Meitner MA3i was my initial intent for evaluation. But this T+A opportunity popped up that was too good not to try. I’m a little bit concerned that the Meitner outputs at 3.0 V through RCA. I am already using so little of my preamp’s capabilities at 2.0-2.5 V that I’m not sure how that combination will work. Typically, I listen around 75 dB. But as you said, ears are what matters. They have always been my guide. |
@sealegs you can manage the Meitner output using its volume control. Dial it down a notch or two to better match the gain. But overall it shouldn’t be an issue. I’m using mine via XLRs that are pretty hot into Boulder integrated. No problems. |
Good to know that you completed the evaluation and are able to make a decision. Just because a DAC suits my system and my listening preference, does not mean it will suit in your system and your preference. I hope you are able to find something that will match with your expectations. In any case do keep us posted. You should try the Holo Audio May. I have heard great things about it. I am super happy with the T+A. The only other DAC/player that currently interests me is the Wadax Studio Player - for which I have to sell a kidney. So, not going to happen. |
Just as I was about to box up the T+A DAC200, it occurred to me that (as audphile1 suggested) I had not examine the T+A’s capabilities as a preamp. The heart of my system for the past 30+ years has been a Rowland Coherence One Series Two preamp feeding Conrad Johnson Premier 12 monoblock amps. So, I tried one last experiment, pulled the Rowland out of the signal path, and ran the T+A DAC200 directly into the CJs as both DAC and preamp. The improvement was surprising. The upper midrange was now properly balanced against the other frequencies being delivered. I listened for 3 hours last night and was quite impressed. I can’t say that the low frequency performance improved to become comparable with the Krell. But I still may be able to play with that through the RELs. I’ll still need to listen a bit more broadly but this may be a winner. My next concern will be feeding analog signals from my Linn LP12. While the T+A does not have a phono stage, it has Analog In RCAs. I am hoping that the Rowland will still serve as a good phono preamp using its Tape Out RCAs. It has always sounded great with low output moving coils. More work ahead; this is like having a job. Again, I really appreciate having you guys as a sounding board. I’m old enough that I no longer have friends who are audio equipment hobbyists. |
