Meitner MA3i DAC Review

When the Pre was released Shahin at Meitner told me it really elevated the performance of the MA3.  But I suspect any number of high quality pre amps might be able to do so. Before you dismiss your current preamp, make sure you have fully bypassed the volume control on the MA3i and are sending max output voltage to your preamp by turning the MA3i to full volume - 100.  Then adjust the volume level on your preamp to suit your listening preferences.  Also, have you tried drving your amplifier directly from the MA3i?  The output voltage from the MA3i's balanced and single ended outputs are much higher than that of the MA3.  If the input voltage requirements of your amp is low enough you might be pleasantly surprised by the results you get from removing the preamp from the chain, particularly if your amp can accept a balanced signal from the MA3i and it's higher output voltage.😉  

@buzz,

You make some good points. I did try bypassing my preamp and went direct but I still preferred having my preamp in. While I know preamps should just be an attenuator, it just added a smidge of cohesiveness that wasn’t there when going direct. I actually like running the MA3i at 97 or 98 rather than 100. I have a Bryston BP17 cubed with a Bryston 4B3 amp. All Canadian stack. 😀

Interesting review, but I’m left with a couple of questions.  First is why no I2s and Second, in the review they mention a dollar amount, but not whether it’s in Canadian or American dollars.

 I am interested in getting a new DAC, but I’ll definitely have to hear this one in person rather then relying reviews before buying.

@ayang90, I don't understand why listening at 97 or 98 vs. 100 would produce better results since at 100 max output voltage is attained, but trust your ears. Have you tried using the balanced outputs from the MA3i directly into your Bryston amp?

@curiousjim the MSRP shown in the review is USD.  It's a U.S. publication.  Regarding why no I2s, Meitner states that based on its specifications, I2s "is meant to be an internal connection format for serial communication between system or modules, not meant to be an external format. Hence we don’t use it as an external interface [because] it would introduce more noise and jitter."  So, they view it's benefit differently from those mfrs. who implement it.

As far as hearing a MA3i in person before buying it, that's always the best thing to do.  But, it should be in your system.  Perhaps you might be able to find a dealer that can offer a home audition.  Good luck.