MSB Technology proudly introduces the Cascade DAC at Munich High End 2024, setting new standards in digital-to-analog conversion. This next-generation DAC features a sophisticated tri-chassis design. It includes the Digital Director for precise digital processing, the R2R ladder-based Digital-to-Analog Converter for rich audio reproduction, and the Powerbase for clean power delivery.
Reporting by Zion-Grace Rosareal and Jameson Mourafetis
Digital Director
The Digital Director is equipped with MSB’s signature user-swappable digital input modules, including MSB’s proprietary ProISL input, and a unique, custom, clock-slaved LED display. It handles all processing and digital input switching—generally electrically noisy processes—in a unit that is completely electrically isolated from the D-to-A section via their Cascade-Link optical interface.
Cascade DAC Section
The DAC section features eight of MSB’s new Hybrid DAC MKII modules, which provide ultra-high resolution, ultra-low noise DA conversion. It also includes MSB’s custom oven-controlled dual crystal 33-femtosecond clock, positioned closer to the DA stage than in previous MSB products. Additionally, it boasts an ultra-pure, constant-impedance, fully-balanced, differential, passive, analog volume attenuating output stage. The DAC can also accept analog inputs via an ultra-low noise, low-distortion buffer stage that is switched into the same analog output stage for supreme versatility.
Powerbase
The MSB’s Powerbase powers the DAC section, featuring discrete silicon carbide rectifiers and ultra-low noise linear power supplies with five rails in total. It connects to the Powerbase via the all-new MSB Summit umbilical cable.
The Future of MSB
The Cascade ushers in a new era of performance and state-of-the-art technology for MSB, surpassing even the Select DAC. While the Cascade is currently the flagship model in terms of performance, MSB is also developing an even higher-end DAC, the Sentinel. The Sentinel DAC won’t be available for an estimated two years, but MSB offers a trade-in program through dealers for MSB owners looking to upgrade. The Cascade is available in a variety of finishes, delivering superior sound purity within a luxurious aesthetic, appealing to the most discerning audiophiles. MSB Technology also runs a demo fleet available for select listening events, with the first customer units slated to begin shipping in July 2024.
