Millennia Media imersiv D1

I liked the Meitner MA3i going through the Benchmark HPA4. Though direct to amp was about the same. Using a preamp allowed me to connect more sources to my office setup.

The imersiv D-1 was not good via the HPA4 preamp, or not as good as it is direct to amp.

This is another way that the MA3i is more robust than the D-1. I could use the uber neutral HPA4 preamp with the MA3i and not suffer sonically. 

I had the option of replacing my 2-month-old imersiv D-1 DAC with a brand-new Meitner MA3i, but I stayed with the D-1 even though the D-1 is a PIA to use.

The MA3i is likely my next and last audio buy to replace the RME ADi-2 in the office.

@kumizi The Ethernet streamer on the MA3i sounds terrible at first. I mean shockingly bad to my ears (fatiguing). However, give it about 100 hours and then it sounds really good.

I compared the Ethernet streamer on the MA3i to USB input on the MA3i using my Sonore OpticalRendu (now about 10 years old). The Rendu was better with better clarity, but the Ethernet was not far behind, and Ethernet would be what I would use on the MA3i since I only have 1 OpticalRendu now. The Ethernet input also has better ROON support on the MA3i. I had about 200 hours on the Ethernet streamer when I did the final comparison. The new OpticalRendu streamer is supposed to be much better than my very old unit.

I also think that one reason the MA3i gets a bad rep from people who hear it at shows is likely because the demo unit are using Ethernet streaming with low hours on the Ethernet pathway.

@yyzsantabarbara 

I am still probably leaning towards Imersiv D1. If your friend is an authorized dealer, I will get his information when I am ready to purchase. 
 

I value bass, dynamics, and transparency as much as tonality and timbre. I tend to prefer more neutral gear, as long as it’s not super thin sounding like the cheap SMSL and Topping DACs. I’m running Kef Reference 3 Meta speakers and a Coda No 8 amp. I am also running subwoofers and a lot of room treatment so I get tonal density from those areas. From reading the comments and reviews, I understand many might find the D1 too revealing and analytical but that sounds right up my alley. 
 

I actually bought a Tambaqui a month ago from USAudioMsrt but it turned out to be a scammer. I got a full refund from PayPal. Then just recently heard about the Imersiv D1. 

@kumizi I have the CODA #11 now, so it is similar to your setup. I also know KEF well and was on the path to get a Reference 3 or a Blade before I got something else. I also owned the #8 v1 but did not hear it with the D-1 or MA3i

I think the both the MA3i and the D-1 would work well with your gear. Imersiv has a way to hook up subs to the D-1 though I have not investigated that. The main issue would be if you need a preamp. If so, I would go with the MA3i. 

My friend Danny has both the MA3i and D-1 that I demoed at home at the same time. He is a tube guy (builds gear) and loves the MA3i and likes the D-1 but not as much as the MA3i.  He is the principle at Requisite Audio in Ventura, CA. I met him long ago after I learned about the RAAL Requisite SR1a earphone (still use it). 

From reading the comments and reviews, I understand many might find the D1 too revealing and analytical but that sounds right up my alley. 

I can never understand how something can be too revealing. Not in my books, the more the better. I want to be there in person in the studio or the live performance.

Now I usually discount lots of revealing gear because I get fatigue easily or it sounds thin. The Benchmark DAC3B for example is revealing but hot on top and nothing like the D-1. I owned all the Benchmark DACs going back DAC1. 

I think the MA3i and the D-1 are great DACs because I listen to more music with these 2 DACs, especially the D-1. For example, the Lana Delray (sp?) which is often mentioned in audio reviews was an album where I like only a few songs. However, through the D-1 I listen to the album from start to finish,

Another review of the D-1.

imersiv D-1 DAC (HDR-A) | Page 8 | Headphone Reviews and Discussion - Head-Fi.org

(11) Imersiv D-1 DAC | Headphone Reviews and Discussion - Head-Fi.org