Radio Road: REVIEW: Magnum Dynalab MD-90T with DAC DAC Processors by svisner

Model:	MD-90T with DAC
Category:	DAC Processors
Suggested Retail Price:	$1200 with Trade-in
Description:	FM Tuner with DAC and triode tube output
Manufacturer URL:	Magnum Dynalab
Model Picture:	View

Review by svisner on March 07, 2009 at 06:54:51
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for the MD-90T with DAC

This review is in regard to the Magnum Dynalab MD90T tuner with optional DAC (24 bit/192khz). http://www.magnumdynalab.com/fmtuner-md90t.htm This review is based on limited listening time. My critical listening was done with the following recordings:

1. Boccherini 4 Cello Concertos / Yang, Egger (recorded at 24/96) (Arts label). See; http://www.arkivmusic.com/classical/album.jsp?ordertag=Perfrecom109176-62380&album_id=62392

2. Haydn String Quartets Op.64/5, 76/2 & 77/1 (Harmonia Mundi). See: http://www.harmoniamundi.com/usa/album_fiche.php?album_id=732

I purchased this unit because I wanted a tube DAC to complete the chain of tube components through I listen to two-channel recordings and FM broadcast. The principal components of the system are a Rogue Perseus preamplifier and McIntosh 240 tube amplifier. Speakers for this review are Magnapan 1.5. Digital source: Oppo DV-981HD. The Oppo and Magnum Dynalab are connected via Cardas high-speed coaxial cable. AudioQuest Ruby interconnects are used between the Magnum Dynalab and Perseus.

FM performance for MD-90T remains consistent with MD90 performance others have experienced. The MD90 is sensitive, quiet, and has a wide soundstage. Image rejection and selectivity appear excellent, though I have no means to take measurements. The MD90 remains one of my favorite tuners, with imaging and soundstage as good as the Scott 350B I regard as one of the vintage standards for FM listening.

The DAC auditions were impressive. The DAC is quiet and exhibits two special qualities overall. First, the soundstage reveals a refined level of instrument placement. The Haydn recording (an excellent example of Harmonia Mundi production) reveals each instrument in relation to the others in the quartet. Listening in the systemâ€™s â€œsweet spotâ€ reveals precisely each instrument at different distances from each other, even if those distance are only slightly different.

Second, the DAC reveals stage depth, something particularly evident with the Boccherini (which was produced at 24/96 and is provided with both CD and DVD disks). Relative distance from listener to instrument was revealed for each instrument. I had not been prepared for this difference, and found it almost startling. For comparison, I find the Magnum Dynalab superior in these domains to both the Oppo's own DAC and the DAC in my Cary P7 theater preamplifier, which I believe is also very good).

The DAC appears (without measurement apparatus) to have wide and flat frequency response, with no distortion audible to me. Dynamics sound superior; the Boccherini provided numerous examples of the DACâ€™s ability to take advantage of source material dynamic range.

Build, fit, and finish appear to be typical of Magnum Dynalab, which means excellent. My discussions with Magnum Dynalab in advance of the purchase were helpful in deciding what tuner and what features would suit my system and my needs.

Product Weakness:	None, though I might have enjoyed having the remote control.
Product Strengths:	Imaging, image depth, dynamic range.

Associated Equipment for this Review:

Amplifier: McIntosh 240
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): Rogue Perseus
Sources (CDP/Turntable): Oppo DV-981-HD
Speakers: Magnapan 1.5 (with Hsu subwoofer)
Cables/Interconnects: Cardas high-speed data between Oppo and Magnum Dynalab; AudioQuest Ruby between Magnum Dynalab and Rogue
Music Used (Genre/Selections): Classical, Jazz, Folk
Room Size (LxWxH): na x na x na
Room Comments/Treatments: Blu-Tac isolation
Time Period/Length of Audition: Less than one week
Other (Power Conditioner etc.): TrippLite Isolation Transformers
Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner

Amplifier:	McIntosh 240
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Rogue Perseus
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Oppo DV-981-HD
Speakers:	Magnapan 1.5 (with Hsu subwoofer)
Cables/Interconnects:	Cardas high-speed data between Oppo and Magnum Dynalab; AudioQuest Ruby between Magnum Dynalab and Rogue
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Classical, Jazz, Folk
Room Size (LxWxH):	na x na x na
Room Comments/Treatments:	Blu-Tac isolation
Time Period/Length of Audition:	Less than one week
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	TrippLite Isolation Transformers
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner