2. digital
  3. 195277-138743

Merason DACs

I had heard of Merason DACs for a while. I decided to try the Merason Reuss. It's fed by my Innuos streamer (USB).

Wow, such an enjoyable DAC. Relaxing but without sacrificing all the audiophile attributes ;) Soundstage, Imaging etc..but more important a great tonality.

Was the Reuss released to replace the DAC1 mk1? 

Now I am wondering what the differences would be between Reuss and DAC1 mk2? Has anyone compared?

Hardly anything out there with regards to the company and lead designer. I would love to know more about Merason and their background.

sim_audio_nerd
stuartk
3,518 posts
 

@sim_audio_nerd 

Here you go:

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

 

bluethinker's avatar
bluethinker
275 posts
 

@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! 

oddiofyl's avatar
oddiofyl
4,203 posts
 

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.  

foamcutter
36 posts
 

@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.

 

v-fi
271 posts
 

I loved the DAC 1 mk2 when I heard it and almost bought it even though I don't need another DAC right now. Prior to that I have also heard the Frerot with the upgraded matching PSU. It is also really great, especially for the price. I think Merason has a nicely neutral sound while somehow managing to sound more natural and organic than most other neutral DACs. 

I have not heard the Reuss yet but I would be surprised if it wasn't also exceptional like the others.

More to discover