This would seem to fall into the “you probably can’t go wrong either way” category, but I’d read as many reviews of both as possible and go with the one that offers the sonic characteristics that most closely align with specifically what you’re looking for and choose that. Short of someone here having heard both in the same system, which is highly unlikely, that’s probably the best you can do. I know this advice probably falls into the “well duh” category, but that’s what I’d do FWIW. I’m sure you’ll be thrilled either way, and best of luck.
DAC upgrade
Looking to take my digital side of things to the next level.
L-shaped new room. Sloped ceiling. Big space.
D’Agostino HD Preamp, M400 amps, Aurender W20 with their Master Clock. Wislson Benesch Resolutions with two REL 32 subs. Great interconnects.
Have a Chord DAVE DAC. It sounds good. Still a little clinical and sterile. Haven’t gone into the world of tubes. I’m an amateur for sure but read a lot of what you all say and am trying to elevate my game. Truly enjoy this hobby and the happiness that music brings. Just learning what the next step might be.
Thank you for your input.
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Musicality of the Grimm MU2 is amazing. Replaced three pieces in my system including a Sonnet Pasithea DAC. Not looking back. lots of comparisons between this and the Playback Design MP8 which seem to put them on similar levels. MP8 usually comes out marginally ahead but at a much higher price point.
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op i concur with the suggestion to try an m scaler in front of your dave, it is an obvious thing to do ... the scaler typical adds a sense of richness and relaxedness to the sound of the chord dac it is connected to the denafrips dacs (venus and up) do add a sense of midbass weight to the sound while still maintaining a nice sweet upper range i tried the bricasti m1 se and to me it sound pretty much identical to the Weiss 501 (pre 4ch upgrade) they are in the clear and crisp school of sound... I have not heard the m21 maybe it is better/different i do think the msb dacs are excellent (but $$), same imaging and clarity as the best like the dave and others but a touch more relaxed and dimensional, i’ll never part with my analog dac/pb i had the am tubador and did not care for it, it sounded slightly veiled and low energy to me good luck on your pursuit |
Plus 1 for @audioman58 and @jjss49 suggestions to try the Chord M-Scaler in front of your DAVE. If you go this route, I would suggest connecting the M-Scaler and the DAVE with something like a pair of The Chord Company Sarum T Digital BNC cables. |
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