However, just as I am looking forward to testing the Cascade DAC, the MSB trio also presents me with problems - namely when it comes to accommodating it in my two racks and wiring it in parallel with my own components, which I need at least for a brief comparison. This starts with the power supply: there is just one free slot in the Audioquest Niagara 1200, which supplies all the digital devices. How good that Jürgen Sachweh points out that MSB regards the Analog Converter/preamplifier unit with its power supply unit as an analog device: Accordingly, the Powerbase draws its power from the Niagara 5000, which feeds all analog components. It's just as good that MSB has incorporated stainless steel spike mounts into the top of the trio's housing, meaning that two or three of them can be stacked. Finally, the Analog Converter and powerbase find a place under the Melco N1Z/2EX-H60, which is decoupled with Thixar Silent Feet 20. The Director can claim one level of the Artesania rack next door all to itself. After a little cable swapping, the Cascade and my digital chain have the same good prerequisites: They are connected to the PowerSwitch via Ansuz Digitalz D-TC Gold Signature and to the WestminsterLab preamp via Audioquest Dragon.

Even during the first functional test with a few briefly played test tracks, it becomes clear that we didn't have to make such an intensive effort to level the playing field for the Cascade. You have certainly already experienced for yourself that converters are the type of device that reacts most positively to a long warm-up phase on the mains. But the Cascade system, which has just been wired, demonstrates with the first known bars that it operates at a higher level than my carefully assembled and in many places optimized digital chain. The MSB pampers with a slightly larger, airier space, an intense musical flow and that certain something that defies classification in the usual hi-fi disciplines. It is already clear that further engagement with the Cascade will be pure joy.