What's new since the MSB Link DAC III?


I got an MSB Link DAC III and installed an upsampling chip a little over a year ago. I've been very happy with it but I am wondering what (if anything) would be a reasonable and noticeable "move up" from this unit. I have not been keeping up with new products for over a year now. If anybody out there has been keeping up and could reccommend any other DAC's I would appreciate it. Price is not a big concern but I would like to keep it under $1000.00 or so. What beats the MSB in this price range? Any thoughts?
msnloeth

Showing 1 response by sean

Fineberg, there are benefits to going push-pull and there are drawbacks. While one type of distortion is reduced due to increased linearity and cancellation, another is increased due to "crossing over". One could "piggyback" two dac chips per channel ( 4 total ) and lower ALL of the distortions involved. This approach also keeps the support circuitry simpler. There are a few manufacturers using this approach with good success. I've found that using high grade parts in simple circuits with less filtering is the way to go with DAC's. This approach retains more of the natural "liquidity" of recordings while minimizing the "soul-less" / "over-processed" sound that most digital is known for. Then again, almost ANY design can work well if it is carefully planned out, uses high quality parts and is properly implemented. The Muse is probably one of those type of designs. Sean
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