The Sentinel DAC - Design Update #4

Earlier this week, @Frank_Lee reminded me it has been a while since our last Sentinel update. So… here it is! The reason for the silence is simply from being lost in the project and having a THE MOST FUN ever in a product design. Being able to dig into every detail and add new levels of craftsmanship and nuance is a complete delight. We do plan to have a full product reveal in about 2 weeks time, but for now, here are some sneak peak photos of the current Sentinel Digital Director sitting on my desk.


The fit and finish will exceed everything that has come before it.


The Sentinel Badge is a refined and ultra detailed accent that will have custom color and plating options. Seen here is “off the machine” quality with no buffing or polishing.


Those ultra fine details require new micro tooling and machining. Tool 74 as seen here is a 3 flute micro carbide endmill used for the finishing pass. At 0.020" (0.5mm) Diameter, the cutting edges are nearly imperceptible to the human eye.


This is the Sentinel Badge insert with curved profiles to perfectly match the Sentinels sleek exterior design.


A great example of the precision 5-axis machining in action. These finishes are straight from the CNC machine and smooth to the touch. Ready for anodizing.


Lastly, the Sentinel will be the first product to bear our refreshed logo and branding. Just another area to implement refined detail and precision machining.

I hope you enjoyed this look at the current prototypes. It will only get better as we continue to develop and push the Sentinel further. This is a passion project through and through and will likely stand as MSB’s magnum opus. With the completion of the Digital Director Chassis, my work begins on the Sentinel Analog Converter which will entail a much larger amp style chassis with a complex thermal design requirement. Time to get back to work, cheers!

18 Likes

Looks awesome @Daniel_Francis!

Thanks @Ron ! Pretty pumped for the final result.

2 Likes

I was told, even at the prototype stage, the sound is quite commanding and fulfilling, worthy of the name. :+1: :slight_smile: It’s a pity I wasn’t able to visit this time.

Alas! Another time perhaps. I assume you heard a report from our recent visitors? Very few people have been able to audition it. The performance of the electronics are indeed first and foremost our priority and they do not disappoint.

1 Like

I’m working hard and saving up because I don’t want to miss out on this awesome product!Thanks MSB Team :nerd_face:

3 Likes

Is this the Sentinel sneaking its way onto the home page??

1 Like

Thanks for the update! Looks like a gorgeous looking product is about to be unveiled. Look forward to the big reveal.

1 Like

Looks incredible! The crown jewel! Can’t wait for our customers and us to hear this!

3 Likes

Hello Daniel Freancis,
hearing the Sentinel means there has to be a line of further components downstream the Sentinel, i. e. power amp, loudspeakers and some cables.
Can you tell us which downstream components you are using to show the quality of the Sentinel DAC?

For our development we have been using the M500 Monoblocks along with Estelon Forza’s and Magico M2’s. Cables are all in-house designs.

The Sentinel Amp will be a future product built for this DAC that will really help shine a light on what the Sentinel DAC has to offer.

4 Likes

Also, on a related note, Dustin just finished yet ANOTHER round of improvements in the sonic performance of the Sentinel DAC today. I was nearly shellshocked to hear such a step up in the realism at this stage of development. It was already the best we had ever heard, and is now uncanny in how convincing the performances have become. Absolutely dying to get this product on the road, can’t wait for you all to hear it. The Sentinel truly stands alone in our industry.

9 Likes

Just let me know when to send in my Cascade and the 2,500 check so I can receive my sentinel :slight_smile:

2 Likes