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Advice on DAC/upsampler

I am seriously considering adding an outboard DAC/upsampler to my system to extract better sound from my large CD collection. Based on various reviews, the two units that seem to fit within my budget and offer good performance are:
1. the Musical Fidelity AC3-24 (which provides both 24-96 and 24-192 upsampling) (MSRP $1200);
2. the MSB Link DAC III with either the 24-96 upsampling module or the MSB 24-192k Network module ($700-800).

I have not included the Perpetual Technologies P-3A unit on my list ($800) because -- at this time -- it only offers 24-96 upsampling.

Do any of our readers have experience with either of these units. Since I have read most of the reviews available on these units, I know their relative strengths and weaknesses, so I am looking for direct, "hands-on", "heard it with my own ears" impressions.

Thanks,

Scott C-
sdcampbell
thorty40
149 posts
 
Hi, I had the MSB Link Dac 3 and thought the Art DI/O modded by Bolder cable Co. w/ external power supply was a better performer in spades. I have not the heard the other 2 Dacs in question, I hope this helps.

For any more information about the Art DI/O check out www.harmonicdiscord.com

There is alot of information available at audioasylum.com as well.

Now, if you were wishing the Art DI/O looked better, join the club :)

Good Luck,
Chris

hbarrel's avatar
hbarrel
342 posts
 
I've had a MSB Gold w/optional power supply for all of a week I'm pleased. But then anything would of been an improvement over my prior setup. If the unit "sucked" trust me, I'd say so.
wdarwin
17 posts
 
I have the Musical Fidelity AC3-24 and am completely satisfied with it. You can definitely hear the improvement whether you choose 96 or 192K upsampling. It gets better the more time you can burn it in.

Make sure you negotiate a reasonable return period (say 2 weeks)for this unit with your dealer. Apparently other Audiogon members have had some odd mechanical problems with this unit. I haven't had any problem whatsoever. However, since it's a British product, you need to be careful. The British usually have good designs, but they are not known for high-quality manufacturing. (Sorry Brits, just being brutally honest here)
tbadder
103 posts
 
I've fallen in love with my Bel Canto DAC 2. I like it better than the MSB (both Gold and Nelson versions) and Perpetual Technologies. I think it's 95% of the Kora Hermes which is now a 1000 bucks more. If you can give it a listen I think you'll be astonished. Haven't heard any thing but good things about the MF unit.
sdcampbell OP
2,136 posts
 
Thanks for the comments, guys. Now to do some auditioning and make the plunge...
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