advice on adding a DAC

[ED K]

I'm looking to add a DAc to my system. While I use it for HT, I also like to do two channel when listing to music. Was thinking of adding the new Musical Fidelity KW DAC. Has anyone out there used this DAC yet or have other suggetions?
My music system consists of
B&W 802Ds L/R
Bryston 7B SST monoblocks
Mcintosh MX135 pre/pro
Arcam FMJ DVD 27a CD/DVD player

[Alloroc]

I'm looking to add a DAc to my system. While I use it for HT, I also like to do two channel when listing to music. Was thinking of adding the new Musical Fidelity KW DAC. Has anyone out there used this DAC yet or have other suggetions?
My music system consists of
B&W 802Ds L/R
Bryston 7B SST monoblocks
Mcintosh MX135 pre/pro
Arcam FMJ DVD 27a CD/DVD player

Lovely setup Ed!

I presume tho' you're talking about the MF kW DM25 DAC?

The KW DM25 DAC is based on the system used in the kW SACD, which I had the pleasure to home evaluate a while back. A lovely, clean sounding player.

I didn't buy it, I went with the Esoteric X-03 instead but it did leave an it's memory etched. It was a really close call.

Anyhow, that's the the closest opinion I can offer on the kW DAC.

Options? The one that springs to mind is the Chord DAC64. It's part of the amazing looking Choral series and I heard the range at my local dealer. It's priced a little cheaper than the kW DAC too.

[ED K]

Thanks Vincent for your suggestion. My dealer is getting a Musical fidelity KW DM25 in for me to use for about a week (great dealer). I like my system now but I always seem to be looking for that tweek that will make it sound even better. I have another dealer (not as good) that carries Chord. Will have to see if he will let me try it out without buying it first.

[Alloroc]

Hi Ed,

Just curious. Do you plan to keep the FMJ as your transport or upgrade any time soon?

V.

[ED K]

Thinking of trying the Arye player(dealer demo). Any suggestions?

[Alloroc]

Thinking of trying the Arye player(dealer demo). Any suggestions?

Don't have any experience with Ayre, so can't comment there. Did you try the matching MF kW DM25 transport? If my experience with the kW SACD is anything to go by, It should be a special combo. Are you just after CD or is multichannel/DVD a requirement also?

I went through a similar process a while back when looking for a new player and settled with a player from Esoteric. Given what you're looking to spend, I'd really recommend that you listen to them, although I'm not sure at how deep they've pentrated the US market and if it will fit you're budget for that matter.

I fell in love with them dring a trip to Japan a few years back and I learned one thing. We might think we know what Japanese electronics are all about - mass production, but we don't. They take the craft of high end hifi to a different level, where cost is irrelevant. If I had the funds, anything by Zanden would do. You should see/hear their CD/DAC combo. It's special.

Edit - Just found this. Here's what 6Moons have to say about the X-03....

http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/esoteric2/x03.html