The Digital Director - A new MSB product improving everything from the source to the output

IMHO a new Renderer module should be the next project of MSB.

The current Renderer V2 is convenient but not in the same league of the top servers/streamers in the market.
I am hopeful that moving the V2 Renderer to the Digital Director, with the galvanic isolation of the Pro-ISL interface, will put it on a level playing field with a good digital source (like the Taiko SGM Extreme) with MSB's Pro USB interface. Maybe wishful thinking on my part but as always, the proof will be in the listening.
 
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Geez - that’s up there for being a DAC add-on when you weigh up the cost of the MSB DAC itself…
It is indeed a big chunk of cash on top of what is already an expensive DAC (those chassis are costly to manufacture I suspect). In my case, I am hoping that it will be sonically equivalent to a top flight music server and MSB's own Pro USB interface or a whole stack of boxes from Melco designed to isolate MSB's Network Renderer (and my Roon Nucleus Plus) from the electrical noise of the typical home network.
 
The question is, how much will it really add for those already using a Taiko Extreme or something comparable…
That is a very good question and hopefully some of the members here will be in a position to comment in the future. I just can't swing the cash for something like the Taiko Extreme which in Australia, is significantly more expensive than the MSB Digital Director upgrade.
 
An interesting question is, will the analog preamp capabilities of the Reference/Select DAC (for those who, like me, are running a phono preamp with no separate linestage preamp) be improved with the digital inputs/switching/processing moved to a separate chassis with dedicated power supply?
 
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That is a very good question and hopefully some of the members here will be in a position to comment in the future. I just can't swing the cash for something like the Taiko Extreme which in Australia, is significantly more expensive than the MSB Digital Director upgrade.
If you consider what Taiko will offer this year (XDMS, router, switch, network card) and the already UHQ of the Extreme I do not think that you will get this level with the Digital Director.
Further there are reports that the latest Ideon Absolute as DAC sounds better than MSB Select.

Matt
 
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I am hopeful that moving the V2 Renderer to the Digital Director, with the galvanic isolation of the Pro-ISL interface, will put it on a level playing field with a good digital source (like the Taiko SGM Extreme) with MSB's Pro USB interface. Maybe wishful thinking on my part but as always, the proof will be in the listening.
Agreed. Excellent point. We have to try it to find out.
 
An interesting question is, will the analog preamp capabilities of the Reference/Select DAC (for those who, like me, are running a phono preamp with no separate linestage preamp) be improved with the digital inputs/switching/processing moved to a separate chassis with dedicated power supply?
Another excellent point to discove.
 
I wonder if we could install into the Digital Director the Quad USB module, instead of using the Pro USB converter…
 
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I had a quick email exchange with the local distributor today and he suggested that if you are already using the Pro-USB solution and only use the one input, there will be no real benefit to using the Digital Director. More so of benefit for someone using multiple inputs…disappointing if that’s the case but I guess we’ll find out more as people start to hear things in action
 
I had a quick email exchange with the local distributor today and he suggested that if you are already using the Pro-USB solution and only use the one input, there will be no real benefit to using the Digital Director. More so of benefit for someone using multiple inputs…disappointing if that’s the case but I guess we’ll find out more as people start to hear things in action
I don't think many distributors have actually auditioned a Digital Director at this moment.

I contacted Pacific Audio, the MSB HK official dealer to place a pre-order.
They said that due to shortage of certain essential components, Hong Kong will receive the first shipment in Nov or Dec the earliest.

Therefore I hope that WBF members who will attend the Munich Show, please audition it in details and obtain as much info as possible then share with us on WBF.
Many thanks in advance!
 
The newest press release :
 
Therefore I hope that WBF members who will attend the Munich Show, please audition it in details and obtain as much info as possible then share with us on WBF.
Many thanks in advance!
Will do.......:)
 
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The marketing literature provided by MSB thus far is unfortunately quite confusing and incomplete; I’d like to recommend that they provide schematics of connection examples between their DACs and the Director so that users can understand what additional cables and modules are required (beyond the default unit) to complete the combined system. Good luck to Daniel and Jonathan in the upcoming Munich show!
 

The all-new Digital Director

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Greetings ,

It's here! We have been working towards this point for a few years now and are wildly excited to share the results with you. Introducing, The Digital Director. I want to take a moment to try my best at explaining what this product is and how it works. As it is a new product category, we are still figuring out the right words.

To start, this is a DAC Upgrade. This works with all existing Discrete, Premier, Reference, and Select DACs. Any version of the digital director works with any version of our DACs. It is an additional product chassis that marries with the DAC to do extraordinary things. New firmware will be required for the DAC. Current input modules are removed from the DAC and installed into the Digital Director. With the Pro ISL and Optical control link providing two way communication will allow the DAC display and controls to operate the Digital Director as a seamless experience. This will not work as an independent product. The Reference and Select level Digital Directors have integrated linear power supplies, whereas the Premier Digital Director has an integrated switching power supply.

The creation of this product stems from the ever diversifying market of digital sources. Servers, computers, and renderers etc. We set out to find a way to bring all bit perfect sources onto an equal footing. This required more power, processing, and perfect isolation. Mission accomplished. Having this as an external product was key for isolation. We are doing everything possible to further quite down the DAC chassis where the conversion process is most vulnerable to noise.

Lastly, we have offloaded the digital processing from the DAC into the Digital Director. Using new high-performance DSPs along with all-new digital filters our DACs have taken a huge step forward. I was blown away hearing the soundstage snap into even sharper focus! I love how our favorite recordings continue to surprise us with new details and experiences. It seems our digital journey is not yet complete and we are excited to discover what's next.

I will be jumping on a plane heading for the Munich High End Show shortly and am looking forward to meeting up with many of you! We will have the first Digital Directors in our showroom for listening and discussions. Take care!

Best Regards
Daniel Gullman


Optimized audio. Superior isolation

The DAC Reimagined

Meet the Digital Director: a reimagining of the entire Digital to Analog Conversion chain, improving everything from the source to the analog audio. With all-new firmware in the MSB DAC, the Digital Director enhances essential DAC functions, externally managing digital audio sources, noise isolation and processing. Using our proprietary ProISL laser fiber optic connection, the Digital Director eliminates noise coupling into the DAC from any digital source. This advanced isolation technology elevates the performance of all digital audio sources, along with increased processing power ensures our digital filtering algorithms achieve a new level of realistic and accurate analog reproduction. Born from years of research and development, along with a keen understanding of digital filter design, the Digital Director levels up the performance of all digital audio. We’re thrilled to start this new chapter of digital reproduction and can’t wait for you to experience how the Digital Director will breathe vibrant new life into your audio experience.

  • New Digital Director models:
    • The Select Digital Director with linear power supply
    • The Reference Digital Director with linear power supply
    • The Premier Digital Director with switching power supply
  • 4 digital only input module slots
  • Complete source isolation from the DAC engine
    • One Pro ISL Input module and Control Link Module included to connect with existing DACs.
    • Two-way communication shares DAC display, controls, and remote functions.
  • Increased processing power for advanced new digital filters
  • Fully syncronizes all clocks prior to transmission to the DAC
  • In-house machined billet CNC chassis
  • Made in California, USA

Note: Production begins this year, but we ask for patience with new orders as we navigate severe chip shortages and difficult supply lines. Once the new firmware is installed, The Digital Director is compatible with all existing Discrete, Premier, Reference, and Select DACs. All new Digital Directors are manufactured according to our most recent designs and production standards and are not guaranteed to be a perfect finish match to existing systems. That being said, they’ll have stacking compatibility and will follow the correct sizing and shape. All new orders placed between May 2022 and the shipping release of the Digital Directors will be an exact match. Current and new DAC orders will ship when ready and the Digital Director will be sent at a later date when production schedules allow.

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Computer audio and server considerations​


The sonic effects of using various computers and servers are well known and often have a profound impact on the overall sound quality. As engineers, we ask the following: if all audiophile computer audio sources are outputting the exact same bit-perfect file as it came from the studio master, how can these various sources sound so different? Certainly we need to consider the various connection methods of the associated gear, such as USB vs Renderer with a direct ethernet connection, or AES/XLR, etc. Once we have chosen the best connection between the source and the DAC, we might consider the somewhat new category of ethernet filtering offered by an increasing number of manufacturers for an incremental improvement. Much of the electrical noise on your local ethernet is generated by the modem, routers, switches and their associated power supplies.

We might also consider that ethernet, just like wall power, can be incredibly noisy from the local ethernet service polluted by any number of things, like cell towers, TV/Radio stations, or coupling outside the house with AC power lines. While the very noisy ethernet still contains the bit-perfect data that we desire, carried along with it can be incredible electrical noise polluting any DAC or any server in ways that damage the sound. This noise can affect the critical DAC clocks and the signal grounds in crucial ways. The very high frequencies of this noise is intrusive and therefore important to control.

The MSB Digital Director goes further than the ethernet noise filters to isolate the noise from all critical circuitry and process systems. By moving the digital input modules outboard of the DAC’s essential analog conversion function, this prioritizes the DAC’s performance as a dedicated conversion engine. Noise typically introduced within these sensitive processes will instead be managed and isolated by the Digital Director. Using our proprietary ProISL laser fiber optic connections, we’re able to eliminate noise coupling into the DAC. This advanced isolation technology has pushed all digital audio sources to their highest potential.

 

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Increased Isolation and Performance​

In keeping with MSB’s core design principles, the Digital Director seamlessly supports and augments all current DACs. Two-way communication between the Digital Director and the DAC enables seamless input selection and system settings on a single display and control. By outsourcing digital input modules to the Digital Director, the DAC becomes a dedicated conversion engine while the Digital Director manages and isolates all incoming noise. Plus, our proprietary ProISL laser fiber optic connection eliminates noise coupling into the DAC, elevating all digital audio sources to new heights.

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Authentic Reconstruction​

Our Prime and Hybrid DAC modules signaled a gigantic leap forward in accurate and realistic audio reproduction. In order to push our audio technology even further, the Digital Director uses two high performance DSPs, each capable of sustaining 12 billion operations per second that work in tandem with two dedicated FPGAs. This is more than 4x the processing power currently available in the DACs onboard processors, extending the life of new and existing DACs well into the future. But that’s not all: advanced new digital filters, born from decades of research and development, ensure our DACs offer a superior authentic reconstruction of the original analog signal. This allows for a more expansive soundstage, and more beautiful textures from complex performances such as massed horns, vocals, close mic’d piano, large ensembles, and full orchestras. What emerges is the most natural and emotional presentation we’ve ever created.

View attachment 92768

Linear Power Supply​

The Pro-level Digital Director includes an upgraded low-noise linear power supply. Designed and built in-house, it features the same custom isolated transformers found in our DAC powerbases. Reducing the noise in the system always results in improved performance— this is no exception.

12 Volt Trigger Learn more > Click here

CNC billet chassis.​

Starting with a 65lb plate of ‘Kaiser Select Precision Plate’, the chassis is machined in our own in-house CNC shop. After more than six hours of machining, more than half of the aluminum is removed, resulting in a 23lb finished product. The integration of our CNC shop allows for design optimization, creating the best possible product. We use premium ‘Select’ metal, giving us the highest quality anodized finishes on the market.

Machine Shop Tour > Click here

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By moving the digital input modules outboard of the DAC’s essential analog conversion function, this prioritizes the DAC’s performance as a dedicated conversion engine. Noise typically introduced within these sensitive processes will instead be managed and isolated by the Digital Director. Using our proprietary ProISL laser fiber optic connections, we’re able to eliminate noise coupling into the DAC. This advanced isolation technology has pushed all digital audio sources to their highest potential.

So would you say, the devices upstream to an Select Digital Director do not matter any more?
Thanks

Matt
 
The current Renderer V2 is convenient but not in the same league of the top servers/streamers in the market.
I have a different thought then a lot of people I guess. I don't believe the Renderer V2 is meant to compete with 20-30K servers/streamers. People are spending upwards of 30K on Taiko Extreme and then adding all kinds of network gear on top of it. For me if I am going to utilize one of the "high-end" servers, I'm not considering the Renderer V2 module.
 

Increased Isolation and Performance​

In keeping with MSB’s core design principles, the Digital Director seamlessly supports and augments all current DACs. Two-way communication between the Digital Director and the DAC enables seamless input selection and system settings on a single display and control. By outsourcing digital input modules to the Digital Director, the DAC becomes a dedicated conversion engine while the Digital Director manages and isolates all incoming noise. Plus, our proprietary ProISL laser fiber optic connection eliminates noise coupling into the DAC, elevating all digital audio sources to new heights.

View attachment 92769

Authentic Reconstruction​

Our Prime and Hybrid DAC modules signaled a gigantic leap forward in accurate and realistic audio reproduction. In order to push our audio technology even further, the Digital Director uses two high performance DSPs, each capable of sustaining 12 billion operations per second that work in tandem with two dedicated FPGAs. This is more than 4x the processing power currently available in the DACs onboard processors, extending the life of new and existing DACs well into the future. But that’s not all: advanced new digital filters, born from decades of research and development, ensure our DACs offer a superior authentic reconstruction of the original analog signal. This allows for a more expansive soundstage, and more beautiful textures from complex performances such as massed horns, vocals, close mic’d piano, large ensembles, and full orchestras. What emerges is the most natural and emotional presentation we’ve ever created.

View attachment 92768

Linear Power Supply​

The Pro-level Digital Director includes an upgraded low-noise linear power supply. Designed and built in-house, it features the same custom isolated transformers found in our DAC powerbases. Reducing the noise in the system always results in improved performance— this is no exception.

12 Volt Trigger Learn more > Click here

CNC billet chassis.​

Starting with a 65lb plate of ‘Kaiser Select Precision Plate’, the chassis is machined in our own in-house CNC shop. After more than six hours of machining, more than half of the aluminum is removed, resulting in a 23lb finished product. The integration of our CNC shop allows for design optimization, creating the best possible product. We use premium ‘Select’ metal, giving us the highest quality anodized finishes on the market.

Machine Shop Tour > Click here

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Hi Vince,
Many thanks for joining the thread and giving us further info on the Digital Directors.

I notice that the control/link cable between the Digital Director and the downstream MSB dac is a toslink cable.
IMG-20220513-WA0038.jpg

This is clever because there will be complete electrical isolation between the Digital Director and the MSB dac.

I would like to know whether the downstream dac needs a new ProISL module which got a receiving toslink socket for this control/link toslink cable?

Thanks again!
 
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Hi Vince,
Many thanks for joining the thread and giving us further info on the Digital Directors.

I notice that the control/link cable between the Digital Director and the downstream MSB dac is a toslink cable.
View attachment 92806

This is clever because there will be complete electrical isolation between the Digital Director and the MSB dac.

I would like to know whether the downstream dac needs a new ProISL module which got a receiving toslink socket for this control/link toslink cable?

Thanks again!
Based on the info Vince posted when you purchase a Digital Director you get a ProISL Input module for the DAC.

  • Complete source isolation from the DAC engine
    • One Pro ISL Input module and Control Link Module included to connect with existing DACs.
    • Two-way communication shares DAC display, controls, and remote functions.
 

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