DAC architecture reimagined - the Cascade DAC

[Dustin Symanski]

The last couple weeks I have seen a bunch of Cascade boxes in shipping. But I know a lot of them are destined for international customers so I don't know how many have arrived yet. We are now in full production with more finished each day. We have had half a dozen pre-production demo units circulating among dealers since Munich but they had sample finishes, cabling, packaging and other small pre production differences.

 

[bcurtis1959]

The last couple weeks I have seen a bunch of Cascade boxes in shipping. But I know a lot of them are destined for international customers so I don't know how many have arrived yet. We are now in full production with more finished each day. We have had half a dozen pre-production demo units circulating among dealers since Munich but they had sample finishes, cabling, packaging and other small pre production differences.

Patiently waiting

 

[Dustin Symanski]

 

[Easy Gliders]

@Dustin Symanski , the power consumption of the Cascade Digital Director is 17 watts at Standby. That is quite a high Standby power consumption, which may give out quite a lot heat, especially in the tropical countries. Is there any reason why the Standby power consumption is high?
Thanks

 

[Easy Gliders]

Received the Cascade DAC today. Running-in the units now. First impression is the Cascade DAC has better low base extension and bass control, with clearer and more detailed vocals and other instruments - compared to the MSB Reference DAC.

 

[bcurtis1959]

Received the Cascade DAC today. Running-in the units now. First impression is the Cascade DAC has better low base extension and bass control, with clearer and more detailed vocals and other instruments - compared to the MSB Reference DAC.

The verdict is?

 

[leylandi]

Sentinel

MSB Technology The Sentinel DAC – M & S | Ultimate High-Fidelity

www.monoandstereo.com

 

[Easy Gliders]

The verdict is?

After burning in the Cascade DAC for about 3 weeks, there is some minor improvements in SQ. The imaging is very 3D, precise, and pinpointed, with tremendous bass dynamics and clarity of vocals and instruments. I must say that all the tracks that i listened to frequently sounded different now - deep bass including pipe organ music can be heard and felt easily, and so are very low level musical details! The Cascade can be easily at least 50% better than the Reference DAC. I think the new Cascade preamp has improved a lot, especially with the constant 75 ohms analog output impedance, probably better matching my Vitus SM-103 Mk.II monoblocks amplifiers.

 

[bcurtis1959]

Thanks for your feedback

 

[MartinEvs]

I've been having a wonderful time listening to my MSB Reference DAC and fantastic S500 stereo amp with the large Bayz speakers. I've now added a run-in Cascade.... After a lifetime of enjoying hifi since my college days, I haven't experienced such a dramatic set of improvements. Until a couple of years back I had built a Naim 500 series system but somehow never got comfortable with the sound. Searching for something new and more enjoyable has led me on a journey. With the Cascade, S500 and Bayz Courante speakers I have discovered a new level of enjoyment for music. Despite many fabulous experiences at the Munich HiFi show etc, this just an amazingly immersive experience, cant listen to enough music now!!

 

[RdW]

There are some nice new DACs from other manufacturers at HE Munich

Like the CH-precision C10. Hope to learn listening experiences of both machines.

 

[CKKeung]

The MSB Cascade DAC is given the "STATEMENT in High Fidelity Awards 2024" by the German webzine HiFi Statement :​

https://highfidelitynews.pl/statements-in-high-fidelity-2024-ancient-audio-msb-technology/​

HIFISTATEMENT | netmagazine - MSB Technology Cascade DAC

Vor rund vier Jahren testete ich den großartigen Reference DAC, der mit verschiedenen Ein- und Ausgangsmodulen bestückt werden konnte. Kurz darauf s

www.hifistatement.net

 

[pleroma]

The Cascade is fantastic. Out of the box it had clean, well-defined bass, all the mid- and upper-range detail you expect from MSB, but with much more of a sense of ease over the Select 2. As it broke in instrumental separation, soundstage and background silence ehancements became evident, but honestly, it makes you want to stop analyzing and just listen.

 

[Kingsrule]

The Cascade is fantastic. Out of the box it had clean, well-defined bass, all the mid- and upper-range detail you expect from MSB, but with much more of a sense of ease over the Select 2. As it broke in instrumental separation, soundstage and background silence ehancements became evident, but honestly, it makes you want to stop analyzing and just listen.

My experience exactly...more incisive in every way

 

[Solecky]

Any updated impressions on the cascade?

 

[bcurtis1959]

Any updated impressions on the cascade?

I went from the Reference and Director. Big improvement out the box. Very surprised.

 

[pleroma]

Any updated impressions on the cascade?

Yes, everything continues to fill in, equalize, and sound more natural (I'm trying avoid cliché buzz phrases). And this across genres and formats, without need to cherry-pick demo tracks. I'm very happy with the decision.

I also bellieve the M500s complement nicely, as does the Shunyata Omega interconnect.

 

[Solecky]

I went from the Reference and Director. Big improvement out the box. Very surprised.

Thx

Yes, everything continues to fill in, equalize, and sound more natural (I'm trying avoid cliché buzz phrases). I'm very happy with the decision.

I also bellieve the M500s complement nicely, as does the Shunyata Omega interconnect.

thx are you running direct into m500s with a preamp?

 

[pleroma]

Thx

thx are you running direct into m500s with a preamp?

Yes, direct to M500 from built-in pre.

 

[Backpacker]

Any member listening feedback on the Cascade yet?

Alma Audio had a room with this DAC

My mission: Must not like DAC this expensive.
Mission status: Total fail.

Incredible. Relaxed sound yet lively, plenty of jump when appropriate. Super detailed but warm and realistic. This thing is going to be problem…..

I think I needed to hear MSB with a tube in the circuit.

Tip of the hat to Alma Audio for best sound at CAF IMO.

Tracks played:
Cracker: Kerosene Hat
The Slow Show: Low
Boy Genius: Parting Glass
Heart: Darkside
Big Thief: Change