MSB Technology Platinum Data CD IV transport & Diamond DAC IV & D/A converter Specifications

Sidebar 1: Specifications

Platinum Data CD IV disc transport: Compatible with CD, WAV files (16–32 bits, sample rates up to 384kHz) on DVD-R. Outputs: Coaxial, TosLink, AES/EBU, MSB Network (384kHz). Output jitter: 2ps. Power-supply requirement: 12V DC.
Dimensions: 17.7" (450mm) W by 2.75" (70mm) H by 15.4" (390mm) D, DAC IV and Power Base each. Weights: 9.5 lbs (4.3kg), Data CD IV; 18 lbs (8.2kg), Power Base.
Serial number of unit reviewed: CD198321.
Price: $3995; Signature Transport Power Base adds $3495. Price as reviewed: $7490.

Diamond DAC IV: Solid-state, remote-controlled digital-to-analog converter with volume control and auxiliary analog input. Digital inputs: coaxial S/PDIF (RCA and BNC), TosLink, AES/EBU, MSB Network (32 bit), USB 2.0 operating in isochronous asynchronous mode with 24-bit word length and sample rates from 44.1 to 384kHz. Analog outputs: 1 pair balanced (XLR), 2 pairs single-ended (RCA). Volume-control range: +9dB to –69dB. Output impedance: 50 ohms. Maximum output level: 7.5V RMS (balanced), 3.6V RMS (single-ended). Slew rate: >1000 V/µs. Settling time: <90ns.
Dimensions: 17.7" (450mm) W by 2.75" (70mm) H by 15.4" (390mm) D, DAC IV and Power Base each. Weights: 13.5 lbs (6.15kg), DAC IV; 16.5 lbs (7.5kg), Power Base.
Serial number of unit reviewed: DD198791.
Price: $21,995; FemtoSecond Galaxy Clock adds $9950, Diamond Stepped Attenuator adds $2995, Pro I2S input board adds $995, USB2.0 384kHz input adds $1395, Diamond Power Base adds $5995. Price as reviewed: $43,325.

Common to both: Approximate number of dealers: 11.
Manufacturer: MSB Technology Corporation, 5601 Freedom Blvd., Aptos, CA 95003. Tel: (831) 662-2800 (upgrades or repairs), (716) 688-3527 (US sales). Fax: (831) 662-3800. Web: www.msbtech.com.

COMPANY INFO
MSB Technology Corporation
5601 Freedom Blvd.
Aptos, CA 95003
(831) 662-2800
ARTICLE CONTENTS

COMMENTS
earwaxxer's picture

I have had the MSB Link DAC lll for some 15yrs or so, and I have always wanted to buy another MSB product, but man, they dont make it easy for us mere mortals! It would be great if they would trickle some of that down, but it appears they dont need to do that. Its cool reading about it though!

mpanwar's picture

Nice article but stop being sexist! Why refer to audiophiles as 'he'.

Dr.Kamiya's picture

I'm sure no sexism was involved, just plain old English at work. The use of "he" when referring to a person of unknown gender has been taught as a general rule of the English language since the 1800s.

It's considered good grammatic form to use the male pronoun when referring to anyone in general, oftentimes refered to as the "generic he."

"All men are created equal."

"Man cannot live on bread alone."

And so on.

michael123's picture

Why would you want it?

The device does not stand to its price - see DAC202 to understand how the device shall behave.

 

I like the ending summary - "In most ways" :)

 

earwaxxer's picture

The Weiss DAC202? That is old school junk compared to the this MSB rig!

our martin's picture

How does this compare to say the sabre 32 dac chips in the krell evolution 707 or cypher? 

Metalingus's picture

This makes no sense, apart from the choice of filters this MSB DAC is objectively worse than their cheapest Analog DAC.

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