Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
Product Strengths
- Built with a fanatic care for signal purity, with no buffers, current-to-voltage converters, or transistors in the signal path, and no active devices after conversion are used at all
- Employs Hybrid DACs, a current evolution of 20 years of MSB’s experience in building discrete DACs, individually shielded and fully balanced to the point of conversion
- Processes PCM up to 6MHz and DSD up to 50MHz
- Has a large white matrix display, easy to read from a distance, controlled by the clock, and refreshed between data processing to prevent interference
- Produces a sound that is rich, deep, fascinatingly detailed, and liquid, as if the sampling frequency was infinite
- Delivers resolution and dynamic range that are audibly superior, sounding more natural and realistic
Product Considerations
- The MSB The Reference DAC isn’t an affordable piece of equipment
- Built for a brand ecosystem, so it is wise to think about acquiring an MSB power amplifier too and extension modules
- Does not deliver bloom or the third dimension like the Walker turntable, at least, it doesn’t do these things on non-MQA sources
- The Pro USB/Pro ISL solution's only disadvantage is that you won’t be able to control the DAC from the computer
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs MSB The Discrete DAC: The Reference leaves it behind by a wide gap, similar to the difference between watching a live performance on TV and being at the performance
Takeaway: The MSB The Reference DAC provides an incredible listening experience with remarkable clarity, detail, and dynamics, making music sound incredibly real. It eliminates the presence of electronics in the sound, creating an enhanced reality for the listener.
All
The Reference DAC
reviews
Manufacturer details
- Digital Formats: Up to 32-bit/768kHz PCM, Up to 8X DSD
- Clock: Femto 33 Clock with dual crystal design
- USB Compatibility: Up to 24-bit/768kHz, Up to 8X DSD
- Network Renderer: Up to 32-bit/768kHz, Up to 4X DSD
- Weight: 18 lbs (finished chassis)
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- MSB employs a modular design philosophy, allowing customers to tailor products to their specific needs and facilitating future upgrades by swapping modules.
- They distinguish themselves by using discrete, in-house designed ladder DAC modules instead of off-the-shelf DAC chips, offering greater control over sound tuning.
- MSB emphasizes a "fully balanced" design throughout their products, even down to the DAC conversion point, which contributes to noise rejection and resolution.
- Their products often feature a direct-coupled output stage without op-amps, transistors or tubes, aiming for a transparent signal path with minimal coloration.
Select products
Discrete DAC
- Positioning: The entry-level model in MSB Technology's lineup.
- Description: Offers a refined sound with its ultra-high precision, discrete ladder DAC architecture. Features a modular I/O card for flexible configurations, unlike the Premier DAC which has more advanced clock technology.
Premier DAC
- Positioning: Sits in the middle of MSB Technology's lineup, offering a balance of performance and cost.
- Description: Provides exceptional sound with its four prime DAC modules, delivering more detail than the Discrete DAC. Includes the Femto 93 Clock for superior timing accuracy, which is a step up from the Discrete DAC's integrated clock.
Cascade DAC
- Positioning: The flagship model, representing the pinnacle of MSB Technology's DAC offerings.
- Description: Features a unique three-chassis design, separating digital, analog, and power components for exceptional sound purity. Uses the Cascade-Link, a noise-free optical connection, which is not available in the Discrete or Premier models.
Our take on the brand
Look inside the brand
Our interview with the brand
What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?
Our greatest asset to innovation and quality can be summed up with in-house design and manufacturing. With a unique understanding of all of the technologies involved in designing a DAC, we are able to craft the world's most advanced ladder DAC technologies with the Cascade's MKII Hybrid DAC Modules. No part is left to external vendors or agencies who wouldn't fully grasp or value our same focus on performance.
You can take a virtual tour of our complete in-house manufacturing facility on our website, and see the care that goes it making every product we craft: https://msbtechnology.com/about-msb/
What's your approach to customer support?
Our patrons should contact their local dealer first and foremost with any needs. That being said, the MSB owners are always directly available through our website contact form or on our dedicated forum. We are a small group of designers and engineers and have decided to remain directly accessible for questions and audio discussions. Our down to earth approach means joining a community first and foremost when you become an MSB owner. For any support or service related inquiries, we have a direct form on our website: https://msbtechnology.com/support/repairs/
What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?
We test and listen to a very diverse set of music while developing products. These are perhaps not the best showcase, but If I had to pick three tracks that I am currently enjoying while developing the Sentinel DAC, they would be the following.
- Your Power - Billie Eilish
- The Line - Twenty One Pilots
- I See Fire - Ed Sheeran
I really do listen to what I am enjoying first and foremost and ensure the system is feeling emotional and impactful. The best music to showcase is the music you enjoy! Our products showcase it all.
What other products pair best with yours?
I always love to promote pairing our system with the most revealing loudspeakers possible. We have been having great success with the Estelon Forzas and the Magico M2's.
Used
MSB
What if you spend more?
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Product Strengths
- Smooth, natural sound signature with impressive depth in the 3D soundstage.
- Allows music reproduction closest to a private performance in the listening room.
- Delivers a natural, smooth, and organic sound, reproducing every detail with maximum resolution.
- Exceptional clarity and black background of the sound.
- Performs excellently even with lower-quality content because of its smooth, clean playback and three-dimensional soundstage.
Product Considerations
- The price is far beyond the reach of most audiophiles.
- Comes with only one digital module as standard.
- For optimal performance, it's recommended to place the units on separate shelves.
- The reviewer only tested it as a DAC and did not evaluate its functionality as a preamplifier or streamer.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs MSB Reference DAC—the Cascade represents a significant upgrade.
Takeaway: The MSB Cascade DAC sets new standards for sound quality and is a digital marvel, providing a unique and powerful listening experience. It offers incredibly smooth and natural sound, creating a live music sensation.
Video review
Our take on the brand
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