MSB Technology -- the "best" digital can get?


I don’t go to hifi shows or high end salons, and have never personally heard very high-end DACs (or CD players). 

But the MSB Technology Sentinel DAC, at $375K USD, might be worth a listen. 

There is a 2025 factory tour video of MSB on YouTube. They spend a lot of time on milling and using space-age machines for pick-and-place, etc. But there is absolutely no mention of the discrete DAC models MSB has been "perfecting" since the early 90s. 

I have no idea  whom the Sentinel is intended for other than top CEOs, billionaires, et. al. 

And does it really, sonically approach, say, a $10K vinyl or open-reel system?

hollowman

Well for the guy at the beginning of this that is all fumed about any high priced audio I say if you haven't heard it, you don't have an opinion.  Now when you do one day hear some wonderful gear, you will still be mad because you can't afford it but have to admit it sounds unbelievably good.  

MSB makes some of the best digital gear in the industry, mostly I understand on a modular ladder DAC format.  They sound magnificent at all levels and don't need me to defend them.  dCS does as well using a programable system... at about the same prices.  They both sell excellent first level DACs in the low $20K range that are far better than the good but not great $4-5K products available.  But you need the amplifiers, speakers etc. at that same level to really appreciate the music reproduction.  There are people who see the expense of a million dollar audio system as you might a nice dinner out.  If you have that kind of money it's no big deal beyond deciding which you like the most.  

MSB makes really nice gear. I'll probably never buy any of it, even on the low end, but I respect what they do and am glad to have another player in the ultra high end tier. 

I think of these sorts as being like Ferrari, Lamborghini, and that sort which I also will never own. I'm not mad that they exist and I might drool over them, otherwise they don't impact me. 

I have no problem with a company charging the price of an aircraft carrier for their products, because no one is compelled to make those purchases.

If two consenting adults shake hands on a purchase, then it is none of my business why the customer chose to do so.  The customer has free will.

Add in that I never listened to that $375,000 MSB DAC, then who am I to judge?

There are people that call any $1,000 interconnect "snake oil", without ever having listened to it in their stereo.  I am not about to do the same with that MSB DAC.

I do envy people that have such toys.  But I neither begrudge them nor judge them.  Person "A" puts it up for sale, and person "B" buys it.  That is the free market.

If I was worth $15,000,000,000 then I would audition that DAC.  And if it did for my ears what no other DAC could do, then I would buy it.  Why not?  It would not stop me from purchasing my next yacht, submarine, or Action Comics #1 issue with a top CGC rating.

I've heard the ultra MSB, dCS, and Wadax system at shows matched with ultra speakers and amps and I thought the sound was stunningly good. I'll never own that stuff, very few will, but I can appreciate the quality. Happily, its quite possible to put together a very pleasing system for a fraction of the cost, so there is good stuff for all of us. Price is absolute. Value is subjective-represents something different to all of us.

copy777 said:

 

Well for the guy at the beginning of this that is all fumed about any high priced audio 

Who is the guy you are referring to that is "all fumed?"