My experience with MSB all started with a DAC VI Diamond I bought years ago. I thought then I had ordered a DAC that could never be beaten.
Then I tested the DAC V Diamond but decided to wait a bit due to the just announced REFERENCE DAC which became my dearest Music companion in its magnificent Silver Polish finish eight years ago : what a beautiful piece of gear nearing the asymptotic limit of sound quality.
In summer 2023, I was intrigued by the reputation of the Digital Director and elected to acquire one without testing it in my system. I considered the new set as a reborn of the REFERENCE or my kind of third MSB DAC with a sort of there-cannot-be-any-better SQ going forward. The next frontier was reached.
But actually not. Two weeks ago, the French distributor was kind enough to lend me his demo unit for a week to compare it with the REFERENCE+DD in my system. Damn, what a slap in the face… a stellar leapfrog in SQ.
Thanks to the MSB trading program, I ordered a CASCADE DAC last Friday. Counting down now the days before I can get the “fourth” MSB DAC in my system.
Cheers and hats off for the quality of your products and the joy they give us. Merci
I’m sure you will find it wonderful! Every time I have friends over to listen they are amazed how “much” of the music we listen to they hear, even if they have been over before.
Hahahaha, yes, the Cascade really is a new level of SQ. Congratulations on the upgrade! I saw your order is already built. We should receive your Reference DAC this week and be able to move over the inputs, test, and ship.
Thanks for the kind words and the long term support. It is folks like you that got us to where we are at. Its been a journey, and things are only looking up!
@ofer60 , the Reference DAC is an outstanding product and the Cascade does not change that. I would encourage you to continue using and enjoying it. If and when it makes sense to change your system, we do have trade in options for the Reference DAC and DD. The second hand market with refurbished units is getting stronger now that we are through most of the first transactions. Please get in contact with your dealer and have them contact us with your SN and we will work on a proposal.
Yes, that is MSB’s official offer, but our dealers can work with you for better value in rehoming the DAC. Please discuss with your dealer. However, selling your system directly would likely yield the best return for the DAC. Or, continue to enjoy the great performance of the Reference and DD.
I received the Cascade this afternoon and connected it this evening, I have been told the adventures of my returning Reference DAC + DD with the US customs and all you had to do to clear it. And for what you did to hold the delivery date of Aug 26., despite the very late arrival of my gear in Watsonville. Hats off for the care to support your remote customers. Much appreciated also the support of Guy and his team to track the parcels on their way back to California during the August vacation period here in France.
Quick question : I have a PS Audio Perfectwave SACD transport (the 2021 version). Is it a normal HDMI cable that is needed to connect it to the Cascade or are the cabling of the HDMI plugs different ?
Yes, it was quite an adventure indeed. I just processed the return and settled the order today. I hope you enjoy, looking forward to hearing your feedback on the new Cascade in your system.
Yes, standard HDMI cable. As a reminder, you will need to enable the PS Audio format in the menu before the input module will function with your transport. If you have a high end cable and are having issues, check with a more standard cable to verify functionality first. Cheers!
The Cascade is just so good.