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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

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
7,879 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

dwette
537 posts
 

@audphile1 

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

LOL. Likewise. That will never be a benchmark for me. I'm happy to judge changes using something else. But each to their own, right? 

Personally, I was mostly interested in how classical (and jazz) is rendered when I chose my new DAC.

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
7,879 posts
 

@mihorn no. music does not sound strange to me, but you do. 

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