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PS Audio DL 3 or MF Tri Vista 21 DAC?

Your thoughts on which is better? I was debating getting a new cdp, but from the advice of other audiogon members, and thinking it over, I think it is a better idea to get a good DAC to use with my current cdp, and wait until I figure out exactly how I want to implement a hard drive based system.

So, from what I have read these are 2 very good DACs, but which is a better buy? What are the strenghts/weaknesses of each. The MFTV21 listed for $2400 and Im hoping to pick it up here on Audigon for around $1100. The PSADL3 lists for $999 and I could get it for around $750 here. What about the level 3 or level 4 Cullen circuits modded DL3 at around $1500 new?

Should they both retain their value pretty well?

Thanks,
James

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In case it matters, I am using a MAC 6450 Integrated amp, and Gallo Ref. 3.1 speakers. Transparent Cables. The cdp is an Onkyo dvd player.
farjamed
magnumpi205
504 posts
 
Have two DL3s and enjoy them because of the lack of hard edge in the treble. They are are easily upgraded.
Using Analysis Plus and Kimber Illuminations digital cable with the edge going to the AP.
First heard the units at RMAF2007 and they sounded quite good in several systems.
sns
653 posts
 
Brian, perhaps we have a misunderstanding of clocks. When I speak of reclocking, I mean the quartz oscillators that all DACS have. Yes, there are other DACS that have jitter attenuators that go by other names, but essentially they all do the same thing, attenuate jitter.

And yes, perhaps Farjamed's Onkyo transport and some relatively cheap digital cable alongside either of these DACS my satisfy him, he will not be hearing the full potential of either of those DACs. My own, and plenty of other people have found transports and digital cables can make a huge difference. Go back through the archives and see tons of opinions on this. I've even seen reviews and opinions on the Esoteric DACs benefitting from better transports and digital cables.

Bottom line. Farjamed may be better off with the DAC setup or he may be better off with CDP, I would like to hear a Cambridge 840 (perhaps some other CDPs) vs. this DAC setup.

Finally, I suspect Farjamed may be better off with a DAC with USB input if he's not willing to invest in a higher grade transport and digital cables.
farjamed OP
33 posts
 
Sns..

You eluded to the main reason I am choosing to go with the DAC vs a better cdp. Soon, as in within the next few months, I would like to implement a music server based off the Mac mini and apple lossless. As much as I like cd's, and the physicality of actually picking one out, putting it in the tray, and listening to an album as a whole, I also love the practicality of having it all at your fingertips.

So essentially, the way I see it, the fact the DAC will improve my onkyo dvd/cdp is a little bonus. If I did not intend to build a music server I would probably just go with a better dedicated cdp.

Thanks for all the input guys.
shazam
204 posts
 
If music server is your future, then you should absolutely consider the Wavelength asynchronous USB DACs. They get around jitter (though not entirely) by having the DAC clock manage the audio stream instead of the computer - which is much less reliable.

Of all the computer based DACs I've listened to and owned, it is far and away the smoothest to my ears.
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