I chose the Meitner MA3i over some of the equivalent market offerings at price point. It works flawlessly, and its performance far supersedes my previous DSD Mk 2 day.
Meitner do also tend to support the ‘physical’ upgrade path for many of their products. As an example, the MA3 can be upgraded to the MA3i. So, I’m not expecting product redundancy in 1-2 years.
Cheers
Kevin
Shunyata is the good choice. Takshaka is a very unique power cable that may not work in all systems. Even in my system some components do not work well. SDL did not like their power cable much as I remember.
Andreas, I’m surprised to hear the Meitner MA3i described as bright or analytical. Instead, I’ve heard it described as organic, warm, and musical. Maybe it’s different ears or different associated gear. I haven’t heard it myself, so I don’t have a personal opinion.
I agree that cables can make a significant difference in how a DAC sounds. I’m confident that my Cardas interconnects and Shunyata Alpha-X NR power cable will help any DAC avoid harshness or brightness. I’m also using a Muon Pro ethernet filter, an Innuos PhoenixNet switch, and a PhoenixUSB re-clocker between an Innuos Pulsar and the DAC.
Donald, you are correct. I wanted to like the Takshaka power cable, but I much preferred the Shunyata Alpha-X in my system.
Kevin, thanks for your comments on the MA3i. Have you had any concerns about it being too bright or analytical, as Andreas was told it might be?
I have gone from DS mk1 to full top end Chord stack, to DS mk2 to PMG 512 last year.
The DS mk2 is engaging, laidback and bass is not accurate as you know. PMG 512 by far length fixes that and brings out a more neutral sound keeping the DSD analog musical sound.
Plus the inbuilt streamer is all you will need. I had ditch my Hifi Rose RS130 with ext 10mhz clock in favour of the inbuilt streamer.
Highlight of PMG512 is when playing Native DSD 256 recordings, I get goosebumps. It is next to a live event.
The preamp in the 512 is great but not as great as a equally priced top end preamp/line amplifier.
Also the 30 day trial may not do justice. as the PMG512 shines with a good long break in.
Amit, thanks for your comments about the PMG 512 DAC, especially in relation to the DS Mk2.
Not at all.
Long listening sessions with the MA3i attests to this.
Soundstage is wide and tall going beyond the boundaries of my FR30s.
Totally immersive and engaging presentation.
Good luck on your quest.
You might be interested in this review.
The Ultimate DAC Showdown: Grimm vs. Playback Designs
That is a good review, and I am happy to own MU2 as a streamer/DAC/storage/Roon core combo. I will not look for new thing unless I want to spend more than double of a MU2. I just cannot think of a good reason to do that yet.
Mikey from 11 Stereo sells the Playback designs DACs. The newer MPD 8 DAC has analog inputs. Also, and I’m not sure if Mikey is still offering this deal, but I heard him mentioning it before, you get 10% off your first purchase from him. So that’s a good discount on the Playback designs DAC.
Thanks for the link for the Grimm vs. Playback DAC video. As far as a discount from Playback Designs’ dealers, I had heard that the PD folks are pretty careful about having dealers protect the list price for their DACs.
That wasn’t Mikey in the video. That was Shane from Australia.
Here is link for Mikey’s website, 11 Stereo
Mikey is Playback designs number one dealer.
Sorry to contribute to the confusion. (I went back and fixed it.) I had already seen both Mikey’s and Shane’s videos, so I didn’t re-watch them today. Your mention of Mikey’s pricing for PD products made me think that your link was to Mikey instead of Shane. My bad!
@SDL we have traded comments on this topic on an other thread. I won’t repeat myself so briefly, I have finally completed my DAC auditioning journey to select a replacement for my present DAC, the PS Audio PerfectWave DirectStream MK2. I ended up auditioning the following in my system:
Meitner MA3i, Grimm MU2, MSB Technology Premier, EMM Labs DA2i, Wadax Studio Player, Rockna Wavedream Reference, Mola Mola Tambaqui, and DCS Rossini Apex
The result? I can share lots of details on each DAC but I won’t bore everyone….it came down to a tough choice between the MSB and the Rockna DACs. I bought the MSB.
I learned a lot about what I like and don’t and have a new found respect for audio reviewers.
Were you able to audition all these in your own system? If so, I’d love to know how!
Yes. It took a fair amount of work and time but it was worth it. I contacted some of the Mfg’s directly as well as dealers in my area (Michigan) and PA, CO, NY, and FL. I was completely transparent with all of them about what I was doing. In some cases the mfg directed me to a specific dealer. There were only two dealers that I spoke with that weren’t supportive and I moved on.
@bwegner1 Thanks for letting us know about your preferred DAC after your extensive auditioning of so many DACs. This was a truly impressive effort!
What was it about the MSB that convinced you that it was the best DAC for your needs and preferences?
Thanks @SDL
I simple question but not a short answer.
I assessed many attributes grouped into four categories in priority order:
1. Sound - PCM, SACD, High Res PCM
2. Streaming capability which includes sound, interface, and associated complexity
3. Perceived value
4.Other considerations
In my system with my personal preferences, MSB won the sound category including the sound aspect of streaming. I like robust bass and clean midrange. I liked the MSB DAC performance most in the center/high mids and low/mid treble…~500 hz to 8-9k hz. I think MSB’s phase noise performance is their secret weapon for making drums sound like drums, cymbals sound like symbols, acoustic guitar, piano, and most importantly voices sound full and REAL (My guess is your wife would love the MSB). Also the MSB had a slight edge in instrument/voice separation and holographic soundstage. Some of the DACs had a wide soundstage but only a few had a holographic soundstage. Once you find yourself completely enveloped in the music (only certain recordings) there is no going back. MSB, Rockna, and Wadax were the only ones that really delivered in this area in my system.
The MSB was at the top or near the top in the other categories.