I have an Akurate DS/1 and a Majik Kontrol. Just wondering whether it is worthwhile trading them in for an Akurate DSM. Anybody any views?
I can’t claim to have actually heard the change you are considering. However, I changed from Akurate DS1 plus Akurate Kontrol to an Akurate DSM without any reduction in quality. Assuming that an Akurate Kontrol is better than the Malik version, it would seem worth investigating.
I have an Akurate DSM, originally a /2 version, which I upgraded about 18 months ago to the /3 with Katalyst DAC.
Bear in mind how many inputs you need, as coming from an analogue past it is slightly limited - as many of today’s devices are. Just 3 analogue inputs, one of which can be MM or MC by a changeable board. There are digital inputs for HDMI, optical and Toslink, plus corresponding outputs, presumably for AV purposes which I do not use.
The volume adjustment is fine enough for me, and I actually bought it with the intention of using with active ATC speakers. In the event I am using a class A power amp and passive speakers, but no matter, it is great as a preamp. No nasty switching noises, clicks, thuds or anything else.
Whether it makes financial sense for you I’d need to research, as Akurate DS/1 seem to hover around £1000 or less, which is crazy cheap for the SQ. That said, it would be a lot tidier to have one box. Bear in mind too that you can no longer buy the Katalyst upgrade, but DSM/3 are around £3k unless almost new.
I hope that helps.
Bear in mind how many inputs you need, as coming from an analogue past it is slightly limited - as many of today’s devices are. Just 3 analogue inputs, one of which can be MM or MC by a changeable board. There are digital inputs for HDMI, optical and Toslink, plus corresponding outputs, presumably for AV purposes which I do not use.
The volume adjustment is fine enough for me, and I actually bought it with the intention of using with active ATC speakers. In the event I am using a class A power amp and passive speakers, but no matter, it is great as a preamp. No nasty switching noises, clicks, thuds or anything else.
Whether it makes financial sense for you I’d need to research, as Akurate DS/1 seem to hover around £1000 or less, which is crazy cheap for the SQ. That said, it would be a lot tidier to have one box. Bear in mind too that you can no longer buy the Katalyst upgrade, but DSM/3 are around £3k unless almost new.
I hope that helps.
That helps a lot, thanks. Yes, about a grand for the DS/1 which is a bargain to buy and the opposite to sell. The DSM I’ve seen is 3.5k with Katalyst. But I’d be looking for a marked increase in SQ for the extra 2 grand I’d have to chip out to replace the two boxes.
One way to look at it is that the Katalyst upgrade was £2050 before it ended. So for roughly the same cost you’re getting the DSM too!
This one is pretty good value…
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/12574234...Wh2ruRIThq&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY
The short answer is yes, the improvement in sound quality going Katalyst is entirely justified for the used prices mentioned here.
I can only speak to the benefits of the upgrade to Katalyst in an Exakt system, but I suspect you'll see greater control and yet power in your Misos bass, and greater clarity and less sibilance further up the spectrum. You'll also get a component that is a decade newer.
The scuttlebutt says if not Exakt, buy Akurate over Selekt. But the Selekt does allow you to eventually go Organik with your aktiv system. Organik will surpass the ADSM/3. You could start with a bare bones Selekt, and work your way up, buying and selling Kartridges along the way as you find the funds.
I can only speak to the benefits of the upgrade to Katalyst in an Exakt system, but I suspect you'll see greater control and yet power in your Misos bass, and greater clarity and less sibilance further up the spectrum. You'll also get a component that is a decade newer.
The scuttlebutt says if not Exakt, buy Akurate over Selekt. But the Selekt does allow you to eventually go Organik with your aktiv system. Organik will surpass the ADSM/3. You could start with a bare bones Selekt, and work your way up, buying and selling Kartridges along the way as you find the funds.
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Due to unexpected household expenditure…nothing! When finances permit I think I’ll go for ADSM. I can’t justify the staggering cost of Selekt. Upgrading to Katalyst should improve sound quality.
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