Merason DACs

I have the Reuss as well, it is an exceptional DAC. I have compared it to the DAC1 Mk1, in my system, and I do prefer the Reuss. I am also considering an upgrade to the MkII, interested if anyone has done this or has general comments on the MkII. 

Sounds like it was a close second in mitch2's https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/six-dac-comparison

@zlone thanks for the link! That’s quite the comprehensive review/thoughts. From my read he preferred the Merason DAC mk2 in the end, correct?

Sorry, just spent reading the entire thread for 30 mins and now I’m confused with what Mitch preferred at the end lol (before Aries Cerat Helene came into the picture)

I believe the Merason was edged out by the Mojo Mystique. An intriguing DAC as well, but other reviews are mixed. The Helene is a bit out of my price range, and it has tubes, meh.

Side tip: I recently popped a Singxer SU-6 between my Zenith and the Reuss, definitely a step up in definition. 

@sim_audio_nerd - I have the Merason Dac1 MKii but have not heard the Reuss Dac. I am using it with a Gryphon 120 amp and Dynaudio Heritage speakers. It’s a marvelous sounding system. I have also used it with a Conrad Johnson Classic 120 amp with EL34 tubes and QLN Prestige 3 speakers which is very warm sounding system. The Merason Dac1 MKii is a very smooth Dac and makes for long listening sessions. It’s a keeper and I don’t see myself ever selling it. 

With the CJ amp and QLN speakers I am going to demo a SoulNote Dac which apparently has a more forward presentation. 

As with all things, I’ve come to realize it’s all about system matching. 

@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.

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.