2025 DAC of the Year: MBL Cadenza C41

$11,100

A technological marvel at a ridiculously low price, the Cadenza C41 network player incorporates unique advancements that perfect digital volume control, improve the handling of jitter, eliminate pre-ringing, and eradicate clipping due to intersample peaks. Given this focus on removing distortions and preserving information that is lost or obscured on other network players, you have to think that chief engineer Jürgen Reis’ brilliant technical innovations are, indeed, the reasons for the C41’s lifelike color and solidity and its rare ability to conjure up near-visible presences rather than insistently drawing your ear to isolate transient details. In JV’s experience, only three other DACs can work this magic consistently—and, of course, they cost a lot more dough. If you’re an analog guy looking for a network player that will give you the sound you love (or a close semblance of same), this is the player for you. And if you’re a digital guy who wants the very best but can’t afford it, the C41 would be JV’s first (and only) recommendation. A shoo-in for 2025’s DAC of the Year Award. (355)