Musiland SVDAC06 Review
This review is about the sound quality of the device. I did not review about the functions available from the Musiland. This is coming as an edit later on. (I'm super uber busy! 
)
About me: Just recently got into Hi-Fi music and equipment. I have never owned a standalone DAC or Amp prior to the 06. Basically I am a rookie when it comes to this kind of stuff. Since my ears aren't as trained as some people are on these forums my review could possible differ from person to person.
Equipment used: ATH-AD700 (100+ hours), Musiland SVDAC06 (Its been on for almost 2 weeks straight) and my trusty Macbook Pro.
The test: I listened to each song roughly 5 times each coming just from the line out on the MBP. Then I connected my 06 via USB and began to listen to the previous song. I tried to listen to the same song at roughly the same volume either it be straight from the MBP or from the MBP to the 06.
Songs: All music was ripped using Itunes into .WAV and then converted into AFLAC again using Itunes.
Third Eye Blind - Jumper
What I noticed when playing this song with the Musiland was that everything just has that extra snap. Drums sound so much more lifelike and exciting compared to the MBP line out. The kick of the bass from the drums is tighter but not so much more pronounced as I would of liked. The sibilance of Stephan Jenkins voice from the MBP was absolutely atrocious. Not anymore. The Musiland miraculously eliminates most of the sibilance that I heard. Probably the biggest improvement that I heard with the Musiland was the expansion and soundstage clarity. Yes it did improve the soundstage somewhat (Hard to believe on my AD700's) but it ABSOLUTELY improved the clarity of each instrument. Its quite amazing.
Summary: Every instrument and voices have way more clarity. Its as if someone has lifted a veil over my headphones. The parts where there is faint voices now sound like they are in the room with you.
Improvement: B+
Chris Botti - No Ordinary Love
Sound stage definitely improved on this sound. The bass guitar doesen't seem to be as distant as it once was. It honestly sounds like each instrument is playing around me. Coming out of just the MBP I could only tell where a couple of instruments were.. not anymore. I can pin point exactly where they are. Again, as with Jumper, the faint voices truly shine with the Musiland. I can't even express with words how awesome the sound.
Summary: Soundstage, accuracy, bass all increase to make a relaxing song even more relaxing.
Improvement: A
Bobby Brown - Don't Be Cruel
The biggest single improvement in this song was the crispness of the bass and the representation of it. From the MBP, the bass is there but I felt that it was lacking before. I just didn't get that fun factor that I did with just the MBP. The improvement of bass really makes this song one of my favorite songs to listen to with my new setup.
Summary: Everything from soundstage, clarity, bass tightness to more bass has been improved.
Improvement: B+
Would I buy another one?
Hell yes. He is absolutely the best seller I've ever worked with. Great customer service. You can find his shop here.
If you guys and gals have any other questions just let me know. Seriously just ask me! I'm a nice guy and would LOVE to try and answer your questions.
Thanks,
Andrew
Edited by Aiml3ss - 6/16/10 at 8:09am
