The DAC sold through AGON--I'll keep the SB+. thanks all
If you are using a soundcard or laptop output--or a CDP for your headphone amp source, please consider these items for sale.
First, the MSB Link III is an excellent 24/96 DAC, supported by these reviews and my own assurance, with proviso that this is subjective.
http://www.audioreview.com/cat/digit...5_2738crx.aspx
As for my own review, the LINK III it is an extraordinary buy--not as good as my Cal Alpha DAC with NOS Raytheon tubes--but in the same league, which I verified with my HP system (ASL MG III with the nostiest exotic tubes) and my CJ-MV52/Monitor S9i. Surprisingly good for the money. IF you are using a mid-fi CD player or below (defining point is the Cal Audio Icon II HDCD Power Boss), or a sound card for output (ugh) this DAC will put a big smile on your face. And, you can upgrade it to your O.C. pleasure like so:
http://www.sound4sale.com/link3-manual2.pdf
Now, use the Sound Blaster MP3+ to convert USB to optical (which I will testify it does very well) and go from hard disk > USB > SB MP3+ >optical out > MSB Link > Headphone Amp and I believe you will be one happy camper. In fact, I sold my Cal Icon II HDCD CDP after extensive side-by-side comparisons. In fact, you can use the free audio outs on the SB+ to drive a subwofer if you use a audio amp speaker setup.
The SB+ has a headphone out, which for what it is is not shabby at tis price point (do not consider this last point a recommendation). But-----the SB+ also has analog to digital conversion, so you can rip your vinyl collection!! Read the first review in the link below, though I have not done this and check out the manual if you like as well:
http://reviews.cnet.com/Creative_Sou...html?tag=uolst
http://ccftp.creative.com/manualdn/M...S100manual.pdf
The SB software is VERY well behaved and VERY effective. The graphic equalizer is EXCELLENT, and I have used it to tweak and balance the sound of different headphone amps and HPs, like HD650, HD595, HD580, SR-125, Ety 6i. The MP3+ software has installed with no issues on five of my computers. The installation CD is in the box--but check the site and consider downloading new versions, if different.
The trick to all this is well ripped MP3s, which I do at at 320KPS (LAME, CBR), or 256 KBS (VBR), depending on songs (no point for 320 for 40's jazz or '60s classic rock, generally). If so, you will be hard pressed to tell the difference from the original.
The LINK DAC also works GREATwith my Slimdevices Squeezebox II--significantly better than the SB-II analog out (which ain't bad in and of themselves).
So for the package price of SB-MP3+ and the Link-III DAC for $150 + expenses, you will have a system to tickle you hair cells and auditory cortex, and your facial muscles surrounding the pie hole. If you are using a computer or laptop soundcard to drive ANY amp this is the MOST significant upgrade you can make for your phones regardless of price. The MSB is also a great entry DAC from the Squeezebox. Nuff said.
I hope that some of you benefit some from this note, which is as much a 'for sale ad' as a review and recommendation. However, I would not compromise my ethics by shilling $150 bucks of stuff in this manner were it not real.
Finally, the condition of the pieces (pictures sent to buyers before we close)
Link-III: 6/10 (conservative). Four small dots on upper left corner of face. Some skid marks and scratches on top but overall, respectable condition and functions perfectly. The piece is hefty and high quality. Includes Audio Alchemy Power Station Four (IV), a high power PS that is an upgrade to the WW that I believe came with the Link III.
Sound Blaster MP3+: Brand New. I liked my first so much I bought as a backup. If purchased together, I will have to remove from box to fit both LinkIII and SB but will include the flattened retail box.
Separate Prices: MBS Link III = $130 + shipping
SB-MP3+ = $30 + shipping (New)
Thanks for reading.
See my feedback on Agon and Ebay and buy with confidence.
I am the third owner of the Link III, the previous two were upstanding Agon guys.
If you are using a soundcard or laptop output--or a CDP for your headphone amp source, please consider these items for sale.
First, the MSB Link III is an excellent 24/96 DAC, supported by these reviews and my own assurance, with proviso that this is subjective.
http://www.audioreview.com/cat/digit...5_2738crx.aspx
As for my own review, the LINK III it is an extraordinary buy--not as good as my Cal Alpha DAC with NOS Raytheon tubes--but in the same league, which I verified with my HP system (ASL MG III with the nostiest exotic tubes) and my CJ-MV52/Monitor S9i. Surprisingly good for the money. IF you are using a mid-fi CD player or below (defining point is the Cal Audio Icon II HDCD Power Boss), or a sound card for output (ugh) this DAC will put a big smile on your face. And, you can upgrade it to your O.C. pleasure like so:
http://www.sound4sale.com/link3-manual2.pdf
Now, use the Sound Blaster MP3+ to convert USB to optical (which I will testify it does very well) and go from hard disk > USB > SB MP3+ >optical out > MSB Link > Headphone Amp and I believe you will be one happy camper. In fact, I sold my Cal Icon II HDCD CDP after extensive side-by-side comparisons. In fact, you can use the free audio outs on the SB+ to drive a subwofer if you use a audio amp speaker setup.
The SB+ has a headphone out, which for what it is is not shabby at tis price point (do not consider this last point a recommendation). But-----the SB+ also has analog to digital conversion, so you can rip your vinyl collection!! Read the first review in the link below, though I have not done this and check out the manual if you like as well:
http://reviews.cnet.com/Creative_Sou...html?tag=uolst
http://ccftp.creative.com/manualdn/M...S100manual.pdf
The SB software is VERY well behaved and VERY effective. The graphic equalizer is EXCELLENT, and I have used it to tweak and balance the sound of different headphone amps and HPs, like HD650, HD595, HD580, SR-125, Ety 6i. The MP3+ software has installed with no issues on five of my computers. The installation CD is in the box--but check the site and consider downloading new versions, if different.
The trick to all this is well ripped MP3s, which I do at at 320KPS (LAME, CBR), or 256 KBS (VBR), depending on songs (no point for 320 for 40's jazz or '60s classic rock, generally). If so, you will be hard pressed to tell the difference from the original.
The LINK DAC also works GREATwith my Slimdevices Squeezebox II--significantly better than the SB-II analog out (which ain't bad in and of themselves).
So for the package price of SB-MP3+ and the Link-III DAC for $150 + expenses, you will have a system to tickle you hair cells and auditory cortex, and your facial muscles surrounding the pie hole. If you are using a computer or laptop soundcard to drive ANY amp this is the MOST significant upgrade you can make for your phones regardless of price. The MSB is also a great entry DAC from the Squeezebox. Nuff said.
I hope that some of you benefit some from this note, which is as much a 'for sale ad' as a review and recommendation. However, I would not compromise my ethics by shilling $150 bucks of stuff in this manner were it not real.
Finally, the condition of the pieces (pictures sent to buyers before we close)
Link-III: 6/10 (conservative). Four small dots on upper left corner of face. Some skid marks and scratches on top but overall, respectable condition and functions perfectly. The piece is hefty and high quality. Includes Audio Alchemy Power Station Four (IV), a high power PS that is an upgrade to the WW that I believe came with the Link III.
Sound Blaster MP3+: Brand New. I liked my first so much I bought as a backup. If purchased together, I will have to remove from box to fit both LinkIII and SB but will include the flattened retail box.
Separate Prices: MBS Link III = $130 + shipping
SB-MP3+ = $30 + shipping (New)
Thanks for reading.
See my feedback on Agon and Ebay and buy with confidence.
I am the third owner of the Link III, the previous two were upstanding Agon guys.
