Does anyone have a digital system that is as involving as their analogue front end?

@audphile1 

I just ordered my Meitner MA3i from a Meitner dealer who has one on the shelf (used, upgraded) and will accept mine in trade.

Can't I just use Qobuz connect to talk to it. is there a downside?

The reason I didn't wait until next year is that I read a review in either Stereophile or  The Absolute Sound, comparing the MA3 to the MA3i. They said the MA3 sounded dead in comparison. Then they compared the MA3i to the dCS $250,000 stack. The said that although the 1/4 million dollar dCS was obviously better, they could happily listen to the MA3i.

Lol that was quick @audio-b-dog congratulations!

Yes to Qobuz connect or tidal connect. However try it against jplay…I like the sound quality with J better. 

If the MA3i is brand new/never been used after the upgrade, make sure to run it in for at least 200hrs. Don’t be alarmed if the sound is harsh at first - the network card and all the other components need to break in. 

What color did you get?

@newton_john is it a one piece Linn? Or separate streamer and dac?

Reason I ask is I was chatting with another audiogon member and he mentioned Wattson Audio Emerson network bridge. It’s not dirt cheap but not outrageously expensive (I think around $2k)

It should work with jplay and has airplay as well which is a cool feature to have. 
https://www.wattson.audio/emerson-digital

@audphile1 

I found a calm moment to discuss the purchase with my wife. My logic was that since we are retired and all money comes from the same pot that will be there now or in six months, why shouldn't I enjoy the upgrade for the next six months. I am hoping that this unit puts the thoughts about a streamer to bed. I used to love running around looking at different equipment, bringing equipment home to test, etc. Now I just love sitting in my Swedish recliner listening to music, or listening whiile I write. I'm not in the forever upgrade club anymore. Although that might be questioned with the purchase of the MA3i. It sounds like I can live with this forever, unless I get a large windfall and can climb to the heights of the dCS ladder. Although, where would I put that big stack of equipment?

I think you will be very pleased.