About the Matrix Audio ND-1 DAC

@audphile1 

Beats me. I only suggest it as a possibly less expensive way to demo the Aero, depending upon TMR’s re-stock fee vs. LTA’s. In terms of my budget, demoing the Aero and sending it back to LTA was not exactly cheap, but of course this is subjective. 

@stuartk oh no I didn’t mean to scrutinize your recommendation. I just had my mind blown by TMR prices. I bought plenty from them including DAC, cartridge, cables, etc over time. I don’t remember used prices being 1% less than new retail. It wouldn’t be hard to get a much better deal on literally any new item from authorized dealers. 

@curiousjim , this how Benjamin describes the difference between “regular Z NC” and Quantum

”Along with the highly regarded vintage PCM58P DAC chips, and all of the other circuit upgrades that come with our Mystique Z DACs, the Mystique Z Quantum incorporates all of our best component part upgrades, and integrated Bybee Quantum Purifiers. 

• Two Bybee Gold Slipstream Purifiers to polish the analog outputs.
• Three Bybee AC Purifiers to cleanup AC noise without restriction.
• Copper foil and advanced ERS Paper EMI/RFI shielding.
• Lundahl nano crystal core choke upgrade included.
• ISO Acoustics OREA footer upgrade included.

The result is an even lower noise floor, even darker background, and even more transparency and depth. There's even a bit more micro-details, a bit more micro-dynamics, and a bit faster transients. Everything you've come to love about Mojo Audio DACs taken to a whole new level of performance.”

Z Quantum Page

@audphile1 

No worries, my friend!  I probably could’ve phrased what I said better. What I meant to communicate was that 1) I agree with you that some of TMR’s prices seem way high and 2) that in the case of @curiousjim wanting to audition the Aero, it might be less expensive to go with TMR, depending upon their re-stock fee. 

Yeah it’s 5% restocking fee plus you pay shipping. Fair there. But not the prices. Something like the Aero should be between 30-40% off retail when used. 
Last attempt to buy from TMR was when I was shopping for a Hana Umami Blue phono cartridge. After buying Hana ML from them 3 months prior I called to purchase the Blue. The deal I got included a feather light discount and a $50 store credit which is my own money from a prior return. It was calculated towards meeting the price I mentioned as my target. 
Honestly it was an insult. So I called Upscale Audio from whom I haven’t purchased anything at least 3 years. And got my price met in 2 mins. 
I think TMR just mounted a high horse. It’s going to be a painful fall when they get bucked off.