Digital Drive: REVIEW: Muse Electronics Model 2 DAC Processors by EdM

Model:	Model 2
Category:	DAC Processors
Suggested Retail Price:	$1700
Description:	D/A Convertor
Manufacturer URL:	Muse Electronics
Manufacturer URL:	Muse Electronics

Review by EdM on November 05, 2001 at 07:25:01
IP Address: 63.196.252.14

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for the Model 2

I picked this unit up used, it has the Bessler filter option ($300) and comes equipped with BNC in / out and XLR out. This was an early model 2 and does not have the I2S option. The unit has only one control, a front toggle switch to select input 1 or 2. Nothing else!
Since it was used it did not require a breakin but I let it warm up for 48 hours (per Muse's instructions) before listening critically although I could immediately tell it was something special.
I had previously auditioned the Art DI/O and CAL Sigma II dacs plus I have a Denon 5700 with Burr Brown dacs built in.
The Muse just literally blows them all away sonically. I try to use just 3 tracks on 3 cds to test new equipment:
Diana Krall-"The Look of Love"
Chis Isaak- "WIcked Games"
Loreena McKennit- "All Soul's Night"
The Muse brought out every nuiance and every note so clearly and distincly I was startled. Every pluck of a finger on a string is clearly audible.
The other most immediate difference is the noise- there is none, and I mean none! The noise floor is now several levels below the basement on my system. The beginning of each track is so defined now because the total absence of any sond whatsoever that the first few notes seem to spring to life instead of just starting. Hard to explain unless you experience it. I played several cuts from Vanessa Mae's "Storm" and was rather surprised to hear music where none had been heard before in the openings of several cuts.
The soundstage is wide and extremely detailed. You can pick out where all the performers and musicians are sitting (or standing- I swear).
What else can I say? Vocals are great, bass is totally tight and super defined, strings -well you can hear the "hum" faintly when they are plucked.
I am amazed at how well Muse's technology has held up over the years. If you have a large cd collection, do yourself a favor.

Product Weakness: Tiny, little bit of "edge" to some vocals but I'm probably spoled now.
Product Strengths: Detail, soundstage, especially on strings.

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	Bryston 4B-ST
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Denon 5700
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Pioneer PD-59
Speakers:	Alon Capri
Cables/Interconnects:	Audioquest Diamondback
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	see review
Room Size (LxWxH):	12 x 12 x 9
Room Comments/Treatments:	DIY Accoustic panels
Time Period/Length of Audition:	2 days
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	Tiny, little bit of "edge" to some vocals but I'm probably spoled now.
Product Strengths:	Detail, soundstage, especially on strings.