msb discrete dac vs chord dave

From beginners to life-long hobbyists to industry professionals, we enjoy learning about new things and meeting new people, and participating in spirited debates. and this is borne out in the sound that this DAC brings to the party. I'm really anxious to hear more opinions about this DAC and noticed that DAVE hasn't got a thread of its own (only together with Mojo). The other thing I've learned about the Chord Dave is it can sound very different depending on the interconnect and/or power cord used. There is no dark magic involved. for instance, the Select II is modular (customers can easily change modules in seconds)so it has the ability to quickly modify its inputs to allow for optimization of various interfaces. The Discrete is around 11,000 whilst the Select is 120,750 with its power base. . Always use!! For the most part, I listened to the MSB through our LAB12 and Krell KST100 amps and TotalDAC D100 speakers. I just heard DAVE directly connected to MacBook Pro via USB without any expensive cables, headphone amplifier, power conditioner. How r they comparing to the MSB Select 2 and Trinity? Analogue Volume Control 1dB from 0 to 106 Deactivable by menu, Dimensions ChassisWidth : 432 mmDepth: 305 mmHeight without feet: 51 mm. Sit back and be immersed. dCS Bartok>Chord DAVE>MSB discrete discreteR2R R2R DAVE BartokdCSBartok It is my name after all! Search: Msb Discrete Dac Vs Chord Dave. Looks like your budget goes up to ~$20k? Im getting a bit away from the review proper, but Im sure you can see why I have added that little diversion. Ill not get into the whole detail of this here but the MSB website does have an excellent (and interesting) explanation of jitter and why having a very low jitter clock is favourable to having a very accurate clock theres a link at the bottom of this review. Cs | Critical Mass CS2s -> components, Isoacoustics -> speakers + subs | Adona Eris II rack on Herbie's titanium footers | Fully treated and dedicated 2 channel room. 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. It is on kind loan from a member and costs US $14,000. 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. Have you thought about hooking up a Blu2 to Dave? Euphony Summus, EtherRegen, MSB Discrete. For the most part, I used this input and for a quick comparison one of the optical inputs. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. If you take a look at their website you will see that the machining shop is a fully equipped facility designed to meet the needs of a company producing high-quality cases in which the electronics will be fitted no off the shelf or cheap bent metal cases here! There's 340 pages packed with HiFi Reviews, Industry Interviews and much more. In that price range, you would be mad not to add the MSB Premier DAC to your list as well. Sent from my SM-G928V using Computer Audiophile mobile app. I don't want to waste hifi shops time too much knowing I'll be going second hand either. As the noise in my system keeps getting lower, the PM2 keeps reaching deeper to find even more musical engagement and purity in standard 16/44 files. This unit came with two power supplies and Ill be playing with the DAC with one and with two to compare and contrast. I could easily live with any of these. I'm not an absolutist, and frankly, I could be happy with any of the DACs I mentioned. as my Select II sits it would list for $116,450. If I had been responsible for coding that display I would never tell anyone. Fully agree that it could come down to personal preference @RoriHope you have arranged auditions. However, there is nothing wrong with "taking" recommendations, which help me build a list that I can use to research then find a way to audition my shortlist. And now that my system is much more resolving, it's possible that the differences could be larger and my preferences could change. Perhaps thats a bit of an odd example for me to use as its a bit World Music but you are also made aware of the rightness of timing on percussive techno tracks. Up to 32 bit 768kHz I have listened to MSB Analog DAC and Diamond DAC IV but not in the same setup as DAVE. But the majority of the time all 6 of MQA decoding How does the PS Audio DirectStream DAC compare to the Chord DAC? Fixed. I cant help with comparisons of two of these DACs, but I did hear the Tambaqui up against the dCS Bartok and it was a pretty close call, but ultimately the dCS sounded more analogue and more immersive, I have heard the Dave and EMM Labs DAC2x up against aMakua that I subsequently purchased. Up to 32 bit 768kHz Australian Business Number 38 650 151 296, Digital Sources, DACs, and Computer Audio, Chord Dave vs Mola Mola Makua/Tambaqui vs Emm Labs Dac2x vs Rockna Wavedream. I have heard the Dave and EMM Labs DAC2x up against aMakua that I subsequently purchased. Dealer's should be required to state they're a dealer every time they post or have a disclaimer in their username. You go off people's opinions and hope it'll match your equipment and system when you put the hard earned down. Some very good advice here. I have a PS Audio DSD ATM and it is also on the warm side which is good, but I'm thinking I need something more neutral due to my speakers being fairly warm and full bodied in their own right to take my system to the next level. 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. I wanted to know for anyone who has heard it have you also heard a DAC that approached it in sonic performance? 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. It would only sound like sales so we You are using an out of date browser. So, essentially, around the back of this DAC we have XLR output modules, dual power inputs (more on this in a moment) the digital input module (XLR, RCA, and two optical), and the USB input. Is it better than the Chord DAVE that I raved about a few years ago? it just complimented my system better than those other two. If you currently have an MSB DAC or amplifier that you lovebut are looking to experience more from your systemplease reach out to your local dealer. Anyone make that comparison? I'd also look at the Mola-Mola Tambaqui and the new dCS Bartok. Digital inputs : RCA coax, AES/EBU XLR, 2x Toslink optical, 2x module slots, word . 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. @ricred1, I would like to suggest you take a look at the Mola Mola Tambaqui when it arrives later this month I understand. Rori is definitely welcome. Any MSB fans here ? - Page 3 - DAC - Digital to Analog Conversion Along with an integrated clock, changing this card allows switching between single-ended and balanced outputs. http://www.computeraudiophile.com/members/mikejazz/, funded this campain: http://igg.me/at/geekpulseaudio/x/5216671. have had the opportunity to A/B many more pieces of equipment than any consumer Whatever, the Discrete is a superb bit of kit that Id really love to take up residence in the system on a permanent basis, but thats not going to happen. I've had some excellent preamps in my system (Dartzeel, Absolare, Robert Koda, Kondo). From beginners to life-long hobbyists to industry professionals, we enjoy learning about new things and meeting new people, and participating in spirited debates. Your web browser does not support iFrames. At this kind of price, it puts Chord DAVE as being direct competition and I said that DAVE was the best DAC Id heard back in 2018. 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). Out of all of the DACs I've When a dealer post something you have to take it with a enormous grain of salt. You could spend less and get close to the sound of this DAC, for sure. Stuart Smith finds out. Only hifi shops and shows hear and there. That's the negative to going my route I guess. It will kick your ass. The LED display, slaved to the audio clock, is refreshed between data processing to drastically reduce electrical interference. In that time, weve pushed the industry forward with each product weve built, redefining whats possible. Hmm.. As I said, its an odd one to describe but you do hear it as it brings a sense of rightness to rhythm tracks. It is bested easily by DACs at $150. So yes it's a question of being polite, but it's also about acknowledging the limitations inherent in making absolute pronouncements about differences between high performing components. Id imagine that upscaling refers to increasing bit-depth (like from 16 to 24 bits) which adds "vertical" resolution to the waveform in theory, improving amplitude resolution making subtle low-level detail more natural and audible (among other things) if done correctly. You must log in or register to reply here. Over the air updates will ensure that your renderer always has the latest capabilities and ultimate convenience. Of the ones you mentioned I'd be most tempted by the Emm Labs DAC 2x though if you can get a used higher-end Esoteric, you should jump on it. Now to include the HMS. Oppo Modwright BDP-205 full mod. Thank you for posting! "OK, it would be. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. At some point you have to be content in this hobby. Audiogon Discussion Forum Any owners around here? The Discrete DAC, The Premier DAC, The Reference DAC, The Select DAC II, Theater Master. Does anyone have formula for that? definitely up there with the best dacs in the world. 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. And yes, you can improve it more by adding nice power source and cable. To my ears it makes music sound unnatural. Although I would like to keep this as close to $10-12K as possible. 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. Can't beat the form factor of it though, great for off a desk top. The only true way for the end user to know what they prefer is through listening in their own system. However, its also very nice to listen to in this system, though I would say it is more accurate/true to the original DAC than our LAB12 DAC or perhaps our Lampizator BIG 7. You must log in or register to reply here. Others might disagree but these are my findings. Personally we have A/B 76 different digital front ends.. You're very polite about how you describe your preferences, cmarin. For such a high entry price I wouldn't take the gamble to go on some recommendation by a stranger whose tastes I don't know. We are And differences at that level can be good. Ill go through the modules included in the Discrete DAC and explain a little about each. Look, says I theres obviously a fault with this unit as its lighting up, I can see it on the network and I can send tunes to it via the Stack streamer and Roon! We went through everything and I was getting ready to pack it up and send it back when I reached around the back of one of the PSUs and switched it on MUSIC!!! This latter track is a good track for me to play when listening to new kit as it is basically a drum machine and an acid box and this latter did sound just like a 303 there in the room. has 20 hours on it. 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. The next module is the display which is a cool and easy-to-read LED that is slaved to the audio clock. I hope you understand. The Pro USB is offered as a stand alone module for users who already have an MSB DAC that is equipped with a Pro ISL input as well as a starter kit with a Pro ISL input and everything you need to get up and running. Dave gets a "thumbs up" overall from me though. There is scale on bigger productions and intimacy on smaller-scale recordings and pieces, It wont make a pigs ear into a sows purse, but its majestic on really good recordings, Its very detailed but not harshly so actually, its a very easy component to fit in a system and live with, Its not cheap and you will want both PSUs once you compare with just one, No analogue inputs to make it the heart of a full system, You know that MSB have stuff that is out of reach financially and potentially better, Price: 11,000 plus 1,650 for a second power supply. You already have a very top tier DAC. The formats that is used in comparison test is all 16bit / 44.1KHz, not DSD The Result : 1st : Select DAC II Full Option - 100% 2nd : Trinity DAC - 90% 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. The video cannot be shown. Site Founder | Site Owner | Administrator. About Chord Vs Dac Discrete Msb Dave . Actual auditioning of the unit prior to purchase is paramount. Digital: Sonore opticalModule > Uptone EtherRegen > Shunyata Sigma Ethernet >Antipodes K30> Shunyata Omega USB> Gustard X26pro DAC < Mutec REF10 SE120, Amp& Speakers: Spectral DMA-150mk2 >Aerial 10T, Foundation: Stillpoints Ultra,ShunyataDenali v1 andTyphon power conditioners,Shunyata Delta v2 and QSA Lanedri Gamma power cords, QSA Lanedri GammaRevelationinterconnect,Shunyata SigmaEthernet,MIT Matrix HD60speaker cables, ASC isothermal tube traps, Stillpoints Aperture panels. Mola Mola Pre/dac review compared to DAVE dac - Page 2 - DAC - Digital To build a simple and good system). The Discrete DAC, the successor and highly improved replacement to the now-famous Analog DAC is the MSB DAC that everyone has been waiting for. home system and listening for that end result. Much appreciated. Please specify coaxial S/PDiF or optical S/PDiF. connection because it eliminates some parts and gets you closer to a direct 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. With a better matched preamp presence may be acceptable. We can operate our current DAC modules at up to 6 MHz for PCM and up to 50 MHz for DSD. When we set out to make the MSB remote, the design was built from the ground up. Firstly, that was a very impressive list of high end components you have listened to. I don't like Dave with or without upsampler but I do like Auralic G2 with their upsampler and clock. Great Dac but for me a NOS DAC (Metrum Adagio) won the contest over all the others Dacs I have tried so far. The end users ears are the only ears that count. If you go reference you will never look back. Founded in 2010 Whats Best Forum invites intelligent and courteous people of all interests and backgrounds to describe and discuss the best of everything. StereoNET (Australia) is part of an international network of publications owned wholly by Sound Media Group (Australia). I wanted to know for anyone who has heard it have you also heard a DAC that approached it in sonic performance? All rights reserved. comes down to knowing what you are actually trying to achieve in a high end Bespoke Audio Ultimate Silver TVC passive preamp, Totaldac xlr version D1-Drivers x2, Eisteddfod 340 & 840 amps, Magico S5 speaker, MSB Select DAC, MSB Select Transport, Nakamichi 700 XLE cassette deck, Taiko Audio Extreme Server, Tripoint Troy Signature NG groundbox, PLiXiR Elite 1500 isolation transformers. Stay updated on Bloom Audio at their. I had the DAVE for 3years, it is an amazing DAC. The Chord Qutest DAC has the same DAC architecture and filters as the Chord Hugo 2. I own the MSB Select II with the dual powerbases and 33 Femto Clock. I can leave my hand on it as long as I want to. Then we have the Integrated Clock module and Im starting to get the whole modular approach to the design of the MSB DAC.