Digital Drive: REVIEW: Art Audio ART DI/O DAC Processors by jonbee

Model:	ART DI/O
Category:	DAC Processors
Suggested Retail Price:	$249
Description:	Compact AtoD/DtoA converter
Manufacturer URL:	Art Audio
Manufacturer URL:	Art Audio

Review by jonbee ( A ) on July 10, 2003 at 14:27:17
IP Address: 208.26.191.234

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for the ART DI/O

I own a Bolder Cable Modded ART, with the Bolder basic mods and the Bolder PS, without the upgraded resistors, Mensa mods, or Bybee filters. At a retail price of just over $500, this would seem like a modest performer, but it is way more than that. My DACs over the last 6 years or so went from Adcom 600 to Adcom 700 to MSB Gold, with upgraded PS. This doesn't include CDPs like the CAL Icon Power Boss or Sony 333 SACD. I felt each DAC was a big step up from its' predecessor, with the MSB Gold offering truly excellent sound, particularly with a jitter controller/ upsampler. (I use a Monarchy 24/96 DIP upsampler now, previously an Audio Alchemy DTI Pro, and Genesis Digital Lens. The Monarchy is my fave, FWIW.) The ART improves on the already fine detail delineation of the MSB, and seems to move the noise floor back to let another layer of detail show through. Not day or nite, but readily discernable. The upper mid/ lower treble is also easier and smoother sounding. Detail in this area, like snares on drums, stands out better, but is less in your face at the same time. I thought this slight edginess was a product of my speakers, but this is clearly not so, as this DAC really cleans up in this area. The only small area that the MSB has an edge is in bass output. There seems to be a little more output below 40 hz. with the MSB, but it is quite slight. You can't fault the ART for the quality of the bass, which is better defined than the MSB.
I'm really thrilled with the performance of this unit. I loved my MSB, but this little unit goes up to the next level. I'm seriously thinking about spending another $350 and going all the way with Bolder's mods. A true steal, IMO, and the best value in audio I now of today. YMMV, of course.

Product Weakness: Hard to find; nothing that is readily apparent.
Product Strengths: Detail, naturalness, ease, open and clear soundstage.

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	PS Audio HCA2
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	CJ PFR
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Sony 7000 as transport
Speakers:	VMPS 626R, Legacy Impact Sub
Cables/Interconnects:	Goertz TQ, .99999 Braided silver speaker cables
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Lots- Movies on DVD
Room Size (LxWxH):	19 x 16 x 8
Time Period/Length of Audition:	2 weeks
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	Monster Cable 2000 on sources only
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	Hard to find; nothing that is readily apparent.
Product Strengths:	Detail, naturalness, ease, open and clear soundstage.