2. digital
  3. 177540-388

Comments re: MSB Director upgrade cost, additional hardware and cables

I know MSB Technology is about innovation, advanced design, state of the art products, etc. but the new MSB Director upgrade price is HIGHER than what I expected. I never thought my next MSB Premier DAC upgrade would cost this much and require a third box and more cables. To be honest, it is troubling that the next MSB Premier DAC upgrade requires a $14,500 expenditure, another box, more cables, etc.

Of course, I understand that technology dictates the upgrade requirements to achieve the next level of sound quality and the associated price. Please note that my Bricasti M21 DAC upgrade was for a new board. My Cost was $1,000 and the sound quality was ‘substantially’ improved. This upgrade makes sense and is an example of Bricasti supporting its customers purchase and investment.

In any case, I am not thrilled with MSB’s very expensive upgrade path for my MSB Premier DAC and will keep my Premier DAC, as is, since it already sounds excellent. Thanks.

A similar email was sent to MSB Technology for their comments. I also know that information on the new MSB Director is limited and being developed. The Director upgrade price for their more expensive DAC models are around $24,500.

hgeifman
hgeifman OP
2,113 posts
 

MSB Director Link

MSB Premier Director

jond's avatar
jond
5,694 posts
 

hgiefman that does sound rather steep but I question that this is an "upgrade" If it’s another box and cables it sounds more like they want you to buy a new piece of equipment somewhat akin to a digital switch if I read correctly. I guess in the context of a $25K Dac a $14.5K extra box isn’t insane but it does sound awfully steep. Is there any way to audition this upgrade before you commit?

hgeifman OP
2,113 posts
 

“The MSB Digital Director has been designed to enhance essential DAC functions, externally managing digital audio sources, noise isolation and processing”. In other words, it seems they are moving some DAC functions to another separate box.

“MSB says that the Digital Director is a DAC Upgrade. It works with all existing MSB Discrete, Premier, Reference, and Select DACs”.

The MSB email to me said this was an upgrade. My understanding is they are further seperating DAC functions into a third box (DAC, power supply and Director).

MSB Product Comments


 

jond's avatar
jond
5,694 posts
 

If I read that correctly it's mostly about isolating the inputs for lower noise, however if you're only using a single input it seems like overkill. I can see how they call it an upgrade it's certainly outside the box, no pun intended. I don't suppose there's anyway to trial it?

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