Musical Fidelity Nu-Vista DAC vs T+A DAC 8 DSD

Thank you @mgrif104 . I've audition the DAC 200 - it's an amazing dac, but I found the low frequencies to be a little too soft.

@noob504 I happen to have heard both units you mentioned although not at the same time/back to back.

I preferred the T + A unit overall. Both could make good music but to me the Musical Fidelity seemed lacking in some ways. It seems to have a lot of effort spent on the power supply and tube output stage, with a much more basic digital section, and the sound fits the stereotype of that sort of design. Meaning somewhat soft, blurry imaging, indistinct leading edges, and not very clear treble. On the plus side it has great bass and is very non fatiguing (but at what cost).

The DAC 8 is a really well balanced performer. No weak points that I noticed. Considering the price difference when new I think the DAC 8 is the obvious choice for almost anyone, except people who really want to lean into that sort of soft, relaxed, almost dull sound from the MF.

Although I have read the DAC 200 is the better option these days, I haven’t heard it so can’t confirm.  

@benstelz Thanks so much for the above. That is exactly what I needed.

@noob504 Sure happy to help. Don't get me wrong, I bet you could do a really great system based on the MF. It just seems like it would need a more specific system to sound its best while the DAC 8 is pretty universally appealing. 

I've audition the DAC 200 - it's an amazing dac, but I found the low frequencies to be a little too soft.

Interesting!

What were the rest of the components in the system you listened to?