Musetec (LKS) MH-DA005 DAC

Yes, this dac cannot be properly evaluated without at least burn in time on usb input.

Comparison to Briscati should be informative, Briscati formerly on my to buy list along with Aqua Formula, Holo May, Mola Mola Tambaqui, Playback Designs, and many other of the high end usual suspects.

I use Synergistic Orange fuse, never used without so can't say about value of fuses here.

I owned Okto DAC8 stereo which uses the rarely used ESS 9028 chip, I thought that dac perhaps smoother/warmer than 005. Chip related, who knows, only one part of many.

@benzman The 005 responds well to all the expensive ICs, PCs and Digital cables you can throw at it. However, it will take you to hell and back during the break in, but it'll be well worth it. It took me a full eight weeks.

Sometimes I have to flip the phase invert on the pre-amp to get the best sound and switch between AES/EBU and USB. It's been a struggle but USB finally seems to be gaining most favour.

Now I'm listening to Mad Dogs and Englishmen, Joe Cocker. Just incredible raw emotion. The 005 will never bore you always full of surprises, good ones!

Enjoy!

@steakster   The voltage problem is in the summer mos during the day. Right now at 118-120 so all is good.  The electric co is actually bringing in more power into the corridor. Couple year project. 
 

Not sure how long shipping takes to get the 005, the Bricasti M3 should be here early next week. It’s a demo so already broken in.  I will give the 005 plenty of break in. I will be using an Audience AU 24se MP for power and Townshend pods for vibration   I usually upgrade the fuse but might not make much of a difference with 005 power design. If anybody is squeezing any more sq with a fuse please post. 
 

The Cary will stream Qobuz,Tidal and serve 24/192 flac and wav files from attached USB drive and integrated SD card   Only have SPDIF to test but if I keep it will get a USB streamer/server. 

The very best implementation of the ESS DAC chips that I had heard prior to the Musetec 005 was the 

RESONESSENCE LABS INVICTA MIRUS DAC - Headphone Guru

The owners of that company demoed the DAC at a show with purposefully crappy speakers. I was blown away. So, I knew that the ESS chip can be made to sound incredible. These guys used to work at ESS so they knew the chip.

A shame the Resonessence Labs is no longer around. If they had priced the Mirrus DAC at the same price as the Musetec 005 they would have sold a ton more.

I agree with @klh007 Lumin P1 or the X1 is very good alternative to Cary dms series but they are also lot more expensive. I think P1 runs around $10k, unless you get a substantial discount :-) ?

@benzman, Maybe the Lumin P-1 would be a good replacement for the Cary? It even has Ethernet optical input standard.

@benzman thanks, I can clearly see what you are trying to say. I was in the same boat early, however from experience with various AKM and ESS, including 9038pro, the AKM usually provided a more smoother sound compared to the ESS, while the ESS has always been exceptionally good with resolution. Not saying they aren’t smooth but the AKM was a touch smoother - it’s all depends on the rest of the system though and I am taking about some very good implementation of ESS DAC chips such as the Matrix Element X. I am actually very intrigued by both the Cary dms700 and Musetec 005 and would be highly interested in your opinion when you get them and have some hours on it. 

Sorry, just re-read my latest posts. I meant to say OpticalRendu not UltraRendu, totally different beasts!

@debjit_g  The Cary DMS 700 does sound really good. It’s feature set is unsurpassed, weighs 25 lbs and has a 80 page manual. It really is a great value. 
 

I am just looking for something with a little more resolution or transparency and a tad more ‘bite’.  In the past I have had seperate streamers ( Bryson, Auralic,Aurender) and dacs( eastern electric , Modwright tube) and combos of Aurender A10, Lumin T2, Cary DMS 600 and my Current DMS 700. 
I am hoping the 005 has the resolution of the T2 with the smoothness the Cary. 
 

There are worse things then shipping back a piece of equipment if it doesn’t work out. Got keep this hobby fun!!

@phastm3 

By all indications I'm familiar with the Grimm MU1 and Antipodes are upper tier excellent sounding music servers.  The issue I see with the Grimm MU1 is lack of USB . The Musetec 005 seems definitely  "optimised" for USB connectivity. Some DACs on the Other hand  are built with the intention of optimising SPDIF RCA or AES/EBU signal input. 

Charles 

@phastm3 I would wholeheartedly recommend the Aurender N20, it's the best value in the Aurender range. I've heard the N30 but it's more than double the price.

IMO you'd be better off getting an N20 and a master clock unless your funds aren't limited.

Before choosing the N20 I auditioned just about every streamer/server.

Aurender plays all formats including native DSD. However no Roon.

It's a perfect match to the 005 and can output pro level XLR voltage which the 005 can use and sounds better.

@phastm3 In re-reading your post, mentioned Antipodes, while I've never heard, I do like technologies they incorporate into their servers and streamers. One of the few who optimize for a variety of streaming configurations. Antipodes understands two box streaming solutions, don't rely on usb outs on motherboards to be default or only configuration.

I previously had any number of ethernet based network configurations. Some time ago started experimenting with optical conversion schemes, definite upgrade. Just recently went to Sonore UltraRendu streamer, absolutely fabulous resolving capability and more analog like presentation, never knew digital could be so relaxing, even luxurious. Close call between 005 and UltraRendu as to best streaming/digital upgrade I've experienced in nearly thirty years since incorporation of digital in my systems. UltraRendu will require nice LPS for optimal sq.

I’ve had the 005 for about 6 weeks or so and I am looking to possibly upgrade my streamer. I run Roon and have a Nucleus as the core. I use a DCS network bridge and I was looking at replacing it with an Aqua Linq, Rockna Wavedream net, Antipodes K30 or the Grimm. Any other suggestions to pair with the 005. I’ve had Innuos, Lumin mini, Aries G2.1 along with the current DCS. The Innuos was my least favorite.

@benzman For usb cables with power leg, simply tape over power leg within connector with tape. Having said that I've not really heard any perceptible difference doing that versus leaving it connected.  I use AQ Diamond usb, but then this not latest and/or may not be greatest, I've never noticed what are thought of as stereotypical coloration using silver clad copper in either ethernet or usb cables, YMMV.

I've always presumed usb input on 005 superior to others as great efforts have gone into optimizing it, don't see anything special about other inputs. At one time I had ability to use I2S, sold off Singxer SU-6 and I2S cable without ever attempting to use it, wonderful sound quality of usb gave me no cause for further experimentation.

I may be interested in the Merlin Black Magic if VSM and master bam. I've not yet tried my modded VSM with 005, Klipschorns are sort of like permanent fixtures with size and exact placement being obstacles for moving around speakers. PM me with particulars, don't want to hijack thread.

@car123
@benzman
It’s been covered before about the USB cable. The Amanero board in the Musetec is powered, and powered very well by the banks of supercapacitors. That’s one of the great features of the DAC. Therefore there is no current flowing through the 5V line of a USB cable feeding into it, and therefore no possible interference with the data lines. One of my cables that works very well doesn’t even have that line. So that aspect of the Cardas or Curious just doesn’t matter. Still, they may be fine cables using only the three lines to the DAC.

@benzman
I’m guessing that if you like the Musetec you may be better off selling the Cary and using the proceeds to get a really great streamer. The Musetec will respond very well to a streamer that may cost a great deal more than the DAC. Also, before you mentioned the USB limitation of the Cary I was going to recommend the Audioquest Pearl USB cable. Being pure copper solid core it will not tend to overstimulate the higher frequencies. You’re probably right about USB being a step-up.

Oops. No USB out on the Cary. Only SPDIF and Toslink. The Cary will output  all resolutions but it looks like the 005 decodes up to 192 thru those inputs That will be fine I guess to check it out. Is anybody using coax? I wouldn’t think so. 
 

I will see if my buddy will bring his streamer over. I am pretty sure usb is a step up from the coax input. 

@benzman I am very curious what did you lack in the Cary dms700 which prompted you to buy the 005 ? The Cary seems to be a very good DAC along with the streamer. Perhaps you wanted different sound ? 

I now have many dozens of hours on my 005 and I completely agree that it provides astonishing detail and incredible neutrality that I've never heard before both streaming and playing redbook CDs from my CEC tl 1.  It has been a bit of an up and down journey as the DAC settles in.  I want to give it a couple more weeks of break in.

I also recently installed a cardas USB cable, the newer one with the power cable separated from the data cable.  I'm also still breaking it in but it seems to be an upgrade from the XLO I had been using.

Ordered. I will run Cary as a streamer. I had a  original Curious usb before  when I had separates.  Any latest and greatest cables out there? 

@benzman 

I agree with the other comments. You will probably hear natural realistic details in the music that you didn't notice before. Brightness is just not in the equation. In a poor implementation  brightness is a cheap trick to suggest resolution. In the actual real sound of music it is unrelated.

Thanks for replies

@sns. I had The Merlin VSM MXR with the Master Bam . Great speaker. My buddy has a pair of Black Magic’s that he bought from Bobby about a year before he passed. They are for sale if you know anybody

While chipsets may not tell the whole story each manufacture has their house sound. An AKM will never sound like a Sabre (at least not the dacs I have been thru). 
My system sounds real good but I know there is more. My room is dead quiet, < 30db.  Just looking for a little more transparency and a little “bite”. To me smooth is not the best thing in audio. Live performances are certainly not smooth.   
I will have a Bricasti M3 with streamer in the house soon and going to grab the 005 and will see how it plays out. 

I thought I'd chime in here and share my opinion of this DAC.  My system was just slightly to the warm side of neutral using Ayre, Pass Labs, and Verity Audio Parsifal Encore speakers. I like where it's at and find it very musical.  If anything I have been looking for just a bit more transparency and resolution.  I certainly did not want a warm DAC nor did I want a cold, clinical hyper revealing DAC.  The Musetec DA-005 fit the bill perfectly. I would call it neutral with the ability to provide a level of clarity that revealed very subtle but noticeable details within the soundstage.  The increased clarity was the most prominent change I noticed and it came without any digital nasties or stridency.  I am very happy with this DAC.

@benzman These kinds of questions are hard to answer to my way of thinking. With each of us likely having totally unique systems, generalizations hard to ascertain. Having said that, based on my experience and others, I'd say the number one or most salient feature of this dac is it's incredible resolving capabilities. Flavor is where differences may come to fore, between systems and listener's sound quality preferences come to color their evaluations. Having said that, I have yet to see someone describing this dac as warm, I'm in total agreement there. Yet, this dac not clinical or cold, and I've yet to see someone describing it in this manner as well.  So what are we left with, total neutrality? Seems really bizarre that with all manner of systems, 005 seems to continually land here, makes one wonder about the actual existence of a truly neutral sounding audio component?

My take is the 005 simply resolves at such a high level it may be novelty of sudden newfound information that mesmerizes in short term. Over the long term, as one gets acclimated to hearing what was formerly omitted, we begin to ascertain flavor. Even after nearly two years of ownership and many changes within my system I continue to have great difficulty in describing some sort of overarching flavor of this dac. There was a single short lived time where I thought it somewhat analytical after what turned out to be an ill thought change. Mostly what I hear is live performers in room, actual real organic presences, not a lot of thinking or imagination required to get this sense. So, bottom line for me, extreme resolution with natural flavor, I feel no desire to even try another dac at any price.

The strangest thing about owning this dac for me is it's relatively low price of $3k. By all rights total cost of my system should call for $10k up dac, and I often feel this bias that 005 is too cheap, couldn't possibly be the best I could do, and then next listening session eliminates that thought from my mind. At some point I may have to scratch this itch and purchase $10k up dac.

Trying to bring this back to a more general sense of interest. My active pre and amps are both directly heated triode tubes, 300BSET and 845SET, way modded Klipshcorns which are extremely resolving and great pains to provide natural timbre which stock Klipsch doesn't do so well. But then I've also used 005 with more modest equipment like Schitt Saga+ pre, Prima Luna Dialogue Four push pull amp and Musical Fidelity M2SI integrated amp. I never felt extremely deprived with any of it, and never heard sins of commission. All in all, my experience and what I'm hearing from others is 005 is just fine in many different systems. Still waiting to see the first negative review.

@benzman

System matching is always a critical issue. I’ve always opted for neutrality in each component if I can find it. You may be able to compensate a bit with tubes in your preamp, the same as I use.

I think your focus on the DAC chips may miss the point. The difference between the Lumin and the Musetec is obviously not in the chips, though the Lumin uses a pair of 9028s and the Musetec a pair of 9038s. The differences would be in the power supplies and the analog stages and the differences are quite substantial. I would not expect these two DAC to sound anywhere near alike.

Now more directly to your question. I think most people here think of the Musetec as quite neutral. With a speaker on the bright side that may present a challenge. The Cary includes a streamer; the Musetec does not. Does the Cary integrate better with your system than did the Lumin? The question may be about what you are looking for that the Cary doesn’t quite deliver? You might reread @dbb’s comparative review.

Assuming you’re in the US, one thing you might do is inquire with the dealer in Indiana about a trial period. Another possibility is to communicate with Shenzhen (who are currently running a sale) with precision about their return policy. But, as I wrote earlier, no one who has tried this DAC in their system as yet wanted to return it.

What side of neutral would you guys consider the 005 to be ? I have Persona 5 f ‘s dialed in right know with a Cary DMS 700 and cabling on the neutral side

I had a Lumin T2 in the system and sounded fantastic for 8 out of ten songs. The Sabre Dac was just too revealing with the brighter Personas and their Beryllium tweeter and midrange.
 Would really like to pull the trigger on this but just worried about returning it if it doesn’t work  

Thanks  for the input

The ABKCO owned Rolling Stones dual layer SACDs were released around 25 years ago and then mostly their whole catalogue (the famous stuff) was released and re-released on single layer SHM SACD in Japan about 15 years ago.

The Japanese releases are superior as they made for many other artists including YES, Genesis, Cream, Clapton, Steely Dan and others.

There are also the SHM CDs to consider which were re-mastered in Japan around 2009. SHM CDs can sound bright on an unsympathetic system. The reason for this is back in the day it was very difficult to get the maximum info out of CDs. Nowadays even my CDs which I bought in the '80s sound great without any digital alchemy.

If you own an Aurender it will unpack an .ISO file to .DSF by itself without any other software necessary.

192 kHz is really wonderful but there is an air about DSD that 192 cannot quite match. However even with '80s "Special Price" and two albums on one CD the reproduction on the Musetec is truly astounding.

If I had to forego DSD and Hi-Rez I could still live comfortably.

@sns 

The original recording and mastering are by far the most substantial variable for sound quality. Remastering can help, but you can't make a silk purse from a sow's ear. I'd also suggest unless original recording done his res the differences you're hearing from recordings originally done in analog or 16/44, and then converted to hi res are likely solely due to differences in the mastering rather than the hi res itself.

👍

Charles 

@melm I agree dsd recordings have unique sound qualities, but then mine are all best of best originally analog recorded and sympathetically mastered recordings or Blue Coast recordings.

I've continually tried at various times to incorporate dsd conversions of pcm recordings via Roon dsp, always have preferred no Roon dsp of any kind. HQPlayer dsp reportedly superior to Roon. Sublime sound quality currently experiencing lends no motivation to incorporate HQPlayer into my streaming setup.

While I've not spent a lot of time critically comparing hi res  directly to 16/44, my listening sessions don't include searching for hi res recordings or even paying any attention to these particulars. I find this informative in that it doesn't bias me towards any particular format, I find no substantive differences in these solely pleasurable listening sessions. The original recording and mastering are by far the most substantial variable for sound quality. Remastering can help, but you can't make a silk purse from a sow's ear. I'd also suggest unless original recording done his res the differences you're hearing from recordings originally done in analog or 16/44, and then converted to hi res are likely solely due to differences in the mastering rather than the hi res itself.

@sns 

@charles1dad 

There is no question, I think, but that the best of the new DACs take Redbook further than before.  My own experience is that the Musetec brings Redbook closer to high resolution than did the LKS, already close.  All this has generated articles on whether there's any further need for high resolution audio in our DACs.  Seems to me that higher resolution is not dead just yet for a couple of reasons.  

I, for one, hear something special in "pure" DSD recordings, that is recordings that have not passed through any PCM processing.  For me that is primarily DSD recordings taken directly from analog tapes.  Yes, they're mostly rips of old RCAs and Mobile Fidelitys, but IMO they can be quite spectacular.  As for new recordings, besides those that have been doing it for a while, PS Audio is now doing pure DSD recording.  They probably have resources enough to make an impression on the  market.  And of course, SACDs are still being made, particularly in the classical field.

I have carefully compared some of the Nelsons Shostakovich recordings in their Redbook and 96/24 versions and can report a slight benefit from the latter, even to these old ears.  It's small, essentially spatial issues, but it's there in my experience.  It's a difference we crave.  In some other comparisons I have not heard a difference.  Would I have been satisfied with the Musetec-Redbook alone?  Certainly.  It has also been said that for high resolution recordings the mastering is better, that is, done more carefully, so yielding a better sound product.  Does that trickle down to the Redbook file of the same recording?  I don't really know.

Also, there are those who report beneficial effects using computer programs that do upsampling to the limit of their DAC, and even conversion to DSD and upsampling those also to the limit of their DAC.  I'm in no position to question them.  I have not done that to any extent myself.  I control my music through a PC that is little more than a Chromebook.  I could do it manually, but it's not worth the effort, for me.

So hirez seems still to be alive, if somewhat on its heels.

For potential buyers in the US, you may want to contact Midwest Audio to inquire whether they'd be able to match this sale price. They have posted earlier in this thread.

https://forum.audiogon.com/users/midwesternaudio 

Midwest Audio: 574 329-1850

The DAC is made in Jiaxing, close to Shanghai. My guess is that they can be drop-shipped from there.  But I think Shanghai is in the current Covid area.

In any event, shipping time commitment is a good question to put to Shenzhen Audio before ordering. Email provides a paper record.

Shenzhen, the city in China is presently in Covid related shutdown, being the silicon valley of China I can only wonder how much longer before stocks of 005 and other Chinese audio offerings are depleted.

These sale prices from Shenzhen usually last a week or two. There seems never to have been a problem with Shenzhen’s safe delivery of a perfectly functioning new unit. Check posts here at about the time of the 2021 Black Thursday sale. However, there have been questions raised about Shenzhen’s return policy. See the 12-11-21 post by @pt999 and the subsequent discussion, including the decision to keep the DAC. In any event, no one here has yet reported wanting to return the DAC after trying it in their system.

Shenzhen Audio is currently selling the Musetec 005 at $2969.10 with free shipping and a 2 yr. warranty. 

@sns

 Early marketing of cd format as 'perfect sound forever' was thought of as laughable for decades. Respect for 16/44 continues to grow over time, not so laughable today, and many moving to digital only systems.

Yep!

16/44 Redbook format is capable of superb sound quality  . The limations were due to the playback hardware components.  As this was figured out, Redbook has continued to improve and demonstrate its inherent sonic quality. 

Charles 

I'm continually amazed by the amount of information contained within 16/44 format. I've yet to have a system or source that's extracted full measure of 16/44. It would be interesting to hear of someone who believes they've heard ultimate limitation of this format. I suspect there still isn't a dac capable of extracting all available info here.

But then, the question becomes, how can one be sure they're hearing limitations of format rather than equipment?  Obviously, there is an objective limit to amount of info with 16/44, but how can we truly know we've reached it? We can't experience these sins of omission until we've heard that objective limitation. Knowing this spurs our never ending chase of yet higher resolution.

Early marketing of cd format as 'perfect sound forever' was thought of as laughable for decades. Respect for 16/44 continues to grow over time, not so laughable today, and many moving to digital only systems.

@steakster 

This is a great thread. Sharing info about exciting new gear.

Agreed. BTW I'm familiar with the Concert Fidelity DAC and have actually listened to It. It is very good sounding.  Very organic/natural presentation with terrific musical flow and engagement. This type of DAC stands the test of time exceptionally well.

Many newer DACs (In my opinion) that place heavy emphasis on "detail"  often aren't nearly as satisfying as what you have.  There's a fine balance in achieving detail (Resolution) and emotionally involving musicality. 

Charles 

@theatro 

Glad that you have the DAC connected.  Sometimes Windows is a nuisance.

Please write of your impressions once you have it up and running for a while.

@lordmelton - BINGO!! the Driver website/download did it. 1000 Thanks! Now let see how this thing handles. 

@theatro There shouldn't be any need to update the firmware but Windows will require drivers which you can download here:

http://www.mu-sound.com/service.html

Recently purchased this Musetec and having trouble playing. upon hooking up and auto install come for Amanero 384 is gives me "Driver Errror" for window 10 laptop. Any suggestions? 

@melm

Once again I appreciate your point of view and I do understand your perspective. One thing that I’ve come to recognize is defining what one’s objective and goals are must be thoroughly sorted out. IOW know what you want. Merason opted to forego DSD and MQA , philosophically they chose the path of PCM Redbook CD playback at what they consider a premium level.

They readily acknowledge that this is not going to find favor with everyone and these people will be better served with other DAC alternatives. I understand their product priorities and direction. In my initial post I wasn’t comparing Merason DAC1 and Musetec 005. I mentioned them as I find each individually interesting and appealing in their own way.

That’s why I openly concede that in terms of DAC features connectivity and flexibility I give the nod to the 005. Quite frankly in the marketplace they very likely appeal to different segments of listeners. I’ve heard DSD (Via a friend’s Bricasti and Playback Designs DACs ) and it is not a big deal or attraction for "my" needs. Surely it is for others. So this is strictly a personal choice scenario.

My interest and focus is achieving (Maintaining)  upper tier level CD playback so Merason’s philosophical and design approach works for me. Reading multiple posts on this thread lead me to believe that the Musetec is more than capable of achieving this task as well. In hindsight I should have been clearer in stating that I’m not directly comparing the 2 DACs.

Rather these are DACs with differing approaches and yet I find them both worthy of further attention. Just as I have no reason to doubt the very positive testimony on this thread, people who’s ears/taste I highly respect say that the Merason DAC1 sounds stunningly good. So very likely each is quite special in their respective ways.

Charles

@charles1dad
In the case of a DAC that one hasn’t heard, IMO there’s still more to go on than one’s gut. A DAC, like any other component, can’t give more than it has. So, with a bit of experience, one needs to look inside, a proposition that has served me well. As I have a strong interest in the DAC category generally, and because I respect what you have written, I looked for all the information I could discover about the Swiss manufactured Merason, not all that easy to come by. Based on its insides it strikes me as closer to the LKS MH-DA004 DAC, the predecessor of the 005 and a terrific DAC itself. But even as compared to the 004 it has, let’s call them, "far less expensive" chips, and a smaller power supply. Input is limited to 192kHz PCM (LKS: PCM to 384kHz) and no DSD at all (LKS: up to DSD512). Minimalist by design? Or by cost? In any event I think this clearly justifies the "less sophisticated" characterization most especially re: the 005. At this time I believe it is short-sighted to be satisfied with Red Book alone, especially at a $5500 price. Modern DACs are doing very well with Red Book. But still, if you haven’t yet heard well-done higher resolution, including DSD, you have some good listening to look forward to.

@melm

and the proof will always be in the listening.

Absolutely correct and that is all that matters to me. How convincingly a component reproduces music is by far the most critical criteria. I wasn’t directly comparing the 2 DACs, rather they both are similar in the praise they garner for high quality sound and lack of big brand name recognition.

I wouldn’t say the Merason DAC1 is less sophisticated, less features and flexibility? Agree, it is minimalist by design . My only interest in them centers around how well each presents Redbook CD playback. I suspect that both DACs will do this format rightful justice. My gut tells me that both would impress.

Charles

Thanks, melm.  I will report again after break in.  Thus far, it hasn't been a straight line.  Some moments, it seems to sound better than others.  But you know how that goes, it could be my ears, electric load on the lines or the grid, a new DAC, or a host of other issues. 

After listening to the Critter/Jules recording again, I also realized that Chris is playing heavier strings than Jules, likely medium and light.  I've definitely never heard that before.

Fans of acoustic guitar who don't know about Chris and Jules should seek them out.  These young guys are world class players, with a special synergy between them.     

@lordmelton 
Nice post.
About a month ago when some of us early users were being criticized as "salesmen" my response was that most of the favorable comments these days were coming from those who had purchased recently and were sharing.  So thanks.  For a component without advertising or commercial reviews Audiogon forum exposure has often been a means of sharing information about some terrific products.  

@charles1dad 
I appreciate your post.  I hadn't heard of the Merason DAC.  Looking at what I can find about it the DAC seems both a lot more expensive and a lot less sophisticated than the Musetec.  But you never know, and the proof will always be in the listening.

@car123 
I enjoyed reading what you wrote.  It has the elements of a terrific review, but you must write again after a full break-in.  Remember, the break-in may not be in a straight line.  I responded particularly to your comment that Chris Eldridge obviously put new strings on his guitar and that was made apparent in your listening.  Well, for a recording he most likely did, and that's exactly what you heard.  As I wrote before, classical soloists will often borrow a great instrument for a recording.  Kind of the same thing.  Well, I have probably bored some readers writing about classical, but your comment may have brought them back in.

Aurender A10 for streaming and a musetac bidat for redbook CDs.