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.
Thinking of changing things up. Need advice on DAC/Streamers
Hi Folks,
I currently use a Zenith MK3 streamer into an Audio Mirror Tubadour DAC.
I'm considering combining the two to make life a littler simpler.
I will buy used so I can try things and if they don't work out, sell and try something else.
I have narrowed it down to Meitner MA3 (or the new MA3i) and the Linn Selekt DSM with Katalyst DAC and Utopik Power Supply.
Both have a "pre/volume" which could be useful to bypass yet another box. Selekt has analog and phono input, along with HDMI eARC, nice additions.
Has anyone owned both and can compare sounds wise? If not how would you describe the sound of the Linn? I've heard the Meitner and thought it was excellent, but not as feature rich as the Linn.
Any other competitors in this class to look at as well?
- ...
- 16 posts total
@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? |
Not the best idea for best resolution a high quality preamplifier is better in dynamics as well as resolution The Meitner 3 is pretty good but put against my LTA Micro Z- OTL preamp. It came up short on several levels ,buy a much better dac that would be the first thing . You never mentioned your Amplifier , a New hot Dac you can get for around $5500 is the New Merason R dac, Terminator-15, or Holosprings May , , all dacs require good digital cables and power cord. , to get the most out of them . |
@verdantaudio thanks for the great info! I may PM for some things @tump350 excellent. it may be worth grabbing a used MA3 and upgrading it to MA3i down the road... @curiousjim Aurender I've not looked much into them as I was never interested, but could be worth a look @carlsbad2 @pbecker128 @fastfreight MU2 is out of budget right now. @baylinor definitely could be my next step to try with a DDC. the new Harmony looks pretty good. @brbrock I've never heard the V, but the IV is definitely good. Vlad also will upgrade previous versions, so that's an option too
For all others, and @audioman58 - I totally get that ideally you want separate and better preamp, etc. why does any vendor sell devices that include more than one piece in the chain if they are inferior? because it's a choice and option. there's plenty of reasons why people choose products like this and always something/someway better to do it. I understand the negatives to doing something like this. I'm not asking to be talked out of it, but for opinions on what I asked for. *all said in the nicest way*
|
- 16 posts total