While I have not heard the Micromega Stage I, I have owned 2 Micromega (Duo BS2 and Microdac) dacs for years. About 1 and 1/2 years ago I got the upgrade bug and since then I have bought three 24/96 dacs (MSB, Bel Canto and Art DI/O) and one 18 bit dac (Cal Sigma). All 4 had more detail than the aging Micromegas, but none of them was more muscially satisfying to listen to. All of them introduced some form of electronic coloration to the sound that was not there with the Micromega. If you like the sound of the Micromega, to find something that betters it is going to cost alot. I haven't heard the Muscial Fidelity, but would not buy one w/o a right of return.
TO DAC OR NOT TO DAC?
....that is my question. I have a Micromega Stage 1 CD player. I just read, in Stereophile, the review of the Musical Fidelity DAC. Add on a DAC, such as this, or upgrade my entire CD player? Which is the most cost effective way to go? It seems that this DAC, if it is cut out to be what it's supposed to be, is the way to go. Feedback about DACS, in general, would be appreciated.