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. Can it output a Low or High Voltage on a single pin in a bitstream? Were constantly improving digital input modules to stay at the forefront of the high-end audio industry, ensuring youre always equipped with the most current digital file formats and interfaces. You might want to consideradding oneof Chord's Upscalers, either HugoM scaler, or the Blu Mk. 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. Bespoke Audio Ultimate Silver TVC passive preamp, Totaldac xlr version D1-Drivers x2, Eisteddfod 340 & 840 amps, Magico S5 speaker, MSB Select DAC, MSB Select Transport, Nakamichi 700 XLE cassette deck, Taiko Audio Extreme Server, Tripoint Troy Signature NG groundbox, PLiXiR Elite 1500 isolation transformers. If you currently have an MSB DAC or amplifier that you lovebut are looking to experience more from your systemplease reach out to your local dealer. So take it for what it is. This latter track is a good track for me to play when listening to new kit as it is basically a drum machine and an acid box and this latter did sound just like a 303 there in the room. Stainless steel buttons arrayed around an elegant volume wheel to optimize performance and response. Can I ask how you procured all those DACs? The It would have been a different outcome though with the Cyrus pre-amp I previously owned, which cast a veil over everything. Nice. DAVE is perfect for headphone system because you can save space and money of headphone amplifier. Thank you for posting! This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. Since opening our doors in 1986, weve been driven by one goal: to craft an unrivaled listening experience for music lovers across the globe. It's embarrassing. For sure with Hugo and Qutenot even debatable. I have Chord Dave and Blu2 too. I have great synergy in my system and see no reason to listen to every new DAC out there. Thank you all for your answers. Complete electrical isolation In my listening tests, I could detect no attribute that made it sound special. By The Pro USB was developed to offer a multi part USB solution that features complete electrical isolation and all the performance of MSBs proprietary Pro ISL input. This is THE place where audiophiles and audio companies discuss vintage, contemporary and new audio products, music servers, music streamers, computer audio, digital-to-analog converters, turntables, phono stages, cartridges, reel-to-reel tape machines, speakers, headphones and tube and solid-state amplification. The USB module is completely electrically isolated and is again a standalone module capable of 32 bit#768kHz, MQA decoding and 8X DSD. Conversely, you could spend a lot more and not gain a great deal in real terms. We can operate our current DAC modules at up to 6 MHz for PCM and up to 50 MHz for DSD. Id imagine that upscaling refers to increasing bit-depth (like from 16 to 24 bits) which adds "vertical" resolution to the waveform in theory, improving amplitude resolution making subtle low-level detail more natural and audible (among other things) if done correctly. This all-American theme is continued in the companys PCB Shop where they use circuit boards produced for them in Silicon Valley, which are then made ready for the automated adding of the smaller components and hand-fitting bulkier components before washing and inspection. T&A Dac8 (for DSD512) or Lampi Atlantic for any native rate DSD playback. Looks like your budget goes up to ~$20k? I like all this attention to detail and the MSB website suggests a company that is massively proud of its American heritage and of the products they make. I don't want to waste hifi shops time too much knowing I'll be going second hand either. Besides that the MSB looks so much better. Our publication is supported by its audience. Still, it's the way I prefer at this stage. The BADA Ref is a great DAC and I understand the new version takes it to even another level. Equipment used: - Roon - 3-in 1-out XLR switchbox - Goldpoint SA2X Attenuator - Benchmark AHB2 Amplifier - Hifiman Susvara headphones (Also used Arya and HD800S but for the most part susvara) Video review of DAVE + Mscaler here: In terms of sound quality, it's the best digital front end I . 2001-2023 Head-Fi.org. And thinking more about it, the differences at the time could have been small because the noise level in my system at the time of the comparison were relatively higher than they are now. Moving away from the actual sound of the music, one of my main takeaways from listening to the Discrete was the sense of timing it brought to music. So I personally prefer to listen to different DACs just like I prefer to listen to analog as well as digital. Too objective for subjectivists; too subjective for objectivsts. It has the option for two PSUs and once you hear with both it becomes a necessity to have both. Site Founder | Site Owner | Administrator, https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/absolute-top-tier-dac-for-standard-res-redbook-cd. This effect was evident on track after track but didnt feel like it was overly exaggerated. has 20 hours on it. So I saw the DAC lighting up and it looked fully functional, right down displaying the bit rate etc of the file playing, but no music. This is the main advantage of DAVE (i.e. Well this is going to set the cat amongst the pigeons for sure. I called the distributor and we went through everything again. Yes, you read that right, the Select DAC is the best part of 121,000! I also looked at the MSB Discrete DAC but everything thing was an extra cost option (USB, AES/EBU, power supply, etc.,) and expensive. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. But of course, I love window shopping and perusing top tier systems including illustrious more familiar gear like Lampi, TD, MSB, Ares Cerat, Aqua. 2. MSB are an American brand headed up by the brothers Jonathan and Daniel Gullman and located in Silicon Valley, California where they design and build a range of amplifiers, transports, and DACs. those surpass any other digital choice. It's too damn expensive, full stop. us, over a 2 day test period come to the exact same conclusion. And yes, you can improve it more by adding nice power source and cable. dac at a reasonable price. Chord Dave Replacement. It is not hard to audition these DACs in Melbourneand this is your best way to work out your own preference. Strangely, this new review is not displayed when you select the review folder on the homepage. SoundLab A1Px's, ARC REF40, VTL Siegfired II, cj GAT2, cj ART, DCS Vivaldi 2.0 stack, Taiko Audio SGM Extreme, TechDas AF1+ , Graham Phamtom III, Sumiko Palo Santos, vdH Black Beauty, ARC Phono 3, Studer A80, Crystal Dreamline, Transparent Audio Ref XL digital and Ref Gen V power cables, CenterStage footers, Nordost Qkore6' s and QB8's! Looking forward to the your additions to the list. Get a Lampi Golden Gate Dac and match it with the RK5u4g rectifier and PX25 DHTs or the RK242 DHT. Its headphone amplifier is good but no match for higher powered units. However, Id argue that there is sort of two trains of thought on this subject; one where theres absolute fidelity to the source material at all costs, and another that sounds great though to the listener but perhaps not absolutely true to the original source and I dont think its unfair to say that both these positions have their place in the world of playing tunes at home. It's easy! For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. As you mentioned imaging better, incredible PRaT with MSB. I say take what everyone post when a grain of salt, because an individual's preference may be different than yours. in this forum and they are all very good dacs. Im getting a bit away from the review proper, but Im sure you can see why I have added that little diversion. It may not display this or other websites correctly. there are others I know about but Ive not heard them recently. So this was headphones straight out of the DAVE? Also, it is worth noting I heard the v1 DAC 2X, not the v2. The lo-res display also makes menu ]set-up fiddly because it doesn't have enough space to display words. I have enjoyed my time with the MSB Discrete DAC a great deal. The evolution of the original irreverent and irrelevant and non-authoritative site for headphone measurements, i.e. Since the Topping D70s SINAD is ~120 dB and it costs ~$650, then given that "money is power" (as opposed to amplitude), I would expect the Chord DAVE SINAD to be at least 120 + 10*log($14,000 / $650) = 133.3 dB. Paired with performance increases, our modular design ethos increases flexibility for future updates and product support, guaranteeing a long-term product investment. What did you think with the Chord Dave vs Emm Labs Dac2x? With two prime DACs, we yield an unprecedented level of detail, reproducing the musicality, soundstage, and texture of an original performance, bringing the artist to you. Of the ones you mentioned I'd be most tempted by the Emm Labs DAC 2x though if you can get a used higher-end Esoteric, you should jump on it. The DAC has two modes; multi-bit PCM and single-bit discrete DSD mode. It may not display this or other websites correctly. The Dave is VERY lovely on PCM, and pretty decent on DSD, but DSD is not its raison d'etre. Thanks guys! other dacs I have enjoyedin no particular order; I would not call this second tier; but I prefer what hear from my Select II to what Ive heard from these. Well build a personalized offer for your existing MSB products that count towards a new DAC or amplifier. At some point you have to be content in this hobby. There ain't no Coupe deVille hiding at the bottom of a Cracker Jack Box. I've owned a PS Audio You go off people's opinions and hope it'll match your equipment and system when you put the hard earned down. Equipped with high-visibility and a wide viewing angle, the display is both easy-to-read and stunning, exhibiting our love for intuitive features. But dont take our word for it. CHORD Dave could be the most expensive deeply design DAC in the world and if you find it not your taste there is the best off the shelf DACs like akm4499 in Topping D90 for 699$ that could be even better than Dave. Mike, Scott has been absolutely wonderful in his support, despite my purchasing the Found-Music 2A3s used (from Art S.) He has visited once and is planning another visit after the trip your way. So, essentially, around the back of this DAC we have XLR output modules, dual power inputs (more on this in a moment) the digital input module (XLR, RCA, and two optical), and the USB input.