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MSB DAC's Popularity

Hello All,

I would appreciate some insight on the above. I'm in the market for a DAC with volume control and am exploring the Discrete or Premier. I question the lack of reviews and even dialog on AGon? The limited reviews that appear portray stellar performers; however, not many exist on the used market. Are they so good that no one sells? Or, is the price/performance not commensurate and nobody buys? I do love the future-proofing built into their designs! Could you please share your experiences with those who own or have auditioned? I'm looking for an end-game product, if that is even possible in digital. 

Thanks!

128x128jeffreyw
nekoaudio's avatar
nekoaudio
489 posts
 

I’ve heard the MSB Select DAC a few times and have always thought it sounded outstanding.

hgeifman
2,182 posts
 

I just upgraded the firmware in my MSB Premier DAC to version 19.14 and it was very easy.  The software upgrade is on their web site in the support tab by product. Please read the MSB firmware upgrade instructions carefully. 

I copied the software upgrade file to a flash drive, inserted it in my Aurender and ran it.  The software upgrade ran very smooth and there were no issues.  Please turn your volume on so you can hear the instructions, etc.  

The screen said 19.14 and everything works.   Amazing.   

thyname's avatar
thyname
3,107 posts
 

 

Ag insider logo xs@2x

fleetowner123

7 posts

 

What is meant by internal rendering when it comes to a Dac?

The “rendering” is an internal streaming module. A streamer built in the DAC. Think of it as a network bridge, a streamer (fed by Ethernet cable), but in a modular form, that you can insert into the DAC. In simplified terms, the MSB DAC has a slot, where you can insert their removable/ swappable modules, such as the Ethernet streaming module (the renderer), the USB B input module, and so on. I hope this helps

 

jjss49's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
jjss49
6,612 posts
 

my analog dac with powerbase and renderer is one i have kept, simply superb sonically (very aptly named 😄), ergonomically outstanding (extra line input and preamp volume control, and maybe the world’s best remote control... )

 

hgeifman
2,182 posts
 

My friend has a MSB Reference DAC and recently updated the units firmware.  She suggested I check the MSB web site for updates to my MSB Premier DAC.   I did and found the new firmware version 19.14.

MSB Premier Support Link

You can check the current version of Firmware installed by following these steps:

    • Press the menu button on the front of the unit (Center button with square on it)
    • Turn the volume knob until “Code” is displayed
    • You will see code revision number (my DAC showed an old version number)
    • The current version is 19.14

The Premier DAC – Firmware Update Version 19.14 released 6/30/21. This update includes minor bug fixes and a new mode to power off the Renderer if not used. See manual for details.

From the MSB Support page, I coped the firmware file to a flash drive and inserted it into my Aurender N20 Music Server.   I selected the file, hit play and the upgrade started.   PLEASE TURN YOUR VOLUME ON SO YOU CAN HEAR THE INSTRUCTIONS AND TRACK THE UPGRADE PROGRESS.  The upgrade completed and everything worked perfectly.  

 

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