@audio-b-dog I’m glad you like the Meitner DAC! I would say there are ways to improve it by upgrading Ethernet cables and adding network isolation, but I would just set those funds aside towards the MA3i upgrade.
Does anyone have a digital system that is as involving as their analogue front end?
I have a good analogue front end. Not stratuspherically good but good enough for this comparison. VPI Prime Signature 21 turntable, Pass Labs XP-25 pono preamp, Pass Labs XP-30 preamp and Hovland Radia amp. It has a lovely, very involving sound. On the right recording, I just drop everythng and am drawn in to listen.
My streamer, on the other hand, is decent but not spectacular. It is better than my CD player, but it is not jaw-dropping like my analogue front-end. My question is this: does anyone have a high-end, tier-one streamer (dCS Bartok Apex, Lumin X2, or something like them) that can rival a good analogue system?
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Yes now that I've heard the relaxed, quite tuneful version of the Meitner MA3, I do want the upgrade. But I don't think I can broach that one with my accountant until maybe mid next year, or maybe if the stock market goes up. It seems to love nothing better than tumult. From what I have heard, Meitner offers their upgrades for many years. Or maybe a newer one will come out? |
@audio-b-dog if I’m not mistaken they offer the upgrades to compatible versions. In other words MA3 to MA3i. If MA4 comes out and it’s a completely different design then the upgrade is a no go. The upgrade from 3 to 3i will probably be offered for quite some time especially considering the MA3i is relatively new and they don’t release new models yearly. |
I'm glad to hear that about the upgrades. Another issue we have not talked about with streaming sounding better. I have a lot of CDs that were recorded in the age of digital recordings. I am now playing Radiohead's "In Rainbows." I have the CD at 16/44, but I get an upgraded version on Qobuz, 24/44. It takes the edge off and sounds more analogue. So on this album, at least, i will be streaming. Some of my CDs, however, when it is apples to apples, both at the same resolution, I think the CD going through my CD transport sounds better. The attacks are sharper, although overall the music sounds a bit thinner. Some music, like Eric Clapton, for example, wants sharp attacks. |
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