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.
When I first installed Gaia was using an inferior power cord and sitting on stock feet. Added one of my diy power cords (these replaced pc's up to $7k throughout system) and placed on Stillpoints, easily heard improvement.
I wish everyone with Musetec or Laiv Harmony dac could hear these dacs with Gaia via I2S, extracting max potential from these dacs is well worth it! |
My name is Jacob, a week ago I got together with 3 other friends for a comparative test between a Cen Grand dsdac1.0 Deluxe and the Musetec 006. The comparison lasted a whole weekend where we compared the 2 dacs with different amplifiers, headphones and speakers ( each brought their own electronics ) for a total of 4 headphone amps, 5 headphones, 3 speaker amps and 3 pairs of speakers. The connections, as the Cen Grand does not have the i2s output, were made with aes ebu and usb, with identical cables for both. Obviously the 2 dacs fully broken in, the Musetec with over 600 hours and the Cen Grand with about 400 so we started listening. At the end of the comparison we determined unequivocally that the overall winner was the Musetec. The mid-bass is epic, legendary, the layering and headstage are superior to the Cen Grand while on the mid-high the comparison was more uncertain, with more similarities than differences. Also considering the cost, the Musetec came out as the winner hands down. |
I continue to be impressed with the 006/gaia combination as it keeps positively evolving at around 250-300 hrs. Microdynamics, detail, resolution and soundstage are truly off the charts while also allowing profound involvement with the musical performances. There is nothing "digital" about the musical presentation. Rather, the system allows even more of an immersive experience than ever before. I agree with sns that my digital system rivals or perhaps surpasses my vinyl rig (tw acustic raven, graham phantom, benz ebony lp, steelhead.) Listen to I'm With Her performing Crescent City, it is extremely easy to locate Sara, Sarah, and Aoife arrayed before you. In fact, many I'm With Her songs are good tests of the resolution of your system, and the ladies are astonishing talents. Another of my favorite test songs is Guy Clark performing The Dark. His band is filled with amazingly talented musicians. I love to listen to Darrell Scott playing rhythm in the right channel and Verlon Thomas playing lead in the left channel. In the last several days, also swapped out a cisco switch for a second sonore opticalRendu deluxe as part of my "optical moat" and it had profound positive effects. I'm extremely happy with the system and look forward to continued break in as well as receipt of my tubulus cable. |
@car123 @sns I have been following this thread for awhile. I am looking for a good DAC and this has been one that I have been checking out. I have also been looking at the Holo Audio May KTE and Mojo Audio Mystique X. Has any of you had a chance to compare these. They are 2 different types both with great reviews. |
@wombat79 Comparisons are always informative, 006 does reach far above it's cost.
@car123 Nice vinyl setup, I've heard most of your equipment at shows. Says a lot that you feel Musetec competes or surpasses it. Same vs my vinyl setup consisting of completely restored Technics SP10MkII in 100lb custom plinth, Jelco TK-3850L tonearm, Korf headshell Audio Technica AT-Art9XA, Zavfino Gold Rush cable, Thoress phonostage. Always thought I'd have to pay more than 006 cost for digital to surpass my vinyl. With Tubulus cable you're in for icing on the cake. Y
You can further upgrade the Sonore optical with Finisar SFP1475 transceivers, further lowering of noise floor meaning greater resolution/transparency, good bang for the buck with these.
@brbrock While I haven't heard the May KTE or Mystique X I've closely watched reviews over the years. I've seen a number of KTE comparisons to my Laiv Harmony, seem to have similar performance, preference varies between the two. So, if this true 006 will outperform both with higher resolution, presentation certainly can't be faulted with Harmony or 006. I suspect top of the line Mystique X SE would provide superior resolution to Harmony and KTE with similar presentation. I really don't think you can go wrong with any of these dacs. While I don't need two dacs and find 006 slightly superior I can't bring myself to sell Harmony, its that good. For me 006 only reaches it's full potential with i2S via Gaia and Tubulus cable. Via usb I slightly preferred Harmony presentation to 006, so for me I2S necessary for 006. |
