Most intriguing DAC?


There's always a lot of hoopla when a new DAC comes out like the ESS Sabre32 and AKM 32 bit DACs. But these are all on silicon.

Few manufacturers actually makes discrete DACs. In the past, I was only aware of one company, Meitner, (may be dCS?) that did this. Recently I came across MSB Technologies Platinum DAC III that use closely matched discrete resistors (0.1% tolerance for standard DAC, 0.01% for the Signature upgrade, and 0.001% for the Diamond upgrade). It is a variant of the older, but highly valued, ladder DAC. MSB is one of few DAC companies that offers a steady upgrade path. I really find this DAC intriguing. But why is this DAC hardly mentioned on audio discussion sites or in the press?
dracule1

Showing 4 responses by montejay

Arthur Salvtore at High-End Audio has a short review on the MSB platium III dac and transport under march recent reviews
Hi Dracule1,
In reading the review,they said the redbook was excellent but what held it back was the lack of sacd.Having heard some good sacd players (esoteric X03SE and Krell Standard MKIII)I understand how good that format can be.
Hey Dracule1,
Ive heard alot of the the hi rez (XRCD2 and K2HD's)I own quite a few.Until recently, I would also have thought they were some of the best sounding digital.
What has totally changed my thinking is hearing a few high quality SACD players(Esoteric X03SE and D&P05,Krell Standard MKII).I never heard any digital so good.Ear opening The music just jumps out of the speakers in ways I've never experienced before. Each instument was placed logically and every nuance picked up.If I could one day swing it the D05 P05 with the 32 bit chip would be my endgame in digital.

Hi Dracule1,
Your right. For me, once I heard real good sacd,I couldn't get it out of my head.I'm now thinking of going sacd,but to do it right requires $$'s.I do like my redbook player with my K2hd's and XRCD's,however sacd's when played on a great player on a fine system are really quite the experience.