First impressions of new MH-DA006, Musetec flagship


I have received the 006 almost a week ago and have been breaking it in. The price at Shenzhenaudio is $3,900.00 USD, $600 more than the 005. The ad copy states:

"DA006 is a new generation of flagship DAC developed by Musetec over three years and launched in 2024. During this period, it has undergone more than ten revisions and adjustments.

Compared to the previous DA005, the listening experience of DA006 has been improved in all aspects. DA006 has clearer and richer details, a stronger sense of texture, a more stable sound base, better detail control, a wider soundstage, fuller and more powerful, smoother and more natural. . ."

Some brief listening during break in has been very very positive. I will report back when it has run at least 300 hours.

dbb

Showing 8 responses by darcman

If you use the 006 as a DAC only with a separate preamp how do set the volume to fixed? I read the manual I couldnt seem to find it.

Thanks, OK so that is volume to max. I just looked again in the manual, ya I dont see any fixed volume setting. All I see is the volume range of 0 db to -127.5 db

I dont own the 006, just looks like a very nice build and certainly a DAC to consider for anyones short list.

Oh I just thought of another question. Not sure what most will use as an input. I have an Innuos Phoenix USB decrapifier reclocker, I wonder if these type of devices have a positive effect on sound quality or do they have a minimal effect if any

@gavin1977 I use a high end ChiFi USB cable into the Phoenix and a Stealth Audio Select T out. I have a Wireworld Silver Electra for a pc.

Ya I was just wondering if anybody might have happened to try the 006 with a Phoenix. Of course if I bought a 006 why wouldnt I try it. If the Phoenix didnt make much of a difference with a 006 and if I ended up selling it, that would be a good chunk of the 006 cost.

My server is a home brew all solid state NUC12i7 in a fanless case with a linear ps. My DAC is Gustard A26. For the most part I am pretty happy, but you know how it goes. An upgrade DAC list of mine would be Musetec MH-DA006 or maybe a Gustard X30. The X30 with the quad ES9039 looks cool, but the 006 looks to be built to a higher standard???

@gavin1977 The ChiFi one is from and made in China. Its not a fake knockoff cable, its own brand and actually quite good silver USB cable. The Stealth Audio Select T is made in the US, something like $2K. I wish all my cables could be Stealth Audio, everything they make is fantastic. Now I just have to get a 006

@sns  When I bought the Phoenix my DAC (Musical Paradise MKIII Deluxe) at the time didnt have I²S which seemed to be the latest rave. I tried a few inexpensive USB decrapifiers, they all made a difference. The Phoenix was expensive, but I thought if I stick with USB, why not get one of the best USB optimizer solutions.

I have kind of always had the belief that instead of converting the digital signal, why cant they make USB sound as good. Now I wouldnt want to dispute anyones findings that prefered I²S. Maybe if my DAC had the I²S input I might have went the DDC route especially if it was cheaper than the Phoenix. There is another newish USB optimizer that is made by LHY called the UIP. It looks like a nice piece for the money. That is good to know about the USB input of the 006.

The volume thing with the 006 confused me. The 006 is essentially acting as a preamp without having to switch to preamp mode. I can understand people wanting to do away with a component. I have always felt there is no substitute for a good preamp so I would just use the 006 as a DAC only.

You said the 006 would fit into many systems. So the 006 doesnt favour SS or Tube preamps?? I guess that would be a preference synergy thing. I have a SS Classe CP800 and the Primaluna Evo 400 preamps. I like both, but tubes just have that special touch. I thought about selling my Evo 400 as my Classe monoblocks are the match to my CP800. Its just prying the tubes from my hands lol

The Musetec MH-DA006 is now available from Aoshida

I bought my Gustard A26 from them through their Amazon store and the service was excellent. They had the older LKS/Musetec stuff on their site but no 006 so I emailed them asking why. Anyways it is available from them now