Millennia Media 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

does the Meitner MA3i (which as i understand has integrated streamer) feature quboz connect? My internet research says yes, but wanted to confirm. 

@artg 

yes it does

https://www.whatsbestforum.com/threads/meitner-ma3i-dac-vs-berkely-alpha-series-3-dac.42021/post-1113625

I have had the long-term plan of buying the MA3i (instead of a second D-1) because of the DoP on SPDIF support and also because it is a fine DAC. There is another DAC that just came out and I want to hear it too.

The only reason I heard the MA3i was because I heard the Allnic D-15000 Signature OTL/OCL DAC in my home for a week. It was great but too expensive at $26k for my budget. I thought it was the best DAC I had heard until the imersiv D-1. My friend suggested I listen to the MA3i since it was half the price and supports DoP on SPDIF.

The new DAC is the baby brother of the 26k Allnic; I am a big fan of OTL/OCL and have a poor man’s OTL.OCL preamp in the Schiit Valhalla 3 OTL/OCL.

RD-7500 OTL/OCL DAC – Allnic Audio

My friend who sells this DAC may have it in stock and I will visit him next week with a friend for a quick listen to some headphones + DAC before we go to LA to see RUSH. The MA3i should also be there to compare. 

I will do a home demo of the ASRA and the MA3i when I have cash to buy one of them. I have already heard the MA3i at home and love it. However, OTL/OCL really works for my ears.