MSB Technology has unveiled a groundbreaking digital-to-analog converter system that is set to overshadow all existing digital-to-analog converters globally. The designers claim that the Sentinel DAC provides an entirely unique listening experience. This extraordinary creation, developed without constraints, is tailored for individuals whose love for music knows no bounds. For this select audience, MSB Technology is thrilled to present a revelation that surpasses all expectations. While we are still awaiting details on pricing and delivery, it is reasonable to conclude that this new system will be beyond the reach of most enthusiasts.
MSB Technology Sentinel
According to MSB Technology, creating a masterpiece requires more than dedication. It requires a rare yet perfect harmony of experience, passion, and ambition to achieve the impossible – and it’s even rarer for three designers to share this vision simultaneously.
The foundation for the new design is built on over three decades of experience. Guided by the simple maxim “performance above all else,” the manufacturer devised a three-body system that elevates electrical synergy to its full potential. But prioritizing performance doesn’t compromise streamlined design—with the Sentinel, they go hand in hand. By creating hidden and complex 3D layouts, the designers reduced system clutter while simultaneously enhancing electronic interactions. The smooth, matte exterior is as captivating as it is elegant, concealing the complexity that lies just beneath the surface. The resulting masterpiece is only possible thanks to close collaboration between mechanical, electrical, and software designers.
MSB Technology Sentinel: Digital Director
The Digital Director handles all digital processes. It features a large, legible display and intuitive controls for a clear interface that feels both natural and accessible. It acts as an intermediary between sources and the analog domain, sending a conversion-ready signal via the left and right fully isolated Sentinel-Links with fiber optic cable to the mono DACs of the analog converter.
MSB Technology Sentinel: DA converter
Featuring 32 Hybrid DAC MKII modules, the Sentinel Clock, and an analog preamplifier, the Analog Converter’s Dual Mono DAC design brings music to life. Freed from the burden of brute-force digital processing, the Analog Converter is perfectly suited to the specific task of precision analog conversion.
MSB Technology Sentinel: power supply
The Sentinel Power Supply has been completely redesigned and features three independent power supplies. Two modules provide clean, independent power for both the left and right mono DACs in the analog converter. The third power supply is an ultra-low-noise design, specifically designed for the Sentinel Clock’s class-leading performance.
MSB Technology Sentinel: clock design
This clock design, perhaps the embodiment of the Sentinel project, emphasizes the extremes. Completely custom-built and discreetly constructed, no other company in our industry has the ambition or expertise to create a device of this complexity or sophistication. Designed in collaboration with the crystal wafer manufacturer, each crystal produces unprecedented accuracy. The crystal’s mechanical oscillation is so sensitive that a dedicated, isolated energy dissipation platform was built for each device. This platform incorporates a turnkey solution from an unnamed leading competitor.
MSB Technology Sentinel: DAC modules
At the heart of every MSB system are our in-house designed and manufactured DAC modules. Increasing the number of modules has always resulted in improved performance, but with thousands of high-precision resistors in the aerospace industry, it comes at a high cost. For the Sentinel project, we quadrupled our previous designs from 8 to 32 modules, resulting in increased signal accuracy and a flurry of technological breakthroughs. By utilizing so many parallel DAC channels, Dustin Symanski invented and implemented the best possible version of Bit Diffusion Technology. This technology has revitalized the conversion process and unlocked extraordinary possibilities for the future.
Our most ambitious industrial design yet, the Sentinel system, features precision-machined billet components accentuated by new, microscopic details. Thanks to brand-new CAM software, purchased specifically for this project, 5-axis machining has resulted in an unprecedented level of fit and finish. The Sentinel name badge is milled from stainless steel with a 0.02-inch (1/2 mm) end mill. The tool grooves are so microscopic that you can’t see their details without a microscope. Nothing excites the engineers more than being able to develop in a vast, limitless design environment, they say.
MSB Technology: Sentinel Amp
Currently in development, the Sentinel Amp is one of the few amplifiers capable of fully utilizing the Sentinel DAC’s unique architecture. Going beyond the standard XLR input, it also features our unique Confluence connection, which maximizes the low output impedance and massive power output of all 32 Hybrid DAC MKII modules. This preserves the finest details and enhances the overall dynamics and energy of the system. Both the Sentinel DAC and amplifier are equipped with XLR inputs and outputs to support all system configurations.
MSB Technology Sentinel: Disclaimer and warning, “the entire system gets warm”
The manufacturer provides an important warning. The Sentinel system is significantly more powerful than other DACs. These units need to be situated in a well-ventilated space and kept out of direct sunlight. In hotter climates, using air conditioning can help prolong the lifespan of electrical components. To achieve optimal performance, it is advised not to stack this system. Rather, position each unit on an individual shelf or surface, ensuring there is sufficient space on the sides and above each chassis to allow for adequate airflow.
MSB Technology Sentinel: Overview of technical features
MSB Technology Sentinel: Digital Director
- Four digital input modules configured for each owner and each system
- Easy-to-read system display and intuitive user operation
- Case dimensions: 444.5 mm x 444.5 mm x 108 mm
- 15A IEC power supply
MSB Technology Sentinel: analog converter
- Dual Mono DAC design
- Each Mono DAC receives a unique digital signal via the Sentinel-Link monaural fibre optic.
- Contains 16 Hybrid DAC MKII modules per channel.
- Fully independent left/right analog preamplifier.
- 2 XLR analog inputs
- 2 RCA analog inputs
- 2 XLR analog outputs per channel (2 per channel)
- Confluence output for The Sentinel Amp
- Biamping modes
- Two analog XLR outputs per mono 16-DAC channel, one for each amplifier.
- One analog XLR output per four 8-DAC channels, one DAC for each amplifier output.
- Case dimensions: 444.5 mm x 444.5 mm x 237 mm
- Power is supplied by the Sentinel Power Supply.
MSB Technology Sentinel: power supply
- Three independent power supplies, each with independent outputs
- Left Mono DAC power supply
- Right Mono DAC power supply
- Clock power supply
- Power is sent to the analog converter via three Summit Power Cables
- Six ultra-low-noise, custom-wound shielded toroidal transformers
- Case dimensions: 444.5 mm x 444.5 mm x 237 mm
- 15A IEC power supply
