Meitner Ma3 Streaming vs Aurender


Been researching for a dedicated streamer. I really like the Aurender line either the N200 or N20. I also plan to upgrade my DAC next. After reading a lot about the Meitner Ma3 it may be what I’m looking for. However the Meitner also has streaming capability as an added feature so do I go with the Meitner as a streaming DAC?  Is its streaming SQ  equal or better than a dedicated streamer such as Aurender?  I would loose the storage capability of the Aurender, the caching payback and a dedicated app. So I could go with an Aurender N 200 and the Meitner or just the Meitner. Unfortunately no way to compare these options. 
Anyone been down this road ?

jfrmusic

I own Aurrender streamers and have compared some dual function DACs. In general, separate streamers are better… sometimes much better. Also, you have the option to upgrade independently. I can endorse the N200 as a great streamer. Aurrender only does streamers and they do them really well.

Good topic as I’ve been wrestling with the same issue. At or near the price point of the Meitner are the Weiss 501/502, the Bricasti M1 S2 with network card, and even the Mola Mola Tambaqui. 

Meitner Just emailed me that the MA1 V2 is not just the MA3 without pre amp, Networking and Display. Said the MA3 based on new platform and is higher performance DAC than MA1v2. So do I get:

M1v2 and an Aurender 

MA3 as DAC Streamer

MA3 and an Aurender 

An Aurender A series with a DAC 

I’m going to my dealer on Wednesday to audition the Aurender N200. I actually heard the A200 when I was auditioning my speakers blast month and it did sound good. But I know from a streamer perspective the N200 is supposed to be be better. 
 

Aurender makes great streamers, I love mine but Mytek Manhattan is a great dac that you can add a network card for great results. I don't hear enough about Mytek days on Agon much but have great reviews. 

Any reason you are limiting yourself to a Meitner DAC? If not, consider the N200 and some other brand of DAC. There are a ton of great DACs at the price point you are looking to spend. @drubin mentioned a few. There’s also Chord,Holo May, Denafrips, Lampizatot.