Description
Interfaces.
The input interface can have a significant impact on both the sound quality of the DAC, as well as the overall user experience. Input interfaces are constantly changing and are the main reason why digital equipment becomes obsolete. For this reason, we’ve made our inputs standardized modules that are user replaceable. In each module, we individually design each interface to perform at its absolute peak performance, with minimum noise, jitter, and maximum isolation. While each interface can transfer data to DAC, each has its own advantages and disadvantages. The primary difference between each interface is they add different amounts of noise and jitter to the audio system. With each interface,our goal is to have perfectly isolated, bit-perfect, low noise and low jitter data transfer.
MSB input modules are a standardized, swappable design that supports all of our DACs. This allows any module to be moved from one DAC to another for seemless upgradeability. Each module uses a toolless lever lock system for modules that allows simple, quick upgrades and replacements.
Each interface has advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages:
- Synchronous to the DAC
- Works with most music server and computer systems that support USB audio
- Works at rates up to 24/384kHz and 4xDSD
Limitations:
- Limited level of isolation between the DAC and the often extremely noisy source
- Offers no software control of the DAC from the host source (Volume, etc…)
- Limited to short cable lengths
The USB input is a convenient way to directly connect your computer or laptop to your MSB DAC for easy digital media playback. Standard USB inputs on DACs are common. What is not common is what we do with ours. All MSB USB Inputs were developed using an in-house hardware design for optimal audio playback performance. The entire USB module has a high level of isolation between the USB hardware and the DAC. The USB interface is limited to 384kHz and 4xDSD. Our MQA version also supports full MQA decoding. MSB offers a modular solution that is easily installed for all current DAC models. Older DAC models such as the DAC IV/IV+, Analog DAC, and DAC V are still supported and USB solutions are currently available.