About the Matrix Audio ND-1 DAC

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. 

@stuartk 

Bummer!  I was waiting for you to say it’s the bestest ever and and that I should run, not walk to order one. 😊

@sls883 

Ive been looking at the Aero also. Be a good salesman and tell me why I need one?😊. 
 

Thanks.

@curiousjim 

Well, I could still conceivably tell you that. ;o)

Some stores are selling them for $8500, new. Others for $11,000. 

So anyone interested should probably buy one before only the more expensive units are left. 

Choice audio had a used Reuss for sale for a long time. Thay may still have it. 

The owner said he could ship it to me for a trial but the comparisons to the DAC1 MK2 I read described the Russ as having less body and accentuating upper mids and highs, so I didn’t take him up on his offer. 

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That long, long "Six DACs" thread by @mitch2 includes his assessment of the LTA Aero.Here’s his take on its tonality:

 After much listening, I suspected there may be a slight emphasis on the leading edge of notes and/or on the upper midrange and presence regions (from about 2K to 6K Hz, and maybe a touch higher). I also don’t hear quite the same level of tonal warmth and power in the lower midrange/upper bass region that I am familiar with from the Mojo Audio DACs. 

To be fair, the Twittering Machines guy tried tube rolling and found a warmer presentation could be coaxed from it:

https://twitteringmachines.com/review-linear-tube-audio-aero-dac-part-2-tube-rolling/

I tried it and I found it accentuated sibilance in my system. I do not enjoy

fiddling with tubes so I returned it.