First impressions of new MH-DA006, Musetec flagship
I have received the 006 almost a week ago and have been breaking it in. The price at Shenzhenaudio is $3,900.00 USD, $600 more than the 005. The ad copy states:
"DA006 is a new generation of flagship DAC developed by Musetec over three years and launched in 2024. During this period, it has undergone more than ten revisions and adjustments.
Compared to the previous DA005, the listening experience of DA006 has been improved in all aspects. DA006 has clearer and richer details, a stronger sense of texture, a more stable sound base, better detail control, a wider soundstage, fuller and more powerful, smoother and more natural. . ."
Some brief listening during break in has been very very positive. I will report back when it has run at least 300 hours.
@noelpastor FWIW, searching for ’Gustard’ and ’Musetec’ on the forum comes up with a few posts/threads where comparison of A26/X26 and 005 are made. FWIW 2 - I just got a 006 10 days ago; still in burn-in period, but I'm very happy with the choice. However, I have zero experience of Gustard. |
006 continues to evolve as my system evolves. Recently installed Western Electric 300B in my monoblocks replacing Psvane Acme. Suffered an initial loss of vacuum in one tube, finally have both up and working fine. So the WE's greater transparency, resolution, more harmonically development meaning even more natural timbre. 006 exposes all, like a chameleon it will change with the system it's partnered with, can be considered a reference piece. Don't blame the 006 for sound quality deficiencies, it's both highly resolving/ transparent and forgiving, can't think of a better combo. |
@dlevi67 I read those comparison of 005 vs A26 and X26pro. The X30 is also generally described as a league above these Gustard models. What DAC are you coming from the 006? Given the X30 quite a bit cheaper than 006 I might just go ahead w/ it and see how it gels w/ my setup. One thing that worries me w/ Chifi stuff is what happens should I need support w/ a malfunction either during or post warranty - how responsive would Shenzenaudio be. |
@noelpastor My previous DAC is (was) a very old one, by a small British maker: LFD DAC3. This said, I compared it to a Chord Hugo TT2 in my system, and it very much held its ground. On the maintenance/support - totally share the concern, and this was very much diminished by having a European importer that seems to be a serious business (Brexit or no Brexit, Germany is still a lot closer to the UK than China!). To the extent that I can see (warranty sealed unit), the DAC is extremely well built, but that's not equivalent to a trouble-free ownership. [Apologies to all readers for my addled brain - the timing of '10 days' above is from shipping by the importer; I got the package 7 days later. The Musetec is coming up to a week "in house" tomorrow.] |
