About the Matrix Audio ND-1 DAC

@soix 

According to Terry, he thought the high end on the R30 was a bit more sharp sounding than the ND-1 and that’s why he preferred ND-1 and my ears get sensitive in that area.  The same reason I got rid of the KEF speakers. The aluminum Q-Driver hurt my ears at relatively low levels.

@stuartk 

I heard the comparison and the main reason he preferred the ND-11 over the R30 he said the top end was over extended.

BTW,

How are you enjoying the Merason? 

For what it's worth, I have always felt the Gustard gear sounded just a little off. It is well made and sounds good at first listen. But after a while it always rubs me the wrong way in the high frequencies. This started with the early affordable Gustard stuff and continued into the newer more aspirational designs. Maybe I just don't get along with their house sound.

Meanwhile Matrix hits the spot for me. Very impressive sound from everything I've heard of theirs. Currently have their SS-1 network switch in for demo against several other competitors and so far it is my top choice. Have not yet heard the ND-1 but their prior generation with the Element models was superb, as were the X-Sabre models before that.

I have a Gustard X-30 and it has none of the issues previously mentioned.  I’ve also had a Linear Tube Audio Aero dac in my system for comparison.  Both sound excellent and I really couldn’t pick a favorite. 

I haven’t heard the R-30, but from the comparisons I’ve read, I think the X-30 is a better fit for me.  I look for neutrality and accuracy. It has that. 

I upgraded from a Gustard R-26 and the X-30 is a much better performer in my system. 

@curiousjim 

According to Terry, he thought the high end on the R30 was a bit more sharp sounding than the ND-1 and that’s why he preferred ND-1 and my ears get sensitive in that area.

Boy, can I relate!  I hate overly bright sound. 

I had an issue with the Merason’s coax digital input jack so I had to send it back before even hearing it. The estimated repair time is "weeks". In the meantime, I had to return the power cables I’d borrowed from The Cable Company for the audition. Kind of frustrating but at least it doesn’t have to be sent back to Switzerland for the repair. As it happens the US distributor for Merason is the same guy who used to represent Aqua. I’d bought an Aqua DAC from him way back when, so I felt comfortable asking him to help TMR, in this case. It’s a first world problem, right?  I’ll get it back when I get it back and hopefully, I’ll love it.