I have bought a DAC1 demo from a retailer in Paris. They say it’s a mk1. I think it’s a mk2 since it has the aluminum chassis in brushed grey.
the sound is as widely described by user and reviewers.
I had read the DAC1 was superior to the MSB discrete, which I own. Unfortunately that’s not the case. The comparison is not apple to apple as my MSB has the streaming renderer module and the DAC is connected to the router via Ethernet and talking to the Nucleus without usb. The Merason is connected straight to the Nucleus via usb.
it may be the reason for my disappointment, however, details, clarity, precision, soundstage width are much lower vs the MSB Discrete. It is like the typical feeling of a blanket thrown on the speakers. My speakers are TAD ME1 and the amp is a Vitus RI101mk2.
will a dedicated streamer make such a big improvement to deliver results equivalent to the MSB discrete? Obviously a richer and fuller sound won’t easily bring a precise and detailed sound presentation with strong dynamic. Or so I thought.