Most intriguing DAC?


There's always a lot of hoopla when a new DAC comes out like the ESS Sabre32 and AKM 32 bit DACs. But these are all on silicon.

Few manufacturers actually makes discrete DACs. In the past, I was only aware of one company, Meitner, (may be dCS?) that did this. Recently I came across MSB Technologies Platinum DAC III that use closely matched discrete resistors (0.1% tolerance for standard DAC, 0.01% for the Signature upgrade, and 0.001% for the Diamond upgrade). It is a variant of the older, but highly valued, ladder DAC. MSB is one of few DAC companies that offers a steady upgrade path. I really find this DAC intriguing. But why is this DAC hardly mentioned on audio discussion sites or in the press?
dracule1
Maybe you don't see much of the MSB DACs on the forums becuase its too expensive for most people.
Marvin, I believe MSB Platinum III goes for around 6 or 7 grand. This is expensive but not that expensive compared to $10k+ DACs and CDP that are regularly discussed on this forum.
Arthur Salvtore at High-End Audio has a short review on the MSB platium III dac and transport under march recent reviews
Don't forget what Linn has done with there "Klimax" dac. It does sound totally awesome.Unfortunately it is expensive. If they could only lower it to around $10,000, I would probably buy one.