I will answer all questions with this post. I have tried five DAC's with different results. None were bad, I just liked the McIntosh MDA5000 more. I will not list the other DAC's as it would be unfair to the many professionals and hardworkers who produce/sell these equipments to be judged by the opinion of one person and set-up. In an hobby where a simple round piece of ebony wood, or a black diamond cone can bring differences to the sound characteristics and quality it's only fair to judge a particular equipment/tweak in the context of the room and set-up.
If it helps in any way, my system is composed of the following: 2 McIntosh MC501; McIntosh C-2300; Acoustic Signature Mambo; Graham 2.2 tonearm with Nightingale Cartridge; Klipsch Cornwalls III and the Logitech Duet with the MDA5000. If the MDA5000 does not feel shy next to these, in my opinion it must have something going.
My intention with the origianl post was not to establish which one is better, but to make the reader think out of the box and realize there are other options which might not be immediately apparent.
As for it being a Clarion, I don't know, but if it where it certainly is a good product.
If it helps in any way, my system is composed of the following: 2 McIntosh MC501; McIntosh C-2300; Acoustic Signature Mambo; Graham 2.2 tonearm with Nightingale Cartridge; Klipsch Cornwalls III and the Logitech Duet with the MDA5000. If the MDA5000 does not feel shy next to these, in my opinion it must have something going.
My intention with the origianl post was not to establish which one is better, but to make the reader think out of the box and realize there are other options which might not be immediately apparent.
As for it being a Clarion, I don't know, but if it where it certainly is a good product.