American audio company MSB Technology has built a new non-plus ultra DA converter called Cascade. The Cascade is a fully balanced ladder DAC consisting of three cabinets. The buyer can choose from different input modules. The new Cascade from MSB Technology can be admired at the upcoming High End audio fair in Munich, which starts Thursday.
MSB Technology Cascade DAC
The Cascade DAC was developed by MSB Technology to provide uncompromising DA conversion and associated processes for people who are looking for the best possible solution for their audio system and don’t have to worry about how deep they have to dig into their wallets. The MSB Cascade DAC consists of three components combined in one system, namely the Digital Director, the Analog Converter and the Powerbase.
MSB Technology Cascade DAC: Digital Director
All digital resources, processing and interfaces are provided by the Digital Director. Placing these functions in their own chassis reduces any noise and interference with the rest of the system. To a certain extent, the Digital Director is the central brain of the system.
Because the digital portion of the Cascade is located in the Digital Director, it is the first stop for signals from digital players, CD drives, servers and computers. It can identify, configure and process virtually any digital format using advanced quality reproduction algorithms. The Digital Director features a low-noise linear power supply, easy-to-use controls and a visual status display in combination with up to four user-selectable digital input modules.
Which input modules are available? MSB Technology offers modules for XLR (AES/EBU), optical/coaxial (S/PDIF), MSB USB or ProUSB, MSB ProISL interface, MSB Dual ProI2S input and MSB Network Renderer V2 (MQA and Roon Ready).
The Digital Director sends a digital signal ready for DA conversion via the optical Cascade Link to the next component in the system and that is the Cascade Analog Converter.
MSB Technology Cascade DAC: Analog Converter
All critical, low-noise analog electronics are integrated into the Cascade Analog Converter. Equipped with eight new hybrid DAC MKII modules, a Femto 33 MKIII clock, passive analog stages and 75-Ohm volume controls, the Analog Converter can perform its assigned task of providing the best possible analog DA conversion for audio listening . The signal path is balanced and differential to prevent ground currents from interfering with the signals.
Additional inputs include two analog balanced XLR and two single-ended RCA connections for sending analog source signals directly to the unit (rather than going through the Digital Director first), as no conversion preparation is required.
MSB Technology Cascade DAC: Powerbase
To further ensure the best possible performance of the Cascade, completely updated power technologies have been incorporated into the remaining part of the system, the Cascade Powerbase. There is an extra layer of protection with internal AC filtering. After the power of the three toroidal transformers is converted to DC by discrete silicon carbide rectifiers, the power is filtered through optimized banks of inductors and capacitors to remove most of the residual noise from the raw DC signal. This is then controlled by discrete ultra-low noise linear power supplies.
MSB Technology Cascade DAC: Finishes
The Cascade DAC’s silver or black anodized unibody chassis features stainless steel accents. Custom accent finishes are also offered for a more personal touch.
MSB Technology Cascade DAC: price and delivery information
The Cascade DAC from MSB Technology debuts at the High End audio fair in Munich. The first delivery will take place in July 2024. We have not yet heard any price information, but the rumor circuit is a starting price of approximately $ 100,000. This is only an indication, because import duties and the local VAT rate can increase the price somewhat. The buyer receives a three-year warranty and after registration an additional two-year warranty is added.