Magico Q7 Mk II: First Listen

[cmarin]

Originally Posted by tand

Congratulations! You will have stellar sound, no doubt about it! Did you have a chance to compare the Pacific Microsonics Model 2 DAC with Berkeley Reference Dac? Tommy

Hi Tommy,

Thank you for the kind wishes.

I didn't get a chance to do a head-to-head comparison of the Berkeley Ref DAC (BRD) and the PM2 in the latest iteration of my system.

Did get a chance to hear a demo model of the BRD in my room with the Q7mkI, the Soulution 711 (stereo version) and a different digital front end; as well as in a friend's system with Project M speakers, where I also got a chance to hear the PM2.

Both DACs in my opinion are stellar and have some common parentage. And I would venture to say that most would be very pleased with either one. In a highly optimized system, the differences between the DACs are subtle.

While the BRD is undoubtedly more user friendly and an outstanding value bargain, there is something magical about a vintage PM2: Just like a 1967 Mercedes 230 SL or a 1957 Gibson Gold Top Les Paul. They just don't make them like that anymore.