The only thing that I'd really like to see added here is an Aries Cerat. Like the Lab12. Yes, definitely, as it is those extra tiny little bits of detail that adds the cherry on top of an already rather splendid slice of musical cake brought out on tracks like the audio show mainstay Keith Dont Go from Acoustic Live by Nils Lofgren. The Discrete DAC Features - MSB Technology The DAC comes equipped with a single power supply, but can be augmented with a second discrete power supply to enable optimized power isolation between all major components. Of course this DAC is super pricey and out of the reach of many (including me). Up to 1km lossless transmission. Rori Complete electrical isolation What I do know is that the MSB brings an excellent level of performance by way of neutrality to a system that allows other parts of the system to do their thing its sort of the digital equivalent of a very (very) good cartridge. JavaScript is disabled. 2 DAC | Audionet Pre G2 preamp | Audionet Max mono blocks | Vivid Audio Giya G2 Series 2 | 4 JL Audio Fathoms | Echole ICs /SCs / Siltech Classic 550L jumpers, Shunyata PCs / Eth. Like a true audiophile with "issues", I'm saying to myself, if at $8300 Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material (in part or in full) without express and written permission from this websites author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. I've owned a PS Audio The BADA Ref is a great DAC and I understand the new version takes it to even another level. There are so. As I listen to this tune a few times it strikes me that the Discrete is just that (discrete), it doesnt seem to add a great deal of itself to the file it is playing. Mike, Scott has been absolutely wonderful in his support, despite my purchasing the Found-Music 2A3s used (from Art S.) He has visited once and is planning another visit after the trip your way. This is purely speculation based on browsing the internet over the years and internalising pro/con reviews from users. I could easily live with any of these. Going by the performance of the Mola Mola Makua (pre with dac module) it will be extremely good. With two prime DACs, we yield an unprecedented level of detail, reproducing the musicality, soundstage, and texture of an original performance, bringing the artist to you. California crafted in-house from an aluminum billet, the enclosure feels solid yet refined. I believe it comes down to But it need good system matching. Daedalus Audio Apollo 11's. REL S3/SHO. I don't like Dave with or without upsampler but I do like Auralic G2 with their upsampler and clock. Of those, I've only heard the DAVE. Digital inputs : RCA coax, AES/EBU XLR, 2x Toslink optical, 2x module slots, word . With two prime DACs, the MSB Discrete yields an unprecedented level of detail that reproduces the musicality, soundstage and texture of an original performance, bringing the artist to you. http://www.computeraudiophile.com/members/mikejazz/, funded this campain: http://igg.me/at/geekpulseaudio/x/5216671. It would only sound like sales so we The SQ from DAC headphone output is lower than the best headphone amplifier but that kind of amplifier costs close to DAVE itself. I have had Dave in my system. The PM2 is very special. There are a lot of people that absolutely love the M-scaler. has 20 hours on it. The sonic signature is detailed and yet easy to listen to, with the Discrete bringing a sense of the recordings scale (big or small) to the listening experience. More sharing . To my ears it makes music sound unnatural. September 6, 2016 in DAC - Digital to Analog Conversion. In comparison to spdif which feels more 3D but relatively smaller sound stage, with better separation, vocals are more focused/accurate, everything sounds more evenly balanced. In that time, weve pushed the industry forward with each product weve built, redefining whats possible. 2 DAC | Audionet Pre G2 preamp | Audionet Max mono blocks | Vivid Audio Giya G2 Series 2 | 4 JL Audio Fathoms | Echole ICs /SCs / Siltech Classic 550L jumpers, Shunyata PCs / Eth. Chord Msb Dac Dave Vs Discrete [FZ8OTP] - amministrato.to.it I mean is it audibly noticeable? Theyre not limited by audio formats, sample rates, or even speed. DACs Overview - MSB Technology Still would like to listen to the Soulution 760 DAC, Mola Mola DAC, Trinity DAC, MSB Select DAC, and maybe the Light Harmonic Da Vinci DAC, Gryphon Kalliope DAC, TotalDAC of some kind, Phasure NOS1A DAC, Esoteric Grandioso DAC, TAD DA1000 DAC, Audionet DAC, Chord Dave DAC . But dont take our word for it. But in the specific case of the BADA and PM2, if you wish for me to be more precise, then taking into account that I only had the BADA ref for a very short time, the bottom line was that I didn't feel at the time that the difference between the PM2 in my system was significant enough to make it worth the energy to change components or the potential financial loss involved in a trade. ), Chord Hugo 2 Review (Portable DAC & HP Amp), DAC Noise Modulation: Chord DAVE vs Topping DX7 Pro+, Digital To Analog (DAC) Reviews and Discussion, Amplifiers, Phono preamp, and Analog Audio Review. Chord Dave vs Mola Mola Makua/Tambaqui vs Emm Labs Dac2x vs Rockna Wavedream IGNORED Chord Dave vs Mola Mola Makua/Tambaqui vs Emm Labs Dac2x vs Rockna Wavedream . $16K Signature DAC sound? I would just add budget and the other components in the system are major factors to consider. and build quality is also excellent. We await Phase 2 where all DACs are assessed using upsampled data via your Lumin U1 to establish ranking and the preferred format through each. johndoe21ro Site Founder | Site Owner | Administrator. Others might disagree but these are my findings. Vega DAC 6/10 As dynamic as the Weiss, but a little too edgy in sound emphasised presence made female voices a bit hard on the ear. I have listened to MSB Analog DAC and Diamond DAC IV but not in the same setup as DAVE. Up to 8X DSD While were committed to long lasting products that hold their value, we realize audio systems are always evolving. Thanks for the suggestions Wisnon. state his/her experience and preferences. in this forum and they are all very good dacs. Founded in 2010 Whats Best Forum invites intelligent and courteous people of all interests and backgrounds to describe and discuss the best of everything. that it is difficult to say you have the best in regard to dacs but Rockna is sounds just like the Dave. dCS Bartok>Chord DAVE>MSB discrete discreteR2R R2R DAVE BartokdCSBartok The MSB Discrete, as I mentioned, came with two power supplies but you can operate it with just one with the supplied doodad. Thats not allthe CNC unibody aluminum chassis provides the discrete power supply with optimal thermal performance and an elegant design aesthetic. Digital Audio Forum: DAC, Transports, Digital Processing Forum, 4x20A circuits | Audioquest Niagara 3000 | Paul Hynes SR4T + HDPlex HD500 PSUs -> Music PC w/JCAT XE nic, HQPlayer, Roon, Tidal / Qobuz | HDPlex HD100 PSU -> OCX clock + EtherRegen | Aqua Acoustic Quality LinQ streamer | Aqua Acoustic Quality Formula xHD Rev. Stuart Smith finds out. Triangle Magellan Concerto 2< AQEverest< Vitus Audio SS-010 Mk2< AQDragon High Current< AQWELXLR< ChordQutestDAC w UpTone JS-2 & AQ Dragon Source < AQDiamond USB< InnuosPhoenix USBwAQ Dragon Source< AurenderN100H & AQ Dragon Source< NetGear GS105GESwitch w UpTone LPS1.2< Supra CAT8 Ethernet DAVE stands for 'Digital to Analogue Veritas in Extremis', a moniker that best reflects the product's . Anyone make that comparison? @astewart8944--two years ago in Feb of 17 i did audition the original Formula dac in my system directly compared to the Lampizator GG 1.5 and the Nagra HD and preferred the Formula for its greater space, lower noise, and more neutral and fast presentation. Links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Hifi Pig and Big Pig Media with appropriate and specific direction (link) to the original content. Audiogon Discussion Forum You must log in or register to reply here. Of course this DAC is super pricey and out of the reach of many (including me). What didn't you like about the Dave? Some very good advice here. None, despite working back as I always do if theres an issue! I did try with just the one power supply and the Discrete remained a very strong performer with the differences being a very slight loss in the sense of separation and definition when listening intently. But even with great preamps, a great DAC in a low noise environment, will produce a more transparent sound going direct to the amps than through the preamp. It may not display this or other websites correctly. Is it too hot to touch? I understand that audio stores and distribution companies have the opportunity to A/B a significant amount of equipment. Putting price aside, what are your thoughts about the Hugo TT as an integrated DAC+amp? The other stand out dacs that we like are the MSB DACs also use a processing chip to handle oversampling and digital filtering (not sure if this chip is an FPGA or other type processing chip, but it is a high speed digital processing chip). Please specify coaxial S/PDiF or optical S/PDiF. I would say go for one of the other MSB ModelsThe Reference is half of the Select dac and the premier and discrete dacs are stunning performers for their price level Just in case it's not obvious, toetapaudio is a Mola Mola Dealer. I can see the problem with this unit. Sablon Audio King/Prince power cords throughout. Its an interesting setup with everything from design through to milling the chassis to building the circuit boards being done in-house. I havent heard the Rockna. We feel Personally we have A/B 76 different digital front ends.. Click to expand. Unless they have the exact same components as the end user, it's impossible to tell that customer how component X will sound in their system. @ricred1, youre right to point that out. CHORD ELECTRONICS DAVE | Page 934 - Head-Fi.org And I make Best DAC Quality Ranking list. so these are less preferred. HiFiMan Ananda, SR Orange fuses, Taiko Audio Daiza platforms, Startech FMC optical network link, Oyaide EE f/s2.0 V2 mains spurs, Akiko Audio tuning sticks, GIK Acoustic TriTraps/panels. By As I said, its an odd one to describe but you do hear it as it brings a sense of rightness to rhythm tracks. I just heard DAVE directly connected to MacBook Pro via USB without any expensive cables, headphone amplifier, power conditioner. As you pursue higher levels of playback, an MSB upgrade path is always available to help drive your own desire for innovation. Wherever I read I see unanimous praise for the MSB Select II. There is no such thing as a "FPGA DAC"! Mola Mola dac and the Total dac. It is a pretty DAC but usability is left behind. Pass Labs INT-60. Whats Best Forum is THE forum for high end audio, product reviews, advice and sharing experiences on the best of everything else. Let us do the work of refurbishing and finding your current electronics a new hometheyll continue to be enjoyed for years to come. Up to 32 bit 768kHz of the 5 systems are completely different, our rooms are completely different For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. It features the very best conversion technology available, using proprietary techniques never seen before, making DAVE the most advanced DAC/preamp amplifier in the world. T&A Dac8 (for DSD512) or Lampi Atlantic for any native rate DSD playback. The Premier DAC Features - MSB Technology It's UPDATE VIDEO THREE for the Chord Electronics DAVE DAC REVIEW I have spent a lot more time with the DAVE Dac, still using. Thirdly, having suggested that the brightness issue may lay elsewhere, I will shortly post a suggested tweak directly to both HMS and DAVE - that I have found to increase the "weight", "solidity" and "analogueness" of the resulting sound. It is not hard to audition these DACs in Melbourneand this is your best way to work out your own preference. I know it is a standard talking point by some to suggest that Chord DACs aren't as good with DSD as PCM. This is a review, detailed measurements and listening tests of CHORD DAVE combination DAC and headphone amplifier. Nothing was amiss. SoundLab A1Px's, ARC REF40, VTL Siegfired II, cj GAT2, cj ART, DCS Vivaldi 2.0 stack, Taiko Audio SGM Extreme, TechDas AF1+ , Graham Phamtom III, Sumiko Palo Santos, vdH Black Beauty, ARC Phono 3, Studer A80, Crystal Dreamline, Transparent Audio Ref XL digital and Ref Gen V power cables, CenterStage footers, Nordost Qkore6' s and QB8's! Along with an integrated clock, changing this card allows switching between single-ended and balanced outputs. I've sometimes heard people say that DAVE is too bright or analytical for them. Actual auditioning of the unit prior to purchase is paramount. And this level of detail the MSB Discrete brings to the listening experience was carried through everything I listened toand I listened to this DAC a lot, with it being the only thing I used to for a solid two weeks. comparing top dacs directly is a bit challenging, even if you have them both together. That statement makes sense in an analog paradigm. subjective to a point and that is why we do blind testing and A/B testing with Always use!! https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-rothschild-70aab85/, Headphones and Personal Audio with Pitch Perfect Service. It seems to take in zeros and ones and then somehow make sense of these and just convert them into faithful reproductions of the recording though me not being at the recording of any of the records I listened to, thats my assumption coming into play. The DAVE DAC does not perform anywhere near where it should. I may need to reset expectations a bit lower: This is an update to some old DAVE vibration control posts. To build a simple and good system). Guess what I am trying to say is: preamps are important. what Im saying is that comparing dacs also must take into account of all the interface advantages of each particular dac. luxury apartment hotels paris. And the Jeff Rowland Aeris DAC with new PSU. I have Chord Dave and Blu2 too. This DAC is 11,000 and as such, it is a considerable investment to make, but I would suggest that this is not stupid money for the kind of transparency and clarity it brings. I would have loved if you heard them in the same system for a direct comparison. Aurender W20-> Lampizator Pacific SE -> Ayon Crossfire III or Circle Labs A100 -> Avantgarde Acoustic Trio LE 26 with 4x REL Carbon Special ,SACD Player: Audio Aero La Fontaine. frequency response graphs, CSD waterfall plots, subjective gear reviews. This is the main advantage of DAVE (i.e. My first serious audio system was Garrard turntable, Fisher Int(SS), ADS bookspeaker bought on 1978. Audiogon Discussion Forum My wife said it For some folk, a highly resolving and accurate system may well be described as being over-analytical, and on the other side of the audio fence, some will suggest that some systems sound nice but flawed. and our ears are completely different. MSB Technology [Select DAC II Full Option] Chord [Dave] Myek [Manhattan II] I had A-B test about 2 months. I wanted to know for anyone who has heard it have you also heard a DAC that approached it in sonic performance? I havent heard the Rockna. Set up is key, cables are super important, server is also DAVE is the most advanced DAC Chord Electronics has ever made. It's easy! Our products include our in-house designed viton feet, but any audiophile M6X1 foot can be installed to personalize your system. Im participating to both learn and make suggestions where I have experience that may help. Watts is avidly not reading this in anticipation of the video version he won't watch. but with digital things change quickly, and a month ago I got a new server, the SGM Extreme. You could spend less and get close to the sound of this DAC, for sure. The Discrete is a genuine high fidelity DAC and a fabulously built one to boot, add in the modular input flexibility and you have a pretty stunning product with excellent future proofing. Best DACs comparison test result [[My Subjective Opinion]] It is a manual step which I forgot. It would be absolute suicide for an audio distributor to As a contented Qutest user, I would have hoped for "improved", performance from the Dave. Mola Mola is another well built great sounding I haven't heard MSB or theDenafrips DAC. Well this is going to set the cat amongst the pigeons for sure. Search: Msb Discrete Dac Vs Chord Dave. Each clock is made up of two independent clocks but only one is used at any given time so as not to add unwanted noise to the circuit. The Discrete DAC Features - MSB Technology The Discrete DAC Refined sound. Of course your opinion on sound quality is your own, and valid, but to suggest that the reason for the difference is because the Chord is an "FPGA DAC" is technically incorrect. To cut a long story short: A burnt in MSB Analog DAC with Power Base demoed side to side to a burnt in DAVE was no challenge for the MSB. This effect was evident on track after track but didnt feel like it was overly exaggerated. I've had some excellent preamps in my system (Dartzeel, Absolare, Robert Koda, Kondo). This is a very odd one to describe but came to the fore on tracks like Pan Eros from World Of Drums and Percussion. Elegant design. Jon Hopkins Music For Psychedelic Therapy was a beautifully enveloping experience, made all the more so as sounds come and go in the soundstage in a somewhat more solid way than without the usual DAC. We can operate our current DAC modules at up to 6 MHz for PCM and up to 50 MHz for DSD. Price 9k in the U.K. digital front ends. - Roon Endpoint. CHORD ELECTRONICS DAVE | Page 887 - Head-Fi Put simply, your DAC is ready for the future. Check out our support page and technical specifications > Click Here, 10100007 - Discrete DAC with Supply- Gallery - 1200px, 10100007 - Discrete DAC with Supplies - Gallery - 1200px, 10100006 - Discrete DAC - Gallery - 1200px, 10100003 - Discrete DAC Badge - Gallery - 1200px, 10100005 - Discrete DAC MSB Logo - Gallery - 1200px, 10100004 - Discrete DAC Jack Panel - Gallery - 1200px, 10100008 - Discrete DAC Basemetal - Gallery - 1200px, 10100009 - Discrete Supply Options - Gallery - 1200px, 10100010 - Discrete Supply Cover - Gallery - 1200px. The Dave is VERY lovely on PCM, and pretty decent on DSD, but DSD is not its raison d'etre. When we set out to make the MSB remote, the design was built from the ground up. MSB Discrete DAC - What's Best Forum I like Aqua Formula xHD and Totaldac Six. In that price range, you would be mad not to addthe MSB Premier DAC to your list as well. Digital: Jay's Audio CDT2 MK2 CD transport, Modified MHDT Labs Balanced Pagoda DAC. How hot does the Chord DAC get? It's not just a matter of being polite, it's also about acknowledging that what we hear and what we prefer is uncertain and changes; that the comparisons were made at different points in time wherein my system had varying levels of resolution/ noise; the fact that making a change requires greater energy and usually more money than staying with what you have; and that sometimes the differences between components are not significant or actionable. Playing Gil Scott-Heron and Brian Jacksons Your Daddy Loves You from the Winter in America album gave me the same impression of a reach-out-and-touch soundscape with incredibly well-defined positions in the mix and a whole load of detail the over-driven sound of the electric piano at around a minute forty really stood out as being faithful to the recording; a case of high-fidelity highlighting a low-fidelity artefact? Anyway, the MSB Discrete is a machine that I consider to be highly resolving and a true HiFi product with regard to the definition I quoted above. This unit came with two power supplies and Ill be playing with the DAC with one and with two to compare and contrast. in this forum and they are all very good dacs. I like all this attention to detail and the MSB website suggests a company that is massively proud of its American heritage and of the products they make. Whether its a software update or a leading-edge modular component, were here to help the most valued aspect of MSBour customers. However, to get this level of separation and detail within the soundscape the DAC is clearly having a very important role to play.