ЦАПы — Msb Technology The Discrete DAC

The Discrete DAC is the entry point to the modular DAC range of MSB Technology, a California company that builds its own ladder converters instead of buying off-the-shelf chips. It combines a digital-to-analogue converter and a volume-controlled output in one slim CNC-machined aluminium unibody chassis, finished in matte silver or matte black anodising. European pricing was EUR 11,000, with an optional second power supply at EUR 1,650.

Key specs that matter

Two Prime DAC modules form a fully balanced discrete ladder converter. PCM runs from 44.1 kHz to 3,072 kHz at up to 32 bits, and DSD at 1x, 2x, 4x and 8x rates is carried over DoP on every input. Fixed inputs are one RCA coaxial, one XLR digital and two Toslink, plus a word-sync connection and two isolated bays for optional modules. The galvanically isolated XLR output reaches 3.57 Vrms, with a source impedance of 300 ohm in high gain or 150 ohm in low gain, and an optional RCA output card is offered. Volume works in 1 dB steps over a 0 to 106 range and can be switched off in the menu. The DAC chassis is 432 mm wide, 305 mm deep and 51 mm tall without feet (65 mm on them), weighs 8.2 kg and draws 35 W. The separate Discrete Supply weighs 2.5 kg, consumes 45 W and runs on selectable 120/240 V or fixed 100 V.

Engineering and use context

The supply feeds two independent low-noise linear rails into the DAC, and adding a second unit gives each rail its own box for more isolation. An integrated clock holds two independent oscillators, one for the 44.1 kHz family and one for 48 kHz, chosen to suit each track. The 119-pixel LED display is slaved to the audio clock with a Femto reference and sits in a shielded CNC pocket so it adds no interference, and its brightness can be dimmed or set to switch off. Input bays accept MSB modules such as the Pro USB (768 kHz, MQA, 8x DSD) and the MSB Renderer, which works as a Roon endpoint and DLNA player at up to 768 kHz. Control comes through isolated RS-232, an IR remote with stainless steel buttons or the front panel. The viton feet thread into M6x1 holes, so aftermarket feet fit directly.

Pairing

With the volume engaged and a low-impedance balanced stage, the Discrete can be wired straight into a power amplifier through XLR, leaving a preamplifier out of the chain. Low gain mode is the better match for sensitive amplifiers or long cables, and a Premier Digital Director with four input bays can be added later.

Alternatives

The MSB Premier DAC is the next model up, using four Prime DAC modules in two chassis with a Femto 93 clock and a 560-LED display.