For me, on top of its stellar sound, one of the best features of the AIC10 is that it can be used for both headphones and easy to drive speakers. I'm actually surprised there are not a lot more amps that do that. So far the only others I've seen are the CFA3 (in certain customized configs) and...

Thanks for this guide it's really useful. One thing I'm wondering, how do fellow Roon users deal with different volume levels in songs/albums? Roon has a function to do volume levelling after it analyzes songs' audio but it seems like this is to be avoided right? So in that case, do you guys...

FWIW I had the Egoistsa 845 and then got the AIC10 (with a brief CFA3 pitstop in between). It would be hard for me to pick one over the other sound wise, they are both the best I've heard and trade blows but in such a minute way that I would put them at the same level. But, amps are not just...

Completely agree. I dont have the funds to get it right now but if I did, a Premier DAC + Digital Director combo would make me feel I'm not giving up on much versus the Cascade. of course the Cascade would sound better (for the price it better!) but the fundamental "music path philosophy" would...

If you have the means to get the EF1000, I would strongly advise also taking a look at the Riviera AIC10. It's in a similar price ballpark and it has a few distinct advantages: it's smaller and runs cooler, it only has one small cheap-ish tube to change and the performance is as perfect as can...

Excellent transaction, quick, good price, clear communication. Highly recommended!

You'd be (pleasantly) surprised by the MSB "R2R"-ness or lack thereof. I've had my fair share of R2R DACs and the Premier is the least R2R sounding DAC I've had. As a matter of fact it's more transparent and clear that a lot of non-R2R DACs out there.

Have not heard the MPD-8 but would absolutely love to. I have a friend who had it and auditioned my Premier and he said they trade blows for what it's worth. But yeah I dont think you could wrong with either of these babies!

Agree about the price although one has to consider that most MSB buyers get them for speaker systems where cost is more elevated than pure HP ones. In the case of HP use (or mixed HP/speakers like I have) I think an MSB purchase only makes sense if you get it used at a deep discount, so its...

You’re absolutely correct. It’s nice to see companies moving the needle like that. Can’t wait to read reviews and hopefully try them out at trade shows!

MSB just announced their new DAC (and hinted at a new line that starts with this one), the Cascade. At $95K it's obviously above most budgets (including mine) but it's still 50% cheaper than the previous flagship combo and it's supposed to be better, so I guess they're trending in the right...

Except it's sold out... ;)

Those are good too. The X3s come up once in a while you have to keep an eye out or ask local dealers if they can get any. But also as I said they've moved on to new lines of speakers which I'm sure will be just as good if not better (X4, Q3 etc). Lots of good choices out there!

Another option which is what I went for, are the Spatial Audio X3s. They are super efficient having a dedicated amp for LFE which relieves the Riviera of some of the work. They look beautiful, sound amazing and can be found for relatively cheap used (they dont make them new anymore but have...

What an amazing setup... I have the Riviera paired with "only" the MSB Premier (the Select's little brother) and it's the best DAC/amp combo I've ever heard. Cannot even imagine the pairing with a Select. Actually, I don't want to imagine, otherwise my wallet will start to shiver :wink...

In that case, which would be a recommended TOTL cable for the Susvara that is still relatively light and flexible? I had the Nirvana for a while and loved its sound but couldn't get used to the ergonomics. Is there a similarly high end cable that behaves more like a regular cable?

Would be interested in that too. I mean the Voila looks amazing but from what I've heard it's is a very heavy, stiff cable isn't it? In that case i wonder if the Chimera would would come close to its sonic level but in a more flexible/lighter form factor. Or is the Chimera really heavy too?

The thing about the Susvara though is that it will sound good to great on a lot of chains above say 2K and then scale up from there. I started on a lowly A90 and then scaled up (ok, WAY up ;) ) from there. Now my chain is close to $60K (though through patient deal hunting I ended paying nowhere...

I had the AIC10 and the N-05XD. DAC is a good deal if bought used (has preamp/network/HP amp/DAC all in one). Synergy was ok but not that great TBH (felt the Esoteric DAC was holding the AIC10 back). Ended up upgrading to a second hand MSB Premier which is leagues above it as it should be given...

I used the May almost solely with HQPlayer, with a beefy PC to enable the highest end filters. And it sounded good, don't get me wrong. But after getting the MSB, and A/B-ing it with HQPlayer and without, I find the MSB's internal handling of audio to be equal if not better than the best HQP can...

Just to echo the posts above, I had the May and while I was using it with a lesser amp I liked it. Soon as I moved to big boy amps like the Viva Egoista and the Riviera, I could tell the DAC was holding me back. So I went all in and upgraded to a MSB Premier DAC and now the DAC is at the same...

Excellent transaction, couldn't ask for a nicer buyer. Highly recommended.

Is there a link to it on the Norne website? Thanks

An absolutely perfect transaction: Great and responsive communication, super fast shipping, item arrived just as pictured. What more could one ask for? I highly recommend 88keys to anyone wanting to buy or sell.

Selling a perfect condition, like new pair of DCA Stealth closed back headphones. First owner, bought straight from dealer. Very light use, less than 100 hours total. They come with all original accessories (including a DCA Vivo cable with 1/4" (6.5mm) termination). Will be packed in a padded...