Most intriguing DAC?


There's always a lot of hoopla when a new DAC comes out like the ESS Sabre32 and AKM 32 bit DACs. But these are all on silicon.

Few manufacturers actually makes discrete DACs. In the past, I was only aware of one company, Meitner, (may be dCS?) that did this. Recently I came across MSB Technologies Platinum DAC III that use closely matched discrete resistors (0.1% tolerance for standard DAC, 0.01% for the Signature upgrade, and 0.001% for the Diamond upgrade). It is a variant of the older, but highly valued, ladder DAC. MSB is one of few DAC companies that offers a steady upgrade path. I really find this DAC intriguing. But why is this DAC hardly mentioned on audio discussion sites or in the press?
dracule1
Marvin, I believe MSB Platinum III goes for around 6 or 7 grand. This is expensive but not that expensive compared to $10k+ DACs and CDP that are regularly discussed on this forum.
Arthur Salvtore at High-End Audio has a short review on the MSB platium III dac and transport under march recent reviews
Don't forget what Linn has done with there "Klimax" dac. It does sound totally awesome.Unfortunately it is expensive. If they could only lower it to around $10,000, I would probably buy one.
Montejay, I saw that review on Salvatore site. They evaluated the unit with no upgrades, but it still got "lower A" rating.

Psacanli, I have no idea which DAC chip Berkley Audio uses or how it's implemented so I don't know if it is really innovative.

Xsparky, ditto for Klimax as well. At least the name is innovative in a sexual kinda way.