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MSB Link III DAC - The Right Way to Go?

I'm looking at purchasing the MSB Link III DAC with upsampling. Currently 95% of my listening is to standard Redbook CDs. The CD and SACD sound on my universal Pioneer Elite are marginal to OK (DVD is very good). I have the following equipment.
1. Pioneer Elite DV-47Ai (Universal Player DVD-A, V, CD and SACD).
2. McIntosh C2200 (tube preamp) with the SS MC-352 amp.
3. Power Conditioner is a Monster 5100.
4. Also, use a computer based MusicMatch MP3 for general listening (I know...junk quality). However, can the Link III or a DAC improve this quality at all?

QUESTIONS:
1. Will the Link III provide a noticeable improvement in sound quality over the Pioneer Elite, or are they pretty close sonically?
2. Is the Full Nelson upgrade really worth it?
3. Is the P1000 Power supply needed when I already have the Monster 5100 Power Conditioner?
4. What else would you recommend to enhance the CD and SACD quality without getting too expensive. Wife's having a heart attack $$$.

Thanks a million...in advance, Jim
slhijb

Showing 1 response by socrates

socrates
247 posts
 
1) It's a subtle change, you'll not hear huge a/b differences but once you remove the dac you'll really miss it.

2) Yes, but if you're looking to buy new, skip MSB and spend that $900 on the used market. The Nelson, I feel, is low value/dollar, and the technology is dated, besides.
3) Yes, your conditioner doesn't do what the power base does.
4) Musical Fidelity A3 24, in another league, but it will take a good transport, which I'm fairly sure the Pioneer is not, so in that case, perhaps a Bel Canto dac. You of course know that these external dacs will NOT affect SACD performance, but they will possibly improve feeds from your computer, but don't expect miracles....
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