Advice Required

Bigwood: Thanks for the input, have you done any comparison between the MSB and the P3A. From what I understand, they would both offer me 24/96khz. I don't want the P1A right now, I can afford the DAC, but that is about it for now. Until of course upgrade fever hits again. How much do the Link DACs retail for, I suppose I could find a used one here though. Cheers.

Read the comparison between the MSB and the CAL Sigma II 24/96 DAC that they did in Stereophile before doing further research on the Link. I've heard them both and their is a noticeable difference in terms of "musicality" between the two. While the MSB might offer more "etched detail", it is WAY behind in the toe-tapping department. This is especially true if you replace the tube in the CAL with a Mullard from Kevin Deal at Upscale Audio. Sean >

Mike, I'd see about auditioning some DACs. I have a similar set-up to what you describe. B&K 202 (basically the Ref 20 with AV5000 in one chassis). Source is Marantz CC48 (Please don't laugh), Monarchy 24/96 DIP and MSB Link DAC II modified by Dan Wright. (Dwright-username). IMO the DAC's in the B&K are only so-so for stereo, if that. Going in 'Stereo Direct-Analog' via an external DAC is much, much better. I can't hardly listen to 2 channel with the digital connection FWIW. I'd venture to say you'll be quite surprised trying a decent DAC in Direct mode on the B&K. Hope this helps. P.S. I'd try the P3A, I'm looking to get a P1A soon.

Mel: The only way I can try any DACs is to order them online, I don't have any dealers in my area that carry the P3A or MSB. I am currently using the DACs in the B&K Ref 20 to decode stereo info for me. So you found a big improvement by using the external DAC instead of what is inside the B&K. My plan is basically the same as what you are doing, go with and external DAC and use the anlog bypass in the B&K. Cheers

Mike, I don't think you can go wrong with either of those products mentioned. There was an MSB in the classifieds here, last time I looked. If you bought a used one and then decided it wasn't what you want, you probably wouldn't be out much. Anyway, enjoy!