Muse Electronics Model 296 DACs
Muse Electronics Model 296 DACs
USER REVIEWS
[Aug 06, 2002]
mike_in_nc
Audio Enthusiast
Strength:
Natural, transparent, and grain-free sound. Decodes up to 192KHz encoded discs.
Weakness:
The blue power LED is too bright. I had to put a piece of tape over it because it bothered my eyes when listening in the dark. This is a review of the Muse Model One Ninety Two, a later model than the 296. I am posting it here because audioreview.com hasn't gotten around to adding a slot for the 192, and I think it is a first rate product. I had been increasingly discontented with my system, and sent the my Muse Model Two DAC in for an update to the 192. I had chosen the Model 2 around 1996 after auditioning several competing units. At the time it seemed the most grain-free and "non-digital" of what was available. (A few years later, I tried a Meridian one-box player that had received rave reviews and returned it the next day as sounding distinctly gritty compared to the Muse 2.) This review isn't about the 2, but I want to tell you that I was pretty happy with it from the start. When I got the 192, I realize that my vague unhappiness with the stereo could be pinpointed to a fuzziness in the left channel. I figured out that the upper midrange driver in my NHT 3.3 had gone bad. (I'm happy to say NHT replaced it at no charge.) It was the increased resolution of the 192 that allowed me to resolve this problem. After living with the 192 for about 3 months, I can say I am getting the kind of sound at home that I have been hoping for for many years. The reproduction of redbook (ordinary) CDs is just wonderful, highly musical, and definitely comparable to good LP reproduction. The slightly mechanical quality that I had associated with all digital reproduction has gone. I highly recommend the 192 to any music lover who enjoys the sound of acoustic instruments. I am sure it would be fine on rock, too (it is on reggae), but if you are looking for natural reproduction of acoustic instruments, you must hear this unit. I note that the 192, paired with the proper transport, can decode DVD-As and DADs, but that I have not tried that yet. I am quite happy to use it with my old transport until the format wars settle down. Similar Products Used: Muse Model 2 (at home), other very high-end processors (at dealers) |
[Nov 22, 1999]
Winston Cheng
Audiophile
The Muse 296 paired with the Muse Model 8 transport via the I2S cable is an incredible tandem. Compared to the Muse Model 2 DAC and Model 5 transport that I previously owned, the 296 and Model 8 are more detailed and image better. I heard details on recordings that I had never heard before and the soundstage seemed to expand significantly with more |
[Jul 31, 1999]
Steve
an Audiophile
See my review of the Muse Model Eight DVD-CD Transport. |
[Jan 08, 1999]
Art Kastl
an Audiophile
"It's Clear, the music is really CLEAR!!!..." That was the response my brother-in-law said to me when he heard the Muse Model 296 (24/96) DAC andMuse Model 8 transport in my system for the first time. To set the field, |
[Sep 19, 1999]
jj
an Audiophile
The Muse 296 DA converter and its companion model 8 transport are truly great digital playback system. They reproduce musics with a very refined, delicate, clear and detailed quality. I A/B compared the MUSE Units combo to the Linn CD 12 in my system. The Linn CD player is slightly softer in the treble and bass. The MUSE units have a tighter and better defined bass. They are both topnotch CD playback system and make me want to keep listening to the music. For 1/3 of the price of the Linn CD player, I chose the Muse combo and can not be happier with my purchase. The Muse 296 easily outperforms a MSB gold link DAC fitted with upgrade power supply from Monolithic (used to be in my system). I hear new details, deeper and tighter bass, more 3-D soundstage. The image is so palpable. At times, the music really moves me and gave me goosebump. I often felt the perfomer is right in my listening room. By the way, the built quality on these units are excellent. My units come with silver face platel. They are quite nice looking too. |