2. digital
  3. 169599-113

Curious.....

I am getting a new DAC soon.  I have to go on memory and my notes as I haven't heard any of the top DAC's that are on my list in ages or it's been their mk 1 not the mk 2 if you would.  I have spoken to a few dealers I'm close with as well as friends and a reviewer I'm close with.  The reviewer knows digital really well and we both know where our hearing differs from each other so I trust him.

My list (some used and some new with discounts):

Brinkmann Nyquist
Meitner MA3 (dealer sells Brinkmann and used to sell MSB and swears the new MA3 is better)
DCS Bartok (dealer carries Brinkmann and never brought it up in our initial conversation as he said Bartok for how it sounds and that they do the upgrades over the life of the product which I love)
MSB Discrete with built in 2nd power supply and the ProUSB dongle that does fiber optic isolation.

I have only heard the MSB Select and I loved it.  That was a few years ago.  I haven't heard the Discrete, but dealer swears that configured this way it's nearly what the Premier is at a much lower price point.

I know that Nyquist is loved by many of my 'analog' friends.  I have always loved Brinkmann tables and when I first heard the Nyquist original edition I was blown away and I heard it just weeks after I heard my buddy's DaVinci mk 2 as well as the top Lampinator.

I can audition the MA3 locally and if I like it best, I'll buy from that dealer (I try to never waste folks time)

I can probably find a DCS dealer near me (2 hour drive) if I want to go that route and I may.  

Just curious where this thread will go...  Begin:  ......  
ctsooner
grannyring's avatar
grannyring
6,504 posts
 
You should see if you can demo a Mojo Audio Evo dac.  Based on your comments it seems like a wonderful match for your preferences. Ben can build it out with every upgrade you want. Natural sounding with an “at ease” realism that is rare in digital. It  also has a meatiness or muscularity to it’s sound that helps set the stage for great listening sessions.  
ctsooner OP
2,480 posts
 
Thanks all.  I have to purchase demo or used as I can't afford new for what I want.  The two that I'd LOVE to hear are the Playback Designs Dream based on a Vandy dealer I know who sells it along with Brinkmann and one other (forget which brand).  He's a total analog guy like Richard Vandersteen is, so I trust his judgement as we were very open about all the brands we have heard and not enjoyed, lol...;). 

I can't afford one though.  I am HIGHLY intrigued by the Rockna Wavedream Balanced.  I have spoken to a close friend who reviewed one and he said that it's an amazing DAC.  He told me to get the Brinkmann (I found two that are up to date and affordable) and enjoy it and then wait for a used PD or Rockna (assuming I can hear each).  He said you can't go wrong with the PD or Rockna (ironic both are called Dream).  
ctsooner OP
2,480 posts
 
Granny, the mojo is a great sounding dac according to a buddy who did a review of it for TAS or Enjoy the Music. He mentioned it to me in the early part of my search. No discount as it’s direct and nothing used right now, plus there is no volume control. I need that as I wait for a new preamp to hit the market that I will be getting in the next few months. 
langla4
40 posts
 
I have the Brinkmann Nyquist II streaming to a Decware 345 and cannot even describe the sound.  The Nyquist is detailed yet very warm-it matches so well with the tube amp.  If you are in around Orange County Cal, hit me up if you want to listen to it.
ctsooner OP
2,480 posts
 
Thanks so much. I just got the Brinkmann.  Haven’t had a chance to set it up. I thought it had a volume control so I wouldn’t need a pre, but it doesn’t. I need to learn what he volume knob does in stereo mode not just headphone where it is a full pre amp.  

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