MSB Analog DAC experience

I personally am not a fan of the MSB DAC, but that really isn't germane to the volume control issue. In my, I would have to say fairly extensive experience, except for very expensive pre's like the AR Ref, you are better off direct connecting and using the volume control in a player on your computer.

Thanks
Bill

Davt, i have the MSB Analog DAC with the upgraded Power Supply and I like it a LOT! I opted for the volume control too, but really only for re-sell protection. I run the MSB into my tubed Holvland HP-100 pre.

I use a Mac Mini as my music server with an external 3TB hard drive connected via FireWire as my storage device. I use Audirvanna on the Mini as my player. Very happy with this setup.

The MSB Analog DAC is not cheap, but overall I liked its sound better than most of the mega DACs costing much more. I spent some time comparing the Analog DAC to a number of other DACs before makng the purchase. I auditioned the Wyred for Sound, Benchmark, ExoSound, EAR Dacute (my second ranked choice afer the MSB), Ayre Q-9, PS Audio Perfect Wave II, and the Bricasti M1 and a few others I can't remember at the moment.

The Analog DAC is nice and 'smooth', not 'digital' like so many other DACs that I have heard. It produces an exceptionally wide soundstage left-to-right and front to back with excellent layering (when it's all there in the recording of course). Presentation of detail is excellent, highs are very extended but not bright or edgy. It is not a 'detail freak' like the Benchmark for example, but I found it to be much more musical overall; a lot like how musical really good vinyl can be.

I liked the Analog much more with the upgraded power base; a must have in my opinion. In the event that you ever try to sell the Analog used it will probably help to have the volume control, so yes, I would get that added.

Also, the Analog is not a true 'balanced' design so it sounds much better just RCA.

I bought mine last December and would make that purchase again without question. I am pretty sure that that the Analog DAC will be all that I need for the next five years or so...maybe longer.

thank all for your input. I am going from primarily an analog set up to computer audio due to space constraints. I went ahead and ordered an Analog DAC with volume and upgrade power supply. We'll see how it goes.

Davt, did you receive your Analog DAC? How do you like it?

Stickman451, yes, I did get the MSB Analog DAC and like it a lot. I got it with the USB that was later upgraded to the new USB II for DSD x4 but mainly because it sounds better with the regular rebook as well downloads. I also got a Universal Media Transport Plus and run files through that to the Analog DAC. Running through the UMT+ sounds the best but I cannot do gapless that route so the upgrade in the USB for files that sound better gapless. My Herron M1A are a perfect match as well. Very happy.