Digital Drive: REVIEW: Musical Fidelity Tri-Vista 21 DAC Processors by davehg

Model:	Tri-Vista 21
Category:	DAC Processors
Suggested Retail Price:	$2395.00
Description:	24 bit DAC with 96khz or 192khz upsamping, coaxial and toslink inputs
Manufacturer URL:	Musical Fidelity
Model Picture:	View

Review by davehg on July 28, 2008 at 12:44:26
IP Address: 205.142.246.20 Add Your Review
for the Tri-Vista 21

Updated Review

Hard to believe its been over 4 years since I posted this review. Since then, the only thing to remain in my system (besides cables) is a REL Strata III sub and the Technics. After the review, I sidelined the Technics in favor of a Pioneer PDS-95, a monster transport that easily bested the Technics. Sold that too, and currently listen via a Bolder modified Squeezebox running into the Tri-Vista 21.

I've been tempted a few times to upgrade to either (i) a Transporter, or (ii) a tube DAC like the Wavelength. I borrowed a transporter, which did a credible job of competing with the Tri-Vista, but was a bit leaner and cooler sounding. I had noticeable improvement with a Foundation Research power cord (which is really an AC filter too), as well as using an Acoustic Zen MC2 digital cable instead of the Bolder digital cable. Finally, with cheaper transports, upsampling worked best, but with better transports (and computer audio), upsampling is not the way to go.

But otherwise, absolutely no issues with the TriVista, it works great, locks to everything, and still sounds fanstastic (though I agree that it sounds very much more warmer and engaging the longer it is left on. I don't run mine all the time.

Product Weakness:	Needs a good warm up to sound the best
Product Strengths:	Musical, natural, great soundstage

Associated Equipment for this Review:

Amplifier: Air Tight ATM 3 Monoblock
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): Aesthetix Calypso
Sources (CDP/Turntable): Bolder-Modded Squeezebox
Speakers: Merlin TSM mme/Rel Strata III
Cables/Interconnects: Acoustic Zen Hologram II/Silver Ref II
Music Used (Genre/Selections): all types
Time Period/Length of Audition: 4+ years
Other (Power Conditioner etc.): Foundation Research/Cardas AC
Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner

Amplifier:	Air Tight ATM 3 Monoblock
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Aesthetix Calypso
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Bolder-Modded Squeezebox
Speakers:	Merlin TSM mme/Rel Strata III
Cables/Interconnects:	Acoustic Zen Hologram II/Silver Ref II
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	all types
Time Period/Length of Audition:	4+ years
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	Foundation Research/Cardas AC
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner