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Used MF Trivista 21 or Benchmark Dac1?

I'm looking for a new Dac in the $1000 range, and am wondering if it makes sense to go with a slightly older Musical Fidelity Trivista 21 or a Benchmark Dac1 or a PS Audio Digital Link III or a Bel Canto Dac3 (if I decide to spend even more). What's the downside of the Musical Fidelity? My system is all Krell, so I am thinking the tubes in the MF might soften it a little, though I have read the PS Audio Digital Link III may also be a good choice. Any thoughts?
mainer8

Showing 2 responses by stanwal

stanwal's avatar
stanwal
3,147 posts
 
No , I don't think they will. My 21 sounds a little brighter than my all transistor Audio Synthesis DAX. Not unpleasant, just more detailed. The 21 is still a top decoder and very well built. It has the potential to be modified into an even higher performing component ; there are companies here and in England doing this. I will probably get it done someday but it is great as it is. I would always go for used as you are getting a better product for the same money.
stanwal's avatar
stanwal
3,147 posts
 
Blue is fully warmed up. The other colors indicate how close it is to full warm up. I was recently auditioning it in a friends system and he insisted on listening right away. He began by telling me how bad it was and as it warmed up he liked it better and better and almost bought himself. There are tubes available from other sources than MF, I believe, there are for my NuVista M3.
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