Bricasti DACs are great, though I'm particularly fond of the M21, as it has a ladder DAC + a true 1bit DSD path. Also love that they're network DACs, so no USB complications...
We are getting an M19 to test, along with the new input I2S input module. As far as I know, via I2B, the M19 outputs...
We also got some good feedback from our room at Capital Audio Fest, with Carmel 3! Owners of Carmel 2s are in for a treat with the Reference 3 upgrade...
Yes, either server will sound better than your QNAP. I know because I used to use a QNAP many years ago :) And, at least on my DACs, the difference was huge!
Let's assume you're playing files over the network, from the QNAP to the CH. That's far more interesting than USB, as the network will provide a good degree of isolation between the noisy NAS and your DAC. But that doesn't mean the server on the other end doesn't matter, and a better, quieter...
@Dogberry you might want to check out this boxset, that just started shipping:
https://superdeluxeedition.com/news/camel-air-born-the-mca-decca-years-1973-1984/
That's what I currently have in the store (in VA), an upgraded 2.2i > 3.2.
The new crossovers are absolutely massive.
For Sonja 2.2, upgrade pricing is $7,200 for the tweeter only, $19,200 for the crossovers + tweeter, and finally $22,700 for the whole thing, including the new front baffle.
This...
I would also go with 458s, but having lived with a 108 mkII the past couple of weeks, I have to say the upgrade over the already fantastic mkI is not insignificant.
It is now a truly "universal" amp, and can drive tough loads with a smile (and no blinking!).
Yes, if your MSB has the USB input, then plugging a PC and playing it back works too, you just have to make sure the app playing the file does it truly bit-perfect (like foobar).
Having heard both Sonja 3.2 and Carmel 3 in my store, I agree with your final sentence. Reference 3 is a clear step beyond what was already fantastic!
Carmel 3 in particular has seen the biggest jump, and it did attract a lot of attention at Capital Audio Fest this past weekend.
Thank you! I've been in the Boenicke room most of the day, and it's amazing how it has improved from day 1. I bet tomorrow it's going to sound even better, only to have to tear everything down after 4pm :(
Anyway, if you're around CAF tomorrow, please stop by and say hi!
alex
Thank you, that's one of our rooms (849) :)
That's the MSB Premier DAC with Premier Director, and we also have the Select DAC with Select Director next door, Room 850.
@Rexp if you're around tomorrow, please stop by and say hi!
Alex
Yep, we're doing it again this year!
We did 5 rooms last year, but this year we'll only do... 4 :)
All the way up on the 8th floor, look us up!
Showing, among other things;
Boenicke W13SE+ speakers
YG Carmel 3 speakers
Estelon Aura speakers
Vinnie Rossi electronics
MSB Select w/ Select...