@mitch2 I replaced Bricasti M3 and Aurender N200 with MA3i. I bought the Meitner while I still had the other two pieces so that I can compare.
I don’t know what Helene DAC sounds like I am sure it is fabulous. I can tell you that the MA3i is very clear and open sounding. It’s also very engaging. I use it as a Roon end point and I love the simplicity and the sonics of the MA3i.
Not sure where you are in the country but if you email Isis Graham over at EMM Labs she might have a suggestion on how you can audition this DAC in your system. https://emmlabs-meitner.com/pages/contact-us
As to volume control, the MA3i has a very high quality volume control according to EMM Labs/Meitner. I use the dac at 100 volume setting as it drives my Boulder 866 integrated. Yet another reason to audition it in your system to see if there’s synergy
Hope this helps