Merason DACs

@bluethinker I recently replaced my Acoustic Zen interconnects with Veritas, just to try something new. Note I m also using QLN 3 speakers. These were a significant change, erasing a bit of the warmth and adding clarity, though maybe a little bass shy. Still trying to decide if I like it better.

@sim_audio_nerd 

Here you go:

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/anyone-upgrade-to-the-merason-dac1-mkii

@zlone - Interesting. We seem both to be on a similar journey. I had the opportunity to demo the Mola Mola Dac in my system with the QLN prestige 3 speakers. I was a little torn with what I heard. On one hand, I heard the QLN shift character dramatically, losing some of the warmth that I’d grown accustomed to with the Merason Dac1 Mkii. However, there was an increase in soundstage and clarity that I found intriguing. That said, I sensed a bit of sibilance and feared I might quickly become fatigued by the presentation.

I really love my QLN speakers, but somehow feel I need to tweak the amp or Dac to get the most out of them. I think the Conrad Johnson Classic 120 tube amp alongside the Merason dac1 mkii, along with the QLN’s native warmth and slightly laid back presentation has taken the system too far into the warm zone.  
 

By the way, the Merason dac1 mkii is perfect with the Dynaudio Heritage speakers with Gryphon 120 amp. That system has ideal synergy. 
 

Let us know how your continued experimentation goes! 

Merason DACs are good.   When demoing DACs a few years ago I went to listen to the Friot.   Definitely a good DAC for the money.   I also listened to the original DAC 1.  It was a great DAC but a little beyond my budget.   

Great sound and made in Switzerland.   Hard to go wrong with this brand.  

@oddiofyl  did you hear the Frerot with the factory wal wart power supply or the matching POW 1 LPSU ? 

From the research I've done I'm seriously considering for my first external DAC the Merason Frerot or Reuss, or possibly one of the entry level models from Weiss... perhaps the DAC205.