Any Thoughts???

[cmy330go]

Hi everyone!

Just wondering if anyone has had any experience with the Musical Fidelity X-DACv3 D/A Converter or the X-10v3 Tube buffer Stage.

I am really needing to improve the cd playback on my 2ch setup. It sounds good as is but, I know it could be much better. According to what I have read here and a few other places it seems that a good DAC on a standard cd player can sometimes render better results than an expensive standalone player.

The reason I ask about the items above is because Music Direct seems to be running a nice offer on both units plus the matching power supply. $1199
http://www.amusicdirect.com/products/detail.asp?sku=WSBMFBUNDLE

Also I noticed that for about the same amount of money I could just buy a Benchmark DAC1 which of course just got a rave review by "steveinaz" http://clubpolk.polkaudio.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=27272

If anyone here has opinions on the above mentioned, or other suggestions I would love to here them.

-Thanks
Dave

[steveinaz]

Click on the Benchmark Media link in that review, and you'll see tons of reviews, both industry and professional recording studio's.
DO NOT overlook this DAC.

[cmy330go]

Originally posted by steveinaz
Click on the Benchmark Media link in that review, and you'll see tons of reviews, both industry and professional recording studio's.
DO NOT overlook this DAC.

Thanks for the info Steve. I hadn't taken a look at the user reviews yet. Quite impressive.

I notice that you have some other MF gear. Have you had any experience with their dac and buffer. If not what is your overall opinion of there equipment?

thanks again

[hoosier21]

do a search on this site, somebody just bought the buffer and loved it.

[steveinaz]

Originally posted by cmy330go
Thanks for the info Steve. I hadn't taken a look at the user reviews yet. Quite impressive.

I notice that you have some other MF gear. Have you had any experience with their dac and buffer. If not what is your overall opinion of there equipment?

thanks again

I have the A3CR preamp and as far as I'm concerned, as long as it works, it'll be in my system. It has (IMO) just the right balance of articulation and musicality. It's built like a tank and sounds wonderful.

I don't have any experience with any other MF products.

[haimoc]

I have a x10v3 buffer and love it.

The buffer gives a better soundstage and more detail. In general, the buffer improves the sound from mid-range players impressively.

[cmy330go]

Originally posted by haimoc
I have a x10v3 buffer and love it.

The buffer gives a better soundstage and more detail. In general, the buffer improves the sound from mid-range players impressively.

What type of other gear are you using it with?

[pjdami]

I have two of the MF buffers. I did a review a few months ago here:

http://clubpolk.polkaudio.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=23382&highlight=musical+fidelity

As far as which is going to be better the Benchmark or the MF stuff... tough to say without trying both out. You get a lot of stuff for the money with the MF deal though and they are getting killer reviews too.

Overall, nice stuff that will not leave you disappointed. Personally, I prefer to have tubes of some form or another in all of my rigs. The buffer stage is a neat way to integrate some tubiness into an all solid state rig.

Paul

[cmy330go]

Thanks for the info paul. I guess I'm just going to have to try to find a place that will let me audition these. I have been wanting to try some tube gear as I have had no experience with it. I have been somewhat putting off trying tubes due to the great fear that I might get hooked. :eek:

Thanks again
Dave