StickMan451

Exactly, I don't want to play my DSD files over 'PCM'; the new Quad USB module can play them 'natively.'

I just upgraded to the MSB Quad USB module on my MSB Analog DAC. I am still using Audirvana VER 1.5.12. When I select 'Automatc Detection' in the setup options, DSD 128 and DSD 256 'gray out'. Can ver 1.5.12 play DSD Natively at these bit rates or is this and Apple issue?

Shelby Lynne, 'Just a Little Loving' DSD

Ouch, got tracking number for my Analog Dac, delivers next Thursday....only took six weeks...

rfluonogo, did your MSB Analog DAC show up yet??? I am still waiting.................ordered it Nov 12th.......

I have owned the Magnepan 3.6's, auditioned the 1.6's and the 1.7's, and now own the new 20.7's. Personally, I would buy a nice used pair of 3.6's before I would buy the new 1.7's. There's nothing wrong with the 1.7's, but overall I think that the old 3.6's will get you further/closer to the truth (I am sure that some will disagree). What I found is that as the Maggies get physically bigger, the tweeter ribbon seems to integrate better. With the 1.7's and even more-so with the old 1.6's, in my room/rig, it just seemed as if the ribbon 'stuck-out' more than it did in the 3 series. With the new 20.7's overall integration is so good (and improved) that they just sound like one big driver; nothing sticks-out, it's all coherent and integrated. With the 3.6 you can get a bigger and better defined sound-field (especially if your listening room is large enough to allow you to sit the speakers 4 - 6 feet into the room), more and better defined and more realistic bass, and a speaker that almost speaks with one voice; the tweeter ribbon can rear its ugly head occasionally but with the right amplification and room placement you can minimize this issue.

An MSB Analog DAC with the upgraded Power Base; I can hardly wait!!!! Two more weeks before it arrives...

I decided to go with the Power Base too. Overall it made a dramatic positive difference in my system. It made the Analog DAC sound BIGGER, more powerful and dynamic, with better definition in the bass, a blacker and more quiet background to the music, and it added that small measure of PRAT that transformed a good DAC into a great DAC. I also went with the Audioquest Diamond; now all I have to do is wait two or three more weeks to receive my new DAC....

Curious, did you go with the upgraded Power Base? I tried both the standard and the Power Base and felt that the Power Base was significantly better in my system. What kind of time frame have they given you on delivery of the DAC? I may try to get a demo of the Diamond and also the Synergistic Active SE

Looking for recommendations on a very good USB cable to use on my new MSB Analog DAC. I run the DAC single-ended into a Hovland HP-100 tube pre. Amps are Cary 500 SS monoblocks driving a pair of Magnean 20.7's.

I opted for the DSD...

thanks, I saw that Little Broken Hearts is 44 so I guess that I will do the PCM of that or I may call Acoustic Sounds and see if they can offer their opinion on the DSD vs the PCM of that album. the Analog DAC is pretty impressive I think!

but, I have had numerous people tell me that the real test with DSD vs PCM is that you should find out how the original music was layed down and try to use the hirez files that are in the same format???

I am GOOD on the DAC; I just got the MSB Analog DAC with the upgraded Power Base. I use Adirvana on a MacMini setup with a 2TD music drive connected via FireWire 800. I have downloaded several DSD's and I have to say that I am impressed. Compared to the FLAC and AIFF 96/24's I have I like the DSD better; it just sounds more natural and real; a lot closer to what I hear when I play vinyl.

I've been looking at all the Norah Jones hi-rez dl on the AS site; how do I decide which versions to purchase? DSD, ALAC, FLAC, and the associated various sampling rates make it a bit difficult to decide... How do/would you make these choices?