"... a realistically neutral, astonishingly detailed, very dynamic source component that leaves less of an impression on soundstage and system that anything else digital I’ve tried out..."
With four Hybrid DACs, we yield an unmatched level of detail, reproducing the musicality, soundstage, and texture of an original performance, bringing the artist to you. A fully balanced, ultra-high precision, discrete ladder DAC architecture ensures each note tells a story. Additionally, MSB’s robust in-house design enables the finest quality playback of PCM and native DSD, while our low impedance circuitry drives your amplification directly without adding coloration or buffering noise. The end result is a digital experience defying expectations.
Smooth chassis lines. Few controls. Focused modularity. High-end quality. As we set out to create a new level of digital-to-analog conversion, our design statement ensured the best usability and quality. The resulting product has set a new, previously undiscovered reference in the listening experience.
Equipped with high-visibility and a wide viewing angle, the display is both easy-to-read and stunning, exhibiting our love for intuitive features. The LED display, slaved to the audio clock, is refreshed between data processing to drastically reduce electrical interference. The in-house discrete design is then constructed into its own shielded CNC pocket for optimal isolation. Sit back and be immersed
You can’t underestimate the importance of a clean power supply. A re-imagined design paired with the DAC reduces the noise floor even further. We’ve equipped the DAC with a single supply for the digital side of the DAC, along with an isolated supply for the analog side, yielding an unprecedented level of performance.
Supported Formats (Input dependent)44.1kHz to 3,072kHz PCM up to 32 bits
1xDSD, 2xDSD, 4xDSD, 8xDSD
Supports DSD via DoP on all inputsDigital Inputs4x Advanced isolated input module slotsXLR Analog Inputs*100kΩ Balanced
12Vrms Maximum
Isolated when not selected
XLR Analog Outputs3.57Vrms Maximum (Digital Input)
12Vrms Maximum (Analog Input)
150Ω BalancedGalvanically isolatedPreamp Output Module Volume Control*Purely passive constant impedance analog attenuation
1dB stepsBase Output Volume Control1dB stepsDynamic Range
(20Hz to 20kHz)143dBFS
145dBAFSDisplayCustom discrete LED audio clock synchronous display
Adjustable brightness and auto-off featureControlsIsolated RS-232
IR Remote
Knob + 3 Buttons*Optional Preamp Output Module required
Chassis Dimensions Width:17.5 in (444 mm)Depth:17.5 in (444 mm)Chassis Height (Without Feet):2.2 in (79 mm)Stack height:2.85 in (92 mm)Weight:25 lbs (11 kg)Product Feet:M6X1 Thread
Shipping Dimensions Width:25 in (635 mm)Depth:25 in (625 mm)Height:10 in (254 mm)Weight:50 lbs (24 kg)
“MSB’s The Reference DAC embodies digital high-end hi-fi like hardly any other device. Groundbreaking technology, extremely high-quality workmanship, and breathtaking sound unites to a very exceptional system.”