Music Fidelity X-V3 Bundle vs MF Trivista or A324

I used to own the whole V3 bundle, and was not impressed. Too cold sounding to me, even with all three boxes. I replaced it with a Bel Canto DAC 2 and the music started to flow naturally. If you're looking at MF gear, get the Trivista 21 and forget the V3 bundle, its supposed to be a great DAC.

I have a Trivista 300 integrated, an A3.2 cd player and the V3 tube buffer. I may just be suseptable to the "salesmans yarn" but I was told by a couple of MF dealers in different parts of the country that the only difference between a Trivista SACD player and any of the MF players from the A3.2 on up coupled with the V3 Tube buffer is the ability to play SACD.

They claimed the transport/DAC in the stand alone players is the same as the TriVista SACD, and the tube section in the V3 is the same as the tube output section as the TriVista. None of this really mattered to me because there is no way I could afford the Trivista 300 I bought used on AudioGon and a TriVista SACD player as well.

Now before I get blasted, I'm only repeating what the salesman were saying. I have never compaired the specs with a fine toothed comb. I do however think the tube buffer makes any MF cd player sound beyond much better. I had a Sim Moon Nova and it could'nt hold up to the MF tube buffer setup, which was in total half the cost of the Sim.
Hope my 2 cents helps you a bit. Compairing and auditioning
equipment is half the fun of the hobbie. Good luck.

I agree with Jpak. I have the trivista 21 and it is absolutely outstanding. Adds a richness, depth, and texture, really transforms the digital sound. I bought 2 sets of the 3 component x series and sold 1, and will sell the 2nd. They do not seem to do much at all. It is tough buying a used Trivista 21. As soon as they are posted they are sold.

I've heard the Bel Canto DAC2 is supposed to be an excellent choice as well. Further improved by mods. It's difficult for me to audition in home, I'm in NH most of the closest HiFi stores in Boston; but I'll what I can do.

My advice to you: given the low prices that DAC2's are selling for on Audiogon these days (you'd pay at least $500 more for a Trivista, almost half the cost of a used DAC2) I would suggest you try out the DAC2 first. It is really a great piece and if you don't like it or want to upgrade you can always sell it and get back your investment.