MSB Diamond DAC IV Reviewed By Stereophile

lloydelee21 said:

If the MSB output is 50ohms, does that mean it is 'designed' to be able to go into the Zeel directly? Just curious to learn for future reference.

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microstrip said:

Not necessarily and perhaps it will not drive the DartZeel 50 ohms BNC input optimally! Just because an unit has 50 ohm output does not imply it is prepared to drive a 50 ohm input load. Many units having a low output impedance are not prepared to supply the current needed by such a low load, and even those which are able to do it will show more distortion when used with a 50 ohm load.

The Playback units BNC outputs were specifically designed to drive 50 ohm, I have never taken notice of any other DAC that claims such specification, but probably they exist!

In any case you have to listen, but should remember that when you connect a 50 ohm output to a 50 ohm input the level decreases by 6dB - during listening tests you should compensate for it in the volume control.

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asiufy said:

I thought there was a money back guarantee thing on FemtoClock, see here: http://www.msbtech.com/products/galaxy.php?Page=platinumHome

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Orb said:

Edorr, worth noting that MC in HifiCritic suggests one really needs to audition the clock as he and other listeners who visited preferred the DAC IV without it.
However he states it comes down to a combination of personal preference and the listeners system; in his system the DAC IV lost what he liked with regards to the perception of flow-timing and the good aspect of what is perceived as good digital in comparison to analogue, while the clock did provide a bit more resolution and snap.
My own words so please appreciate only conveying the essence of his conclusion.

Cheers
Orb

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edorr said:

Interesting. I never seen this comment. I'll reread the review. Thanks for pointing this out.

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Orb said:

Just as a heads up it is in Jan-Mar 2012 publication, was done as a separate review to the initial DACIV one (still involving DACIV and using either a signature or diamond power base).
Cheers
Orb

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Orb said:

Just as a heads up it is in Jan-Mar 2012 publication, was done as a separate review to the initial DACIV one (still involving DACIV and using either a signature or diamond power base).
Cheers
Orb

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However, rather mystifyingly for my listeners and myself, the overall result seemed less unified, and in a musical sense, less flowing, less naturally rythmic, and perhaps a bit larger than life....

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It certainly sounds different, and some listeners may well perceive it as better. Indeed, in some systems it may actually be better. For example, if a system sounds a little dulled, recessed, and lacking in vitality, a Galaxy clock upgrade has the potential to polish things up a bit.

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Orb said:

I only have hardcopy myself, just dug it out and this is what he says he found missing:

The positive relating to system/preference:


In the end the conclusion is that it does sound different but it comes down to preference and possible synergy improvement adding the clock (summed up in my other post).
It is a mini review that is a page in the publication, but pretty informative however not sure it is worth spending £8 just buying it for that review - I like HiFiCritic as a whole read, same as other audio publications I subscribe to.

Ok Whatsbest...
Am I the only one who looks to try and support audio by ensuring publications carry on and maintain some kind of public presence
Edorr not being critical just having a joke - so many on here do not subscribe to audio publications, what else to read while sitting on the toilet or passing time bah
More seriously seems it would be very risky buying blind the Galaxy clock, not something I would do myself tbh.
Cheers
Orb

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Orb said:

I would be hesitant and try to force for either a guaranteed refund if not happy or push for a demo and not buy unless this is met, I find Martin Colloms' review pretty well balanced and thought out, as was his DACIV review in the earlier publication.

Cheers
Orb

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microstrip said:

Not necessarily and perhaps it will not drive the DartZeel 50 ohms BNC input optimally! Just because an unit has 50 ohm output does not imply it is prepared to drive a 50 ohm input load. Many units having a low output impedance are not prepared to supply the current needed by such a low load, and even those which are able to do it will show more distortion when used with a 50 ohm load.

The Playback units BNC outputs were specifically designed to drive 50 ohm, I have never taken notice of any other DAC that claims such specification, but probably they exist!

In any case you have to listen, but should remember that when you connect a 50 ohm output to a 50 ohm input the level decreases by 6dB - during listening tests you should compensate for it in the volume control.

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asiufy said:

I'm sorry, but I don't think an improvement in clarity and transparency to be "system dependant". Unless you don't want your system to be more transparent and natural
The clock is so vital to the MSB solution that they ended up bundling it in (or at least a simpler variation of the Galaxy clock) inside the new "plus" versions of the DAC IV.
As with all things MSB: I don't necessarily agree with their pricing, but their add-ons are excellent.


alexandre

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