DAC’s

$7k is a fair chunk of change.

I cannot hear much of a difference between the iPad coming out of an apple dongle and the same iPad feeding Spotify into an RME DAC… so I would be more tempted to shift the 5-6k extra into something else where it might be more noticeable.

Maybe your equipment and ears are better, but unless there are some features with that DAC then personally I would require some careful listening to sway me towards it.

The DAC is one of the critical components of your system. I read some reviews on the Meitner MA3 DAC. Seems very respectable for the money… as in the sound quality sounds worth the money.

To be getting the most out of your DAC you need to have or plan on owning a comparable streamer, preamp, amp and speakers. It would be helpful to know your other components and venue. The best, and easiest place to put these is under your userID. Then you do not need to keep reproducing them. Photos… even if in disarray and under construction is really helpful. You can see mine.

Anyway the Stereophile review poses no red flags, but also not overwhelming praise. I really appreciate them mentioning Grant Green’s Idle Moments album. I am listening to it now… the high resolution one is absolutely wonderful.

shttr,

The deal of a lifetime only comes along once a week.

The Holo May DAC is cheaper and considered better.

The DAC is what makes the streamer sound good.