2. digital
  3. 1325259022

Musical Fidelity V-Link with Rega DAC REVIEW



This is MAINLY a review of the Musical Fidelity V-Link which converts the USB from my Mac Mini to a coax and enables Hi-Res playback through the Rega DAC.

The unit is small, perhaps twice the size of a pack of cigarettes and finished in black. The newer version of the unit is silver BTW and sells for closer to 200.00. The version 1 I'm using has been on sale for an amazing 99.00! Connections takes all of a few minutes. The unit is powered by the USB connection and it also has power and signal lights, both of which are too bright. In fact I don't think I've ever seen indicator lights so bright on any equipment!

The unit is connected via Cardas HD cable, resting on home made dense latex sponge feet just like the Rega DAC is.

(As a side note my friend and I used the V-Link previously when comparing the EE Minimax Plus Dac and Rega DAC. He has sold the Minimax and bought a Rega DAC to replace it. I should point out that he's a turntable lover and finds the Rega leans in that direction.)

The Mac Mini is software tweaked and loaded with memory. Pure Music was used. The best news I can give anyone is that the V-Link sounded utterly transparent overall. Nothing was lost and a few things gained. This may be credited to the V-Link or the Rega's spdif connection, but bass was tighter and soundstage depth also improved. The soundstage advantage was subtle, but the improvement in bass was quite easy to hear. It still took very careful listening to spot any difference with the V-link. Hi Res files sounded great, though I have not listened in depth enough to make any comments regarding comparison to 16 bit counterparts. Dubious of the hi res advantage I was more worried about losing something with the converter and am pleased that it's quite the opposite.

The bottom line....
The Mac Mini is my new serious source. With the Rega DAC and V-Link I'm getting more realism than I have ever heard from my system with CD players. My friend, who's system is vastly larger, is now using the Rega/Mac combo as well. He has abandoned some pretty good players, including the ARC. Still, it's VERY important to remember that everything we've tried, including my el-cheapo Oppo player ALL sounded excellent. It's down to what we call "micro-differences." The V-Link is a wonderful addition to my system and the fact that it's also a bargain isn't so bad either!

Happy New year!

Rob
robbob
sabocat59
98 posts
 
I also have a Rega DAC, which I have only used for CD playback thus far. I just purchased a refurbished macbook, however, and am interested in the V-Link. I have a few basic technical questions. Do you just need one coaxial spdif cable, connecting from the converter to the DAC, or do you also need a usb cable FROM the computer and TO the converter? Or does the V-link connect directly to the computer USB port?

Secondly, what are some good cables that FIT with this particular set-up?
chashas1
596 posts
 
Hi robbob, nice review.
Although you should investigate 2 things..
It seems universal that the optical out of the "new" Mac mini is the way to go... If older definitely use the USB.
The optical out of the v-link will give you better sound than the coax. The reps even say so.
Maybe a follow up review?
Have fun!
elberoth2's avatar
elberoth2
1,223 posts
 
The optical out of the v-link will give you better sound than the coax.

Martin Colloms in his review in HiFi Critic found out that the TosLink digital out has less jitter. So it makes sense.
rfprice
150 posts
 
Hello, I am now embarking on conversion to a computer-based system. Like many, I am going to use a Mac (specifically an older Macbook, circa 2007, but eventually will put it all on a Mac Mini) feeding into a Rega DAC. I'm in the process of uploading everything to Apple Lossless.

Can someone please explain the purpose of the Musical Fidelity V-Link? I was planning to connect the Mac directly to the Rega via optical port with the Wireworld Supernova 6. Why are many people inserting this intermediary step of the V-Link? I've read the threads, but I think I'm missing something fundamental.
stevekerns
1 posts
 
Wow-I just saw the orinal post, and it was like I wrote it myself. I have a MacMini (not the latest), Rega Dac, Vlink, Pure Music - even down to the Cardas USB cable!

There is no doubt in mind that the Vlink addition to the USB chain was a huge improvement. Not only are clicks and hesitations completely gone, but the the sound has cleaned up dramatically.

I am using coax from the Vlink, but previous posts will make me listen to optical a little closer.

My only question is whether or not the Vlink II is any better, which is capable of 192?
More to discover