MSB Reference DAC - Another thumbs up vote and quick review

steinkrieg

steinkrieg

Member
Joined
Apr 22, 2018
Messages
119
Location
Colorado
It was hard to do, but I recently decided to give up my VAC Master Preamp and Lumin X1 to move to an MSB Reference DAC with the preamp module.

First, let me say that the VAC Master is a very special piece, and all of the positive comments about it across the boards were completely true in my experience. I loved it and will miss it.

I decided to go 100% digital streaming for now, and that lead me to look for a truly great and focused solution. I just don't have the time these days to deal with downloads, vinyl, etc. Yes, vinyl will forever be great to hold in your hands, and vintage vinyl is like holding a piece of music history... But, Roon with Tidal and Qobuz is almost like living in the matrix of most of the world's greatest music at your fingertips. With the MSB Ref, 4 boxes were cut down to 2 in my rack, and cabling was reduced as well... simplification. But, what I was chasing was that ever elusive analog sound from a digital source.

I'm now a few hundred hours into the MSB Ref, and could not be happier. After listening to many products on the market over the years, I was questioning if all the MSB accolades were truly appropriate. For certain, at the price point of the Ref, any buyer should expect sound that is VERY special. That is exactly what you get. Outside of the MSB Select, there are very few competitors (if any) who can challenge what the Ref can do. It's a proprietary sound designed by MSB, and one that matches my ears better than any other I have heard.

Most of all, I think the sound MSB provides with the Ref and Select is extremely close to the analog sound we have all been chasing in digital over the years. Those with very experienced ears can talk about how vinyl has more bloom, or 1/2 inch reel to reel has more of whatever, but my personal conclusion is that MSB has brought digital within a hair of equal quality level to any format. I think the MSB sound seems closest to tape. In the past there was no argument that analog was better... now it is becoming MUCH more of a choice.

The future is here, and I like it... I just can't wait for this type of technology to graduate from being only for the esoteric / high experience buyers out there. It sure would be nice to hear this type of technology in home theaters, and all the other uses for DAC's.

As the many reviews say... MSB is in a league of their own. Forum arguments on this stuff seem to be endless, but I truly believe MSB is an exception... The digital game is finally in the era we all hoped for so long ago.

Thanks to Mike for his guidance on this journey!

Cheers
 
Congrats Jeremy. I’m delighted you are so happy, but I knew you would be! The REF DAC is extraordinary. The MSB DAC’s are truly on another level.
 
Congratulations Jeremy! I’ve listened to the Reference DAC and it’s a magical sounding component. It’s magic is stunning realism.

Enjoy,
Ken
 
I hate to say it, but no surprise here :)

just think MSB is in a class of its own at the high end of the digital spectrum
 
I wouldn't say MSB are in a league of their own. At this end of the performance spectrum they have worthy competition, the different brand offerings are all different flavors of excellence. It's difficult to criticize any aspect of any of them. I heard an optimized fully tricked up MSB Select and I prefer my Esoteric Grandioso. I'd be happy with either. As I say, different flavors of excellence, choose the flavor you prefer.
 
brodricj said:
I wouldn't say MSB are in a league of their own. At this end of the performance spectrum they have worthy competition, the different brand offerings are all different flavors of excellence. It's difficult to criticize any aspect of any of them. I heard an optimized fully tricked up MSB Select and I prefer my Esoteric Grandioso. I'd be happy with either. As I say, different flavors of excellence, choose the flavor you prefer.
Click to expand...

May I ask for specifics why you preferred your Esoteric to the MSB? Did you hear both DACs in the same system?
 
brodricj said:
I wouldn't say MSB are in a league of their own. At this end of the performance spectrum they have worthy competition, the different brand offerings are all different flavors of excellence. It's difficult to criticize any aspect of any of them. I heard an optimized fully tricked up MSB Select and I prefer my Esoteric Grandioso. I'd be happy with either. As I say, different flavors of excellence, choose the flavor you prefer.
Click to expand...

Hi Brodric,

Which model Grandioso do you own? I owned the Grandioso K1 Player and G1 Master Clock. They were outstanding sounding components and I have nothing but excellent things to say about them. But to my ears, the Select II DAC produces a significantly higher level of realism. I was able to do a direct comparison in my home system. I’m not trying to invalidate your opinion. Audio component tastes are, as we know, highly subjective.

Best,
Ken
 
Al M. said:
May I ask for specifics why you preferred your Esoteric to the MSB?..
Click to expand...

I like the sound of both, and don't have a preference for either on sound quality. I preferred the Esoteric because it's less than half the price of the MSB.
 
Alpinist said:
Hi Brodric,

Which model Grandioso do you own? I owned the Grandioso K1 Player and G1 Master Clock. They were outstanding sounding components and I have nothing but excellent things to say about them. But to my ears, the Select II DAC produces a significantly higher level of realism. I was able to do a direct comparison in my home system. I’m not trying to invalidate your opinion. Audio component tastes are, as we know, highly subjective.

Best,
Ken
Click to expand...

Ken, may I ask in which way, sound wise, do you think the Select II DAC produces a significantly higher level of realism?

Thanks
Al
 
Al M. said:
Ken, may I ask in which way, sound wise, do you think the Select II DAC produces a significantly higher level of realism?

Thanks
Al
Click to expand...

Hi Al,

The Select II DAC provides a level of detail, nuance, clarity and layering that are very close to a live musical event with an unprecedented level of ease. In my experience, nearly all other digital sources tend to deliver the former and not the latter or vice versa.

Best,
Ken
 
Alpinist said:
Hi Al,

The Select II DAC provides a level of detail, nuance, clarity and layering that are very close to a live musical event with an unprecedented level of ease. In my experience, nearly all other digital sources tend to deliver the former and not the latter or vice versa.

Best,
Ken
Click to expand...

Thanks, Ken, for the informative answer!
 
Hi Alfa,

I did not get a chance to try it through the preamp... I can say after a few more months of use I do think the MSB preamp module is fantastic. It really helps justify the cost of the REF overall.
 
steinkrieg said:
Hi Alfa,

I did not get a chance to try it through the preamp... I can say after a few more months of use I do think the MSB preamp module is fantastic. It really helps justify the cost of the REF overall.
Click to expand...

How much ist the pre module in Europe?


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
 
steinkrieg said:
Hi Alfa,

I did not get a chance to try it through the preamp... I can say after a few more months of use I do think the MSB preamp module is fantastic. It really helps justify the cost of the REF overall.
Click to expand...

Steinkrieg, you have put together a nice system


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top