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DAC UPGRADE

I currently have a Weiss Dac 204 with a Modwright linear power supply.  I have found that upgrading the DAC brings out music that I didn't know was on the recording. The 2 contenders are the Meitner MA3i and the Berkely Alpha Dac Series 3. I am leaning toward the Meitner MA3i as it comes with a network card to allow for streaming.  I have partly asked this question before in a prior request, but my  revised question is  the difference in performance between the current and upgrade "substantial" enough to justify the upgrade.  The difference in price between the two DACS is about $8500.00.  I'd be willing to make the move if the difference in  sound quality is substantial. I realize in this hobby there is the law of diminishing returns as you upgrade. I will endeavor to compare the new proposed DAC with my current dac, if possible. I know I am asking a question about value which is subjective to a great extent. Would appreciate any opinions regarding my question.

 

kjl1065
yyzsantabarbara
5,556 posts
 

I had the Meitner MA3i in the house. It is a very nice DAC. Though I prefer and own the imersiv D-1 DAC. My friend sells Meitner | imersiv | Allinc DACs so I get to hear this gear on my home setup. 

The Meitner MA3i unit I had was brand new and was breaking in. I only put in about 30 hours on it. I did a comparison of the RJ45 Ethernet streaming on the MA3i vs USB via a fibre optic Sonore OpticalRendu. The USB was a lot better, but the unit was not broken in yet. I forced myself to listen to the Ethernet streaming and after 2 hours it improved, but nothing like the USB. Give it more time and the Ethernet would get better, though in my experience of owning Ethernet streaming DACs. that input was never as good as the OpticalRendu into USB.

I did recently hear the PlayBack Designs MPD-8 DAC with great headphone gear and I was really underwhelmed. The imersiv and Allnic were much more to my liking. Not sure about the Meitner MA3i and if it is in the same league. With more time the Meitner may get to the same level as what I heard with the other 2. I take the Meitner over the more boring sounding MPD-8.

I now have over 400 hours on my imersiv D-1 and it recently opened up even more on the bass. This DAC is without a doubt the best I have ever heard. Cost is $12k and I am talking being better than any DAC at any price. Better = more resolution, clarity, musicality.

 

zlone
1,340 posts
 

I have not heard the Meitner, but from what I know it is a good choice. I recently moved to a network DAC in the Bricasti M3, and it has been a positive experience. If done well I think the network DAC, is good direction over USB and SPDIF. But to do it right, you need a good server, what is your plan for server and software?

 

kjl1065's avatar
kjl1065 OP
89 posts
 

Dear zlone:  

 Thanks for responding. 

To the best of my knowledge the Meitner uses the MCconnect app. I do not plan on using any  outside software such as Roon with the Meitner. If purchased I would have my dealer get it up and running. The Meitner network card is supposedly plug and play. Music downloaded from Qobuz.

 

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