The SELECT DAC is MSB’s reference DAC for the future. The select model started life as a fully loaded Diamond DAC IV in which all the options are included as well as an exciting 10 year warranty and upgrade guarantee. But that was just the beginning. Each month we added new improvements but quite frankly, ran out of room. We had plenty of great new ideas but the box was full.
So we made the decision to start over with a new much bigger chassis, new architecture, new DAC modules, etc. The DAC V is the culmination of all we could do with that old form factor. It was time to start over for the SELECT. It is all new and promises great potential for continued development and improvements. Right out of the box it exceeds dramatically all we have done to date, and it is still new and developing. But don’t worry, you can upgrade as often as you want, so you will never be left behind. The SELECT model comes with a 10 year warranty and upgrade guarantee so as we make improvements, you can return your DAC and get the latest performance without having to worry about selling the old model and buying the new one. These upgrades are free for the first year and simply the difference in cost between your DAC and the current SELECT DAC for the remaining years. Guaranteed, no questions asked. Upgrade as often as you like.
The other area we addressed with the new chassis was the sensitivity of the previous SELECT to environment. We attacked this problem at many levels and feel we have made great progress, and that we can expect excellent results in a wide range of listening environments.
What can I say about the sound?
The SELECT DAC has amazing resolution. In fact, for the first time ever we can just barely hear the quantization noise of a CD, a noise that disappears with 24 bit sources. It is still new and has not been heard in all situations but I can give you a hint at what you may expect.
We have blind A/B tested this new SELECT with the old SELECT for Audiophiles and non-Audiophiles alike and the results were surprising. For the first time in all our years of testing, non-Audiophiles picked up on major improvements. Subjects who NEVER heard a difference in all the many tests we perform heard a clear improvement and were quite amazed. They primarily caught the greatly increased sound stage and clarity. These are not subtle improvements only for golden ears. These are changes that are noticeable by all.
I will say no more about the sound until we have received more feedback from the field.
Simplicity
The SELECT DAC is more or less like a blend of the best of the Analog DAC and the best of the previous SELECT. It combines the Analog DAC construction, user interface and modularity with the SELECT’s refined sound. It offers the most life-like sound possible. It has a level of realism never heard before.
Both the DAC and Power Base are milled from a solid billet of aluminum in our own shop. Both inputs and outputs are modular and user replaceable. We have created a huge easy to read low noise display. We have incorporated multiple power supplies (from our success with the UMT). We have added even more DAC resolution. More details to follow once the new SELECT is shipping.
The Best Sound We Can Make
•Includes new and sometimes experimental features and parts
•Includes our best DAC modules and clock
•Includes our best USB input module
•Includes higher power rated connectors and cable
•Includes a SELECT Power Base with the Isolation Base built-in (no transport supply)
•Input and Output modules for complete optimization
•Includes a 10 year replacement warranty
•Includes free upgrades for one year
•Includes an upgrade guarantee for 10 years (you only pay the difference in price)
• Fully burned in at MSB
• Ships from stock in matte Black (no charge for custom colors but requires 6 week lead time).
“SELECT” Model – “SELECT” Program
Shipping Size is 22 x 18 x 12 inches
Shipping Weight is 41 lbs
Metric Size is 56 x 46 x 30 cm
Metric Weight is 18 kg
$89,950