to match. By clicking links on our site, we may earn affiliate commission, but our editorial remains entirely independent and unbiased. I wanted to know for anyone who has heard it have you also heard a DAC that approached it in sonic performance? The Base module has two outputs (high and low) depending on whether you are outputting to a preamplifier or directly to a power amplifier. 2. It features the very best conversion technology available, using proprietary techniques never seen before, making DAVE the most advanced DAC/preamp amplifier in the world. DAC Comparison Reference DAC Modules 4x Hybrid DAC Clock The Femto 33 Digital Inputs 4x User Replaceable Input Slots Optical and Coaxial input module Included Analog Outputs Preamp XLR Output Module - 150 Impedance RCA output available with external adapter Analog Inputs XLR Analog Expansion Modules RCA or XLR Input RCA or XLR Output I found it big bold brash and dynamic but hard cold glary and fatiguing - all the old fashioned things I hated about early digital. Directstream, Bricasti M1, Jeff Rowland Aeris, Chord Dave, and today I The PM2 is very special. Some very good advice here. auditioned the Rockna Wavedream Edition DAC. The bottom line for me is that great DACs can make a difference over good DACs. I'm not an absolutist, and frankly, I could be happy with any of the DACs I mentioned. Cs | Critical Mass CS2s -> components, Isoacoustics -> speakers + subs | Adona Eris II rack on Herbie's titanium footers | Fully treated and dedicated 2 channel room. Roon/Jriver 22 -> Ayre QX-5 Twenty -> Ayre AX-5 Twenty -> B&W N802D (Transparent Cables). Stuart Smith finds out. Have you thought about hooking up a Blu2 to Dave? I understand that audio stores and distribution companies have the opportunity to A/B a significant amount of equipment. This effect was evident on track after track but didnt feel like it was overly exaggerated. - Up to 32 bit - 768kHz. Is it better than the Chord DAVE that I raved about a few years ago? And yes, you can improve it more by adding nice power source and cable. Taiko Audio Extreme > Sablon Audio Reserva Elite USB2022/Sablon Audio Reserva Ethernet2020> Aqua Formula XHDV2 > Sablon Audio King Sablon Interconnects > LDR pre > PuLSar45 DC SE amp > Sablon Audio Reserva speaker cables (pigtailed) > Avantgarde Duo Omega( Duelund xover). Up to 1km lossless transmission. My friend who owns the Diamond DAC IV prefers the MSB. The DAC has two modes; multi-bit PCM and single-bit discrete DSD mode. Yes, definitely, as it is those extra tiny little bits of detail that adds the cherry on top of an already rather splendid slice of musical cake brought out on tracks like the audio show mainstay Keith Dont Go from Acoustic Live by Nils Lofgren. The world's largest high-end audio community. This is purely speculation based on browsing the internet over the years and internalising pro/con reviews from users. You go off people's opinions and hope it'll match your equipment and system when you put the hard earned down. Others might disagree but these are my findings. What else should one expect? I auditioned a DAVE (not deconstructed) and TT2 and found all Chord products lacked the musicality of MSB. Of those, I've only heard the DAVE. The Discrete is a genuine high fidelity DAC and a fabulously built one to boot, add in the modular input flexibility and you have a pretty stunning product with excellent future proofing. Oppo Modwright BDP-205 full mod. and build quality is also excellent. As the noise in my system keeps getting lower, the PM2 keeps reaching deeper to find even more musical engagement and purity in standard 16/44 files. Like a true audiophile with "issues", I'm saying to myself, if at $8300 I'm looking for suggestions on DACs I should listen to as possible replacement of my Chord Dave. Btw, my MSB friend and I used the internal analog preamp for MSB and built-in digital preamp for DAVE. Great Dac but for me a NOS DAC (Metrum Adagio) won the contest over all the others Dacs I have tried so far. I've also learned that a DAC's performance will depend heavily on the music player. digital front ends. Up to 32 bit 768kHz Like the Lab12. It will kick your ass. It's easy! What didn't you like about the Dave? Im sure it does have a flavour of its own, but from my standpoint, it sounds like a very neutral and transparent DAC. Set up is key, cables are super important, server is also I've owned a PS Audio I just heard DAVE directly connected to MacBook Pro via USB without any expensive cables, headphone amplifier, power conditioner. The SQ is amazingly good. Theres just a sense that with the MSB in the line that everything is timed correctly and rock solid. After reading that review, and remembering the reverence APL had back in the day, alongside the Stahl Tek and Trinity dacs that were the heavy hitters 10-15 yrs ago, I was just curious as to whether . By retail client forgets that most audio stores and audio distribution companies It is not hard to audition these DACs in Melbourneand this is your best way to work out your own preference. With two prime DACs, we yield an unprecedented level of detail, reproducing the musicality, soundstage, and texture of an original performance, bringing the artist to you. Wavedream only has a couple hours on it, but from the first note it If I had been responsible for coding that display I would never tell anyone. So this was headphones straight out of the DAVE? However, there is nothing wrong with "taking" recommendations, which help me build a list that I can use to research then find a way to audition my shortlist. It matches Chord Dave and Mscaler on dynamics with slightly more bass slam. Check out our support page and technical specifications > Click Here, 10100007 - Discrete DAC with Supply- Gallery - 1200px, 10100007 - Discrete DAC with Supplies - Gallery - 1200px, 10100006 - Discrete DAC - Gallery - 1200px, 10100003 - Discrete DAC Badge - Gallery - 1200px, 10100005 - Discrete DAC MSB Logo - Gallery - 1200px, 10100004 - Discrete DAC Jack Panel - Gallery - 1200px, 10100008 - Discrete DAC Basemetal - Gallery - 1200px, 10100009 - Discrete Supply Options - Gallery - 1200px, 10100010 - Discrete Supply Cover - Gallery - 1200px. Price 9k in the U.K. Additionally, MSBs robust in-house design enables the finest quality playback of PCM and native DSD, while our low impedance circuitry drives your amplification directly without adding coloration or buffering noise. Can I ask how you procured all those DACs? Do diamonds shine on the dark side of the moon? Digital Audio Forum: DAC, Transports, Digital Processing Forum, 4x20A circuits | Audioquest Niagara 3000 | Paul Hynes SR4T + HDPlex HD500 PSUs -> Music PC w/JCAT XE nic, HQPlayer, Roon, Tidal / Qobuz | HDPlex HD100 PSU -> OCX clock + EtherRegen | Aqua Acoustic Quality LinQ streamer | Aqua Acoustic Quality Formula xHD Rev. Please specify coaxial S/PDiF or optical S/PDiF. There is no such thing as a "FPGA DAC"! It features the very best conversion technology available, using proprietary techniques never seen before, making DAVE the most advanced DAC/preamp amplifier in the world. I listen mostly to classical music, particularly with symphonic work, I prefer DAVE to MSB.