Best PCM DACs?

[AudioExplorations]

What are some of the best DACs out there that extract the most out of 16/44.1 PCM?

Async USB is a must, playing high resolution formats is a nice to have. Thanks.

 

[Bruce B]

MSB Diamond

 

[MadFloyd]

MSB Diamond

Is it vastly different sounding than the MSB Analog (which I'm auditioning now)?

 

[Orb]

Is it vastly different sounding than the MSB Analog (which I'm auditioning now)?

How is the MSB Analog shaping up against the Playback Designs MPD-5?
Cheers
Orb

 

[Bruce B]

Is it vastly different sounding than the MSB Analog (which I'm auditioning now)?

I've never heard the two side by side.

 

[Audioseduction]

I would like to add the Bel Canto DAC3.7 3 box DAC to the list.

 

[bonzo75]

Still Lampi B7

 

[alecm]

Forssell MDAC-2a

 

[Elberoth]

MSB Diamond

Had one for a while (MSB Diamond Plus with Galaxy Femto Clock). The Trinity DAC is much better.

I would still like to hear the new $89.000 MSB DAC Select (the all new Select, not the DAC IV Select) against my Trinity.

 

[bmoura]

Still Lampi B7

The Big 7 is certainly one of the best PCM DACs out there today.

 

[Bruce B]

Had one for a while (MSB Diamond Plus with Galaxy Femto Clock). The Trinity DAC is much better.

I would still like to hear the new $89.000 MSB DAC Select (the all new Select, not the DAC IV Select) against my Trinity.

I can only comment on what I've heard in my system. Wish other folks would do the same. I would like to hear the Big Lampi someday though.

 

[bonzo75]

I can only comment on what I've heard in my system. Wish other folks would do the same. I would like to hear the Big Lampi someday though.

Hi, since the DSD dac is level 4 equivalent, and I initially had the L5, the Big 7 was far, far superior to L5, on complex music

 

[Lee Henley]

Hi, since the DSD dac is level 4 equivalent, and I initially had the L5, the Big 7 was far, far superior to L5, on complex music

And the Golden Gate is in another league mate, incredible!

 

[LL21]

i will try to find some time to listen to the GG DAC, but not right now. I have come to appreciate some of the later generation digital: Stahl Tek, Metronome, Boulder 2000 series and Vivaldi in particular.

I have enjoyed my Zanden for 7 years now and counting...with no desire to change though i have thought about a few digital pieces from time to time. Metronome and Stahl-Tek had me thinking for a little while. The Zanden requires a little TLC on tubes and a lot of TLC on isolation from vibration (above and below), but 'thats me done' once i completed these tweaks.

 

[bmoura]

I can only comment on what I've heard in my system. Wish other folks would do the same. I would like to hear the Big Lampi someday though.

Which Big Lampi - the Big 7 or the Golden Gate?

I'm told that the new Lite 7 Lampizator will be in action next week at The Show Newport Beach. The newest entrant in the "7" family for $6k.

 

[bonzo75]

i will try to find some time to listen to the GG DAC, but not right now. I have come to appreciate some of the later generation digital: Stahl Tek, Metronome, Boulder 2000 series and Vivaldi in particular.

I have enjoyed my Zanden for 7 years now and counting...with no desire to change though i have thought about a few digital pieces from time to time. Metronome and Stahl-Tek had me thinking for a little while. The Zanden requires a little TLC on tubes and a lot of TLC on isolation from vibration (above and below), but 'thats me done' once i completed these tweaks.

Have heard vivaldi many times though not ABed , and ABed a metronome dac, the model that once cost 17k gbp. Preferred the B7 much more, though both are better than L5

 

[bonzo75]

And the Golden Gate is in another league mate, incredible!

I will be listening to the GG a couple of times next month, but I got it from very good ears with experience with both that if I had to choose between putting my money towards the GG or towards upgrading my B7 valves to original WE 101d, I should go with the 101D first

 

[LL21]

Have heard vivaldi many times though not ABed , and ABed a metronome dac, the model that once cost 17k gbp. Preferred the B7 much more, though both are better than L5

I will be listening to the GG a couple of times next month, but I got it from very good ears with experience with both that if I had to choose between putting my money towards the GG or towards upgrading my B7 valves to original WE 101d, I should go with the 101D first

Good to know...thanks. How much are GG and B7?

 

[mauidan]

Aesthetix Pandora (Romulus if you need a CD drive) Signature.

Can be ordered with or without a volume control.

 

[Alpinist]

I would definitely place the Esoteric K-01 and K-01X on the list for an audition. I've had the K-01 for two years and it never fails to impress, whether it's on CD, SACD, CD rips or high res. PCM. Wonderful sonics and build quality.

Ken