DAC’s

I have a 280D $3000.00 and a 680D $10,000.00 and you sure as heck can hear the difference. 
 

Buy what your ears tell you. 

@shtr74sims I recently had a conversation with someone on the MA3. The DAC is actually not bad, but the built in streamer is not great. I came across that that when I had tested it both with an external streamer and the built in one, but the person I spoke with was only using the built in one and dismissed it as if the DAC was not very good. So if you do get the unit, you may benefit from using an external streamer/server solution regardless.

I own the MA3 and am very happy with it.   I replaced a just slightly cheaper (MSRP wise) Mojo Audio R2R NOS DAC that I also really liked.   I think the MA3 offers many of the same sound qualities as my Mojo did, and just takes a few of them further allowing me to hear more yet into my favorite recordings. 

If you throw in it unfolds MQA, has an integrated Roon capable streamer, Meitner's digital volume control, and is made and serviced in North America, I personally think it is (relatively speaking in hi-end terms :)) good value at the used/street prices it goes for.

I do agree that I think it sounds slightly better with a decent quality external streamer.   I'm using a Bricasti M5 with AES and I prefer it slightly to its integrated streamer.  If I didn't already have the M5, I don't think I would rush out to buy it.

I think this review https://audiophilestyle.com/ca/reviews/meitner-audio-ma3-integrated-da-converter-review-r1086/ is a pretty good representation of the MA3 based on my experience with it.

Of course, YMMV...

Get the best Lumin DAC / Streamer that you can.  i had the D-2, U1 mini, A1 and X1.  You kill two birds with one stone nd great sound and ease of Ap use.  you can find them used.  You might be able to find an X-1 on the used market for $7800 to $8400 and that is the flagship.  

T+A DAC 200 for less money ?