Chord M-Scaler and Should I Want One?


I have an Innuos Zenith Mk3 server/streamer feeding an Innuos PhoenixUSB reclocker, which feeds my Gryphon Diablo 300’s DAC module.  I am connecting these with Audioquest Diamond USB cords.  I love the sound of this combo. 

I know the Chord M-Scaler doesn’t support the max upsampling when connecting non-Chord DAC’s, but I’ve read in multiple places that it still makes a big improvement.

Are others using the M-Scaler with non-Chord DAC’s and if so what has your experience been?

As an aside I see the M-Scaler only allows for the tiny low-voltage power cord.  I find this surprising since I find that an aftermarket premium cord improves my Innuos USB reclocker very noticeably (but not as noticeably as using premium cords with my Innuos streamer). 

 

 

nyev

I think you are on to something about using m-scaler with other Chord products for best results. I always thought of it as primarily intended to elevate the performance of the Hugo TT, with diminishing returns in other applications. Here is another review from yesterday you may not have seen - 

 

@tom23, Koji Ghafoor is a really knowledgeable guy when it comes to what audio gear is available on the market right now. I totally trust his opinions and insight. And I’m not saying that because he gave the TT2 and M Scaler positive reviews. The guy literally spends days out of every month demoing audio gear. Wish I could do that. 
 

IMHO, the M Scaler is an absolute necessity if you’ve got either the DAVE or the TT2 because it adds so much fullness and analog character to whatever you’re listening to. But you’ve gotta go all in on using really good BNC cables and having quality LPSU’s for both the DAC and the M Scaler. Though they’re not a must have because you can get by without them, when you do the result is truly satisfying. 

"IMHO, the M Scaler is an absolute necessity if you’ve got either the DAVE or the TT2 because it adds so much fullness and analog character to whatever you’re listening to."

I own a Dave and tried the M Scaler in my system. I prefer the Dave without the M Scaler. To my ears the M Scaler makes everything sound unnatural. 

I’ve heard that quite frequently, that M Scaler works well with TT2 and nearly everyone likes this pairing but with Dave the opinions are mixed on whether M Scaler helps or not.  

I have an MScalar which I will try out during my DAC upgrades, keeping it in the audio chain only if it improves sonics. When I reach my end game DAC, then i’ll decide whether to keep it or not.