Musetec MH-DA006 DAC and MH-SA001 Pre-amplifier
Preamp Comparisons
After comparing the Musetec combo to the LAiV combo and directly comparing the two DACs, my expectations were basically already primed. And indeed, the differences were largely as expected, the LAiV being sweeter and friendlier, and the Musetech being crisper and more direct. However, whereas the Musetec DAC leans to the stricter, more measured side, I did not find this to be the case with the Musetec preamp. Even without further comparison, I could tell that the MH-SA001 preamp is not only very linear, neutral, and revealing, but also allows the music to flow naturally.
To provide more perspective, I set up two other preamplifiers for direct comparison: the Audio-GD Master 1 and the Denafrips Athena.
The Audio-GD Master 1 has an initially pleasant full-bodied and powerful sound, but in context, it leans to being ponderous and is considerably less differentiated, darker, and so much less refined that it sounds comparatively rough. Sometimes, it is hard to pronounce one product better than the other, because everything is reaching higher and higher standards, with the differences often coming down to personal taste and system synergy. Between the Audio-GD and the Musetec, however, the case is crystal-clear. The Audio-GD offers an enjoyable performance, especially given its modest price, but the MH-DA001 is simply much more highly refined and very clearly on a much higher audiophile level.
As enjoyable as the Audio-GD preamp is, the Denafrips Athena goes significantly further. It’s more refined, crisper, cleaner, more detailed, and also airier. However, although it is tonally similar to the Musetec, it has a rather square-ish and business-like presentation. It has a full tonality and is not strictly tonally cool, but lacks juice and flow, and although it is quite a bit more refined than the Audio-GD, it is still far removed from the fluidity and refinement of the Musetec MH-DA001 preamp. While all four preamplifiers are solid-state designs, this is definitely most evident with the Denafrips. The Athena can actually be very satisfying with electronic and dance music, but the Musetec counters with much more naturalness and soul, and the ability to play anything convincingly.
It’s interesting to note this now, as the Musetec is so very neutral, clean, and even-handed that it does not really make a case for itself until you start comparing it to other preamplifiers. It is down-to-earth, maybe slightly sober. But otherwise, it is self-effacingly neutral, highly resolving, and very natural, but it also has excellent dynamic behavior and foot-tapping PRaT.
Musetec Power Cables
Musetec also includes a power cable in the box. Unlike practically all other manufacturers, this is not just a cheap pre-molded cable intended just to get you started, but an actual assembled serious offering using a thick, screened cable with quality Oyaide-branded connectors. These are not genuine Oyaide connectors, as can be easily seen from the color of the casing, the font used for the model designation, and the absence of a special holographic sticker, among other differences. However, I can attest from personal experience that these knock-off connectors, while not the same as the authentic ones, still easily surpass the quality of standard or molded-on connectors. Even without having heard this cable, it must be applauded that Musetec has gone through the trouble to assemble a cable for their products.
Upon a quick inspection, one might conclude that the cable is a Belden 19364. However, it is actually something different. Firstly, it has a diameter of 9mm instead of the Belden’s 10mm. Secondly, it feels significantly stiffer than a Belden cable. Lastly, upon examining the inside, I noticed that it uses braided screening rather than foil, and the sleeving material for the phase and neutral wires is clearly tougher, and possibly polyethylene (PE) instead of the polyvinyl chloride (PVC) commonly used by Belden.
Before listening to the Musetec cable, I swapped the GigaWatt LC-2 EVO for a Belden. Sure enough, there is a significant difference, and surprisingly, actually in favor of the Musetec cable. This is surprising, given that my Belden cable is fitted with a rather expensive Oyaide C-004 connector. The deciding factor in this case, of course, is the cable itself.
The Musetec power cable sounds cleaner, tighter, more articulate, and more expressive than the Belden, while retaining smooth and fluid treble. It’s no comparison with a standard “freebie” cable, which sounds very lean and barebones in comparison.
Conclusion
The Musetec MH-DA006 DAC and the MH-SA001 preamp both offer excellent build quality and performance, providing great value for money. Sonically, both the DAC and preamp are very neutral, linear, transparent, and refined, and tonally very well-balanced, neither over-saturated and warm nor cool and dry. Together, they provide excellent resolution and high precision, slightly favoring precision over flow. Between the DAC and preamp, I consider the latter the brightest star of the show. I cannot recall another preamplifier that ticked so many audiophile boxes while performing with such even-handed neutrality, anywhere close to this price class.
External Links
Manufacturer: Musetec
Available from Boelsz Audio
Hi Christiaan, thanks again for a great review of really interesting and affordable stuff. Do you think that the MH-SA001 Pre-amplifier could be a worthy alternative to a CH Precision L1 between C1.2 and A1.5?
For a while now I’m using my C1.2 in Controller mode and I’m quite happy with it. But I’m aware that the addition of the L1 is an enhancement. Due to financial reasons I’m searching a more reasonable priced alternative and your review of the Musetec pre-amp looks very promising.
Best regards, Michael
Hi Michael, I wish I had done this comparison so I could tell you, but it’s been a long time since I used the CH DAC directly to the power amp, and I no longer have the Musetecs to conduct such an experiment. All I can say is that the Musetec preamp performs better in the areas of neutrality, linearity, and refraining from overlaying its own character than other preamps even up to double the cost. Of course, it does not equal the L1, but then, it only costs one fifth. That said, whether its addition will be an improvement in your CH system versus not using a preamp is something I suggest simply trying to find out. When you do, be sure to let me know your findings!
Hi Christiaan, thanks for your considerations. Of course the Musetec can’t equal the L1. But with the Musetec in place between C1.2 and A1.5, what did you miss the most in comparison to your L1?
Even if the Musetec is just a fifth of the L1 it’s still not pocket change. So the more info from your own expereience I can get so much the better 😉
Mosty fluidity, delicacy, and air.
you ever heard the x30 to make a comparison to the da-006 or even the r30?
Alas, I have not.
understood. I know you said it leans on the side of the neutral, but how does it do with all genres as a whole? Resolution, dynamics, transients, timbre, speed