Thinking of changing things up. Need advice on DAC/Streamers

What’s so complicated about having a separate DAC and streamer?  Unless it’s a space issue I don’t get it, and it’s probably gonna cost you a good bit to get comparable one-box performance that you may not like as much, especially since you’re using a tube DAC. 

@soix I appreciate the rebuttal, but it’s more of a hobby thing... I don’t HAVE to, but I WANT to try new things, nothing wrong with that.

It could be a step backwards or I could enjoy it just the same.

I’ll never know until I try.... and luckily I have the resources and ability to try as much as I want.

With that said, do you have any suggestions or just trying to talk me out of it :) (all in fun)

I am dealer for both and have spent a lot of time with both.

The Meitner is a little warmer and sweeter with slightly soft bass. It is extremely musical and if you are supporting your system with a nice powered subwoofer, it is wonderful. I have not tried the new MA3i. I expect the on-board streamer to be a hair more stable. I have had people complain about drop-outs once or twice a day just using JPlay. It is not every hour but once or twice a day is common.

The Linn Selekt DSM with Katalyst is literally what I have attached to my system at the moment. The DAC is not bright and is closer in sound to the Mola Mola Tambaqui. The big thing with Linn is Space Op. The room correction takes this DAC from being in the $10K price range with classic chassis to easily competing with devices that are $5-$10K more. The challenge is it is miserable to setup and you need support from a dealer. The on-board streamer is really good and stable and performs better than you would expect. As an aside, for $2275 more you could get the Selekt with Organik which is obscenely good.  

With Linn, if you buy used, it is worth seeking out a dealer who will support you.  It provides you support for Space Op and you can get your upgrades through time which can be a big savings long term.

Neither preamp stage is elite. Your not going to replace a $15K preamp with the output stage but both will match preamps that are more modest.

With that said, do you have any suggestions or just trying to talk me out of it

Sounds like you got some good suggestions and info above.  The only one I would mention is Bricasti but can’t say anything about sound or how their models compare to the above but may be worth checking out.  In any event, best of luck in your quest.  

@kray I was thinking about an audio mirror DAC.  Which one do you have?  Is there something you don't like about or like you said just looking for something different?

@brbrock I actually really love the AM IV DAC. It's more of just wanting to try something different. I will probably end up keeping the AM DAC as it's been the DAC I've loved the longest.. upgraded form III. Highly recommended. 

Hi @kray 

Have you considered a Grimm MU2?

I currently have the Meitner MA3 (which I will upgrade to the "i" a little later) and am using the Zenith MK3 as the Roon core.  The MA3, in my system, excels in the reproduction of micro-details and spatial cues, while being very musical as said by @verdantaudio.  It easily bested my prior DAC, a BMC Ultra DAC, and I enjoy its streamer better than the streamer built into the Zenith.  I mostly notice a lower noise floor and greater musical coherence (i.e. "musicality", to me) than with the Zenith.  But the biggest plus was deleting the Ether Regen, AD Emperor Clock and AD power supply. (I tried it both ways and like the sound with ER deleted better).  I like to keep things simple and not mess with the signal, though I do prefer DSD.  The Meitner has a superior clock and sounds better using the RJ45 connection, and, in my case, quality silver ethernet cable from Veritas.

Combining them limits your choices.  Many people go the other way.

One other combo that gets great feedback is the Grimm MU2.  I use the MU1 streamer and am very happy with it.  I've never heard the DAC in the MU2.

Jerry

@kray 

Have you ever looked at Aurender?   They have six different models that start with an A and I’m sure one of the is in your price range.

All the best.

@kray 

I have the same setup, Zenith mk3 to Tubadour V. The answer was a DDC to turn the USB connection into I2s. World of difference. Like 3 veils lifted, for real. Of course, quality of cables and fuses make a big difference too. Everything matters.

@kray  @baylinor I spoke to Vlad from Audio Mirror a few weeks ago about his DAC’s. He said he is releasing The Tubadour VI in the near future. One of many upgrades is going to be a better internal DDC. I don’t think I will be able to afford the new DAC when it comes out and I am not sure if I should go with a less expensive IV or a V?

Grimm Mu2