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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
zlone
1,341 posts
 

Yes, in my understanding that is a viable path. I just tend to be a bit fussy about my software, and so prefer the more refined Roon interface. 

ghdprentice's avatar
ghdprentice
9,434 posts
 

I am familiar with the Berkeley Alpha 3. It is an outstanding DAC and I would recommend it. From reviews and others opinions the Meitner is not as detailed and I would not be a fan of adding a streaming card. For the best sound a separate streamer of similar quality is a requirement to the get the best sound. 

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
7,891 posts
 

@ghdprentice the Meitner MA3i (the latest iteration of MA3) is exceptional and provides details in the most natural way with amazing layering in the soundstage.

@kjl1065 few things about using MA3i as a DAC/streamers:

  • you want to use either Roon or Qobuz Connect or Tidal Connect - Mcontrol app has a really bare bones UI and is not the best. 
  • Roon is the best of both worlds - local files and streaming services
  • The network card in the Meitner is sensitive which kind of explains what @yyzsantabarbara heard compared to his streamer via USB. This is the most critical aspect of a setup with Meitner - you need high quality ethernet cable and either a good switch or good passive filter. 

here’s my setup:

EERO to Trendnet 8 port switch with Wireworld Starlight 10 Twinax, Roon Nucleus One into Trendnet with another WW Starlight 10, then Trendnet to Meitner via Audience Hidden Treasure Ethernet cable. 
 

This configuration beat the Aurender N200 into Meitner via Audience StudioOne USB cable. I also tried Shunyata Alpha X and Audience FrontRow USB with Aurender. None came close to the sound quality I get with the above described setup. I sold the Aurender N200 and haven’t looked back. 

yyzsantabarbara
5,556 posts
 

I used a regular Cat 5 Ethernet cable when I tested the Meitner MA3i Ethernet streamer. The functionality of the NET streamer is great and worked wonderfully feature wise with ROON. Like I said I did not hear that input to its best ability.

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
7,891 posts
 

@yyzsantabarbara yes. And my MA3i took over 200hrs to settle. It kept improving but 200hr mark is where you get a proper feel for it. 
 

@kjl1065 you’re unlikely to get many responses from the actual owners of Berkeley or Meitner who went to these DACs from your Weiss.
The only way you will know is to hear these DACs in your system. When you’re making this kind of purchase a dealer should allow a home audition and should possibly even set this up for you in your home. Each DAC should be auditioned without swapping another unit in/out for at least 2 days with several hours of listening to allow the DAC and yourself time to begin appreciating its qualities. This shouldn’t be rushed. 

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