If you go amp-direct, the 2 power supplies will make a nice difference. Otherwise, a higher clock would be my first choice!
I had the luxury to do a weekend auditioning of the MSB Reference DAC
@home with the three clocks and with the “standard” power supply. I’m not a reviewer or brilliant editor but in short, this is my personal observation ( MSB Reference DAC, Soulution 520, Audio Research Ref 150SE, TAD CR-1
- Femto 140 directly to Ref 150 via pre-amp module: no improvement compared to my Premier DAC with double power supply connected to the 520
- Femto 140 through the 520 to Ref 150 via standard output module : slight but noticeable improvement compared to my Premier DAC with double power supply connected to the 520
- Femto 77 directly to Ref 150 via pre-amp module: couldn’t judge in term of quality compared to my Premier DAC with double power supply connected to the 520. Although there were definitely more details, the soundstage didn’t appeal to me. Also some harshness made this a short session.
- Femto 77 through the 520 to Ref 150 via standard output module : very noticeable improvement compared to my Premier DAC with double power supply connected to the 520. Very good soundstage, more depth and definition, although still some harsh sound in the mid-upper and upper frequencies.
- Femto 33 directly to Ref 150 via pre-amp module: Mind blowing !!
Definite the best I have auditioned so far. This combo beats every possible combi with the components I had in the house. The amount of information is incredible, there is more definition and articulation in the lower frequencies, more air, precision and space. Mid and upper frequencies are practically without harshness ( maybe this one touch on the piano).
The frustration is that I need to get over the ridiculous high EUR prices in Europe vs the USD prices. MSB need to do something about that.