New MSB Cascade DAC

[rau]

Hello rau, what made you pick the Cascade over the Horizon 360?

Tighter Bass

Better imaging

Better dynamics

If one does not a/b the 2 DACS
side by side same room and electronics they could be happy with either . Again I like both DACS and I am strongly considering keeping both . There is also a base price diffrence and then one needs to add modules .

 

[caesar]

Tighter Bass

Better imaging

Better dynamics

If one does not a/b the 2 DACS
side by side same room and electronics they could be happy with either . Again I like both DACS and I am strongly considering keeping both . There is also a base price diffrence and then one needs to add modules .

Other than the imaging, "tighter bass" and "better dynamics" seems like a typical tubed design weakness / solid state strength.

I do agree that these are big lampizator weaknesses, unless someone is using them with horns/ high efficiency speakers, where these weaknesses are mitigated and lampizator musicality can really shine through.

I have not spent much time with the newer MSB DAC models, but I found previous MSB models - select and reference - having poor dynamics compared to other top DACs. Previous generation MSB sounded to me as overly smooth, yet more refined and higher priced DSD dac from PS Audio. I wonder if that has changed in the new generation.

 

[rau]

Other than the imaging, "tighter bass" and "better dynamics" seems like a typical tubed design weakness / solid state strength.

I do agree that these are big lampizator weaknesses, unless someone is using them with horns/ high efficiency speakers, where these weaknesses are mitigated and lampizator musicality can really shine through.

I have not spent much time with the newer MSB DAC models, but I found previous MSB models - select and reference - having poor dynamics compared to other top DACs. Previous generation MSB sounded to me as overly smooth, yet more refined and higher priced DSD dac from PS Audio. I wonder if that has changed in the new generation.

I am using horns , as far as previous MSB DACs I wouldn't know since this is my first MSB DAC . But I have heard others state the Cascade is superior to previous models .

 

[caesar]

I am using horns , as far as previous MSB DACs I wouldn't know since this is my first MSB DAC . But I have heard others state the Cascade is superior to previous models .

Yes, I found the previous generation of MSB excellent with horns, where their lack of dynamics prowess were moot, due to high efficiency / sensitivity of the speaker.

I am guessing the Cascade is more dynamic than previous MSB generation DACs.

Congrats on an excellent system!

 

[Brucemck2]

Yes, I found the previous generation of MSB excellent with horns, where their lack of dynamics prowess were moot, due to high efficiency / sensitivity of the speaker.

I am guessing the Cascade is more dynamic than previous MSB generation DACs.

Congrats on an excellent system!

The Cascade has excellent dynamics. I upgraded from a Reference with Director and it’s markedly better in every way.