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For the December issue, <I>Stereophile</I> will be running its "Product of the Year" results. But what would <I>you</I> nominate for best product of 1999?
The hands-down winner is the MSB LinkDAC. Like Audio Alchemy in the past, it has brought the sound of high-end, high-priced DACs to the masses of budget audiophiles. But the real winner should be the Channel Islands Audio-modified LinkDAC coupled with their Monolithic HC-2 power supply (replaces the wall-wart). This combo equals anything below $10k and sells for only $869 MSRP. Once heard, one wonders how the others can overcharge so much!
Mark Levinson No.32 Reference preamplifier. Quite simply, one needs to read the technical design document, then have a listen. It is so far ahead of any preamp ever produced. I can not wait to read the review. It is the much-awaited partner to the coveted No.33H monoblocks.
The Proceed PMDT. It is a true "one-box" solution to the audio and video formats that are offered today, and offers the confidence of upgradeability to handle the future with equal attention to detail. In short, I trust Madrigal to use this platform to take me through the growing pains the new formats will bring.