Digital Drive: REVIEW: EVS - Electronic Visionary Systems Millenium DAC II DAC Processors by Brian Elliott

Over the last 15 yrs. I've owned a number of players and DAC/transport combos. Most recently there was a Rotel transport (RDP980?) combined with a MSB Link DAC and Monarchy DIP. Then the Rotel was replaced by an EVS transport (modified Sony). After that the Link DAC went to the closet to be replaced by a Van Alstine Omega IV DAC (now renamed Omega Star).

The Van Alstine was a very significant improvement in my system over the Link DAC. Very natural, lively, and, for me, a big jump in the "reality" factor that I look for. I have two sons that are professionally involved with music who also liked the VanAlstine. One son never like the MSB unit because he said it always sounded artifical and hyped. Mind, that this was a stock unit without upgrades and that I personally did not dislike the sound. However, the Omega IV was a big jump forward.

I ordered the EVS Millennium II a year ago in a fit of compulsive shopping and immediately started to doubt my decision. I really liked the Omega. When Ric contacted me a couple of months ago and said he was ready to ship, I almost declined. Since then, I have said a few prayers to the audio gods thanking them for letting me take delivery.

Not too hot, not too cold, just perfect for baby bear! My collection of CDs is just short of 3000 and still growing steadily. I would do most anything to increase the pleasure derived from, and extend the life of, this music. (However, I have a damnable conscience that goes into total revolt every time I look at things like Linn, Accuphase, DCS, etc.)

I usually avoid trying to explain what I'm hearing because I find myself gushing in approved reviewer terminology, which I find uncomfortable to use. I've been a securities broker and financial consultant for twenty five years; that lingo is comfortable. I'll try ---- naturalness, or what I think of as the "reality factor" has taken another big jump. The center of notes, and then the decay, sound right, not an electronic representation. This may be due to the upsampling, but I don't know. Definition is very high without any unpleasant edge. I've been listening to recorded music intently for thirty five years and anything that causes fatigue will not stay in my system for any length of time.

Most importantly, does the music reach out and give me that little shiver that runs up my back? Does the performer suddenly appear before me as an apparition? Does the music totally open itself to my observation and understanding? At best, from my experience, these are fleeting moments. Ric Schultz's Millennium II has given me a surprising number of these wonderful moments over the past two months.

It appears that many of us are waiting for some definitive comparison of EVS, BelCanto, PT, and possibly some others that are in development, before committing to a DAC that will hopefully extend the life of our CD music collections. All that I can say is that the EVS Millenium II has enhanced my listening sessions in a profound way. A few times over the years I've found components that pleased my ears and complimented the rest of my system in such a way as to make further "official" reviews irrelevant.

That said, the dastardly perennial upgrade bug is always hanging around -- waiting for my next moment of weakness. At least, for now, I'm very happy.

REVIEW: EVS - Electronic Visionary Systems Millenium DAC II DAC Processors Review by Brian Elliott at Audio Asylum