I recently bought a new setup to be able to listen to high quality music while working with my computer. Now here is the tip of the century for all you guys out there who wish to experience near-ultimate sound for less than $1500:I bought a Musical Fidelity X-24K DAC, a Musical Fidelity X-CANS amplifier, a Creative Labs SoundBlaster Live! audio card with the digital I/O daughter card for my PC, connected it all together, digitally captured my favorite CD's on the PC (using a CDDA utility such as MusicMatch Jukebox) and stored them as standard .WAV files (don't want to compromise the quality by compressing them).
The result? Pure digital data, as put on the CD in the first place!! Since reading the data *digitally* off the CD, there is nothing that can go wrong.
To reproduce the sound, the data goes digitally from the .WAV to the X-24K to the X-CANS, and then to my Sennheiser HD600 phones. I must say that the sound quality is truly amazing! I have used tons of equipment during the past ten years, and never come across anything as good as this!

Seems to me like the days of the CD player are soon over - storing music digitally and thereby eliminating the transport mechanisms normally used is truly the way to go.

So, sell what you've got, get a server with a couple of hundred gigabytes of space and start converting all your records ;-)

Similar sound in the traditional audio world would cost you at least $20,000...

The X-24K is a good DA converter that really improve the sound of my aging Marantz CD-63. It is interesting to note that using a computer to output a digital signal to the X-24K can produce good sound quality. But how do people store these wav files in the first place? That's right using a CD player. The digital signal from the CD player have to be converted to the wav file first and this process will definitely cause some degration to the original sigal. Using the CD player directly as the source to output the digital signal will definitly be a "straighter path" than converting the music to wav file, then output the signal using the sound card of a PC to the X-24K. Afterall, the transport mechanism of the CD player is needed to play the CD in the first place. So dear Per, try using a CD player with it's coaxial output connected to the X-24K and judge for yourself. Doesn't it sound better this way?

Excellent balance of warmth and detail

none

I couldn't be happier with the investment I made in this awesome piece of equipment. The results I got after installing it in my system were nothing short of staggering.
I was a little cynical about the "latest technological craze" vibe that surrounded this unit as well as the MSB Link DAC, and I was quite frankly not expecting too much. I was, however, pleasantly surprised.

I procrastinated too long in obtaining the latest 24 bit technology, and on top of that, I was bombarded with all the audio press hype about the MSB Link DAC, which was actually my first choice even though I own an excellent Musical Fidelity A2 integrated amp, which tilted my allegiance towards Musical Fidelity. I recall the MSB Link DAC being sold out for much of the year. So I was hard pressed to find it. Then Audio Advisor dropped the price on the Musical Fidelity X-24K from $499 to $399. After a little research and consultation with those "in the know", I finally made the decision to purchase the X-24K. Boy, am I glad I did!

The X-24K interpolates data in such a way that 16 bit CD's are processed to their theoretical limits. This allows for the unit to uncover virtually every last minute detail within a standard 16 bit CD. The main complaint about this feature on the Musical Fidelity 24 bit CD players, such as the X-RAY, is the unforgiving nature of this detail recovery. Suddenly cymbals and cowbells were upfront and clashing with lead vocals, for example. This was not the case in my listening experience. True, the X-24K unearthed quite a bit of detail that was buried deep in the mix, but there was still a great deal of tonal balance and "realistic" presentation. Effects like panning from L-R were so much more evident. What a "discovery"!

The main competition for the X-24K comes from the amazing MSB Link DAC. Although the Link is an excellent performer for the money, I found the X-24K to be better overall because it beats the Link hands-down in the warmth dept. As a vinyl lover who still swears by its superiority over digital, I found the Link to be a little bit on the cold side when compared to the X-24K, although I heard that the Link DAC w/Channel Islands upgrade totally kills the X-24K as well as those costing thousands. However, this upgrade is expensive ($200). So, for immediate "right out-of-the-box" results, the X-24K beats the MSB Link DAC, IMHO.

I currently use the X-24K with an AMC CD8a as a transport. My next investment will be a 96Khz output-capable DVD player w/digital output to be used as a transport so that I may enjoy the latest 24/96 recordings. Can't wait!

Similar Products Used:

MSB Link DAC

Clarity, Highly Detailed, Smooth Highs
Wide Soundstage

None

I was really apprehensive about purchasing an 24 bit
external DAC instead a complete one piece cd player.
I must say that I can really appreciate the difference
that the DAC has made. I can identify every instrument
clearly and the sound stage that I have experienced is
like the musicians are in the room. The highs are detailed
but smooth and I can feel the bass from the floor. I
would recommend the X24k DAC to anyone. I have not tried
listening to a DAD yet but, I love the sound that I get
great sounding recordings (TELARC, CHESKY, CLASSICS)
My only complaint is that there is switch or anything to
cut the unit off. I am using a Pioneer DV-525 DVD player, Illumniation D-60 cable and the Musical Fidelity X24k DAC. I was able to save a lot of money and yet own a great system.

I bought an X-24K two months ago and use this very affordable 24bit/96 kHz compatible DAC converter to digitally hookup both a CD player (ONKYO 7511) and a computer soundcard (RME DIGI96 PRO). Using the selectable input switch on the X-24K one conveniently between two digital inputs, that is, the standard 16 bit and 44.1 bit for CD and up to 24 bit and 96 kHz for the soundcard. In fact, all bit depths lower than 24 bit are first interpolated to 24 bit prior to conversion, and in principle give near theoretical limit performance with 16 bit CDs.As a bonus, the converter contains a jitter recovery circuit, which supposedly
helps to reduce clock jitter and additional lead to more consistent playback
results with different CD players and DAC drives. Next to the anlog output it also contain a extra digital output to connect through.
Finally, the analog output is tube-based, with an estimated 100.000 hours
lifetime for the tube. Actually I recommend to leave the power on. Warmup time is quite long for this unit to gain the optimal sound quality.

The signal pathway through the X-24K is very clean, which I personally
have checked by generating superlow level testsignals sending from
the 24 bit digital output of the soundcard into the digital input of the X-24K.
The tests show that the dynamic range for the digital (and for the analog) part exceed more than 120 dB in real life (compare that to the theoretical maximum limit of 96 dB for CDs). But you really have to listen carefully with headphones on (Sennheiser 580), and with the volume knob of the used Musical Fidelity X-CANS headphone amplifier set to maximum, to hear the actual signals coming out of the noise. But the signals at this level are clearly detected and the X-24K will therefore be the ideal partner for DVD players and other real 24 bit systems such as computer based hard disk recording systems.

Anyhow, the musical quality is what counts and is considered to be good.
The X-24K is better sounding than the former Musical Fidelity X-DAC, but share a
a resemblance in sound, showing a somewhat emphasized treble high-end. Not really grainy or harsh sounding, but enough to add sizzle to otherwise dull recordings. The extra brilliance created in this way is probably related to tweaking of the analog output stage by the Musical Fidelity developers. In my opinion however part of this apparent 'frequency lift' simply arise from the fact that the transparent sound of the converter reveal all sharp digital edges and non-linear distortions present in most recordings.

Most strong point of the X-24K is the capability of getting low-level details of the CDs together with the "Musical Fidelity trademarke" holographic sound stage.

In fact, the transparency and the 24 bit design was the main reason to buy the X-24K. It is now an important tool to monitor my stereo recordings, which I make on DAT with AKG and DPA microphones and later digitally edit on the computer (hopefully record on 96 kHz soon). Somehow the X-24K does something to my recordings, which makes them come alive and effectively recreates the
atmosphere of a live concert.


So be warned: the X-24K can be quite revealing and may show up some interesting
shortcomings in the recording quality of many mainstream jazz and pop CDs
(over-EQ'ed vocals in clearly enclosed booths, harmonic AND DIGITAL distortion,
over-compression, strange non-music related background noises like ticks, creeks, traffic sounds, vibrating bodyparts of Pavarotti, but also
unbalanced L/R fade-outs and (actually the most irritating part) artificial hissing reverb tails from digital reverb units, it's suddenly all to clearly present).

But if one then switch to (classical) CDs in real acoustic environments,
the magic spell of the X-24K comes into place and music simply flows.


In conclusion:
On an absolute scale I give the X-24K a four star rating. It doesn't outperform the Levinsons and Wadias out there, but is certainly on par with equipment costing three times the price of the X-24K, with having the bonus of DVD specifications (so, actually 5 stars on a relative scale).

The used combination here of X-24K, X-CANS and Sennheiser 580 headphones,
connected by Audio Purist (digital) and MIT terminator 4 (analog) interconnect is a recommended low budget system up to par in terms of resolution compared to high-end systems up to 10 to 20 times the price. Actually, I refer to the ADVANTAGE CD and PowerAmp (see it as the Swedish Krell) and the seven feet high Martin Logan electrostatic loudspeakers (... thanks Stig). Awesome life-like sound, but as already said much more expensive.

I bought an X-24K two months ago and use this very affordable 24bit/96 kHz compatible DAC converter to digitally hookup both a CD player (ONKYO DX7511) and a computer soundcard (RME DIGI96 PRO). Using the selectable input switch on the X-24K one conveniently between two digital inputs, that is, the standard 16 bit and 44.1 bit for CD and up to 24 bit and 96 kHz for the soundcard. In fact, all bit depths lower than 24 bit are first interpolated to 24 bit prior to conversion, and in principle give near theoretical limit performance with 16 bit CDs.As a bonus, the converter contains a jitter recovery circuit, which supposedly
helps to reduce clock jitter and additional lead to more consistent playback
results using different CD players and DAC drives. Next to the analog output it also contain an extra digital output for connecting other gear.
Finally, the analog output is tube-based, with an estimated 100.000 hours
lifetime for the tube. Actually I recommend to leave the unit power always on. Warm-up time is quite long to gain optimal sound quality.

The signal pathway through the X-24K is very clean, which I personally
have checked by generating superlow level (-144dB to -110dB) testsignals from
the 24 bit digital output of the soundcard directly into the digital input of the X-24K.
The tests show that the dynamic range for the digital (as well as the analog) part exceed more than 120 dB in real life (compare that to the theoretical maximum limit of 96 dB for CDs). But you really have to listen carefully with headphones on (Sennheiser 580), and with the volume knob of the used Musical Fidelity X-CANS headphone amplifier set to maximum, to hear the actual signals coming out of the noise. But the signals at this level are clearly detected and the X-24K will therefore be the ideal partner for DVD players and other real 24 bit systems such as computer based hard disk recording systems.

Anyhow, the musical quality is what counts and is considered to be good.
The X-24K is better sounding than the former Musical Fidelity X-DAC, but share a
a resemblance in sound, showing an emphasized treble high-end. Not really grainy or harsh sounding, but enough to add quite some sizzle to otherwise dull recordings. The extra brilliance created in this way is probably related to tweaking of the analog output stage by the Musical Fidelity developers. In my opinion however part of this apparent 'frequency lift' simply arise from the fact that the transparent sound of the converter reveal all sharp digital edges and non-linear distortions present in a lot of recordings.

Most strong point of the X-24K is the amazing capability of getting low-level details from CDs, together with the typical "Musical Fidelity trademarked" holographic sound stage.

In fact, the transparency and the 24 bit design was the main reason to buy the X-24K. It is now an important tool to monitor my stereo recordings, which I make on DAT with AKG and DPA microphones and later digitally edit on the computer (hopefully record on 96 kHz soon). Somehow the X-24K does something to my recordings, which makes them come alive and effectively recreates the
atmosphere of the recorded live concert.


So be warned: the X-24K can be quite revealing and may show up some interesting
shortcomings in the recording quality of many mainstream jazz and pop CDs
(over-EQ'ed vocals in enclosed booths (you really can hear the walls), harmonic AND DIGITAL distortion, any dynamic compression, strange non-music related background noises like ticks, creeks, traffic sounds, vibrating bodyparts from Pavarotti in fff, but also unbalanced L/R fade-outs and (actually the most irritating) artificial hissing reverb tails from digital reverb units, it's suddenly all bloody obvious there).

But if one then switch to well-recorded (classical) CDs in real acoustic environments, the magic spell of the X-24K comes into place and music simply flows.


In conclusion:
On an absolute scale I give the X-24K a four star rating. It doesn't outperform the Levinsons and Wadias out there, but is competing with equipment costing at least three times the price of the X-24K, with having the bonus of DVD specifications (so, actually 5 stars on a relative scale).

The used combination here of X-24K, X-CANS and Sennheiser 580 headphones,
connected by Audio Purist (digital) and MIT terminator 4 (analog) interconnect is a recommended low budget system up to par in terms of resolution compared to high-end systems up to 10 to 20 times the price. Actually, I refer to the ADVANTAGE CD and PowerAmp (see it as the Swedish Krell) and the seven feet high Martin Logan electrostatic loudspeakers (... thanks Stig). Awesome life-like sound, but as already said much more expensive.

What a great device!The term "converter" brings it on the point: the X-24K is able to convert Your CD-collection into music, just pure fluid music. Everything it does sounds right. It´s extreme open, precise, threedimensional (if not holografic) and - maybe best of all - offers a fantastic timing. Swing comes true!
These authentic, natural, realistic sonic capabilities let You simply forget that an electronic device is working. Can anybody want more?
But be warned: this awesome D/A-converter will show how good Your recordings are. Untouchable.
Fantastic sound, price unbelieveable. Highest recommendation!!!

I would describe the X-24K turns my home theatre system to be more musical. Connected between my AV amp and DVD player, X-24K does it job by bringing out the life of music. I listen my CD collection again (from guitar solos, female vocals, to Eagles live, to name a few) and find that the sound is more concrete, especially strings (also my favorite). Also better soundstage. Now I spend more time listening to music! Overall, it's a good investment for those who have a DVD player or just an average CD player.

My system:
Nakamichi AV-10
Pioneer DV-515
MF X-24K
Mission 771e speakers as main + center + rear + sub

The X24-K is a great product. I'm using it with my old Pioneer pds 904 CD-player as a transport. Works great!
I feel there is'nt much more to say after reading the others reweivs on this page. But I have one thing to say:

I bought a small cheap net-filter at a local electronic shop (80 sek = 10$) and connected it to the X24-K's wall plug. I have not tried the X-PSU, but this small filter gave more details, more feeling to the music and everything got more natural. On some CDs where the treble used to me hard and hars, the net-filter made it more listenable.

The differance I find is like the differnce between a cheap/bad interconnect and a good one.

My sytem includes:

Linn Keilidh speakers
Horisontal Biamped with two Cyrus 2 + PSX, amp
X24 K, DAC
Pioneer PDS 904, as transport
various cables..

Go ahead and try a netfilter, it is'nt much money...

warmth detail value and build quality

none at the price

I have been using the x24 for about 4 months now and have finaly settled down with the sound of cd, I have only started with cd players in the last 18 months having spent many years with a linn lp12 and not realy liking the sound of cd.
I have listened to and owned many cd players over the last 18 months and found them all lacking, however, I decided to give the x24 a listen using a second-hand teac transport with a moonglow digital interconnect and was instantly impressed, the cd player I was using at the time was the cyrus dad3q and this was a very good player, but the x24 added far more warmth, the size of the sound staging improved and the whole system just sounded bigger and more enjoyable. All the detail was there, the bass had execellent control and extension and vocals just leapt out of the boxes. I and freinds have listened to teac x24 against several well respected cd players including linn audiolab arcam and naim and have found that is a match for many machines costing upto £1500. I have also recently added the XPSU and this is a worthwhile upgrade, I was not sure about the power supply when I first plugged it in, it had a very laid back sound but after a few days running in I would not be without it, the sound is now smother and there is less grain. The x24 is used with a linn lk1 lk2 pre power and celestion a1 loudspeakers.I have also tried the x24 against the Tag dac 20 using an audiolab 8000q px power and an proac response 1 loud speakers, the tag dac had slightly more detail and better resolution on the bass, but this was not massive and when you consider the price difference I would still go for the x24

Similar Products Used:

cyrus dad3q rega planet alpha 8 audiolab 8000