Recently I've heard msb dac IV vs dCS Debussy vc Esoteric D03 using transport for all the esoteric P03.
The MSB was far worse than the dCS & Esoteric.
It was so thin sounding and fake sounding that was a surpise with so poor performance on the other hand the Esoteric D03 and dCS Debussy playing music without missing something. In some areas Esoteric was better [bolder and a bit deeper low frequencies] and Debussy had more air and more delicate high frequencies. Overall both were pleasing and got involved with music.
Furthermore Esoteric rubidium clock was used and upgraded the sound in all mentioned dacs. I guess the Esoteric loom helped more the D03 and we heard SACD only through Esoteric [encrypted dsd].
3 people participated in this audition with same listening findings.
I guess Paganini or D01 are even better (not mentioning Scarlatti...)
The MSB was far worse than the dCS & Esoteric.
It was so thin sounding and fake sounding that was a surpise with so poor performance on the other hand the Esoteric D03 and dCS Debussy playing music without missing something. In some areas Esoteric was better [bolder and a bit deeper low frequencies] and Debussy had more air and more delicate high frequencies. Overall both were pleasing and got involved with music.
Furthermore Esoteric rubidium clock was used and upgraded the sound in all mentioned dacs. I guess the Esoteric loom helped more the D03 and we heard SACD only through Esoteric [encrypted dsd].
3 people participated in this audition with same listening findings.
I guess Paganini or D01 are even better (not mentioning Scarlatti...)