From Rossini Apex to ????
Hi Folks. I just recently upgraded my Holo May Kitsune Edition DAC to a Rossini Apex and am very impressed with the DCS. It has an amazingly black background (the instruments are all that IS), great instrument separation, discerns textures and nuances beautifully, and has very detailed and controlled bass. I do think the Holo May has a sweeter midrange. May not be more accurate, but sweeter. I've heard of notable improvement when adding the DCS clock, but that's another $10k plus cables. I'm thinking it might be worth trying other DACs. Right now, top contenders might include the Mola Mola Tambaqui and the Grimm MU-2. For those of you who know the Rossini, and perhaps understand my desire to get sweeter midrange but not lose any of the other great qualities of the Rossini Apex - what do you recommend and why? Thanks, Peter
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I went from a May KTE to the Rossini Player/DAC with Master Clock. Yes, the midrange is warmer on the May but the Rossini is steps above the May. I run tubes so I get plenty of warmth and appreciate the transparency that the Rossini has, versus the May DAC. I can’t say that switching in the clock is revelatory but it’s certainly a nice improvement and does add a touch more solidity to images.
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@rooze seems like we are on the same page about the differences. Are you using an Apex? |
I think that, ultimately, the choice is in the ears of the listener. However, the Bricasti M21 DAC is within the same price range (at $16K MSRP) as the two excellent DACs you have identified; it also is a splendid DAC. I recently listened extensively to both the Mola Mola Tambaqui and the Grimm MU-2. To my ears, the MU-2 was not only the better of the two, it was spectacular. The only DAC I have found sonically competitive to it was the Bricasti M21 (which I recently purchased). In my case, price was a factor. I was able to get a good price for the M21, whereas the MU-2 is significantly back-ordered, making your obtaining a discounted price for one unlikely. |
If you really like the Apex but just want a little sweetening, maybe just try some different cables? Sometimes a small change can be had just by tuning the existing system instead of swapping entire components. Even if your cables are really great, they were probably chosen around your prior gear. So when you upgrade components it might require swapping cables for a better match. Just an idea, good luck on the search. |
For a sweeter midrange your should look at the Playback Designs MPD-8, Aries Cerat Kassandra, EMM Labs DA2 V2 or soon to be released V3. I would also think MSB Premier or Reference. All of these are going to be sweeter sounding than the dCS. I have explicitly had people move from dCS DACs to move to PBD for this very reason and can say confidently that Aries Cerat and EMM are sweeter sounding than dCS as well. MSB I have not had in on trade and have not had in my system so I suggest that based on reputation. I would hope it is obvious that I am a PBD, AC and EMM dealer and have no affiliation with MSB. |
I have tried tambaqui and holo audio may. Currently I have Rossini + clock., I agree with your comments on holo may. Tambaqui as a gear I liked for versatility and app. Sound wise, to me it was lacking coherency. Music was too digital to me and very analytical. Rossini with clock is perfect with right harmonics, detail but not analytical at all. I can listen to it all day. Clock is crucial and elevate the experience. One time, clock was off and I was listening and I hated the system.. I thought something is wrong and I spent a day toggling speakers and gear before realizing clock was not in chain.. |
