MSB Diamond DAC V

I own a loaded Diamond Dac IV with a Diamond Power Base. Also,Signature Data CD Transport with Signature Transport Power Base.I also have the MSB M204 amps.I can tell you for certain there are no missing frequencies on the bottom or top end. So happy with its performance, wish I could afford the new stuff. Even if I could, being in Canada, the exchange alone would kill me.

@blumartini

Again thank you for your input and my next question is what Dac is that you now have on loan and what is it doing differently in your system?

Sorry it took me so long to respond -- the other machine is an Ideon Audio "Absolute" (latest edition, I’m told).
Differences: the Absolute has much more dynamic impact, it presents a more 3dimensional soundstage with better - holographic - imaging, I get clearer and lower bass notes and more upper-end extension and significantly more clarity on low-level detail.

Subjectively, more naturalness (for example, it’s easy to distinguish between tambourine, hi-hat, snare, & cymbals).
What hits me immediately every time I switch between the two is the difference in bass energy and upper-end extension the Absolute produces --

The impression I get is the Absolute somehow extracts and presents me with much more info from the source file and outputs more energy.
Regards and good luck!

@gregm  

Ideon Audio Absolute Dac definitely has my attention How much is it?
P.S. They are not easy to find info on other than there website. I also circling the Lampinzator they left a unforgettable impression  with there Pacific Dac.

@blumartini
Hi, I just checked their site and the US importer is Audioskies. In Europe, it costs around 30k euro, so I'm guessing it's under 40k in the US (not peanuts, but a lot less than my MSB)
Regards

@gregm 

looks amazing on paper, but as an exotic and unknown here in the U.S. it’s a bit risky interims of resell ability and depreciation. DACs have always been a fear of mine due to the Dac a Day concept. Everyone comes out with a new and improved best thing since slice bread every year while the buyers take a major loss when trying to upgrade to the next greatest Dac. I am going to look for either a Lampi Pacific or a MSB Diamond Dac V with all the goodies on the secondary market. 

Thanks for your help, it certainly has massive technical appeal. Keep us posted:)