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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
jk_richards's avatar
jk_richards
278 posts
 

Upgrading DAC's can make a huge improvement in sound quality.

One can upgrade the PS Audio Directstream DAC to the point where they sound better than DAC's costing many times more then the cost to purchase the unit and have all the upgrades done.

The inside of the APS Audio Modified PS Audio Directstream DAC .

This is one of the best sounding DAC’s that does not sound digital.  The Limited Edition Signature Series PLUS

It’s a DSD / FPGA / Audio Transformer based DAC. No DAC chip!

 We compared this to many over 10K DAC’s and it always came out on top.

axeis1
320 posts
 

I think you should also try to get a listen to a Chord Dave. I own one and it sounds wonderful. Also in the next month or so Chord will release the new Quartet Scaler. I think the Dave with the new scaler will a game changer!

bosssound's avatar
bosssound
160 posts
 

@ghdprentice 

@verdantaudio 

@kerrybh

 

I thought y’all might have interest in my recent post comparing the Berkeley Audio Design (BAD) Alpha Reference DAC 3P to the BAD Alpha DAC Reference 2.

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