MSB Link DAC III vs. CAL Sigma

If you want to "lighten" the sound of your system without ruining it, you may want to try some "revealing" cables. If you do not have a good local dealer to work with, try the Cable Co, as you should "try before you buy" and they usually can recommend something that will work with your gear. For Dacs, I have tried a stock MSB Link I at home and also owned a Cal Sigma. I would vote for the Cal Sigma. I did not consider the Cal to be as mellow as some do (neutral would be my opinion of it). However, I did think the MSB was lean sounding.

I was using a Sigma II, but it was not the 24/96 version. I only tried the stock Chinese tube and a Sovtek, and preferred the sound of the Sovtek. I did not consider the Sigma II to be harsh sounding and I would have lived with it longer, but I already owned a Micromega DUO BS2. Here is where my personal taste or bias comes into play. The Micromega admittedly had less inner detail and a smaller soundstage than the Cal. Initially I found the Cal exciting, but when I switched back I found the Micromega reproduced the sound of acoustic instruments more realistically and was more enjoyable to listen to on a long term basis. I did not recommend the Micromega above because Mike said he was looking for a lighter sound.