DAC’s


Hello, curious on everyone’s thoughts. I’m still building my system. I came across a really good deal on a Meitner MA3 dac. It’s from an authorized dealer and they offered to sell me one NIB for 7k. I have read and read about dacs and I am getting tired. Haha. I really like the Denafrips Terminator 2, Holo and the lumin T3 being the cheapest of them all. Once I factor in a streamer I am already close or over the 7k. Also I don’t need a dac for anything other then just streaming. Thank you 

shtr74sims

@kairosman Thank you, your response is one of the best ones I have received so far. I have gone back and forth if I am being honest on what to get. This is my first dac and the lumin t3 is prob the easiest to get into to start. I have pass labs gear and I just didn’t wanna feel like I would want more down the road… 

@dlcockrum

Thanks for sharing your detailed listening impressions of highly regarded DACs. Based upon your description and distinctions between them I’d favor the MA-3. It’s clear to me that you could not go wrong with either. It seems that the MA-3 digs deeper and is the more expressive and resolved (As well as better micro dynamics and musical pace) nice!

Charles

@shtr74sims 

 

The MA3 is a terrific dac, but there are alot of terrific dacs out there today. The streamer in the MA3 is alot better than many would have you believe but like everything else in audio, it can be bettered. It is a nice feature to have while you are building your system and depending on the rest of your gear you buy, you will have opportunities to enhance your system once you have decided next steps.

 

What do you believe the rest of your system will eventually be, what is your overall budget and what are your musical/tonal preferences?

I am in the camp of seperate streamer and DAC.

With AES connection between dac and streamer.

In that price range check out entry level units from

TotalDAC from France for the DAC and for the streamer check out Baetis from Canada.

I have this and am quite happy 

Cheers

@shtr74sims I run a Bricasti M3 with integrated network player and I find it excellent. Strong performance from the built in network player (beat out Lumin U1 Mini) and very good synergy with my Pass pre and amp. You will need either the M-Connect or Roon with it (I use Roon).
Never heard the Meitner dac. But highly recommend you audition Bricasti.