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Musica Pristina A Cappella III Streamer ?

Wondering if anyone has had a chance to hear the A Cappella III streamer ?  What are your thoughts ?  There's only one review online via audio beatnik

https://www.musicapristina.com/products/a-cappella-iii-network-player-streamer/

I'm in the market for a streamer in the 3-5k range.  I don't need a CD ripper or anything, just looking for the best delivery of music files primarily off of Roon/Tidal or hi-rez downloads (overall mainly red book quality). 

Obvious competitors include Innuos  ZENith III etc. 

Tend to prioritize devices that can offer the PrAT factor and increased sound stage size/space around  players.  Any other benefits are a bonus

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System:
- Roon/Tidal via computer (tb replaced by the streamer)
- USB
- KTE SU-1 DDR 
- AES
- Yggy A2/G5
- RCA
- LTA microZOTL pre
- RCA
- FirstWatt F7/Pass XA25
- Tannoy Eatons

All cables via Audiosensibility (sig series)
ag3__
9 responses Add your response
musicapristina
4 posts
 
@rdoc, thanks for the kind words, and for answering questions.

Jesus from Sonore maintains a list of I2S compatibility between brands. You can find it here:  i2s - Google Sheets

From what I was told, Rockna rolled out a firmware portal. From there you can gain you access to the latest firmware. The one dated NOV 3 *should* provide you with the ability to convert your I2S HDMI input to accept the Musica Pristina (PS Audio / HDMI Spec) output.
1 = Rockna, 2 = PS Audio (the one we use).

@pscar, we're compatible with PS Audio gear.


Kevin

ag3__ OP
47 posts
 
Great news if true - do you have a Wavedream or Wavelight ?

You have the older Musical Pristina unit though correct ?

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I have a Wavedream. Kev from MP said supposedly the latest rockna firmware is supposed to allow me to choose between Rockna/PS audio pin configs but I don’t seem to have that option on version 4.7.

Tbh - between the Intona USB implementation and the OXCO - it is still very tempting unit, i2s or not !
rdoc
93 posts
 
It is compatible with Rockna, I have a Rockna.
ag3__ OP
47 posts
 
I'm not sure if it is compatible with the rockna standard - but definitely the PS audio standard. 

rdoc
93 posts
 
The Musica Pristina is I2S compatible with the PS Audio, Denafrips, and Rockna.  Musica Pristina is a great company!
pscar
23 posts
 
RDOC

is your DAC a PS Audio DirectStream by any chance?  I am looking for a streamer with I2S digital output that will work with my PS Audio DAC and am concerned about compatibility.

thanks


rdoc
93 posts
 
I did not compare with any other units.  Comparing servers is somewhat difficult especially in your own system with your own music.  At the time of my purchase several years ago, there were not the number of servers available that there are today.  But I have l no regrets and plan on the A Cappella being a permanent source of my music.  The sound is sublime.
ag3__ OP
47 posts
 
Thanks for the feedback 

Did you compare to other units prior to purchase ?

Without any science to back me up - I tend to agree that i2s sounds the best just from putting around with other systems.  Overall I've noticed that the timing of i2s connected systems appears to be the best.  
rdoc
93 posts
 
I have the A Cappella server with an internal 1 TB ssd.  I have all of my music on the ssd.  I use the HDMI I2S output to my dac.  This is reputed to be the best way to send music to the dac as there is no conversion needed as in usb.  The A Cappella is a superb unit and Kevin is very responsive to any questions.  I do not stream because I am not interested in it.  I have had the unit for a few years and do not plan to ever replace it.
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