Hi PRAT - factor (Timing Rythm And Pace.)

Stargrounded on the PCB only and not on the output RCA connectors, I have cut a wire so make it 100% stargrounded, huges improvment, also updated to better 12v toroid transformer add tons of music.

Kenwood 200 changer - Monarchy DIP 24/96 - X-24K - Naim NAC 32.5 - Naim SNAXO 2.4 - 2 X Naim NAP 250 - Active Linn KAN. Lot of music from CD's with the comfort of changer were all my CD's reside.

Similar Products Used:

Camebridge DAC, Linn Mimik.

Hi PRAT - factor (Timing Rythm And Pace.)

Stargrounded on the PCB only and not on the output RCA connectors, I have cut a wire so make it 100% stargrounded, huges improvment, also updated to better 12v toroid transformer add tons of music.

Kenwood 200 changer - Monarchy DIP 24/96 - X-24K - Naim NAC 32.5 - Naim SNAXO 2.4 - 2 X Naim NAP 250 - Active Linn KAN. Lot of music from CD's with the comfort of changer were all my CD's reside.

Similar Products Used:

Camebridge DAC, Linn Mimik.

A triple jump upgrade for a low to mid high-end setup.

none

This is a cylindrical stuff which is solid in outlook, very appealing indeed. But this is not the main issue here but rather it is the capability of this dac that make me happy.
It is not difficult to hear the changes, or to be more exact - improvement it has contributed to my system. Treble and midrange more sweet and smooth, bass is well control than before. I spent $1,000 on nordost cables for the coaxial digital interconnect and analogue interconnect to get the most out of it because I believed high grade cables can deliver details better.
From the magazine and my local MF agent (the salesman told me that within the X-PSU, there is a toroidal transformer), I come to know that the MF X-PSU will further enhance the sound. Although unsure how true it is, I still give a try. I have to place order with the local agent as the X-PSU were out of stock, my goodness! That prompt me even more to secure it. Without hesitation, I place an order for the next shipment and waited impatiently for 3 months before this thing reached me. Excitingly and impatiently, I hook it up for 'judgement'. Well, initially everything seems to be a bit laid back and I knew before it would show its true colour, it is fair that it must have sufficient time to run-in.
After couple of days of running-in the baby, my confidence began to build up because now, the sound is better than before! I am not saying the X24K is no good but if assisted with this power supply, it really sound great and I was quite shocked to hear the improvement. Treble is pretty sweet, soundstage is wide and spacious, background seems more airy and vocal is natural. Best of all, the bass punchy. On one of my CD collection, I could even hear/feel the bouncing effect of the drum. Everything are in place now.
I never regret getting both the X24K and X-PSU as it make my listening more emotional, involving and enjoyable. It's a worthy investment. Wanted to give it a 6 stars but I have only given 5 stars to pick..........

Similar Products Used:

MF X-PSU

The X24k is a rare unit in that it performs well beyond it's price. Even John Atkinson of Stereophile admitted that it compares well to units cost 8-10 times more!
Personally, I conducted some tests. I was enticed into buying it because my friend had bought a musical fidelity X-ray for 1300.00 and i couldn't afford that. I bought the x24 and used my pioneer DV414 as a transport (350.00 for the pioneer,500 for the x24k = 850$ digital chain)

My friend and I conducted some blind tests with both units (my setup and his X-ray hooked up to my gear (see below). Neither of us could reliably tell the difference between the two. on one piece of music (Bjork "Human Behvaior") we both noted fuller, less muddy bass from the X-Ray. I theorise this is because of a superior power supply, which I plan to remedy with the X-PSU, a power supply upgrade for the x24k. So, the conclusion: essentially, you can have a 1300.00 dollar playback chain for 850.00. probably less if you buy a reasonably good CD player with a coax out for use as a transport.

true 24bit sources: we could only do one side-by-side Audio-only DVDto CD comparison, Sam Phillips "cruel intentions". The 24bit DVD through the X24k was *obviously* better than the CD on the X-ray. we both picked out whcih was which every time. the soundstage was bigger, instruments more distinct, more of a sense of space, better high and low response... you get the picture.

Conclusion, I'm sticking with the x24k and plan to get a better DVD player soon (a Denon DVD 3000 or Sony s500d). I'll have saved money, and have a more future proof and flexible playback system.

Highest reccomendations.



any opions on the effectiveness of DVD players as TRANSPORTS (not players, obviously)for CD?

Related Equipment:
Amps:
Pre: Sunfire Classic Vaccum Tube
Power: Music Reference RM-10
Mission 750LE loud speakers
Pioneer DVD 414
Monster Lightspeed Toslink cable/Data link coax.
Kimber PBJ throughout.
AQ type 4 speaker wire

Excellent Performance, New Life for the old CD discs

Power Transformer & Price

I need to improve my DVD Player Pioneer DV-S5, it's best
picture quality & high detail sound but no musical feel,
so I want buy extra CD Player.Because of DVD-Audio & SACD prolbem, I don't want to spend much money on CD Player.
OK ! Let try the DAC, study many review & I love warm analogue sound so bought the MF X-24K DAC (US$410.00).
When I connected to my system, OH ! That's I Want!
No need to run in long time, everything is improve especially on the old CD disc. Vocal - More warm, Jazz - Clear & Detail, Classic - Better Soundstage.
But I don't like the power transformer, there is no ON/OFF
switch, the sales told me all the time turn on is better but
I think MF PSU (US$195) also have ON/OFF switch.

And Remember that when you use it listen the DVD Video,
MUST change digital AC3 output mode to PCM mode, otherwise
high frequency burn your speakers !!

My System :
DVD Player - Poineer DV-S5
Digital Cable - Adapture HD Digital
DAC - Musical Fidelity X-24K
Interconnect - Supra EFF-1
Amplifier - Vacuum Tube (Local Made)
12AX7 x 1, 12AU7 x 4, EL34 x 4
Speaker Cable - Tara Labs RSC Prime 1000 Single Bi-wire
Speaker - NHT SuperTwo
AV Amplifier - YAMAHA RX-A795
AV Speaker - BOSE AM-5

Lower cost, Very good upper and lower frequence

A little bit more on mid-range, External UPS is too small

The price is very attrative for M/F X-24. It looks like X-24 not a cheap stuff to cheat money. The chassie looks like a can of candy. Actual, it is made by metal and very heavy. It comes with very good gold plated RCA jack.

I hook it up with CD player. It gives me a lot of detail on upper range than Audio Alchemy. The bass is very solid even some instrument play under 100Hz. The resolution is good but it less than Audio Research. The depth of sound is improve from Audio Alchemy. It can compare with Audio Research. The 3D image just right infront of me. I try it with digital out on my DVD. The sound is very airy and musically. Unforunately, the output of Panasonic DVD is down to 48kHz. Otherwise, I belive the sound should be better.

I know somebody compare X-24 with Mark Levieson 30.6. Eventhough the ML is definately better but it cost ten times more. MSB Link is a similar product. If someone do the comparison, could you please let us know. Also, I hear a X-UPS can improve the performance. May be I can give it try.

Finally, X-24 is deserve for any DVD ower to upgrade their DVD player. If you have old CD player with digital output, X-24 definately improve it a lot for you.

Similar Products Used:

Audio Alchemy, Audio Reserach DAC

Oh! No! I don't know why a lot of review give it such high rating for this product. I think the sound of X-24K is acceptable. When I bought a DAC, I hope it upgrades my system a lot. Yes, it upgrades my cheap Toshiba DVD but it downgrades my Denon CD player.

I am not happy about the sound. It is not warm enough compare with my Denon CD player.

There is some improvement when I change the four opamp to LT1057. But it still worse than my Denon CD player.

So my final solution is to take out the audio signal directly from the PCM1028 and then use tube 6922 to amplify the sound. The sound is great now but it costs me a lot.

Eversince I brought and hooked this up to my system, the sound has improved tremendously - vocal become alive, much cleaner, clearer and detail treble, soundstage getting better, background seems more airy and the bass is more developed and enriched. A lot of unheard 'sound' suddenly appeared to me, just like I have my system upgraded which will cost me few time more . I use it without the X-PSU which is a unit sold separately but the according to manufacturer, this X-PSU will further enhance the sound if use together with the X24K. I try to get one from the local agent and was told that there were no stocks left and will only be available till the next shipment arrived, wow, all grabbed up! I am wondering if the X24K can do great magic to the DVD-Audio or the SACD(super audio compact disc)? I am waiting anyway as such software is still not largely available (a few pieces of SACD maybe) Any feedback?

The X24K will definitely secured a 5 stars from me.

Smooth yet dynamic Sonics.... 96khz capable

No Longer available except....in pre-owned marketplace

I just (2002) upgraded my system Again by paring the X-24k with the Super New GW Labs DSP Upsampler jitter reducer/reclocker. At $399 it makes a world of difference with the X-24k. Now I can Finally Upsample & reclock all my RedBook Cds to 96khz. Thank goodness I hung onto the X-24k. I have it paired with the X-PSU power supply & the x-24k's outs to an X-10D's ins to my NAD amp. The sound is black Backgrounds with More air & space between the instruments.
This set-up gives the Musical Fidelity $5000 3D cd player a run for the money......!
The GW labs DSP is a great add-on an now essential accessory & it blows away the D2D-1 from the parts connection. The X-24k is...... XXCELLENT!!! Frank F. DHVCD 2002

Similar Products Used:

X-Dac,Bel Canto DAC-1

I picked up the X-24K this week from Audio Advisor. They said this was not a tube D/A and if you open the case (the other review here said tube)...no warrantee. Oh well on to the review.
This unit is attached to my Sony S-7000 DVD (a great transport) via a coax connection. It is replacing a 9 yr old Rotel 955AX + Cal Audio Sigma I tube DA. The X-24A has opened up the soundstage and it's like a blanket being removed from the system. The Rotel and Sigma were always a bit rolled off so this is a dramatic change. I am hearing things in my cd collection that were never present before and find myself amazed, especially considering the price point ($500 less a $100 trade in on my old DAC). This unit came with a 30 day money back return policy, but I've made my decision...A Keeper!

Sounds are clear and if you close your eyes, you can actually pick out the instruments on the soundstage. The X-24k is not harsh or overly bright, but as the other reviewer states, if there is a flaw in the recording, you will here it.

I give it a 5 considering its price/performance. With the 30 day guarantee, you can't go wrong.