As we approach the end of 2025, I wanted to post an update on the current state of production for the Sentinel DAC. We have many preorders and folks excited to get their hands on one. It won’t be too long before that happens!
Final production was locked in at the end of September, but the actual production of PCB’s and metal components started many months before. We have completed production for many of the Analog Converter and Digital Director assemblies. The last remaining parts are from the Power Supply, which was designed with the specific measured values for the final working Analog Converter. No guesswork.
The scale of the product has been staggering, with 56 individual PCB’s and 125 CNC Machined parts (not including custom CNC hardware, of which there is plenty). Approaching a project of this size requires extreme attention to part management, quality control, and inventory.
Finished Casework should start trickling in from the anodizer allowing the very first founder edition units to enter final production. Shipping to start in January.
Below are some snapshots of the current Sentinel production. Highlighting some of the craftsmanship that is going into making this product a reality. After more than a decade honing my design skills and practicing the craft of CNC machining, we are able to deliver an industry leading experience in all regards.
I hope you enjoy,
Dan Francis
Note: you can click to enlarge these photos to see more detail 
Sentinel Cover Plates
A pallet of Sentinel covers part way through production. The first operation has been completed and they are waiting for the final 5-axis finishing work from our Grob Horizontal CNC mill.
Sentinel Heatsinks
Each of these heatsinks has an immensely time consuming process to create the individual heatsink slots. More time consuming than typical extruded heatsinks, but well worth the effort for the fit and finish we are able to achieve.
Sentinel Basemetal
Sculpted basemetal can be seen here for the Analog converter. Even the underside of the Sentinel gets beautifully CNC machined finishes and details.
Sentinel Clock Base Plate
The Sentinel Clock parts are machined with CNC textures and fine detailed chamfers as they will be directly alodined. There is no sanding or beadblast to cover up handling or material blemishes. Every detail must be preserved from the moment they leave the machine.
Sentinel Clock Oven Cover
The large crystal ovens that will be used for the Sentinel Femto Clock.
Sentinel Powerbase Display
A bit of an explanation, but something I am really happy with how it turned out. On the Sentinel Powerbase, we CNC cut a small blank of what we call black/white acrylic. This is unlike typical displays that use white acrylic with a back light. Under bright lighting conditions, generic white acrylic can be hard to tell whether the unit is on or off. But, with black/white acrylic the powered on versus off condition is clear as day. The above photo shows no AC (Left), on (Center), with AC but powered off (right)
MSB Logo Detail
Another great detail we worked into the MSB logo is suspending the center of the ‘B’. Supported by small tabs, they will go through the bead blast and anodizing processes. This makes a perfect color match for later when they are removed and inserted into the badge. A small detail, but clever implementation.
MSB Logo Sentinel Converter Insert
These stainless MSB badges are machined in-house, with a 0.02” (0.5mm) Endmill! The micro milling detail is hard to see with the naked eye.
The Sentinel Badge Pocket and Insert
The Sentinel Stainless Badge will be inserted into the faceplates as seen here. Adding a refined accent.
Sentinel Converter Faceplate - Grob Operation 1: for the Analog Converter Faceplate. These complex CNC parts require 5-axis machines with the most advanced CAM software to drive them.
Sentinel Converter Faceplate - Grob Operation 2: for the Analog Converter Faceplate. Using the advanced CAM software results in truly industry leading finishes that require no hand work or sanding to prepare for finishing.
Sentinel Preamp Boards
The SMT department has been busy for months with some of the most complex builds yet. What can be seen here is the Sentinel Preamp. One of these is paired with each mono DAC.
Cascade - Sentinel Comparison
Here is a side by side with the Cascade DAC. The complete Sentinel DAC system that has been playing in the MSB listening room. It has been an experience unlike anything before it, and we are so excited to start sharing this new level of musicality with you.
, let’s split 
. I noted the gorgeous flag ship HRS racks also. May I ask what shelf spacings are used? Plenty ventilation is needed for the Sentinel units as I understand.
