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Home News

MSB Technology Reference DAC

Marco Lisi by Marco Lisi
July 13, 2026
in News
Reading Time: 3 mins read
msb-technology-reference-dac

The Reference DAC is equipped with MSB’s new Hybrid DAC technology.  Originated in the Select DAC, we’ve pushed the technology further, making it more compact and robust and above all – affordable.  Unlike the Select’s eight-module design, the Reference DAC only needs four modules to anchor eight high-powered channels for an unrivaled output.  The Hybrid module can be reconfigured to accommodate PCM or native DSD, ensuring it’s the most dynamic DAC on the market.

msb-technology-reference-dac-2

Smooth chassis lines. Few controls. Focused modularity. High-end quality. As MSB Technologies sets out to create a new level of digital-to-analog conversion, our design statement ensured the best usability and quality. The resulting product has set a new, previously undiscovered reference in the listening experience. Designed with an easy-to-read display, our discrete LED installation is both stunning and practical. Our display is big enough that you can stay seated in your chair. No standing necessary – sit back and become immersed. Designed in-house from the ground up, the display is assembled in its own CNC pocket in the uni-body, separate from the DAC. Along with targeted electrical isolation, the LED display is refreshed in between data points to reduce noise interference.

  • The Dual Powerbase
  • Completely modular
  • The last preamp you will ever need
  • Expand your analog audio
  • Anodized Finishes

The Dual Powerbase

You can’t underestimate the importance of a clean power supply. A re-imagined design paired with the DAC reduces the noise floor even further. We’ve equipped the DAC with a single supply for the digital side of the DAC, along with an isolated supply for the analog side, yielding an unprecedented level of performace. Upgraded with two dedicated power supplies, we provide increased isolation and electrical performance for both the digital and the analog power. With the increased space, each Mono Powerbase possesses a much lower electrical noise design.

msb-technology-reference-dac-3

Completely modular

The MSB Technology modular design encourages innovation. The DAC modules, clock, input and output modules are all user-replaceable. As these technologies change, we’ll update your DAC to keep it current and operational. MSB is constantly developing new input modules for every application and technology.  With the release of MQA, MSB has prepared a new module and a streamlined software update. This augments your DAC with the most up to date technologies.  Put simply, your DAC is ready for the future.

The last preamp you will ever need

From the Base Output Module will give you a cutting edge constant impedance passive volume control preamp.  Using this remarkable preamp will reduce system complexity and ultimately improve the audio quality of your entire system.  It’s a remarkable feat of electrical design that sets a new benchmark in the industry. The output modules are individually tuned for maximum quality balance or single-ended audio. Even without the upgraded preamp module, the DAC still has built in volume control.

msb-technology-reference-dac-4

Expand your analog audio

With sideways expansion, the preamp can accommodate additional analog inputs, isolated sub outputs, and extra analog outputs. Starting with an 65lb plate of ‘Kaiser Select Precision Plate’, material is machined in our own in-house CNC shop. After more than four hours of machining, 60% of the aluminum is removed, resulting in a 18lb finished product. The integration of our CNC shop allows for design optimization to create the best possible product. We use the high quality premium ‘Select’ metal, giving us the best anodized finishes on the market.

Anodized Finishes

Available in matte silver and matte black anodized finishes. Replaceable foot guards are included to protect the chassis from damage. Any standard M6X1 foot can be installed.

msb-technology-reference-dac-5

Visit the MSB Technology website.

Tags: DACsMSB Technology
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Marco Lisi

Marco Lisi

Publisher

Marco Lisi is the publisher of Best of High End, part of AV Concepts BV. His path into audio started early: as a teenager he was drawn into the world of free radio, presenting shows and living immersed in music every day. In his early twenties he ran his own production studio for five years, creating jingles and commercials — hands-on training in sound design, pro-audio workflows, and critical listening through studio monitors that still shapes how he evaluates gear today. He also spent years DJing in clubs before moving into publishing, first at two earlier online magazines before founding Best of High End. His hi-fi and home cinema passion was inherited from his father, an inveterate system-swapper. Marco's first setup — a confirmation gift — paired AKAI separates with entry-level Bowers & Wilkins speakers, a brand he stayed loyal to for years as his system grew from stereo into full surround and home cinema. Like many enthusiasts, he went through an extended "audiophile" phase chasing the next upgrade, before settling into a more grounded view: gear as a means to enjoy music and film, not an end in itself. Years of critical listening have given him a well-trained ear — the ability to characterize a system or pinpoint a change in the chain quickly and accurately. Just as important, his teaching background (a Belgian "regent" degree in Dutch language) gives him the tools to translate those listening impressions into clear, readable writing.

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