Are the "Cheaper" MSB models the best digital?

caesar

Well-Known Member
May 30, 2010
4,290
767
1,698
For those who are splitting funds between multiple systems and for those wanting to take the step by step by upgrade approach, do the cheaper models in MSB product line up come close to the top models?

Do they maintain the same signature?

Or is one better off going with a different brand and getting the top MSB models when ready?
 

Hieukm

Well-Known Member
Oct 2, 2016
271
105
128
For those who are splitting funds between multiple systems and for those wanting to take the step by step by upgrade approach, do the cheaper models in MSB product line up come close to the top models?

Do they maintain the same signature?

Or is one better off going with a different brand and getting the top MSB models when ready?
Chord Dave + Mscaler likely to be the best.
 

asiufy

Industry Expert/VIP Donor
Jul 8, 2011
3,711
723
1,200
San Diego, CA
almaaudio.com
No to the first question, yes to the second.
They maintain the same signature (or lack thereof) and traits, you just get less of it as you go down the line.
Also, if you purchase a Discrete (entry level), you can have it upgraded to Premier later. And we'll take back your Premier towards a Reference, and so on and so forth.
I respectfully disagree with the Chord comment. I haven't heard this "Mscaler", but I've heard the Dave here, and the client preferred our old MSB Analog DAC back then.
 

MJB

Well-Known Member
Mar 10, 2013
136
29
333
I had the Premier for a few days at my home. It is a terrific DAC with the renderer. I did not buy it but really liked it a lot.
 

Hieukm

Well-Known Member
Oct 2, 2016
271
105
128
No to the first question, yes to the second.
They maintain the same signature (or lack thereof) and traits, you just get less of it as you go down the line.
Also, if you purchase a Discrete (entry level), you can have it upgraded to Premier later. And we'll take back your Premier towards a Reference, and so on and so forth.
I respectfully disagree with the Chord comment. I haven't heard this "Mscaler", but I've heard the Dave here, and the client preferred our old MSB Analog DAC back then.
Dave + Mscaler is in Select 2 territory. I also have not heard the Select 2 but i know someone who agree with me. :D.
 

the sound of Tao

Well-Known Member
Jul 18, 2014
3,620
4,838
940
Dave + Mscaler is in Select 2 territory. I also have not heard the Select 2 but i know someone who agree with me. :D.
Whoa dude... love the commitment to Chord and I equally be loving my M Scaler (truly a revelation on a much higher plane for Chord and making streaming redbook much more like streaming pure goldbook) but wrt ballparking up @ Select 2 territory... hmmm even I’m not that brave lol.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Hieukm

Hieukm

Well-Known Member
Oct 2, 2016
271
105
128
Whoa dude... love the commitment to Chord and I equally be loving my M Scaler (truly a revelation on a much higher plane for Chord and making streaming redbook much more like streaming pure goldbook) but wrt ballparking up @ Select 2 territory... hmmm even I’m not that brave lol.
Dont be so sensitive. Someone here has MSB Select 2 upgrade from Dave + Mscaler who thinks so. Love how all the MSB Select 2 owner acting out. :D
 
  • Like
Reactions: the sound of Tao

About us

  • What’s Best Forum is THE forum for high end audio, product reviews, advice and sharing experiences on the best of everything else. This is THE place where audiophiles and audio companies discuss vintage, contemporary and new audio products, music servers, music streamers, computer audio, digital-to-analog converters, turntables, phono stages, cartridges, reel-to-reel tape machines, speakers, headphones and tube and solid-state amplification. Founded in 2010 What’s Best Forum invites intelligent and courteous people of all interests and backgrounds to describe and discuss the best of everything. From beginners to life-long hobbyists to industry professionals, we enjoy learning about new things and meeting new people, and participating in spirited debates.

Quick Navigation

User Menu

Steve Williams
Site Founder | Site Owner | Administrator
Ron Resnick
Site Co-Owner | Administrator
Julian (The Fixer)
Website Build | Marketing Managersing