An excellent DAC from Frank van Alstine. These are a cult classic, and rarely come available on the used market. Actually the Audiogon Blue Book shows the selling price as $720, which is amazing for a component that retails for basically $1000
This is a multi bit design, which many audiophiles have come to realize is more musical than the average single bit chip set. Companies such as Audio Magic, Monarchy Audio, and Bolder still use multi bit DAC's in their higher performance products. The Insight has a smoothness and excellent texture to the midrange and vocals. The sound stage has nice depth and width, with great localization. The bass has good extension, and dynamics have a powerful feel. This unit has had the + upgrade done at the factory. This is an upgrade in op amp chips to the Burr Brown OPA627AP chips. This upgrades runs a total of $150 at the factory. This is a majority of the reason that this DAC sounds so nice. The retail price in the ad reflects the addition of the cost of the + upgrade. The standard insight costs $999.95
I compared it to my Audio Magic Kukama DAC, which is significantly more expensive. The Insight comes very close to the overall performance of the Kukama. There are certain aspects of the tonal balance of the Insight that I prefer. Overall, it acquitted itself quite nicely, and when the difference in price is taken into account. Well the AVA is a better value. Condition of the unit is quite good. Unit functions properly and has no issues. There is a small rough spot on the edge of the aluminum face plate, the slightest of nicks. Not sure it will even photograph. Other there are no dings, dents, or scrapes.
The insight+ DAc has a single RCA digital input, and a pair of RCA outputs. This is an excellent DAC that offers great sound for a modest price. USA built by a company fanatical about sound reproduction. Will outperform any entry level DAC that can be bought at this price point. Pictures available on request. Paypal users please add 3.5% to cover their service.
