DCS Vivaldi vs MSB Diamond Dac IV Plus

[Elberoth]

Originally Posted by Harmonix

Well actually the trinity is EUR40k but in USD this has come down a lot so it's around US$46k at this point and not above my ouch point of $50k+

;-)

I wish hi-end gear retail prices followed the exchange rate variations that closely

[Harmonix]

Originally Posted by Elberoth

I wish hi-end gear retail prices followed the exchange rate variations that closely

Ordinarily no but it has moved ALOT so I'm having some wishful thinking :-)

[Art Vandelay]

Originally Posted by Ray

Has anyone compared compared the Vivaldi DAC with the MSB Diamond IV Plus? If so, your feedback would be appreciated. I am considering upgrading my DCS Debussy. Thank you, Ray

I recently attended a shootout between the Gyphon Kalliope, MSB Diamond DAC IV+ , and the new DCS Rossini dac / transport with the master clock unit.


The 3 dacs are all excellent but very different so to a large extent the choice is a matter of personal preference.

The MSB is more resolving, up-front, livelier and open on top than either the DCS or Gyphon, and the Gryphon is the most laid back of the three but captivates with a sweet grain-free treble and warm mid band.

Without the external clock, the Rossini is somewhere in the middle of the two but closer to the Gryphon tonally and in terms of overall transparency.

However, the addition of the master clock changes everything and improves subjective performance beyond expectations. Not only is the slight but remaining vestige of digititis removed but the DAC really opens up, shedding a slightly dark character and gaining transparency befitting of an original analog master session tape.

If you include the master clock, the Rossini gets my vote for first place followed by the MSB Diamond IV and Gryphon Kalliope.

[jfrech]

Originally Posted by Art Vandelay

I recently attended a shootout between the Gyphon Kalliope, MSB Diamond DAC IV+ , and the new DCS Rossini dac / transport with the master clock unit.


The 3 dacs are all excellent but very different so to a large extent the choice is a matter of personal preference.

The MSB is more resolving, up-front, livelier and open on top than either the DCS or Gyphon, and the Gryphon is the most laid back of the three but captivates with a sweet grain-free treble and warm mid band.

Without the external clock, the Rossini is somewhere in the middle of the two but closer to the Gryphon tonally and in terms of overall transparency.

However, the addition of the master clock changes everything and improves subjective performance beyond expectations. Not only is the slight but remaining vestige of digititis removed but the DAC really opens up, shedding a slightly dark character and gaining transparency befitting of an original analog master session tape.

If you include the master clock, the Rossini gets my vote for first place followed by the MSB Diamond IV and Gryphon Kalliope.

Thanks for posting. Very interesting shoot out. The dCS clocks have always made a significant improvement to my systems. The clock cables are also pretty important...

Speakers: Rockport Altair 2
Preamp: Robert Koda K10 Amp: Nagra Classic Amp
Cables: Transparent Opus Gen 5 Spkr/interconnect & Magnum Opus phono interconnect
Power Shunyata Triton v2/Typhon/DPC-6 v2, Anaconda Zitron cords (x4), Sigma HC & Analog (x4)
Digital dCS Vivaldi full stack w/ (mostly) Transparent Reference XL Digital cables
Phono: Grand Prix Monaco TT, Spiral Groove Centroid, Jan Allaerts MC2 Finish, Nagra VPS/VFS/MPS
Racks: Grand Prix Audio Silverstone F1 (x2)

[Down Under]

Originally Posted by Art Vandelay

I recently attended a shootout between the Gyphon Kalliope, MSB Diamond DAC IV+ , and the new DCS Rossini dac / transport with the master clock unit.


The 3 dacs are all excellent but very different so to a large extent the choice is a matter of personal preference.

The MSB is more resolving, up-front, livelier and open on top than either the DCS or Gyphon, and the Gryphon is the most laid back of the three but captivates with a sweet grain-free treble and warm mid band.

Without the external clock, the Rossini is somewhere in the middle of the two but closer to the Gryphon tonally and in terms of overall transparency.

However, the addition of the master clock changes everything and improves subjective performance beyond expectations. Not only is the slight but remaining vestige of digititis removed but the DAC really opens up, shedding a slightly dark character and gaining transparency befitting of an original analog master session tape.

If you include the master clock, the Rossini gets my vote for first place followed by the MSB Diamond IV and Gryphon Kalliope.

Very interesting.
Could you tell us the other equipment they were played through?

[Art Vandelay]

Originally Posted by Down Under

Very interesting.
Could you tell us the other equipment they were played through?

Sorry, yes, I should have listed it in the original post.

The speakers were Revel Salon Ultima2, and amplification was Gryphon Antileon EVO power and Pandora pre.

[Down Under]

Originally Posted by Art Vandelay

Sorry, yes, I should have listed it in the original post.

The speakers were Revel Salon Ultima2, and amplification was Gryphon Antileon EVO power and Pandora pre.

Thank you.
A very revealing system-home or dealer demo?

[Art Vandelay]

Originally Posted by Down Under

Thank you.
A very revealing system-home or dealer demo?

A friend's system actually, but the dac's were on loan from a couple of dealers.

I have a feeling he'll end up buying the Rossini with clock.

[lostinla]

It looks like there is a Bricasti M1 in the pick. How did that compare?

[Art Vandelay]

Originally Posted by lostinla

It looks like there is a Bricasti M1 in the pick. How did that compare?

Well spotted.

The M1 is one of my favorites, and nothing can touch it for the price, but it's not quite in the same class as the MSB or Rossini (with the external clock).

Bricasti Vs Gryphon Kalliope is more valid but made difficult because they're poles apart tonally. The Kalliope being relaxed, sweet and seductive, and the M1 being more immediate, lively, and clinically accurate by comparison.
The choice between them is to a large extent a matter of personal taste - as well as overall system balance.

Bricasti Vs Rossini without its precision clock is also interesting but the dCS is still slightly less digital sounding and slightly more expressive and nuanced, though soundstage is not significantly better IMO.