New DAC! Meitner MA3, Denafrips Terminator Plus, Holo May KTE, Mola Mola Tambaqui


Currently have an original Schiit yggdrasil.  Thinking about taking another step up or maybe two steps!  Is the Holo May still good?  I know I hear a lot about Denafrips.  Then someone was mentioning Mola Mola. 

I like the idea of the i2s HDMI connection, I believe this is so I could have my DAC decode SACD versus a player. 

Also considering name brands dCS Lina, Meitner MA3, MSB?

Wilson Alexia V

Dan D'Agostino S250

Mac mini running Roon

Is anyone really winning in this space.  Tough for me to demo at home as I'm 2 hours from HiFi Shops and they are kind of limited in the direct to consumer DACs.

Thank you!

chauncey

Is the HiFi Rose RS150B more about a touch screen and software than sound quality?  How does it stack up against other $5k-$6k streamers? Aurender N200?

@tmccarthy 

No problem. I understand what you are saying.
 

Maybe my way of looking at the industry is a bit different. But I think it comes from lots of discussions with folks that are into high end audio. 
 

In the world of audio, level one is consumer products… designed for non-discerning consumer, built with lots of features and functions to attract the attention of buyers. In general those are not discussed here because folks buying them are not interested enough in sound to be joining a forum on the subject.
 

The next level up are inexpensive (by high end audio standards) that are designed to sound good but cost as little as possible. These sound better than your average consumer product, but are designed around the best possible sound with inexpensive, parts, cases… etc. This would be what I would call budget high end gear. I guess I use the term to make sure it is obvious that there is big compromise in the construction and sound. I know a lot of audiophile and have for decades and  i think this is a commonly used term. Or maybe entry level high end.
 

Up a level from there is or modestly priced high end equipment… the fit, finish improves as does sound. I’d probably put PS Audio in this category. Then mainstream audiophile stuff… meaning, outstanding sonic performance, fit & finish. all aspects crafted to an objective. Constructed to a price point, but very uncompromising. This includes companies like Conrad Johnson, Mark Levinson, MacIntosh, Audio Research. Typically these components in todays market go for $12 - $25K each. Volumes are still there with these components.

 

Finally there is the assault on what is possible were cost is no object, only sound and form. A number of companies have flagship components in this category, Wilson, MBS, Constellation, typically $> $50K per component. 
 

Anyway. Maybe my language is a bit sloppy, but that is my take on the industry.

 

@lordmelton

You still don’t get the relevance of "GOD SAVE THE QUEEN, MAN!"

It’s not that I don’t get the relevance, I don’t care enough to give it a second thought.

 

@chauncey

Is the HiFi Rose RS150B more about a touch screen and software than sound quality? How does it stack up against other $5k-$6k streamers?

The 150b is actually quite good when you think about the multiple functions the unit is capable of. I have one in my office system with a Sugden IA4 and Devore speakers. I think it is a terrific value at its retail, even more so at its street price.

 

@klh007 

ghasley, I'll guess SW1X?

No but I understand SW1X makes great gear. I have UK networking, Dutch server/streamer, UK DAC (but will be evaluating other dacs soon of UK and US origin), UK amplification and USA speakers.