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I have had a similar experience to Paul, except in reverse. The Rega was much smoother, warmer, etc. than the Peachtree. However, my experience with the Peachtree was with the combo unit w/amp, and not the DacIt. Most say they sound very similar (DacIt and the integrated units). The teflon coming off my pans didn't occur with the Rega, but certainly has peeled with some of the other DAC's I've auditioned. Also, I frequently run those same B&W 685 speakers (I do use a sub with these) that you have using the Rega and it seems to be a great combination in my system. I use a variety of speakers depending on mood. I am very sensitive to high end harshness and bought the Rega precisely because it was so smooth in the upper register. I have never heard the m-Dac. In my system with my ears ...Rega was more listenable than the Peachtree combo unit that I auditioned. For what it's worth... As always ...trust your own ears with your own system. Make sure that whatever unit you buy comes with a "satisfaction guarantee" ...during some reasonable time period, you can return it for something else, or ideally get your money back. For me, DAC's have been the most variable component I own and require many hours to feel comfortable with. Simple A B switching is not enough ...hours of listening required.

I find the debate over resolution and format choices helpful. I have heard great sounding Red Book and pretty mediocre 24/96 …and the reverse. I don’t currently have the ability to listen at 192 due to the limitations of my system. Given my 56 years, I know that my hearing is only good to about 14 or 15 khz on a good day. Still, I can easily discern differences when many don’t. My brain must be able to make sense out of the timing cues and other attributes that are spoken of less often than frequency extension. The connection to photography is also useful. I can see very clear differences in the look of a print from one 12 megapixel camera to another. Color tonality, micro contrast and many other attributes DO separate the “look” that you get with one camera’s sensor vs. another. Reviewers are always struggling to put words to what they see …it can get pretty “woo woo” sometimes. However, they DO find differences and are simply trying to articulate what they see. The higher end of audio has always been a bit of “woo woo” for most. But, that doesn’t take away the fact that there are very specific perceived differences that many people are able to identify. Hard to articulate sometimes, but the differences absolutely exist. Yes, there is the “placebo” effect and a host of other human perceptual issues (loudness, etc.) that can influence perception. Still, I believe that we can safely say that all equipment does not sound the same even when it “measures” that way. I was hoping for the definitive scientific explanation that lays out the “why” in this debate. It doesn’t exist because we still don’t really know all the attributes that point us in the direction of one approach vs. another. There is a great deal of speculation and even dogmatic rhetoric that accompanies those writings that try to “scientifically” describe what we hear. I think that for me, it is a bit like the “Bull Durham” monologue: “I believe that: - Less distortion is better than more - Extended flat frequency response wins over “colored” - Shorter signal paths vs. lots of extra boxes and wires usually sounds better - More data (24/96) vs. less data (16/44.1) is usually better sounding (assuming the same master and a DAC that “plays” well with both) - Transports DO matter - Most rooms influence the sound more than the electronics - Synergy exists in some systems and not in others (otherwise good components can sound bad when integrated with the wrong playmates) - Bass sounds better with a larger driver - Damping factor makes a sonic difference - Satellites “image” better than full range …if you can manage to fill in the bass properly - Interconnects need to be at a “quality level” higher than what comes in the box. However, at some point, there is a diminishing return on the investment - Speaker cables sound good when the run is short making monoblock amps a good choice when possible - Tubes can sound “warmer” and even “better” than solid state, but often at the expense of something (articulate bass, noise floor, transparency, etc.) - “Grainy” digital is the Devil’s curse - LP’s can sound really great (better than digital) or really bad …but cleaning them is a bitch either way - AB comparisons rarely mean anything once a certain level of quality has been achieved …it takes time to really understand the nuances of what change has occurred …often months of listening - Irrespective of what you read, you must ALWAYS trust your own perception when it comes to high end audio and photography (and a lot of other things, as well) - When it sounds “good” …don’t overthink it, just ENJOY!” So, I will continue to enjoy the debate over "HI-REZ" and the links to some fine reading (I really do appreciate the references). The elements that impact our ability to “hear the music” are important and meaningful to understand.

When it works, is delivers good clean sound to my DAC. However, I usually have to re-install the server software at 3-4 week intervals on a modern Windows 7 system. Sometimes just because it doesn't work anymore ...sometimes updating by Logitech ...about a 15 minute task. I only suggest the SB to friends with a tolerance for technical tinkering. Not all that bad, but it is certainly not flawless in this regard. Other forums suggest that my experience is shared by many.

I have been using for over a year and was wondering about updating for the relatively small $23 fee. The blue button that you pointed out showing a direct audio path was the clincher. That feature alone was worth the upgrade to me.<br /> <br /> I am curious as to any other observations that you noticed regarding version comparisons. Obviously, I've already upgraded, but haven't had the chance to do any sonic comparisons with the old version, etc.<br /> <br /> Thanks for your review!

They just need a simple remote to switch both the inputs and the filter settings ...no brainer. I guess I just need to get out the duct tape and a dozen chopsticks or so...

I use HDMI for DVD, comcast box, etc. My Samsung TV has an optical output that I run to the Rega so all my video sources are available on one optical input on the Rega. I use filter number "1" with video most of the time. Obviously, these sources don't sound as good as my dedicated CD transport or Squeezebox, but they do sound much better than "analog out" on these lower cost video units.

My understanding is that the VDACII is similar to the M1 (also by Musical Fidelity) but without the better power supply. The M1 is actually a very nice, smooth sounding DAC, but in my systems, the Rega seems to have a better soundstage and more transparency. I have auditioned a dozen or so DAC's over the past ten+ years starting with the MSB Link. However, I have always stayed at price points not exceeding 1k. I have heard the really hi-end DAC's at shows but never in my own system. In my experience, DAC's that DON'T upsample usually sound a tad better to me with Redbook files which still provide the bulk of what I listen to. Therefore, if I were to pick from today's offerings, the Rega would be first, the CI second and the M1 third. Interestingly, the MSB still sounds good with Coax. I know ...if I had simply put the dollars invested in multiple DAC's over time into one really great one. LOL.

Per their manual: "The digital output mirrors the selected input. For example when input 2 has been selected the digital output will be the signal present on input 2 but cleaned up and re-clocked, this can be used to drive an auxiliary piece of equipment if so desired." I wouldn't recommend using two DAC's either ...just tried it based on having a low cost used CI and I was comparing. The easiest way to wire it at the time was using the digital out. I ended up trying it both connected to the Rega and not. Interestingly, it does sound better with the Rega so I concluded that their statement around "cleaned up and re-clocked" did seem to make a difference. If anything, it made me feel like the Rega was a good value ...it does sound better than the CI on its own, but not by a lot. In other words, I could be happy with just the CI ...very good sounding DAC with the power supply ...haven't auditioned with the wall wart.

Rega is simply allowing you to select what the chips are already capable of doing. Still, I found the process of determining which filter to use a bit annoying. There is not a remote control and, in my setup, I have to get up to make any changes. If you are able to simply press the button from where you listen ...this would be most helpful. FWIW, I have landed on the "2" setting for most sources although I occasionally prefer the "5" setting on Redbook. "1" is sometimes useful for movie soundtracks / video. On any given day, I could possibly prefer a different filter so I have determined that it is pretty subtle and not worth a constant fixation on comparison vs. just listening to the music. I would also throw in the CI VDA•2 DAC w/VAC•1 High Current Power Supply ...runs $799 for both. I got these used and I highly recommend them. Strangely, they sound best when fed the digital out from the Rega so there must be a good "clean up" going on in the Rega. Long story, but I stumbled into this combo and often prefer it to just the Rega ...sort of an additional filter setting in my system.

especially with HD (24-96) files. Using filter number 2 and very happy with it using Coax. At first, I used optical based on all the discussion regarding the noisy power supply on the SB. Just thought I would compare one day and was happier with Coax. Lesson learned ...always try for yourself on your system. Mileage seems to vary a lot in the land of audio.

two key points. Make the product rock solid reliable. It works most of the time, but like another user commented ...can't leave it on for days without re-booting. iTunes has issues, but reliability has never been a problem for me. Secondly, just give me a button or toggle in the program to go to "audiophile mode" which would implement all of the great ideas listed in this thread that improve sound quality and eliminate video from the equation. I can be a "geek" sometimes, but I prefer not to be when listening to good music on my system. Just make the settings easy to remove when needed. I think a "sound mode" feature that has "default" (normal mode), "audiophile" (best sound) and "custom" (user adjustable from either of the other modes) would be all that I need. Good use of a thread to improve an already good product!

I am rarely the "target market" in today's economy. They are usually targeting my children or somebody other than me. HERE, (Hi-res downloads of older popular music), I am actually the "target" ...it is almost never this way! They continually "miss the boat" ...they release product that is NOT ACCEPTABLE to me even though I am the PERFECT consumer for this. I don't know very many people that would actually pay again for this album ...I WOULD IF IT WAS BETTER. The fact that I have to wait and see if others actually can see a difference, let alone determine that it is actually 16 bits and INFERIOR to the CD is all that you need to know. WHY would I purchase an album that I have on vinyl, CD (original release), or CD re-issue (often "best of" or "remastered") unless it offered some sonic advantage? The answer is obvious ...no way unless the supplier is concerned with my issues. I want a better sounding recording ...if you can't supply that, don't keep releasing c%^p.

for the great review. I was able to determine that this product was not for me. That is the best praise I can muster. To read a review and absolutely know that I am the wrong "target" customer is wonderful. So many times ...you have to read between way too many lines to figure this out. Thanks!

Truly crazy ...after all of the threads w/HD Tracks on this blog. When will they actually hire somebody (high school or college student, interested party, etc.) to test their stuff? ...actually download the files and perform the most basic "QC" around the product. Every time a new album is released on HD Tracks ...you just have to wait for all of the "fallout." Doesn't that seem like a ridiculous way to do business? This model will only work until somebody else ALSO offers the same music in hi-def format. Someday, you will have a choice for hi-res downloads of popular music. Until then, it is "buyer beware" because: 1) The labels just send "junk" ...not the fault of HD Tracks. 2) They are "doing the best they can with what they receive." 3) They are not required to actually "check the files they post." Just wait for people to complain ...then, slowly fix the problem via email. 4) Never respond to ALL of the MANY THREADS that have been posted here about the BOGUS S@#T that is passed off as "acceptable" by HD Tracks. I swore I would just stop complaining and never purchase another HD Tracks product. Still, it is SOOO FRUSTRATING to constantly read how they have screwed up yet another release. Somebody please supply a better mouse-trap ...is it really that difficult to do?

is a good choice if 1k is the price point. Very musical and EASY on the ears. If you need USB, I would add the Musical Fidelity V-Link (now just $119 on Amazon) so that you can use a coax or optical connection vs. the built-in USB on the Rega. Also, I recently purchased the Musical Fidelity M-1 (which now has the async. USB circuitry of the V-Link built in although their own web site doesn't explain this) for use in my office system ...extremely smooth and listenable without any harsh or rough edges. Was able to purchase at the RMAF show for $500 ...likely a bit more from other sources. I believe the Rega is a tad better w/soundstage and bass, but not that much better and the M-1 would be hundreds less even at full retail. To confuse matters even more, I am very impressed with the CI (Chanel Island) DAC w/power supply ...around $600. No USB, but again, just get the V-Link to use optical or coax in on the DAC. The CI is a bit more transparent than either the M-1 or Rega to my ears ...may be less forgiving with lower quality recordings. I would have to move to the Bel Canto product before trading any of these out of my systems.