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Parsound ZDAC kind of blowing my mind...

I was offered a nice deal, so I took a chance on this DAC, thinking it might be a good stop gap while saving up funds for something better. It replaced a Behringer DEQ2496 I had connected to my Mac Mini. (In my system, the Behringer sounded BAD, exhibiting all of the worst characteristics of digital sound). My files are AIFFs stored on an external drive, and I'm running Audirvana Free on the computer. Before going the computer-based route, I had a Sony 5400 that I really liked (I sold it to finance the computer and an iPad).

Anyway, it's only been a week or so, but I have to say I truly was not expecting the ZDAC to sound so good. I don't want to get all caught up in the typical audiophile subjective terminology, but this thing has dynamics, is clean and clear on top, full on the bottom, and truly allows me to just relax and settle into the music. And yes, I am hearing parts and details on (very) familiar recordings I never noticed before.

I am a bit intrigued to hear how a "high end" DAC might sound in comparison, but, honestly, as good as my system sounds now, I intend to live with this DAC for a long time. Nicely done, Parasound.
jonathan1257
grey9hound
1,112 posts
 
12-21-13: Tonykay
Sorry, but I just have to ask the rhetorical question, i.e. if it's the same as the M1DAC, why did they rename it M1CLic? Who dreams up this stuff, and why are prices all over the board? No need to answer as I'm sure that anyone can guess the answer.
Tonykay (Answers | This Thread)/
because it is much more than just a DAC . Have you looked it up to see what it is ?
Ag insider logo xs@2x
tonykay
1,298 posts
 
While we're on the subject, I just read a past-posting where the poster was complaining about the service-after-the-sale at Musical Fidelity. It seems that they don't offer assistance for some of their high end products, i.e. Tri-Vista kw SACD, if the fail. One of the posters called them Musical Fatality. I'm not sure if any of it is true, but the name is clever.
gandalf's avatar
gandalf
55 posts
 
They have a new guy taking care of distribution in the US, I am sure they had some issues in the past, but I have never had any problems with there equipment, still using a KW-500 that is built like a tank. The M1 Clic is pretty much just like the M1 Dac with Network Capabilities. I currently have the Parasound ZDac and I might buy the M1 Clic and compare the two, and just sell the only I don't like as much. But from the looks of it, there are plenty still for sale, I am sure these are going at Cost. The Clic however does so much more, for almost the same price now.
admranger
142 posts
 
No balanced outs on the M1clic? Odd Parasound has balanced outputs.
Ag insider logo xs@2x
tonykay
1,298 posts
 
For my last response to this post, check out the Winter 2014 Audio Advisor Clearance mailer. It proudly advertises the M1 CLiC and M1 PWR for a package price of $998. It says the regular price of the M1 PWR is $1,299, and the regular price of the M1 CLiC $1,099 for a total "regular price of $3,298." No, that adds up to $2,398. It says "Save $2,300." If that were true the pair would cost only $98. It should say "Save $1,400". Please, someone bring this to their attention! It's only a typo, but its misleading. Just be cautious of any manufacturer that offers so many products at diverse price points. It's hard to tell if you're getting a good deal or not.
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