Thinking of changing things up. Need advice on DAC/Streamers
Hi Folks,
I currently use a Zenith MK3 streamer into an Audio Mirror Tubadour DAC.
I'm considering combining the two to make life a littler simpler.
I will buy used so I can try things and if they don't work out, sell and try something else.
I have narrowed it down to Meitner MA3 (or the new MA3i) and the Linn Selekt DSM with Katalyst DAC and Utopik Power Supply.
Both have a "pre/volume" which could be useful to bypass yet another box. Selekt has analog and phono input, along with HDMI eARC, nice additions.
Has anyone owned both and can compare sounds wise? If not how would you describe the sound of the Linn? I've heard the Meitner and thought it was excellent, but not as feature rich as the Linn.
Any other competitors in this class to look at as well?
@soix I appreciate the rebuttal, but it’s more of a hobby thing... I don’t HAVE to, but I WANT to try new things, nothing wrong with that. It could be a step backwards or I could enjoy it just the same. I’ll never know until I try.... and luckily I have the resources and ability to try as much as I want. With that said, do you have any suggestions or just trying to talk me out of it :) (all in fun) |
I am dealer for both and have spent a lot of time with both. The Meitner is a little warmer and sweeter with slightly soft bass. It is extremely musical and if you are supporting your system with a nice powered subwoofer, it is wonderful. I have not tried the new MA3i. I expect the on-board streamer to be a hair more stable. I have had people complain about drop-outs once or twice a day just using JPlay. It is not every hour but once or twice a day is common. The Linn Selekt DSM with Katalyst is literally what I have attached to my system at the moment. The DAC is not bright and is closer in sound to the Mola Mola Tambaqui. The big thing with Linn is Space Op. The room correction takes this DAC from being in the $10K price range with classic chassis to easily competing with devices that are $5-$10K more. The challenge is it is miserable to setup and you need support from a dealer. The on-board streamer is really good and stable and performs better than you would expect. As an aside, for $2275 more you could get the Selekt with Organik which is obscenely good. With Linn, if you buy used, it is worth seeking out a dealer who will support you. It provides you support for Space Op and you can get your upgrades through time which can be a big savings long term. Neither preamp stage is elite. Your not going to replace a $15K preamp with the output stage but both will match preamps that are more modest. |
Sounds like you got some good suggestions and info above. The only one I would mention is Bricasti but can’t say anything about sound or how their models compare to the above but may be worth checking out. In any event, best of luck in your quest. |
@kray I was thinking about an audio mirror DAC. Which one do you have? Is there something you don't like about or like you said just looking for something different? |
@brbrock I actually really love the AM IV DAC. It's more of just wanting to try something different. I will probably end up keeping the AM DAC as it's been the DAC I've loved the longest.. upgraded form III. Highly recommended. |
