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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
mihorn
908 posts
 
audphile1    

The best DAC (or any audio gear) is the one reproduces the original music faithfully
How would you possibly know? Were you there in the studio? 

Yes. I do. I make microphones which were sold to many recording studios and I was in few recording sessions.

My mic records close to the original music. Also, my audio system reproduces the closest sound of the original record playing. All my system and gears (inc. DAC) are modded by me to sound the close to the original recording.

The original music (and the original recording) delivers the best musicality and sound. Listening my system (the world’s best cleanest audio sound) makes my ears to be picky. I can’t hear the bad sound (they hurt my ears and brain like many wives refused to hear bad hi-fi, just more severe in my case). Only other audio systems I can listen for few minutes in the world (except my systems) are carlos269 and toddalin systems.   Alex/Wavetouch audio

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
7,881 posts
 

Think about what you’re saying @mihorn 

With all the variables in every system that consists of a number of components and cables, you can tell the DAC is reproducing the recording faithfully? And it’s the DAC you’re hearing? And a few visits to the recording studio and you know what every recording sounds like?

You must be smoking some good stuff man. 

mihorn
908 posts
 
audphile1

Think about what you’re saying @mihorn 

With all the variables in every system that consists of a number of components and cables, you can tell the DAC is reproducing the recording faithfully? And it’s the DAC you’re hearing? And a few visits to the recording studio and you know what every recording sounds like?

I don’t need to know sounds of many music recordings. If my system sounds same to just 1 music (consists vocal and few other instrument), all other music sound similar too. I tune my speakers with only 1 song (usually D. Krall or E. Clapton songs). Compare 2 sounds below. Alex/Wavetouch audio 

My WT ultra - Krall-feel me a grape 

Original - feel me a grape

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
7,881 posts
 

Understood. Well…enjoy feeling Diana Krall’s grape. I’ll pass thanks…can’t stand that song  

 

mihorn
908 posts
 
audphile1   Understood. Well…enjoy feeling Diana Krall’s grape. I’ll pass thanks…can’t stand that song

That’s understandable since your ears are heavily biased and probably even the original music (delicate organic and sweet to my ears) sounds strange. Alex/Wavetouch audio

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