MSB vs dCS Bartok


Thinking about the MSB Premier vs dCS Bartok in a active ATC speaker rig.

I want to consolidate my system down from a Naim NDS/252 front end. 
So as a one box DAC/streamer/preamp. which should be better ?


rfc

Showing 14 responses by rfc

I had the dCS Bartok home for a demo.
Loved how it sounded, easily beat my Naim NDS into my Naim 252 preamp.

Not so sure about direct into my ATC 40A active speakers. It was good, really good. I needed more time to play with the Bartok settings to find a correct balance. 
Looks like I will make to change to the Bartok, if need be, I will add a preamp latter. 
After a long time of reflection I think the MSB Premier is what I need.

By all accounts the way it connects directly to a power amp and bypass the need for a preamp is second to none.

My only concern is I have like 80% rock, pop, blues in my collection. I really do like the way Naim plays rock music in a propulsive way.
Does MSB have that similar propulsive way with rock ?
Thank you for an excellent post and thoughts on your choice.
Unfortunately T+A is unavailable in my Country. 
I have by luck engaged with a new dealer who can source Merging Audio products - Merging+Player+Power. Which is essentially a 2 box DAC/Streamer/preamp with an outboard power supply. 
Anyone have any knowledge about Merging Audio ?
I have made a choice and that is.........
MSB Premier, standard issue, no upgrades. It should be here and up and running in 4 weeks.

Cannot wait.
Got the MSB Premier, clocked in over 120 hours.

Honestly, not that happy at all. It’s OK and not bright.

But It’s not as dynamic compared to the Naim NDS /252 preamp I had before. It’s soft with vocals, bass is not punchy enough.

I do have the basic set up, just the:
MSB Premier DAC and only 1x Discrete Power Supply.

Will / should it get much better with and extra Discrete Power Supply and the Ethernet Renderer Module ?  Or do I need a quality preamp to make it sing ?
Or perhaps MSB is just not for me.  
Thoughts ?
Hi George, yes it’s set up with the “high output”. I suspect that I really do need the Renderer Module. Using an Analysis Plus digital coax cable , not sure it’s the best was to deal with the digital signal. 
I can only assume that I perhaps have not had enough “break in time” , although unlikely, as it’s had well over 100 hours so far.

Its totally smooth and a non fatiguing sound that is pleasant. Just lacking the urgency and upbeat sound of great rock music that I love. If all I had was jazz, Country, Blues, or classical music then life would be great. Unfortunately I have a vast rock/pop music collection and I am getting nervous that I have made a huge mistake.

In hindsight that dCS Bartok was really in another league to this MSB Premier, well for my music taste anyway.
I have asked that question today.
Awaiting the reply. Only issue is almost all high end audio manufacturing is shut down, UFN.

What stock dealers have now is it, for quit sometime I would imagine.
Thanks guys.
I have the “stock” MSB Premier 1x Discrete Power Supply - nothing extra.

I will play around with the settings George, I will even try the TOSLINK input as well. Just to make sure I have exhausted all options. I’ll even try and borrow a quality preamp. I have the Mola Mola Makua in mind.
So, I have added a second Discrete Power supply (loan one from my dealer).

Early days, but it’s clearly more dynamic and clearer than before with only the single PSU. For example, I can drop the volume down a bit more than before without suffering loss of dynamic punch or musical engagement.
Very happy and will most likely order a second Discrete PSU.
Anyone know what the MSB Renderer Module will bring ? One of those “no brainer” purchases or only a marginal improvement ?

I currently run Coaxial digital from my server & I was wondering if the MSB Renderer was worth it to stream via Ethernet,  If not I’ll put those funds on hold to perhaps fund the Clock upgrade next year. 
Using a Naim audio HDX 2TB server as a source and currently have ATC active (SCM40A) although about to go with the ATCSCM50ASL real soon.

I have placed an order for the second MSB Discrete PSU, it’s a no brainer TBH on how good it’s made the Premier DAC. If the MSB Renderer Module is equally good an upgrade, that will be next.
The reason for these 2 are:
1. both can be used to stream from an existing server setup I have.
2. both have preamp/volume control function.
3. legendary upgrade support from both companies.
4. both support XLR analog out (need that for my ATC active - only has Balanced XLR in).
5. both are supposed to be superb units - near the top for DAC sound quality.

However, the Naim 252 preamp. I have is excellent and I am not 100% sure “all in one” for DAC/streamer/preamp. has got there yet for total sound quality. Except perhaps for the extreme high end units from these 2 companies and a few others for several thousand $$$$ more than even these expensive units, then by all accounts they seem to not need an external preamp. at all.