1) It's a subtle change, you'll not hear huge a/b differences but once you remove the dac you'll really miss it.
2) Yes, but if you're looking to buy new, skip MSB and spend that $900 on the used market. The Nelson, I feel, is low value/dollar, and the technology is dated, besides.
3) Yes, your conditioner doesn't do what the power base does.
4) Musical Fidelity A3 24, in another league, but it will take a good transport, which I'm fairly sure the Pioneer is not, so in that case, perhaps a Bel Canto dac. You of course know that these external dacs will NOT affect SACD performance, but they will possibly improve feeds from your computer, but don't expect miracles....
2) Yes, but if you're looking to buy new, skip MSB and spend that $900 on the used market. The Nelson, I feel, is low value/dollar, and the technology is dated, besides.
3) Yes, your conditioner doesn't do what the power base does.
4) Musical Fidelity A3 24, in another league, but it will take a good transport, which I'm fairly sure the Pioneer is not, so in that case, perhaps a Bel Canto dac. You of course know that these external dacs will NOT affect SACD performance, but they will possibly improve feeds from your computer, but don't expect miracles....