Digital Drive: REVIEW: MSB Technology Gold Link III DAC Processors by HiFi Guy

Model:	Gold Link III
Category:	DAC Processors
Suggested Retail Price:	$1895
Description:	DAC With Upsampling to 24/96
Manufacturer URL:	MSB Technology
Manufacturer URL:	MSB Technology

Review by HiFi Guy on December 17, 2001 at 06:02:55
IP Address: 216.98.87.145

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I have only had this DAC for one week & noticed an immediate improvement in sound quality. This review was done with the dac in 24/96 operating mode. The improvement this device made was not subtle, & very noticeable. On poorly recorded material, much of the digital "glare" is eliminated. The sustain on acoustic instruments such as piano & guitar is much more natural sounding. Small details in music are much more easily heard. Soundstage is deeper & higher seeming to come from a point above & between, & behind the speakers. Well recorded CD's sound to me as good as well recorded SACD's & better than vinyl in my system. There is also a quality to the sound that I find hard to describe. It seems that the music has more "rythm" or "pace". It just seems more harmonically correct. This is the biggest single improvement that a piece of equipment has made in my system. I'm a happy man. P.S. This unit is widely discounted so shop around.

Product Weakness: Needs P-1000 power base to sound it's best.
Product Strengths: Appears to be well constructed, 24/96 upsampling option, relay switching between analog & digital source. Superb sound.

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	Rotel RB-1090 on Main Speakers. Hafler 9505 on Subs.
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Musical FidelityA3cr
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Linn/SME/Shure Type Vmr, SCD777es SACD Player used as transport
Speakers:	Paradigm Studio 100v2 main speakers, HSU HRSW10V Subs(2)
Cables/Interconnects:	Homemade from Belden Mike cable, MSB Digital cable
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Country, Bluegrass, Jazz, R&B, Classical, 60's & 70's Rock
Room Size (LxWxH):	14 x 16 x 8
Room Comments/Treatments:	Sonex Panels
Time Period/Length of Audition:	1 Week
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	Tripplite LC 2400 Line Conditioners(2)
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	Needs P-1000 power base to sound it's best.
Product Strengths:	Appears to be well constructed, 24/96 upsampling option, relay switching between analog & digital source. Superb sound.