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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
dracule1 OP
1,085 posts
 
Montejay, I saw that review on Salvatore site. They evaluated the unit with no upgrades, but it still got "lower A" rating.

Psacanli, I have no idea which DAC chip Berkley Audio uses or how it's implemented so I don't know if it is really innovative.

Xsparky, ditto for Klimax as well. At least the name is innovative in a sexual kinda way.
montejay
285 posts
 
Hi Dracule1,
In reading the review,they said the redbook was excellent but what held it back was the lack of sacd.Having heard some good sacd players (esoteric X03SE and Krell Standard MKIII)I understand how good that format can be.
dracule1 OP
1,085 posts
 
Montejay, I agree. Lack of SACD is a downer but I wonder if they played any PCM hi rez (eg, HRx by Reference Recordings, 24 bit, 176 kHz) instead of just RB CD recordings? I have a feeling these hi rez formats may sound better than SACD.
blackstonejd
153 posts
 
Ayre QB-9
montejay
285 posts
 
Hey Dracule1,
Ive heard alot of the the hi rez (XRCD2 and K2HD's)I own quite a few.Until recently, I would also have thought they were some of the best sounding digital.
What has totally changed my thinking is hearing a few high quality SACD players(Esoteric X03SE and D&P05,Krell Standard MKII).I never heard any digital so good.Ear opening The music just jumps out of the speakers in ways I've never experienced before. Each instument was placed logically and every nuance picked up.If I could one day swing it the D05 P05 with the 32 bit chip would be my endgame in digital.

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