Meitner MA3i DAC Review

@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. 

Is the feature that was available with the original MA3 where a Roon track info was displayed on the DAC screen now gone in the MA3i?

Never mind checked the manual and got my answer - track information will not be displayed on screen while connected to Roon 

Strange but OK. I can’t read it from my listening chair anyway