msb problems?

This is a tough one since you're dealing with the subjective aspect of your DAC - quantifying the sonic differences. I've had the opposite experience with MSB, in that they've always gone the extra mile. They've never charged me to inspect my components whenever I've sent it to them, nor to ship it back to me. And I'm not the original owner! Quite a different story with other high-end manufacturers, who will charge high $$$ to take anything in for inspection.

I had the Nelson Link III, which I believe was physically identical to yours. Is it possible that one of the toggle switches may have been moved?

Have you double checked that the jumpers inside are secure?

Have you tried removing the upsampling module to see (or hear) if there's a difference? It could be that your ears have become refined and accustomed to the sound and are no longer impressed with the sonic improvements at hand... Hence, you may have the 'upgrade' bug.

Are you using the same source material (i.e. CD's)? Some music is better suited to reveal improvements you may have gained than others.

In short, it's a tricky thing... DACs just don't go bad the way you describe. If a circuit or board has gone bad or failed, you would most likely get no sound at all, or, maybe, some electronic artifact, like a hum or buzzing, etc.. But not, go from inspiring to uninpsiring sound. My guess is that your upgrade module 'might' be the culprit. See if they won't replace it for you if for nothing else than for peace of mind.

Hope this helps.

Hector

well vector yes I will be sending it back and I do understand that I may be getting used to the better sound but no others have told me the same thing even my son and wife that the sound has degraded,no its not the nelson just the 24bit upgrade and as you know martin logan stats will show anything good or bad in your system,it was the first time that the speakers dissappeared when it was working right, anyway right now I am in the middle of a auction on ebay bidding on a link3 with the Stand Qarren upgradesit ends tonoight wish me luck

have you considered having Stan Warren check it out?

Happynick,

I'd call it normal curiosity development especially while some folks don't "risk" to place instead of $10000 CD-players cheap stock Sony while you made your effort and found out that even paying $1,5k for CD playback is way too much.

Stan Warren mostly upgrades the output analogue domain of DAC for better output parts on the filter that does make a difference without taking no care of upsamplers or anything in the digital domain so if you want to get in touch with Stan than send your cheap Sony to get the same results as with your more expensive MSB.

Can I have Stan Warrens phone number or email? thanks Nick