How good is MSB Discrete Dac?

Ron Resnick

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Jan 24, 2015
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Congratulations, skids929!

Please keep us closely posted!
 
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FMaximus

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Dec 17, 2018
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Just ordered the Discrete with the Pro USB...Plan on getting the extra PS supply soon after I take delivery and settle in with it. I auditioned alot of DACs, coming close to just keeping the Rockna Wavelight DAC. Hopefully the Discrete out does it the Rockna.

Either way, this should prove to be a long term DAC that meets the sound playback I prefer. Smooth, neutral, detailed. I will report back to let everyone know my thoughts on it, with 1 and 2 power supplies as well.
Hi,
I’m looking to replace my Auralic Vega G2 with a Discrete plus the extra power supply. I’d be really interested in your thoughts on the MSB!
cheers
 
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skids929

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Dec 31, 2020
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Hi,
I’m looking to replace my Auralic Vega G2 with a Discrete plus the extra power supply. I’d be really interested in your thoughts on the MSB!
cheers
Sorry just seeing this...I love the Discrete with the 2 power supplies. It's a end game DAC for sure, it can be the last dac you own. Smooth, detailed, transient response is incredible (speakers will impact this as well). All I can say is I haven't listened to any recording that sounds bad with this DAC. I would say get a listen if you can.
 

FMaximus

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Dec 17, 2018
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Sorry just seeing this...I love the Discrete with the 2 power supplies. It's a end game DAC for sure, it can be the last dac you own. Smooth, detailed, transient response is incredible (speakers will impact this as well). All I can say is I haven't listened to any recording that sounds bad with this DAC. I would say get a listen if you can.
Thanks, can’t get a demo here in NZ but i do trust the local supplier fully (he imports against orders versus holding stock). I will start saving my pennies
 
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skids929

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Dec 31, 2020
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Thanks, can’t get a demo here in NZ but i do trust the local supplier fully (he imports against orders versus holding stock). I will start saving my pennies


I don't regret the money I spent in my discrete, and I had to save for it, these things don't come easy. Being an audiophile I feel like I have a DAC I don't need to swap out for something else out of curiosity to how it sounds. Unless I upgrade to a Premier or Reference. ...Someday maybe, for now I have no complaints about my source.
 
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Ron Resnick

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Have any of you had occasion to compare directly the MSB Discrete to the Lampizator Baltic-3?
 

rbbert

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I have a Discrete arriving Monday for a 1-2 wk demo, but no easy way to compare to the Lampi. Still, I have a high level of anticipation :)
 

skids929

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Dec 31, 2020
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I have a Discrete arriving Monday for a 1-2 wk demo, but no easy way to compare to the Lampi. Still, I have a high level of anticipation :)

Hope you have some money saved you won't want to give it back. Both power supplies or just one?
 

rbbert

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Hope you have some money saved you won't want to give it back. Both power supplies or just one?
Probably just one, although it is coming in 3 separate boxes so I'll see... If I end up buying it, I'm fairly sure I would get a second PS as well
 
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skids929

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Dec 31, 2020
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Probably just one, although it is coming in 3 separate boxes so I'll see... If I end up buying it, I'm fairly sure I would get a second PS as well
the second power supply makes a profound difference. report back with your thoughts.
 

asiufy

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the second power supply makes a profound difference. report back with your thoughts.

I have to second that you really, REALLY need the 2nd power supply.
You won't get a good idea with just one PS.
 
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skids929

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Dec 31, 2020
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I have to second that you really, REALLY need the 2nd power supply.
You won't get a good idea with just one PS.
Whats your take on the difference between the Premier/Powerbase and Discrete with 2 supplies? Worth the upgrade or go straight to the reference?
 

asiufy

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Whats your take on the difference between the Premier/Powerbase and Discrete with 2 supplies? Worth the upgrade or go straight to the reference?
Well, obviously if you have the means to go for a Reference, that's the best DAC.

But the final decision needs to take into the consideration the system in which the DAC will go into.
 

skids929

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Dec 31, 2020
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Well, obviously if you have the means to go for a Reference, that's the best DAC.

But the final decision needs to take into the consideration the system in which the DAC will go into.
The system currently has an MSB Discrete just looking to know if I upgrade is the premier that much better than the discrete.
 
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asiufy

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The system currently has an MSB Discrete just looking to know if I upgrade is the premier that much better than the discrete.
Yes, it is.
 

rbbert

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Dec 12, 2010
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I have to second that you really, REALLY need the 2nd power supply.
You won't get a good idea with just one PS.
Alex, are you back in the USA now?

I also have to wonder about the Premier with its new package pricing
 

asiufy

Industry Expert/VIP Donor
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Alex, are you back in the USA now?

I also have to wonder about the Premier with its new package pricing
Unfortunately, not yet.

But I'm always available on email and phone.
 

rbbert

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Discrete DAC arrived with 2 power supplies and ProISL input module :)
 

skids929

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Dec 31, 2020
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It will love your Pass INT....Get it all plugged and in and let er rip!!
Let us know what you think.
 

rbbert

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Dec 12, 2010
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Ordered, dual PS, proISL/USB. According to Alma Audio may ship in only 2-3 weeks!
 

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