Musical Fidelity Tri-vista 21 DAC

I've only had mine several days, though broken in. At first I had reservations, but I now am almost stunned at the realness of the sound. Images are incredible:: there is a 3D but perfectly clear, defined, round. With a you-are-there sort of recreation of the physical space in a manner I have never heard before.

It should be understood, however, that I have no experience with any of the costly DACs, not even the Levinsons.

It may not be perfect, but it will take me more listening to know. Irregardless, I consider this an exceptional piece, and until something else is found better, it stays.

Some further thoughts. You guys saying it sounded 'organic' are correct. It has a wholeness, a correctness, and a minor richness that just really sound right and sound like the real thing. I'm excited. (Remember SNL's Chris Farley as Lauri Davis? "It's exciting!"

Tubes. The trivistors probably have something to do with this. They probably deliver a good portion of the positive qualities of tubes, and an absence of the negative ones. I never thought I would praise Musical Fidelity, but Antony Michaelson is obviously much more than just a good salesman peddling attractive products if this DAC is representative of what he does.