I am going to be new to MSB via a Cascade purchase (replacing Berkeley alpha ref 3 dac). The rest of my system is Magico s3 2023, Ayre mxr20 mono amps (which replaced boulder 2160), Boulder 2110 preamp, esoteric k01xd cd player, 2 REL 31s subs and a stromtank 2500 mk2 that everything is plugged into except the subs. I was recently told about a used MSB S500 amp available.
My question is any thoughts on the cascade and s500 ecosystem minus preamp being better than with my 2110? Also could I play my cable TV box through the cascade dac preamp via rca cables like I do on the 2110? If yes I am tempted to get the amp since selling the boulder should pay for the amp. Thoughts?
The Cascade DAC and S500 are an amazing combination without any other preamp. Yes the Cascade can accept RCA analog inputs, it actually has two sets of them. They are completely disconnected when they are not selected or during digital playback. You shouldn’t require your 2110 if you don’t want to use it anymore. The S500 should have a 20+ year maintenance schedule if not abused (recapping etc…). The S500 is very rugged mechanically and electrically. And we can always give it a free checkup if you pay for the shipping. We also have very reasonable reconditioning/repair rates if it needs cosmetic or electrical work for any sort of accident. Just give us a call for an RMA# if you need anything done. The only thing you will miss out on with a used S500 vs our current production is the more curvy flowing lines in the updated metalwork and the new shipping crate, otherwise it will be identical to a new one.
One small snag could be the connection to the subs. The Cascade to S500 is preferentially done direct without anything else connected to the analog outputs of the Cascade. The preferred way of connecting the subs is to connect them to the amplifier outputs using a transformer based subwoofer adaptor. Contact Vince Galbo, our US distributor, for details on what to purchase and how to connect it.
One more question about the subs. Are you saying you have a solution for the problem u mention that I should talk to Vince about? If yes would I still obtain the full potential of the subs performance?
I have a Cascade and M500s and use the Cascade as a preamp. I have a McIntosh MP1100 that I use as a phono stage for my turntable and an AVP connected to the Cascade pre-amp inputs.
As far as I (and my audiophile friends who come over to listen) can tell the Cascade preamp is utterly transparent. If you are looking for a line-level preamp with just a volume control, I don’t think you can do better than a Cascade.
One more question, I will be playing my esoteric k01xd cd player through my yet to be shipped Cascade. What would be the best connection option? I ordered the AES/EBU connection for the cascade , thoughts? See Image
Another question , for my incoming cascade also wondering the best connection to play TV through the dac and my system. Here is the connection options for my TV. Someone told me toslink please advise thx! See image.
Toslink for the isolation is best. Make sure the TV only outputs downmixed SPDIF for best results. That is what I do at home. That, plus video mode, a great movie watching experience!
Most do. Just check your audio output settings, it should be there. There is no downstream decoding, so it has to be decoded from your TV first before arriving at the DAC. I think it is more of a its working or not working situation (AKA, no center channel voices coming through the right and left speakers).
